Preparing the IV

[Henry Musikar]

Jim, you're not a troll, but you have unlurked just to tease us with your
advanced copy and perhaps to see your name up in lights <LOL>.  And you
posted using html instead of plain text.  You can become a member in good
standing by, as a critic, providing interesting, knowledgeable commentary
based on what must be an incredible number of books read, sans spoilers, as
we move forwards.

Henry Mu
Sr. IT Consultant
http://astore.amazon.com/tdcoccamsaxe-20/ 

From: Jim Gilbert

Hi Guys -- It's been a while since I tried to contribute, so I don't expect
anyone to remember me--just please don't mistake me for that troll that's
been knocking around lately, is all I ask. 

As a newspaper book reviewer (we still exist!) I got my copy on Friday, and
I'm looking forward to the discussion(s) I know will soon erupt (it's always
a weird experience, getting a book early--but this time particularly so;
Pynchon is my fave, and I know I'm not alone here.)

Anyway, yes, the cover is indeed beautiful--the combo of magenta and green
is Sportello's favorite, so for once a designer read the book. As for the
novel itself, if you're imagining that Pynchon sat down one day and thought
to himself, "I think I'll try my hand at a grifter tale for Hard Case Crime,
but populated with my usual cadre of comical weirdos," then you're right on
target. Subtext, yes, but this is a brisk and relatively uncomplicated
plot-driven read. Best-written potboiler ever, no doubt about it. Sure, some
are expecting another Great American Novel, and they will be hugely
disappointed. But if you want a ripping, hilarious yarn from your favorite
writer, you're going to be very, very happy.