In Defense of Food sounds very intriguing—I have never heard of it nor the author. Thanks for listing it!

Heather – I have literally tried to read Wicked three different times. I started over each time and the furthest I ever got was about halfway. Sigh. As for Reading Lolita in Tehran, I’ll definitely pick that up again soon for the Wind-Up Book Chronicles Challenge.

Becky – As you’ll read above, Wicked and I have not been able to consummate our relationship. Dracula, though, is slated to be finished in the near future for the Classics Challenge. I can usually tell when it’s me because I can go back to the book later. It’s usually the book when I can’t ever get into it.

Nari – We’ll see if I ever get around to a fourth attempt at Wicked. I will, though, finish Reading Lolita in Tehran. AND, thanks so much for the award! I’m touched. I haven’t done an award post yet, but you’re in my 15 top book blogs on my side bar.

Chris – Dracula being set aside was actually the result of a few ARC deadlines. I just haven’t picked it up since. I’ll pick it up again soon. My husband says that it’s one of the best books he’s ever read.

byuistheshiz – Despite the NYT opinion, I didn’t get past the first chapter of Breakfast of Champions. Far too crass. I have enjoyed some of Vonnegut’s other books, though. See my list o’ book blogs page for a list of all of the book blogs of which I am aware,and my 15 top book blogs widget for my favorite book blogs.

Julie – I’m impressed that you made it through the whole His Dark Materials series. It’s intense. Cavalier and Klay is in the soon-to-be-read pile. It being a Pulitzer and all, I can’t resist.

Suey – I’ve heard that Cavalier and Klay is worth the work. I have had a hard time getting into it, but I’m committed to trying again. Wicked was a little . . . racy. Dracula will be read. It will. Also, thank you for the award. I haven’t done an award post yet, but you’re in my 15 top book blogs on my side bar!

Joy – Wow. Your questions are specific. Diary of a Bad Year is a good example to discuss story structure and is worthy of it’s own blog post. Look for that post in the next couple of days. Thanks for the questions.

Molly – As I mentioned above, Breakfast of Champions was bit crass for me. I did, however, enjoy Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse Five and Cat’s Cradle. I would recommend those two to anyone who want to try out a little Vonnegut. (Also, one of my very favorite short stories is Harrison Bergeron by Vonnegut.)

How was Point-of-View handled? Was there a single POV character or did it alternate among two or more. Was it always clear whose eyes and mind were filtering?

How was language used to set tone and mood?

Was the prose dense or spare? Were sentences generally simple or complex?

How was metaphor used? Were associations fresh or did they tend toward cliche? Did they add to your understanding of the theme?

What was the central or organizing theme?

How does the title relate to the story? Was it fitting?
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BTW I’m hosting a book giveaway this week. Four copies of Still Summer by Jacquelyn Mitchard. Four chances to enter until Saturday 3PM PST.