Aaron reviewed Thirteen ways of looking at the novel by Jane Smiley
13 Ways of Looking at the Novel
4 stars
Smiley's book is in two parts. In the first, she dissects the novel, commenting on its history, artistry, psychology, and so on. That's all to the good. But the real treat is the second part, which serves as a peek into her reading journal. She reads a hundred novels, and then reacts for about 2-3 pages to each one. It is a pleasure to spend time with a reader as interested and erudite as Smiley. These aren't the hundred "best" novels, but they are the ones she read, and seeing her insights and reactions helped me better understand how I myself can be a more attentive reader.