Jennifer Egan Interview/Chat Session at Goodreads

For members of Goodreads, Pulitzer Prize winner Jennifer Egan graciously took reader questions in a video chatroom session on August 2nd 2011: http://www.goodreads.com/topic/video_chat/9

Book Recommendation: A Visit from the Goon Squad

I'd have to label Jennifer Egan's A Visit from the Goon Squad not just as one of the best books of 2010, but as one of the best books of the decade.  Strikingly original, smart, penetrating in its insights on both individual nature and collective American consciousness, the book is as rewarding to read as it is fun.  A reader's book for sure, this is a must read for writers.  What Egan does with structure alone--taking the notion of suddenly popular "linked stories" to a place perhaps only ventured into with as much authority by Tim O'Brien and Elizabeth Strout--the book could be required reading for writers wanting to examine a book's architecture.  It's made a couple of dozen "best of 2010" lists already and it certainly tops mine.  Navigate towards this Washington Post review for not just more praise but an excellent summary and analysis:  http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/15/AR2010061504751.html