Why read Vernon God Little?

Book cover of Vernon God Little: A 21st Century Comedy in the Presence of Death

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Hailed by the critics and lauded by readers for its riotously funny and scathing portrayal of America in an age of trial by media, materialism, and violence, Vernon God Little was an international sensation when it was first published in 2003 and awarded the prestigious Man Booker Prize.

The memorable…

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Literary fiction

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Why read it?

1 author picked Vernon God Little as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Alan Daniels

Author

Pierre’s adolescent high schooler makes JD Salinger’s protagonist in Catcher in the Rye look like a valedictorian. Just as (finally) he is about to score with a teenage crush, who has hitherto rejected him, he ejaculates prematurely.

"My world dissolves under my belly with a jet like stung snakes squirting out through their own eye holes. Then quiet. Just a slow ocean moving slowly, and spit-curry after-poon drying cold on my face."

What’s worse, at that precise moment, cops burst into the room, catching him with his pants down, and arresting him for a mass killing he didn’t commit.

You…

From Alan's list on The best off-the-wall romance literature to surprise, delight, and challenge your perceptions.