A.H.W.O.S.G.

At the beginning of ‘A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius’ the Author Dave Eggars has added a section entitled ‘Rules and Suggestions for Enjoyment of this Book’. Rule 1 says ‘There is no overwhelming need to read the preface’. I took him at his word and didn’t bother to read the preface, it looked long and I don’t like long prefaces. I wanted to read the book.

I thought that I was reading a work of fiction – had I read the preface, I would have known that the book is autobiographical – give and take one or two changes. If I’d have known that it was a true story , I probably wouldn’t have finished it. I’m the mother of sons; the book hurts a lot. Dave has the job of bringing up his younger brother, Toph, almost on his own after both of their parents die of cancer. It’s brilliant and heartbreaking – I would love to meet this man and hug him.

Now I know about McSweeney’s