Tom Lynch

The author of the story collection "Drown" returns, finally, after a decade, with his first novel, "The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao," a compelling, charming and ultimately touching account of a bumbling, lovesick fat kid living in Jersey who, in his endless search to find love struggles, along with is family, to escape the fuku, a curse that has plagued his family for generations. Diaz bounces back and forth through time, calling on various locations and eras to tell his tale of familial bonds, tragic loss and brutal truth (the pieces set during Trujillo’s dictatorship in the Dominican Republic are overwhelming). Using bits of magical realism, this isn’t your run-of-the-mill coming-of-age tale. There’s a sparkling imagination to be found in Diaz’s work, and a fragile warmth as well.

Junot Diaz reads from "The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao" September 10 at Harold Washington Library Center, 400 South State, (312)747-4300, at 6pm. Free.

(2007-09-04)

Also by Tom Lynch

Tip of the Week
Shadowy, lush and nearly medieval, Nadler’s echo-laden work is capable of shifting the mood at a staggering speed
(2007-08-28)

Echo Effect
Chicago's smart, seamless instrumental four-piece opened eyes wide with 2003’s "Australasia," as the group ingeniously brought instrumental doom back to attention. That record’s follow-up, 2005’s "The Fire in Our Throats Will Beckon the Thaw," is a masterpiece of glacial destruction, the profound melody and thick, nearly impenetrable guitar work by Laurent Lebec and Trevor de Brauw inciting a slow-burning, aggressive riot. The instrumental post-metal spoke at volumes most bands with vocalists could never reach
(2007-08-21)

Tip of the Wee
One of the country’s most pleasing acts, California’s The Ditty Bops—led by Abby DeWald and Amanda Barrett—mix and match elements of folk, bluegrass, swing and blues, driven by perfect vocal harmonies, for a sound that’s nothing short of heavenly
(2007-08-21)

Tip of the Week
Drag City presents an evening of hilarity as it pits together three National Lampoon writers from the 1970s—Chris Miller, Brian McConnachie and Anne Beatts—for a panel discussion
(2007-08-21)

Comparable Comps
(2007-08-17)

Soundcheck
(2007-08-14)

Wright & Wrong
(2007-08-14)

Tip of the Week
(2007-08-14)

Tip of the Week
(2007-08-07)

Not Another Music Festival
(2007-07-31)

Tip of the Week
(2007-07-31)

Widespread Euphony
(2007-07-24)

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