Sarah: A Novel by J. T. LeRoy
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Book Reviews of Sarah: A Novel
Book Review: gender and the truck stop
Summary: 3 Stars
i am unsure whether this book is autobiographical or not and i do not mean my comments to be negative towards this persons experiences real or fictional.i was disappointed by some of the topics which were touched on briefly but not expanded upon at all. the issue of gender with sarah is only briefly mentioned and is never explained as anymore than a little experience. the fact that sarah believed he was a woman because of how he was treated as one, how he was loved [in comparison to when he was treated as a snake and man] was not explained enough for my liking and you are looking to read between too many lines to try and understand her experiences.
this book has brought many ideas to light but the light is dim... too dim for many people who would love to hear more of gender identification with children especially abused/mistreated/otherwise living adult lives in childrens bodies. i thought that the story was believeable in many respects although the characters were not developed enough for me to believe them to be non-fiction. many of the events/reactions of characters were hard for me to understand being from the north and knowing little of southern culture other than from tv or movies.
i would have enjoyed the book much more if it had a more overall look at child prostitution or gender identity on a more broad applicable to all walks of life and not just the truck stop.
i would recomend it to a friend on a rainy afternoon or who was going on a train/bus/plane ride and wanted something entertaining and somewhat enlightening.
Book Review: What's in a name?
Summary: 3 Stars
It just seems like all the five star reviews for this book read like they were written by mostly the same person, and I imagine that's probably "Leroy" or someone associated with him. More likely it's "Leroy" under various false names (doesn't seem that much of a leap, does it?). Anyway, if there's not much middle ground regarding Sarah, it really does make one suspicious about who's reviewing it here (both good and bad).
In truth, Sarah is quite a good book. In the very least, it is enjoyable. It didn't offer any great revelations to me, and, sorry all you who think J.T. broke the literary sound barrier, I didn't find it to be the most amazing novel ever written. I found it much less scary than funny in a white-trash-on-acid way, and, sorry again, completely unbelievable; and that's pretty much why I enjoyed it so. Heart is the better of the two, but this one is still worth it.
Honestly, though, the person-who-calls-themselves-J.T., you don't have to praise your books here under false names. The work should speak for itself.
Book Review: Don't believe the hype
Summary: 3 Stars
I might have enjoyed this book more if I hadn't first read all the gushing cover blurbs, written by the hot Hollywood types falling all over themselves to say nice things about LeRoy's work.
I admire that at such a young age, LeRoy is able to write so well. But there was something missing; he just never goes far enough--either in his characterizations or his revelations. I'm not looking for out-and-out porn, but "Sarah" comes across as a naughty little fairy tale that's really not that naughty. LeRoy seems confident in HOW he writes, but not in WHAT he writes about. And the kiss of death: When it was all over, my first thought was, "So what?"
Stylistically and tone-wise, "Sarah" reminded me more than anything of Joe R. Lansdale's science fiction dark comedy, The Drive-In. Only it's not nearly as good.
Update: Since writing this review, I've learned the truth about "JT LeRoy." My opinions stand.
Book Review: A major -- if undisciplined -- talent
Summary: 3 Stars
There is certainly a lot to recommend about Sarah. LeRoy whether he really exists or not (and some people say he's a hoax) is a major young talent. His great achievement isnt to shock us with this story (...), but to make us see the beauty in his existence. I thought his writing style was breath taking, and Ill certainly buy The Heart is Deceitful based on this novella.But it is a debut novel. And it has many young novelists mistakes. Central among them is the plotting. Hes latched on to some fascinating topics: the strange lot lizard culture and the bizarre relationship between a hooker mother and her son. But he drops them almost immediately and sends us on a rather conventional story line involving abuse, (...) and even a truck chase. I wish he would have trusted his material more. As he becomes an older and more confident writer, I expect his novels will become more fully realized as well.
Book Review: Good book, not amazing though.
Summary: 3 Stars
I picked up this book because I had seen the film the heart is decietful above all things and was moved. This, I found to be a bit weak. It jumps from scene to scene in a confusing way, alot of the time it is seriously confusing. I liked reading it, only took me a few hours, but I wasn't exactly... moved by it.
I think it could have been done better, the story is compelling, it has some wonderful surreal moments, interesting imagery; especially for me the scene where Sarah and Pooh are playing with Barbie dolls.
I think it is worth checking out. I am still interested enough to read The heart is decietful above all things.