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Post by Optimism is my Phil-osophy on Oct 13, 2023 9:17:54 GMT -5
 I just discovered this, has anyone here commented on this? I've been busy these days, and I didn't know about this future release for May 2024. Apparently it will be an authorized autobiography by Daniel Handler, or something like that. I have already reserved my electronic copy. Source: www.amazon.com.br/dp/B0CJGSK82L/ref=docs-os-doi_0 |
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Post by bear on Oct 13, 2023 9:59:50 GMT -5
we definitely heard about his memoir a few years back, but I’ve only just seen this title and cover. I like the title. The cover is presumably Maira Kalman’s ?
that publisher blurb is a bit pompous. I think PFB was also advertised as “destined to become a classic.”
The book is only 240 pages, which is a little disappointing. I have a sneaking suspicion we’ll get something like PFB-for-adults, i.e. wanderingly sketchy and rhetorical, rather than immersive.
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Post by J. S. on Oct 13, 2023 10:42:00 GMT -5
Great find! For me, PFB was the most satisfying Snicket writing in years so, if this is anything like that, I will be very happy.
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Post by Skelly Craig on Oct 13, 2023 22:28:03 GMT -5
Safe to say the listing is news to us, so thanks for that, Lucio!
As bear says, I'm sure the cover is Maira Kalman's. What struck me the most, however, was seeing "aka Lemony Snicket" added to the official cover (rather than have this info hidden on the back in the synopsis, or even a sticker on the book cover). Even though Handler has dropped the pretense of being merely Snicket's representative years ago - albeit gradually - it feels weird to see the act demolished "officially" this way. I'm sure the publisher and even Handler decided it was a good decision to help sell more copies, but perhaps it also underlines that Handler will talk a lot about writing ASoUE and as Snicket. Which, heck yeah.
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Post by Optimism is my Phil-osophy on Oct 13, 2023 23:12:34 GMT -5
My theory is that he will be talking at some point about his chaotic creative process.
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Post by MisterM on Oct 14, 2023 2:10:48 GMT -5
We can ask him about it tomorrow.
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Post by bear on Oct 14, 2023 3:30:51 GMT -5
I was shocked by the name conflation until I realized it was the ‘autobiography.’ I’m sure he will continue to keep them separate for any future works.
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Post by tricky on Oct 14, 2023 6:07:06 GMT -5
love the fleurs du mal drop, good find JL
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Post by B. on Oct 14, 2023 12:26:12 GMT -5
Omg I can't wait
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Post by Esmé's meme is meh on Jan 16, 2024 14:08:54 GMT -5
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Post by tricky on Jan 17, 2024 2:48:11 GMT -5
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Post by J. S. on Jan 18, 2024 14:58:36 GMT -5
This morning, I received a digital ARC of this book. When I'm finished, I'm happy to write a review and/or answer any questions if that is what the people want.
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Post by Optimism is my Phil-osophy on Jan 18, 2024 16:53:24 GMT -5
This morning, I received a digital ARC of this book. When I'm finished, I'm happy to write a review and/or answer any questions if that is what the people want. I want this so much. I have a slightly active YouTube channel about Lemony Sincket's work, and I would be happy to share the review and the book. (In Portuguese) |
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Post by J. S. on Jan 18, 2024 22:30:40 GMT -5
I finished it, basically in one sitting. I need to take some time to fully process it, but here are some initial reactions:
The book is very personal (as memoirs usually are) but not exactly in the ways I expected. He speaks about deeply personal experiences (most of them as a kid or young adult), some of which are going to surprise some people; they certainly surprised me. There were things he shared regarding himself as public figure that I didn’t expect as well, such as some of the controversies he has faced in the last several years. This is the most sincere and earnest that I have ever seen him. But again, the form allows for this.
The first half of the book really delves into his background and childhood, all the while interspersed with tangents about his process and collecting information to use in his writing. The book is not completely chronological. It is more of a weaving in and out of time periods and topics. The result of this is that he usually doesn’t spend too long talking about any one thing, which may frustrate some people.
One thing that will probably surprise no one are the never-ending references and allusions to works by other people: novels, poems, and films. There is an abundance of quotes throughout with, of course, lots of commentary from DH. In that way, this is a cousin to Poison for Breakfast, though it won’t be confused for a Snicket work. The voice is distinctly Handler’s.
What he doesn’t do is talk extensively about adaptations. There are a couple of anecdotes about the movie, but nothing really new or groundbreaking. There isn’t a single mention of the Netflix series or the independent screenplays he wrote (Rick and Kill the Poor). Also, no mentions of his stage plays. He does, however, name drop every novel written under his name and the obvious ones written under Snicket.
All in all, I think this is a helpful volume for writers (or any creative person) and I expect that it will be of great interest to those who enjoy Handler's work and/or those curious about his inspirations.
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Post by Tiran O'Saurus on Jan 19, 2024 6:27:30 GMT -5
Wow, sounds interesting. I think the most interesting part of that is that it's like PfB, but you can tell it's written by Handler. PfB is controversial because people think it isn't Snickety enough, so maybe this book coming out will change that.
Also, it's interesting he wrote about his controversies. I suppose that means the watermelon scandal and maybe some other things? You always kind of expect celebrities to skip stuff like that in their memoirs, so that's interesting.
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