Customer Reviews

Dream City

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is one book you cannot judge by its cover, which suggests a flippant, breezy read. Nothing could be further from the truth. This is a grim story of innocence denied, of mostly idealistic lives interrupted by rough reality. It is very much a Chicago novel, filled with characters pursuing dreams that are pretty much unfulfilled. It is very skillfully written; I recommend it highly.

I just finished reading Brendan Short's Dream City, a first novel from a young aspiring author. IT was an excellent foray into the world of collecting things that are old, from our past. But really the book spoke to me on many levels about the relationships that fathers and sons have. From Paddy and Michael to Oswald and Junior, we see pain and growth, success and failure and how the trials and tribulations of life affect us all.

It was excellent, and made me want to hug my Dad when I see him later today. Life is short, so love those who are closest to you. The items we cling to in memory mean little to the precious moments we can truly have every day.

I highly recommend Dream City, not just for entertainment purposes, but as a piece of literature that will make you think.

I spotted Dream City in the local bookstore and was taken by the striking cover and loved the look sans jacket. The story line got my attention and the book delivered in a big way. I loved the move through the decades of Michael's life and the family interactions and consequences of all the family dynamics. This was a non-stop read and while Chabon is clearly the master in this type of story telling, I think Brendan Short shows huge potential in that style. Anyone who collects with a passion will understand and love this book.

The originality of the characters drew me in and the plot twists and unique story line kept this a wonderful, lively read. It left me still thinking about the lead character, Michael, for a long time after finishing the book. I was rooting for him throughout-- even at the end despite his making some very disheartening choices. The Big Little books were their own character, adding both a complexity and further originality to this work. This new author really delivers and I can't wait for his next book.

The hook on this novel is the bit about BigLittle books, or is it Big Little? Anyway, the mention of those strangely attractive little chunks of escapism caught my attention and reminded me how my mother had tossed my considerable stash of them when I was about fourteen, along with my first editions of Superman comics, etc. But who knew the value then? Anyway, Dream City drags a bit until well after the middle of the book, when the chief protagonist's obsession with BigLittles really takes over.

So absorbing I missed my stop while reading on the (el) train! It was an incredibly vivid picture of Chicago spanning several decades. I almost became nostalgic for the World's Fair and a certain service station. I found myself worrying over Michaels life when I was not reading the book and missed the characters, although many of them brought more hardship to his life. The ending brought such satisfaction and a joyful sigh that was similar in feeling to Cinema Paridiso! And the design of the book is very cool as well...this should be the new style in book jacket art!

In all a great read!

This is the very special kind of book that is a true pleasure to read and leaves you with ideas to mull over long after you are done reading.

as I am anxiously looking forward to reading so much more from this brilliant young author! His style of story telling flows ever so fluently, and if there is a fork in the road,it is so cleverly explained when you least expect it. Although this was not my usual type of fiction, it has emerged as a new favorite. As a mother and a wife, I was very impressed with Short's female characterization and insight. I highly recommend reading this first novel and challenge the reader to remain passive throughout, and up to the finish.

Absolutely wonderful. Brendan Short's FIRST book -- insane that he is this good and that this is only his first novel -- is completely brilliant. Engaging, smart, evocative (extra cool if you happen to live outside of Chicago,) moving. Impossible to put down. Wow. Can't wait for the next one!!