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The Uncollected David Rakoff: Including the entire text of Love, Dishonor, Marry, Die, Cherish, Perish (An Anchor Books Original) Paperback – October 27, 2015

by David Rakoff (Author), Timothy G. Young (Editor)
4.6 out of 5 stars 16 customer reviews
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Product Details

  • Series: An Anchor Books Original
  • Paperback: 352 pages
  • Publisher: Anchor (October 27, 2015)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0307946479
  • ISBN-13: 978-0307946478
  • Product Dimensions: 5.1 x 0.7 x 7.9 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #112,016 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Top Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 starsThe Uncollected David Rakoff
By Brendan Moody VINE VOICE on October 22, 2015
Format: Paperback Vine Customer Review of Free Product ( What's this? )
This posthumous volume of odds and ends not included in David Rakoff's previous collections may feel a trifle insubstantial, but the quality is high enough that it doesn't really matter. The main stumbling block is that Rakoff didn't leave behind quite enough uncollected work for a full book, so in addition to 200 pages of essays we have two 30-page transcripts of Fresh Air interviews and the full text of Rakoff's short verse novel Love, Dishonor, Marry, Die, Cherish, Perish. I'm going to confess that I didn't read the latter, because it wasn't what interested me about the book and because the second couplet attempted to rhyme "help her" with a description of a midwife as a "whelper." While I'm sure the novel is lovely if you like that sort of thing, I have very little patience for straining after sing-songy rhymes. The interviews, on the other hand, and funny and insightful, and a welcome way to round out the volume. The essays themselves are generally short, and sometimes one feels that they're just getting warmed up when they suddenly end, but Rakoff is a smooth and witty stylist, and the catch-all nature of the collection allows for a range of topics and structures, from op-eds on smoking bans and Laura Bush's view of American literature to travel pieces, memoirs, and reviews. Overall, this is a nice sampler for those who haven't yet experienced Rakoff, and one more chance for his established fans to reflect on what we've lost.
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4.0 out of 5 starscollection fans will want
By She Treads Softly on October 30, 2015
Format: Paperback
The Uncollected David Rakoff by David Rakoff is a highly recommended collection of his writing.
This volume includes the entire text of "Love, Dishonor, Marry, Die, Cherish, Perish," early fiction, memoir pieces, travel writing, essays, and reflections on life as a gay man, as well as transcripts of his memorable appearances on public radio's Fresh Air and This American Life. Rakoff was best known for his wit and humor, both of which are captured in this collection.

As in most collections not every piece will strike a chord with everyone, but most readers are going to find a genuine connection to more than one of the pieces. For example, in "The Love that Dare Not Squeak Its Name," Rakoff discussion about E.B. White's Stuart Little as a gay icon will likely be a hit for most readers, as will Love, Dishonor, Marry, Die, Cherish, Perish, Rakoff's novel written in verse. Themes of family and friendship are a common thread, along with life as a gay man.

Obviously not being a gay man limits some of my emotional connection to all of the stories, but Rakoff's wit is evident and all of the contents are well written and enjoyable. Those who recall interviews with Rakoff on public radio will likely appreciate the transcribed pieces immensely. This is a collection that fans will likely want.

Contents include:
My Sister of Perpetual Mercy; Sagrada Família; My First New York: Arrived: 1982; An Open Letter to My Sisters; Goodbye to All of You; A Former Smoker Cheers; Diary, 1998; What’s Up, Dike?Read more ›
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4.0 out of 5 starsA few wonderful essays surrounded by a lot of meh.
By Ladybug TOP 500 REVIEWER on October 25, 2015
Format: Paperback Vine Customer Review of Free Product ( What's this? )
I was only vaguely familiar with Rakoff's work before reading this book. I had read a few of his pieces in The New York Times and Salon a while back, so I knew what to expect somewhat. But I was really excited to see what possible-gems I had missed.

Initially, I loved this book. The first few essays in here are tremendous. My Sister of Perpetual Mercy, Sagrada Familia (this one is actually fiction), and Diary, 1998 are perfect: descriptive, honest, funny, witty, and, truly, quite heartfelt. I was sold. I was in. Give me more, David!

But, unfortunately, the collection took a nose-dive about seven essays in. The writing began to lack, I don't know, personality, interest, heart. There are a lot of travel/nature pieces in here, which I wasn't expecting. Some are humorous, but after reading those first few phenomenal stories, I found these others to be boring, almost like Rakoff wasn't really invested in them. I did end up loving one other short essay later in the book: The Waiting. But, in it, Rakoff revisits personal themes again (specifically: his experience with having cancer), so the writing becomes more intense, more raw.

Ultimately, most of the essays and stories in this collection are just okay. But the ones that stood out really made me take notice. I plan on checking out Rakoff's other works; I might start with Fraud: Essays.
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5.0 out of 5 starsI would far rather have them than not have them
By carol irvin TOP 1000 REVIEWERVINE VOICE on December 28, 2015
Format: Paperback
I was debating between the four and five stars. Here's the thing: it is not as good as his books, "Fraud", "Half Empty", et al. BUT we otherwise do not have access to his writings from here and there and everywhere. So if you want to read him, this is what there is. Since he died, there is no more. So is it enjoyable writing? Absolutely. I don't think Rakoff was capable of writing a bad sentence, paragraph, essay or anything else. So it was a decided treat to be able to read writings I had never seen before. I wish someone would likewise collect all of his audio work. Because good as he was to read, he was even better as an audio treat.

The New York Times reviewed this as a mishmash and a disfavor to Rakoff's legacy. I don't think so. The book states in its title what it is. It is his writings which have never been in a collection before. So there are pieces from all sorts of publications. I would far rather have them than not have them. I consider this a real service which someone did for us. If you were a Rakoff fan, I cannot believe that you would not want this.

I have really missed him. He was a unique talent and we have not found anyone close as his replacement yet.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 starsThe Uncollected David Rackoff

I was introduced to David Rakoff via his appearances on the Daily Show. His dry morbid wit and look at life was hilarious engaging and sometimes a bit disturbing. Read more

Published 5 months ago by J. Hamby
5.0 out of 5 starsA lovely ending for David Rakoff

Taken too soon, the world should miss David Rakoff and his lovely writing. Like Burroughs, Rudnick and Sedaris, he finds/found humor in the smallest things, much to the joy of his... Read more

Published 5 months ago by R. Patrick Baugh
4.0 out of 5 starsInteresting, Intelligent and Humorous Writer

Sadly, I was not aware of Rakoff before reading this collection. I wish I would have been. I understand that he has passed away. Read more

Published 5 months ago by LAURI CRUMLEY COATES
5.0 out of 5 starsPreviously uncollected work of the late author

If you're familiar with David Rakoff's writing, you certainly will enjoy these essays. If you're unfamiliar with his work, you have a treat and will undoubtedly seek out more of... Read more

Published 5 months ago by Neal Reynolds
4.0 out of 5 starsDavid takeoff is great at telling a story

I enjoyed many parts of this book however I wish I had read his other books too. This book is excerpts from his other book and radio show. I felt it was a bit all over the place. Read more

Published 5 months ago by Patricia Walker
5.0 out of 5 starsEclectic wit and insight

If like me you miss the irresistible and insightful wit of David Rakoff this collection will be like a balm to your soul, but if Rakoff was unknown to you the book might be an even... Read more

Published 5 months ago by Jaylia
5.0 out of 5 starsA unique voice

This book contains works that have not been put together before. David Rakoff writes about travel and his visit to New York City among other varied subjects. Read more

Published 5 months ago by wogan
5.0 out of 5 starsA little bit of everything here

I had never noticed David Rakoff's writings before, although he wrote for magazines I have read and enjoyed over the years. Read more

Published 5 months ago by Connie
5.0 out of 5 starsRazor wit and from the heart

I was unfamiliar with this writer, but decided to take a chance--and the reading pleasure is mine. I am sorry to come to his writings this late, but that is okay. Read more

Published 6 months ago by Mary Ann

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