bibliophile [open city]

Not sure this was worth the read, to be honest.

Open City, by Teju Cole

This is supposed to be just amazing, a bold book from a new author, a wonderful narrative and a creative viewpoint, the next Jack Kerouac, yadda yadda. Here's the blurb:

Nigerian immigrant Julius, a young graduate student studying psychiatry in New York City, has recently broken up with his girlfriend and spends most of his time dreamily walking around Manhattan. The majority of Open City centers on Julius’ inner thoughts as he rambles throughout the city, painting scenes of both what occurs around him and past events that he can’t help but dwell on. Readers who enjoy stream-of-consciousness narratives and fiction infused with politics will find this unique and pensive book a charming read.

I actually like the idea of a sprawling novel with very little plot but an interesting, disjointed narrative, even if that's only one guy's rambling mind. The main problem here is that the author is, well, boring. His thoughts on politics, racism, travel, and all that weren't new, they were dull. I'm of the mind that people who say omg I loveeeedddd are full of it. Straight hipster, trendy but not actually any good.

Wow, this was harsh, but to be fair I'm not sure I've ever written worse than a lukewarm review, so maybe it was time to get down and dirty.