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The Sellout


The first book by an American author to win the prestigious Man Booker Prize.
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What is unique about the way Paul Beatty sees the world, and the words he uses to draw us in?

Created: 01/24/17

Replies: 9

Posted Jan. 24, 2017 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
renem

Join Date: 12/01/16

Posts: 292

What is unique about the way Paul Beatty sees the world, and the words he uses to draw us in?

You can also refer to his previous novels and poems for answers.


Posted Jan. 27, 2017 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
joanp

Join Date: 06/13/11

Posts: 102

RE: What is unique about the way Paul Beatty sees the world, and the words he uses to draw us in?

He is the narrator but also seems to be an observer. He doesn't tell only his story but observes the stories of many people. No judgement but he is interested in how the stories intertwine. I have read this twice and I could read it again because I'm sure I didn't get everything.


Posted Jan. 27, 2017 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
christineb

Join Date: 10/13/11

Posts: 128

RE: What is unique about the way Paul Beatty sees the world, and the words he uses to draw us in?

I think he sees the world from quite a sheltered upbringing. Living and schooled on the farm with his father and in a predominantly african-american community. Im still not sure if he is for or against segregation or this was just a spoof. Don't understand why he received the booker prize for this. Jumps around way too much and am not fond of his writing style. Ii don't think it will be very widely read.


Posted Jan. 27, 2017 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
poornimaa

Join Date: 05/16/12

Posts: 53

RE: What is unique about the way Paul Beatty sees the world, and the words he uses to draw us in?

Christine, I am not sure that the author Paul Beatty, necessarily had the same life as the protagonist. The book is most definitely a satire, it's too outrageous at times to be anything else although the author has said that it has elements of both tragedy and comedy, something I agree with.


Posted Jan. 27, 2017 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
joanp

Join Date: 06/13/11

Posts: 102

RE: What is unique about the way Paul Beatty sees the world, and the words he uses to draw us in?

I understand your feelings about the book and I found it hard to read because there was so much to take in. Bonbon is unique because of his background and that's what makes him a valuable observer. He is apart but also a part of the cultural society. I think this is a serious piece of writing and leaves questions that can be pondered. Deservedly a Man Booker prize winner.


Posted Jan. 28, 2017 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
Tired Bookreader

Join Date: 08/19/11

Posts: 214

RE: What is unique about the way Paul Beatty sees the world, and the words he uses to draw us in?

Holy cows! The words!! The constant rambling and use of commas wore me out. That man can talk!


Posted Jan. 29, 2017 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
louisee

Join Date: 06/29/15

Posts: 143

RE: What is unique about the way Paul Beatty sees the world, and the words he uses to draw us in?

This is definitely satire with the humor and exaggeration. I found parts of the novel interesting and funny but other parts confusing and not sure of the point being made.


Posted Feb. 01, 2017 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
pennyp

Join Date: 03/22/12

Posts: 353

RE: What is unique about the way Paul Beatty sees the world, and the words he uses to draw us in?

The persistant use of satire. I liked some of the novel but part of it was too caustic and biting for me.


Posted Feb. 01, 2017 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
poornimaa

Join Date: 05/16/12

Posts: 53

RE: What is unique about the way Paul Beatty sees the world, and the words he uses to draw us in?

I agree with pennyp. The satire was too much for me. It kept me at a remove.


Posted Feb. 02, 2017 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
jww

Join Date: 05/31/11

Posts: 166

RE: What is unique about the way Paul Beatty sees the world, and the words he uses to draw us in?

I am not sure what is unique about the way Mr. Beatty sees the world but the way he writes about it is a clever way to spoon in the medicine. As a serious novel, this would have been extremely dark. As a satire, it is readable. It is not my favorite read by any means. I cannot relate to the 'Black Experience' because I am not black. But, this book did give me some insights. And it was nice to read something about the subject without it being shoved down my throat.


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