By Jonathan Ames
Black Cat
My friend Amy (Amster) and I share similar tastes in authors. When she suggested I read Jonathan Ames, I immediately went to my library's website and reserved The Alcoholic (a graphic novel) and What's Not To Love. I very much enjoyed What's Not To Love. It was right up my alley. The Alcoholic was my first graphic novel. I enjoyed the story, but I am not really in to the format (it's just me…nothing against it). Later in the year, Amy had sent me 13 books to read. Among the cluster of novels and memoirs was I Love You More Than You Know. I looked forward to reading the collection of essays since my earlier experience was a positive one. Well, I have to say, this time, it was better! For one thing, when I read I Love You More Than You Know, I found myself
laughing out loud. There were parallel stories to those I had previously read, but in that way, it is like sitting down with one of your old friends retelling the great memories. The second biggest difference for me was that this time around, I actually like Ames. Not that I disliked him the first time around, mind you, it is just that he was more likeable. In I Love You More Than You Know, Ames tone was more genuine. One of my favorite essays was Self-Sentenced. It is a perfect example of the self-depreciating humor that makes Ames so endearing. Also, while I was reading his comments about Jonathan Franzen, I had all 565 pages of The Corrections in front of me; taunting me for only making it through one chapter (I did eventually finish it…good…just a lot of words to get through to get to the story). The essay is also accurate. I mean, why didn't I hear about him until this year? Well, more accurately, why didn't Amster…as I do rely on her to keep me on track with the new, edgy authors. If she didn't, this blog would be devoted to books about politics and history. Oh, and drug addicts, too. Anyway, I
Love You More Than You Know was published in 2006, and it was not on my radar at all. I hate being the last to the party….so, go out and discover Jonathan Ames…not to be confused with Jonathan Franzen, Lethem, Dee, or Coe!
