Nicholson Baker

While writing an introduction to a new poetry anthology, Paul Chowder struggles with the end of a relationship, his own stunted career, and the suffering of poets as varied as Tennyson and Roethke.

A Novel

The Anthologist

Amy Thibodeau

I can see how some people might have liked this. The writing is interesting as is the narrator's perspective. But liking this book really depends on liking the narrator and I couldn't stand him. He reminded me of a whinging ex-boyfriend. And so I couldn't enjoy this book. At all.

Donald

I enjoyed this novel immensely, even the ending.

Daryl Houston

I read this book only after accidentally reading its sequel (The Traveling Sprinkler) first. I loved the sequel and loved this one even more. Paul Chowder is a wonderful character, innocent and sweet and earnest but with the occasional hint of darkness; his voice is a real delight. All the bits about poetic scansion and history appealed to me and almost made me want to start reading poetry again; I don't know how broad the appeal of these parts could possibly be. I'll read this one again.

The Anthologist A Novel

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