Homer & Langley: A Novel Audiobook

" Not the best of Doctorow, but very solid. An interesting look at humanity and the fine line between reality an unreality. "

" This was my first book by Doctorow. It was a very readable book, but the story idea was a bit unbelievable (even though there had been a somewhat similar real life precedent for the story). "

" Like many of Doctorow's characters, Homer and Langley march relentlessly through Interesting Historical Events and hobnob with Nearly Famous Historical Characters. They're good, unique characters, but I think Doctorow would have done better to make this book a short story, rather than a novel. There are so many historical events -- a bunch of wars, riots, love-ins -- that it starts to feel a bit trite. As Homer loses his senses as the novel goes on, Doctorow's writing gets sharper and the events seem less relevant. I wish he had cut out a few Events and focus more on Things, the weird things the duo collect and what that says about Americans and materialism. Or something. "

" I was absolutely fascinated by this novel based on the Colyier brothers of New York City. Homer was blind, and Langley was left mentally askew after being gassed in WWI. They lived like misers in a 5th Avenue home with a large inheritance, and Langley became a hoarder. Of course, I had to go on line to see how much of this was really true. The pictures of their home taken after they die are unbelievable. Truth is definately stranger than fiction. "

" The only Doctorow book I've read which I felt was a clunker. "

" A quick read, interesting story based on real life story of the Collyer brothers, though with major liberties taken on historical details. Interesting curiousity of a story, and a nice overview of a century in American life. "

" It was is a strangely sweet book about 2 brothers. I really did enjoy this odd couple. "

" Had to abandon it because it was due back at the library. Not bad, but not by normal fare. It was too well written. "

" the beginning of recognition of hoarding, a true story which made it all the more compelling, sad really. "

" Doctorow takes as his subjects two reclusive brothers who became the bane of New York City utility departments and object of fascination for the public. This is a finely done portrait of the brothers' tragic story. "

" This is an excellent story about two brothers based on real life. It is at times sad and at times hilarious. The brothers are one blind and one disabled by war. They are great characters. I recommend this novel highly. I think most people will enjoy it. "

" I am not finishing this book because I lent it to my sister-in-law. "

" I want ot know the day to day lives of these brothers. How bizarre. "

" I love this type of historical fiction / sort-of- reality/ voyeurism. I loved Grey Gardens, the original movie by the Maysels (not that Drew Barrymore junk). This is just like it. Loved it. "

" A brilliant book that tries too hard to be a chronicle of American history in too short a space. This is one time where I wish Doctorow hadn't constrained himself with his words. "

" With all the shows about horders, this really gets to the heart of the matter as only E,L. Doctrow can "

" I didn't mind that it rambled... But if you're going to approach the brothers story with such care and slowness, why make it proceed beyond their lifetimes? "

" Very good read.......a story that raced to its conclusion. "

" Interesting fictionalized tale of the two brothers who lived a reclusive lifestyle in a 5th Ave. home, hoarded all kinds of items for decades, and were eventually found dead in their home. "

" I'd heard of the Collyer brothers in a book about hoarding, so I gave it a listen. (This is based on an audio CD.) It held my interest, and it was a fun ride through the various historical periods. "

" A very slow read at first, but it gains momentum fast. Learning about the Harlem Renaissance, it brought a lot of insight that even I, a Harlem native, would find entertaining. For a pick up and read, i wouldn't recommend but as a book to learn about the time, i highly recommend it. "

" This book is very interesting. It is a book about life was during the old days. I would recommend this book because it was catch your attention. I had a great time reading Ragtime and comparing it to one of my school's field trip. "

" i mean, he's a fantastic writer, and i a pleasure to read, mostly. still, something overwhelming here that wasn't the case with his later work as much. "

" Certainly one of the finest books I've ever read. Doesn't happen very often. Not long ago I read a book called Carter Beats the Devil: that was very good, and it wants to be this book when it grows up. "

" One of the best novels I've read in a long time. Packs so much about race, class, gender, ethnicity and more into a relatively short book. "

" Still reading it and so far I like the book. "