Thursday 8 October 2009

Book Review: The Logic Problem Puzzle Compendium

The Logic Problem Puzzle Compendium is the latest in a long line of popular books, though, having read through this one in the space of an afternoon, I am unable to say from where their popularity arises.

More like a series of short stories than an actual narrative, I was bemused by the events making up the book, and could not find a way to connect them. Indeed, they seem like nothing more than a disparate series of situations and comments about them! On one page I read of children doing different things in order to make money (selling lemonade, babysitting, mowing the lawn, etc), and then, when I turned the page, eager to see how the events unfolded, I was confronted with an entirely new situation, about Christmas presents being bought for family members at various locations. What happened to the children? What became of their money-making schemes? Presumably the author (un-named, I hasten to add) wishes us to guess the outcomes for ourselves!

The laziness of the author does not end there. There is no semblance of character development or literary technique in this book whatsoever. In chapter six, for example, we are told that “John did not go to the party with Mary.” Why not? What had Mary done for John to spurn her party invitation? More to the point, who are John and Mary? It continues: “Nigel (who isn’t a banker) attended the party with the Estate Agent.” What kind of scene setting is that? How are we, the readers, expected to use this sparse description to come up with any sort of interior picture of the story?

And don’t get me started on the so-called ‘illustrations’ adorning most of the pages. Almost identical childish grid-like structures appear almost everywhere within the book. Presumably this is the author’s idea of a suitable accompaniment for a publication that lacks content, narrative structure and any merit whatsoever.

A truly awful book from start to finish.

6 comments:

Hunter said...

Amazing that such drivel passes for literature these days.

Good stuff!

words...words...words... said...

I have read this book and share your concerns. Additionally, every character seems obsessed with what belongs to them and what belongs to others. They're materialistic jerks, the lot of them.

tennysoneehemingway said...

I've never heard of this so-called 'book.' Is it perhaps, an underground publication; 'popular' with just 'the kids?' Could I use any more 'air quotes?'

mo.stoneskin said...

Mate I think you must have been 'had' because there is no way that book could be popular. It would drive me mad. Very mad. I hate laziness in writing, especially when the writer cannot be bothered to fini

Soda and Candy said...

*assumes haughty air*

They are rather intellectual books. I find that the author prefers us to draw our own conclusions rather than spoon-feeding us as in so much of today's "literature".

*stares sternly over the top of half-moon glasses*

Amy Green. said...

outstanding