More like Ridley Walker than Catcher in the Rye (the book the blurbs compare it to), this was a fast, confusing read. The plot promises but does not deliver, so I felt somewhat let down. Questions are dangled like carrots in front of the reader, but they are not answered. A bit too derivative of PK Dick, but a fun read. BTW, it has sat on my shelf for ten years, since picking it up as a hc remainder from Daedalus back in the 90's. Finally read it! But not in a hurry to read more by this author (though Fortress of Solitude looks interesting). ( )

This book was an unexpected surprise. I was in a book store in Princeton, NJ and this was randomly placed on the bargain shelf. I purchased, after reading the first chapter, and I couldn't put it down. It was so bizarre and "out" that I found myself locked in.

This was my first Lethem, and he instantly became one of my favorites. Since first reading this, I have read most of his work, and also urge people to check out his website - which is just as strange has his novels.

There is mystery in Lethem's thought process that interests me. From evolved animals in "Gun, With Occasional Music" to a strange amnesia inducing gas cloud in "Amnesia Moon" his literary concepts are nothing short of specific and intriguing. His main character in "Amnesia Moon" is aptly named Chaos, and has an ability to control the world subconsciously via his dreams... A very eastern thought oriented concept of everyone being connected through subconcious... I file this in: VERY COOL!

After reading Lethem, one might find it interesting to read the Tao Te Ching, or the Book of Change, the I Ching. Both might help shed light on what Lethem is truly trying to get at in this book. I hope I have it right, too, because I might be wrong.... but after all, that is the beauty of art anyway... right? ( )

Jonathan Lethem does Philip K. Dick. While ostensibly a post-apocalyptic story, Lethem keeps changing the narrative, and it becomes clear early on that amnesia is the key agent here. A quick, enjoyable read. ( )

Some interesting parts, but eventually I was bored with all the strangeness (and I'm not easily bored with strangeness). Did enjoy the bit about the Macdonalonians. ( )

Found a near-mint condition copy of an old edition, marked down, at the universtiy bookstore.