Quite possibly the worst novel writing I've ever encountered. Great premise; horrifying dialogue and narrative prose.

3/2/07 - I've been reading this since late last month. What a chore. Drudgery, tediosity, sloggery. At this point, I've decided I don't like it. My purpose now is in finishing the book so I can hate it more intelligently. Due to its influence, I can relate this book now to Dylan and Springsteen's work; I don't GET them, either. I sure hope there's a payoff before too long. I just got into Part 2 and have lowered my expectations a great deal.