Simon Lazarus

By M.A. Kirkwood

Barbara Rose Brooker, author of "God Doesn't Make Trash and So Long, Princess": "Truly, a story for our times. If 'The Catcher in the Rye' were written today instead of fifty years ago, it would very... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1594530165
• ISBN13: 9781594530166
• Release Date: November 2003
• Publisher: Airleaf Publishing
• Length: 324 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.0" x 0.8" x 4.8"

Customer Reviews

Engaging and enlightening

I was delightfully surprised by this story and I'm not sure where to start in saying exactly what I liked about it--there was so much I enjoyed. One thing that especialy caught my eye was the elder and youth aspect that's woven throughout this novel. Because I'm now a much older man, I see things I might have missed when I was far younger and not nearly as wise as age and time has brought me. I'm a grandfather to boys about Simon's age and I appreciated seeing not only this youth's perceptions of life, and the world around him, but the very workings of his inner thoughts. Many a time I have wondered what my 18 and 16 year old grandsons are thinking and there's so much silence that I end up speaking in actions by way of examples. I find myself doing this because that's what men did for me when I was young. As you might imagine, reading this book made me re-think some things. Actually, it basically showed me that there is a way inside these young men. (and I can't say how important I believe this is in today's world). That I can actually attempt addressing these teens or at least, asking better questions, could bring me a little closer to what might be a more realistic approach than I thought previously to reading this marvelous novel. There's a lot of humor here. The characters are amusing, and the antics of Simon and the bevy of chracters that lace the story are, at times, laugh-out-loud-funny. But more importantly, there's an underlying wisdom that supports the story in its entirety. I recommend this book for both young and old. I should know. As an elder, I've now been on both sides of life's spectrum.

The world according to Si

A page-turner right from the outset. And you will not want it to end. In fact, you'll be wanting more. I know, I did. I want this story to have a sequel because too many of the characters, including Simon Strayhorn, have so much to offer about life and the world. And, really, it's one of those books where you just have to say to anyone who gives a hoot about reading worthwhile fiction: "Shut up, sit down, and read the whole story--then tell me what you think". Otherwise, it's a waste of time. Forget best-sellers' lists. One of the things I loved about reading this book is that I found it to be more enjoyable than much of the praised and promoted titles out there right now. And it was totally not what I was expecting at all. I was just hoping this would be mildly captivating. Instead, I was riveted. See for yourself. You'll laugh. You'll shudder and shake your head. And you may even cry. (One small complaint: some minor fact-checking snafus here and there--could use some fine-tuning.) Otherwise, this is a terrific read. Bar-none.

Why don't I hear more about this book?

First of all, this is a rare glimpse into the inner world of boys and men. That, in itself, deserves further commentary-for the courage of this author to take us there-for the sheer truthfulness of its depictions through the perceptions of this 18 year old, Si, and the other males (most of the characters are male here) that make up this novel. Though it is a contemporary story, it has an old and wise sensibility to it that gives this read an exceptional touch. Anyone who has scoffed at the idea that this is another teen book, or a knock-off of this or that "groundbreaking" novel (ie: an overly popular little book about a guy named Holden?) has clearly not read this remarkable and wholly original story. It is replete with the suppleness, depth and versimilitude one expects from great fiction and since we rarely get that these days, others are quick to judge and criticize-without really reading this work. I read this novel on a suggestion by a friend. I had not heard much about it, nor did I really care to know---never do I question this person's judgement. And, as usual, she was right on the money. There's an original voice at work here-unlike so many books today-- & I want to say ones that are far better known than this. Here the narrative sings with an irresistable liveliness and at a breath-taking clip that barely lets up. Simon had me laughing heartily or shaking my head with utter incredulity ---depends on what he's thinking and what he happens to be up to. Boyce, the fellow college students, Cory & Les (the roomies), Lisa, the leather-clad gal he falls in with-Dad, Andy, and the Great granddad. It's all amazing stuff-and this story has the makings of a book that lasts. After I turned the last page, I found myself thinking just what this book is about. Though it is a journey, it is also a comedy, it is a coming- -of-age-type story about 18 year old Simon and his life-his family, his world-it's also a journey into spiritual questions on a most profound and subtle level. While these themes run through the narrative we have issues of the generations: it deals with fathers-sons-grandfathers-great-grandfathers, immigrants, first love, secrets, America, status high and low, pain and privilege, visions, race wounds, ambitions, dreams and loss. Ultimately, though, it occurred to me that though this story has all of these elements and then some-it is essentially a story of initiation. Actually, the tale itself serves as an initiation into manhood. And I absolutely loved it. I can't really compare it to anything. Highly entertaining, but chock full of depth that's bound to have a lasting hold--at least, on this reader.

Simon's Odyssey

This is a wonderful coming of age story, with all the classic elements, but with a few twists. Simon tends to the see the world in absolutes. He is quick to idolize or demonize people, and, as a result, he finds himself frequently confused or disappointed when the disparity between his ideal and the actual person is revealed. The genius of the novel, to me, is how seemlessly it presents this characteristic of Simon, while at the same time allowing the reader to discover, through Simon's narration, that he does the same thing with himself. He is his own harshest critic, and as we are learning about the divide between Simon's perceptions of those around him and actuality, we start to see the divide between Simon's perceptions about himself and reality. We largely learn these things from what others say in Simon's presence, not through anything he tells us himself. Whereas Simon feels awkward, incompetent, and easily embarrassed, we learn that he is more complicated than that, and cooler and more multi-dimensional than he seems to think. This lesson comes just as Simon is learning that the world is more complicated and multi-dimensional than he understands. The story is about Simon's awakening, or as the book's tilte suggests, his rebirth. Simon plunges into a type of post-Gen-X odyssey -- complete with sirens and trials of all sort -- initiated (probably subconsciously) by his father and with the encouragement of his surrogate father, a therapist that he has begun seeing just prior to the beginning of the events described in the book. In many ways, it is a quest book -- a book in which there is a final truth, and which, it turns out, is exactly what the character has been searching for. There are some rabbit holes along the way, the either go nowhere or end abruptly, but in the search, he learns what we've learned for 323 pages -- that the world, and the people in it, are complicated, as he is himself. The quest motif is what keeps the pages turning, and it's a very difficult book to put down. But at bottom, I think, this is a story about fathers and their sons. The women in the novel -- primarily Simon's family -- are all characatures, and Simon's chief romantic interest is so heavily idealized by Simon that we really don't know much about the real her at all. The relationships most heavily explored are the four father/son relationships that spread over five generations in Simon's family. The thread is woven around an object -- which serves as the catalyst to Simon's odyssey -- from the war that took the first father's life, and that nearly took the third son's. In the string, we see (1) the grief and despair of a son who has lost his father to war, and the consequences of that loss, (2) his relationship with his own son, who has turned out to be disappointing, (3) that man's son, who was never good enough for his father, and carries the guilt of perhaps being the cause of his father's greatest loss, and (4) the fourth son -- Simo

Have a great trip with Simon Lazarus this summer!

Taking a trip with a self-centered nineteen year old is not on the top of anyones "to do list", especially if you want to have a relaxing, good time. That is exactly what I am proposing for book lovers to do this summer! And you will have a fabulous time! When Simon starts his adventure he is a person you would love to leave behind but very soon his wonderful metamorphus begins to evolve. His character grows exquisitely,and captures the reader with lots of humor, zesty conversation, and enjoyable storytelling. Simon gains a depth of spirituality along his way that is enticing to the reader. Other characters in Simon's world are so rich that you would love to pick up your next book and learn about them as well...I ask the author to please give us more stories about these well manicured characters...Simon's father, sister, grandfather, and girlfriend...I for one was not wanting the book to end!