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Summary: Hold that left fist high, O Master of the Universe....
Review: I don't wish to make a proclamation that this is the "best American book ever written," nor do I want to complain about an "inadequate" ending. All I can say about this book is that, from the first chapter's over-the-top description of the mayor's speech in Harlem, "Bonfire" consistently held my attention. (I'm sorry to say that I can't say the same about the more recent "A man in Full.") The sheer unfortunate reality of Wolfe's writing is, as many will tell you, a precise color photograph taken then and there in 1987, complete with polarizing filter and an all-too-true vibrancy. It's the kind of book that might be depressing to read soon after its publication and yet evokes quite a few biting, almost nostalgic memories of those infamously coarse upwardly-mobile days of yore. And while I was a mere four years old when I myself was caught in the middle of that web of 58th-and-Sutton "would you like to draw pictures in the Met, Samantha?" Upward Mobility, this seems to accurately capture that era that I at the time failed to understand but am now sure existed just as Wolfe has said.And yet "Bonfire" is by no means historical fiction. Rather, our good friend Tom manages to do what I've always maintained a good satirist should do: Keep a perfect distance. Wolfe manages to edge close enough to his characters to dig into their minds and show us what's inside -- and yet he stays far enough away that he can poke fun and them with his usual slightly-supercilious air. This perfect distance of his seems to be what ensures a constantly entertaining read. Seldom do the often-lengthy descriptions bore the reader; such minor allusions as that to the "tub and shower stall module -- module! -- a single molded unit that deflected slightly when he stepped into the tub" remain startling real, making the abrupt ending not at all unsatisfying but rather entirely appropriate and understandable; with literature this interesting, why would one ask for a happy ending?
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Summary: A Hilarious Portrait of Greed in the 80's.
Review: The 80's were a time where people thought they were indestructable. Including Sherman McCoy. A hotshot investment banker he has it all. A Beautiful 12 Room Apt in Central Park, An Adorable Six Year Old Daughter who attends an exclusive Private School and a Interior Decorator Wife. He also has a mistress on the other side of town named Maria who's much older husband is the driving force behind a multi-million dollar airplane empire and together they take the wrong exit in the wrong section of town and hit an innocent black man named Henry Lamb and then the chaos ensues. From Reverend Bacon's quest for showing how racist New York is to Peter Fallow's desire use the story to get to the big time, Sherman's world is turned upside down with some pretty frightening yet hilarious consequences. It also teaches us that no matter how good our life is, we can automatically lose it with the snap of the fingers as Sherman found out the hard way. Tom Wolfe is next to Jackie Collins and John Grisham the very few white authors who can do a black character down pat. A must read book for anyone who's enjoyed A Man In Full.
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Summary: One Word Describes This Book: Outstanding!!!!
Review: This is probably the best book I have ever read. Masterful writing, well rounded characters, a terrific story and a lot of dramatic tension made this book one incredible read. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to learn the art of effective story-telling. We want more like this, Tom!
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Summary: I read this book.
Review: I read this book. It is least boring of the two Tom Wolfe books I have read. Perhaps I will read it again some day.
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Summary: A Quick Read
Review: This is one of those books where you can't wait to get home from work (you might even cancel a date) to get back to. Great plot and believable characters...Tom Wolfe really gets you into their minds and their emotions. I really liked it from start to finish. And, like so many novels out today, it wasn't corny. It was very believable..even the way it ended with Shreman McCoy still dealing with his problems. My only criticism would be that sometimes Tom Wolfe gets into some LONG oratories or explanations which, often, I skipped over because they were tol laborious. On the other hand, I LOVED the social parties...Wolfe's description of the "ha ha ha" and the "heh heh heh" was really a good laugh. This is one of the very few books that I'll probably read again.
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Summary: When Wolf knew how to write
Review: This book sums up New York and the criminal justice system. Don't waste your time on A Man in Full. Wolf lost the gift after Bonfire.
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Summary: This is one of the greatest books ever written.
Review: I've read this & A Man in Full, and both have similiar endings. But where A Man in Full falls into an unbelieveable collapse, Bonfire of the Vanieties is an exhilarating rush. Reading Sherman's rebirth, I was overcome with energy. In Bonfire of the Vanities, none of the characters are likeable, all shallow and self-serving. Only through losing everything including his dignity does Sherman have a chance at redemption. And when that time comes, he has given up on himself, probably the worst act anyone could do. Yet we are left with his rebirth, a lean, mean fighting machine. Incredible.
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Summary: Wolfe comes through again
Review: I read "A Man in Full" before "Bonfire". This book blows "Man" out of the water. It was very interesting and made me laugh out loud a number of times.
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Summary: Entertaining and fascinating
Review: A friend of mine gave me the book to read over the Christmas break. What a treat. Some parts caused me to laugh out loud. I found the ending to be appropriate because it could very well be the true ending for a ridiculous case such as the one McCoy was in. When you're dealing with the politics of situations, this is sometimes the way things unfortunately end. I did like Judge Kovitsky, he was one of the characters who actually was decent.
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Summary: Master Wolfe
Review: Truly, one of the best books I've ever read. Wolfe books are never dull, not even for one page. Highly recommended! I wanted to give it higher than 5 stars!
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