I love this man's writing. He is just absolutely great at times at being a very clear window into a postmodern experience, in that his writing and the stories feel very much like the things I experience or hear about or contemplate in the modern world, without drawing too much attention to the author/ narrator/ intent to be postmodern. This is in somewhat stark contrast to two other favorite authors of mine who could be called postmodern, J. D. Salinger and Kurt V., who, bless their hearts, draw very much attention to the author.

I think Ive realized in Don's writing that what I crave most in a modern story is the subtle commentary or reflection on modern experiences which comes from skillfully writing about the bizareness of our world today without devolving into pure or overt satire. Don is serious, even when he isn't. White Noise at times is definitely overtly ridiculous, but his short stories for example are often not at all. The one about the runner seeing a kidnapping for instance. Maybe one of the best short stories I've ever read.

theres something to be said about "Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters", though.

I won’t reveal what the spoiler is, but I’m deeply disappointed having just purchased The Last Hurrah (1956) by Edwin O’Connor and the fate of the main character being spoiled in the introduction by Jack Beatty.

I understand the book was published ~75 years ago, but what’s the point of spoiling the ending on page xiii? Are new readers never supposed to read this full novel? Why not a warning?

Truly frustrated and disappointed - going to finish the book as I am from Boston and interested in the subsection of Irish-American history and politics but I truly can’t believe someone would include that in an introduction. I can’t imagine O’Connor, who has since passed away, would appreciate that.