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Unfinished Business: Notes of a Chronic Re-reader
US $8.28
ApproximatelyS$ 10.79
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Located in: Buford, Georgia, United States
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Estimated between Thu, 20 Nov and Wed, 26 Nov to 94104
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30 days return. Buyer pays for return shipping. If you use an eBay shipping label, it will be deducted from your refund amount.
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About this item
Seller assumes all responsibility for this listing.
eBay item number:297739498327
Item specifics
- Condition
- Brand New: A new, unread, unused book in perfect condition with no missing or damaged pages. See all condition definitionsopens in a new window or tab
- Release Year
- 2020
- ISBN
- 9780374282158
About this product
Product Identifiers
Publisher
Farrar, Straus & Giroux
ISBN-10
0374282153
ISBN-13
9780374282158
eBay Product ID (ePID)
17038300959
Product Key Features
Book Title
Unfinished Business : Notes of a Chronic Re-Reader
Number of Pages
176 Pages
Language
English
Topic
Personal Memoirs, Journalism, Women's Studies, Books & Reading
Publication Year
2020
Genre
Literary Criticism, Social Science, Language Arts & Disciplines, Biography & Autobiography
Format
Hardcover
Dimensions
Item Height
0.7 in
Item Weight
8.8 Oz
Item Length
7.9 in
Item Width
5.2 in
Additional Product Features
Intended Audience
Trade
LCCN
2019-020323
Reviews
"Gornick's ferocious but principled intelligence emanates from each of the essays in this distinctive collection . . . The author reads more deeply and keenly than most, with perceptions amplified by the perspective of her 84 years . . . Literature knows few champions as ardent and insightful--or as uncompromising--as Gornick, which is to readers' good fortune." -- Kirkus (starred review) "A delightful entry for lovers of literature and literary criticism." -- Library Journal (starred review) "Through steady, sculpted prose and elegant readings, Gornick concludes the work of great literature is less about 'the transporting pleasure of the story itself' than revealing readers to themselves . . . The insights in this rich work will be appreciated by Gornick fans and bibliophiles alike." -- Publishers Weekly, " Unfinished Business is all about different ways of looking, a chronicle of the protean perceptions and interpretations . . . Gornick certainly is convincing when she takes the perceived textual qualities of realness and life and brings them to bear on her own life . . . In each case, the new reading leads to a different destination; in each case, Gornick is guided by a yearning that has remained as constant through the years as a star." -- Christopher Sorrentino, Bookforum "Gornick's ferocious but principled intelligence emanates from each of the essays in this distinctive collection . . . The author reads more deeply and keenly than most, with perceptions amplified by the perspective of her 84 years . . . Literature knows few champions as ardent and insightful--or as uncompromising--as Gornick, which is to readers' good fortune." -- Kirkus (starred review) "A delightful entry for lovers of literature and literary criticism." -- Library Journal (starred review) "Through steady, sculpted prose and elegant readings, Gornick concludes the work of great literature is less about 'the transporting pleasure of the story itself' than revealing readers to themselves . . . The insights in this rich work will be appreciated by Gornick fans and bibliophiles alike." -- Publishers Weekly, "Through steady, sculpted prose and elegant readings, Gornick concludes the work of great literature is less about 'the transporting pleasure of the story itself' than revealing readers to themselves . . . The insights in this rich work will be appreciated by Gornick fans and bibliophiles alike." -- Publishers Weekly, "Gornick's new book is part memoiristic collage, part literary criticism, yet it is also an urgent argument that rereading offers the opportunity not just to correct and adjust one's recollection of a book but to correct and adjust one's perception of oneself . . . Lively, personable . . . sneakily poignant . . . It is one of the great ironies of consuming literature that as much as we read to expand our minds, we often take in only whatever it is that we are primed to absorb at a particular moment. Do not, Gornick says in this brief, incisive book, let that be the end of it." -- Chloë Schama, The New York Times Book Review "Vivacious and highly recommended." -- Michael Dirda, The Washington Post "A thoughtful and far-ranging collection of essays. Gornick, one of the great essayists of our time, writes about one of life's simple pleasures with tenderness and wit." -- Jenny Offill, Parade " Unfinished Business is all about different ways of looking, a chronicle of the protean perceptions and interpretations . . . Gornick certainly is convincing when she takes the perceived textual qualities of realness and life and brings them to bear on her own life . . . In each case, the new reading leads to a different destination; in each case, Gornick is guided by a yearning that has remained as constant through the years as a star." -- Christopher Sorrentino, Bookforum "Reading Gornick rereading, there is the persistent feeling that we--readers, writers, authors, characters--are all in it together, trying to grasp the bigger, ever-shifting picture of why we do what we do and to find the tools to illuminate, reveal, question, mourn, and grow." -- Emily LaBarge, Los Angeles Review of Books "[An] enchanting and addictive little book--whose size and shape make it feel like it contains epigrams and instructions for life when in fact it contains not so much instructions for life, but life itself." -- Thomas Beller, 4Columns "These essays glow with Gornick's sharp intelligence . . . Whatever a reader may think of Gornick's tastes and interpretations, it must be recognized that few champions of literature and reading are as passionate and uncompromising. Would that there were more." -- Bill Thompson, The Post and Courier "Gornick's ferocious but principled intelligence emanates from each of the essays in this distinctive collection . . . The author reads more deeply and keenly than most, with perceptions amplified by the perspective of her 84 years . . . Literature knows few champions as ardent and insightful--or as uncompromising--as Gornick, which is to readers' good fortune." -- Kirkus (starred review) "A delightful entry for lovers of literature and literary criticism." -- Library Journal (starred review) "Through steady, sculpted prose and elegant readings, Gornick concludes the work of great literature is less about 'the transporting pleasure of the story itself' than revealing readers to themselves . . . The insights in this rich work will be appreciated by Gornick fans and bibliophiles alike." -- Publishers Weekly, "Gornick's ferocious but principled intelligence emanates from each of the essays in this distinctive collection . . . The author reads more deeply and keenly than most, with perceptions amplified by the perspective of her 84 years . . . Literature knows few champions as ardent and insightful--or as uncompromising--as Gornick, which is to readers' good fortune." -- Kirkus (starred review) "Through steady, sculpted prose and elegant readings, Gornick concludes the work of great literature is less about 'the transporting pleasure of the story itself' than revealing readers to themselves . . . The insights in this rich work will be appreciated by Gornick fans and bibliophiles alike." -- Publishers Weekly, "Gornick's new book is part memoiristic collage, part literary criticism, yet it is also an urgent argument that rereading offers the opportunity not just to correct and adjust one's recollection of a book but to correct and adjust one's perception of oneself . . . Lively, personable . . . sneakily poignant . . . It is one of the great ironies of consuming literature that as much as we read to expand our minds, we often take in only whatever it is that we are primed to absorb at a particular moment. Do not, Gornick says in this brief, incisive book, let that be the end of it." -- Chloë Schama, The New York Times Book Review "Vivacious and highly recommended." -- Michael Dirda, The Washington Post " Unfinished Business is all about different ways of looking, a chronicle of the protean perceptions and interpretations . . . Gornick certainly is convincing when she takes the perceived textual qualities of realness and life and brings them to bear on her own life . . . In each case, the new reading leads to a different destination; in each case, Gornick is guided by a yearning that has remained as constant through the years as a star." -- Christopher Sorrentino, Bookforum "[An] enchanting and addictive little book--whose size and shape make it feel like it contains epigrams and instructions for life when in fact it contains not so much instructions for life, but life itself." -- Thomas Beller, 4Columns "Gornick's ferocious but principled intelligence emanates from each of the essays in this distinctive collection . . . The author reads more deeply and keenly than most, with perceptions amplified by the perspective of her 84 years . . . Literature knows few champions as ardent and insightful--or as uncompromising--as Gornick, which is to readers' good fortune." -- Kirkus (starred review) "A delightful entry for lovers of literature and literary criticism." -- Library Journal (starred review) "Through steady, sculpted prose and elegant readings, Gornick concludes the work of great literature is less about 'the transporting pleasure of the story itself' than revealing readers to themselves . . . The insights in this rich work will be appreciated by Gornick fans and bibliophiles alike." -- Publishers Weekly, "Gornick's new book is part memoiristic collage, part literary criticism, yet it is also an urgent argument that rereading offers the opportunity not just to correct and adjust one's recollection of a book but to correct and adjust one's perception of oneself . . . Lively, personable . . . sneakily poignant . . . It is one of the great ironies of consuming literature that as much as we read to expand our minds, we often take in only whatever it is that we are primed to absorb at a particular moment. Do not, Gornick says in this brief, incisive book, let that be the end of it." -- Chloë Schama, The New York Times Book Review "Vivacious and highly recommended." -- Michael Dirda, The Washington Post " Unfinished Business is all about different ways of looking, a chronicle of the protean perceptions and interpretations . . . Gornick certainly is convincing when she takes the perceived textual qualities of realness and life and brings them to bear on her own life . . . In each case, the new reading leads to a different destination; in each case, Gornick is guided by a yearning that has remained as constant through the years as a star." -- Christopher Sorrentino, Bookforum "Gornick's ferocious but principled intelligence emanates from each of the essays in this distinctive collection . . . The author reads more deeply and keenly than most, with perceptions amplified by the perspective of her 84 years . . . Literature knows few champions as ardent and insightful--or as uncompromising--as Gornick, which is to readers' good fortune." -- Kirkus (starred review) "A delightful entry for lovers of literature and literary criticism." -- Library Journal (starred review) "Through steady, sculpted prose and elegant readings, Gornick concludes the work of great literature is less about 'the transporting pleasure of the story itself' than revealing readers to themselves . . . The insights in this rich work will be appreciated by Gornick fans and bibliophiles alike." -- Publishers Weekly, "Gornick's new book is part memoiristic collage, part literary criticism, yet it is also an urgent argument that rereading offers the opportunity not just to correct and adjust one's recollection of a book but to correct and adjust one's perception of oneself . . . Lively, personable . . . sneakily poignant . . . It is one of the great ironies of consuming literature that as much as we read to expand our minds, we often take in only whatever it is that we are primed to absorb at a particular moment. Do not, Gornick says in this brief, incisive book, let that be the end of it." -- Chloë Schama, The New York Times Book Review "Vivacious and highly recommended." -- Michael Dirda, The Washington Post " Unfinished Business is all about different ways of looking, a chronicle of the protean perceptions and interpretations . . . Gornick certainly is convincing when she takes the perceived textual qualities of realness and life and brings them to bear on her own life . . . In each case, the new reading leads to a different destination; in each case, Gornick is guided by a yearning that has remained as constant through the years as a star." -- Christopher Sorrentino, Bookforum "Reading Gornick rereading, there is the persistent feeling that we--readers, writers, authors, characters--are all in it together, trying to grasp the bigger, ever-shifting picture of why we do what we do and to find the tools to illuminate, reveal, question, mourn, and grow." -- Emily LaBarge, Los Angeles Review of Books "[An] enchanting and addictive little book--whose size and shape make it feel like it contains epigrams and instructions for life when in fact it contains not so much instructions for life, but life itself." -- Thomas Beller, 4Columns "These essays glow with Gornick's sharp intelligence . . . Whatever a reader may think of Gornick's tastes and interpretations, it must be recognized that few champions of literature and reading are as passionate and uncompromising. Would that there were more." -- Bill Thompson, The Post and Courier "Gornick's ferocious but principled intelligence emanates from each of the essays in this distinctive collection . . . The author reads more deeply and keenly than most, with perceptions amplified by the perspective of her 84 years . . . Literature knows few champions as ardent and insightful--or as uncompromising--as Gornick, which is to readers' good fortune." -- Kirkus (starred review) "A delightful entry for lovers of literature and literary criticism." -- Library Journal (starred review) "Through steady, sculpted prose and elegant readings, Gornick concludes the work of great literature is less about 'the transporting pleasure of the story itself' than revealing readers to themselves . . . The insights in this rich work will be appreciated by Gornick fans and bibliophiles alike." -- Publishers Weekly
Dewey Edition
23
Dewey Decimal
070.92
Synopsis
One of our most beloved writers reassess the electrifying works of literature that have shaped her life I sometimes think I was born reading . . . I can't remember the time when I didn't have a book in my hands, my head lost to the world around me. Unfinished Business: Notes of a Chronic Re-reader is Vivian Gornick's celebration of passionate reading, of returning again and again to the books that have shaped her at crucial points in her life. In nine essays that traverse literary criticism, memoir, and biography, one of our most celebrated critics writes about the importance of reading--and re-reading--as life progresses. Gornick finds herself in contradictory characters within D. H. Lawrence's Sons and Lovers , assesses womanhood in Colette's The Vagabond and The Shackle , and considers the veracity of memory in Marguerite Duras's The Lover . She revisits Great War novels by J. L. Carr and Pat Barker, uncovers the psychological complexity of Elizabeth Bowen's prose, and soaks in Natalia Ginzburg, "a writer whose work has often made me love life more." After adopting two cats, whose erratic behavior she finds vexing, she discovers Doris Lessing's Particularly Cats . Guided by Gornick's trademark verve and insight, Unfinished Business is a masterful appreciation of literature's power to illuminate our lives from a peerless writer and thinker who "still read s] to feel the power of Life with a capital L.", A New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice. One of Library Journal 's Best Books of 2020. One of our most beloved writers reassess the electrifying works of literature that have shaped her life I sometimes think I was born reading . . . I can't remember the time when I didn't have a book in my hands, my head lost to the world around me. Unfinished Business: Notes of a Chronic Re-reader is Vivian Gornick's celebration of passionate reading, of returning again and again to the books that have shaped her at crucial points in her life. In nine essays that traverse literary criticism, memoir, and biography, one of our most celebrated critics writes about the importance of reading--and re-reading--as life progresses. Gornick finds herself in contradictory characters within D. H. Lawrence's Sons and Lovers , assesses womanhood in Colette's The Vagabond and The Shackle , and considers the veracity of memory in Marguerite Duras's The Lover . She revisits Great War novels by J. L. Carr and Pat Barker, uncovers the psychological complexity of Elizabeth Bowen's prose, and soaks in Natalia Ginzburg, "a writer whose work has often made me love life more." After adopting two cats, whose erratic behavior she finds vexing, she discovers Doris Lessing's Particularly Cats . Guided by Gornick's trademark verve and insight, Unfinished Business is a masterful appreciation of literature's power to illuminate our lives from a peerless writer and thinker who "still read[s] to feel the power of Life with a capital L.", A New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice. One of Library Journal 's Best Books of 2020. One of our most beloved writers reassess the electrifying works of literature that have shaped her life I sometimes think I was born reading . . . I can't remember the time when I didn't have a book in my hands, my head lost to the world around me. Unfinished Business: Notes of a Chronic Re-reader is Vivian Gornick's celebration of passionate reading, of returning again and again to the books that have shaped her at crucial points in her life. In nine essays that traverse literary criticism, memoir, and biography, one of our most celebrated critics writes about the importance of reading--and re-reading--as life progresses. Gornick finds herself in contradictory characters within D. H. Lawrence's Sons and Lovers , assesses womanhood in Colette's The Vagabond and The Shackle , and considers the veracity of memory in Marguerite Duras's The Lover . She revisits Great War novels by J. L. Carr and Pat Barker, uncovers the psychological complexity of Elizabeth Bowen's prose, and soaks in Natalia Ginzburg, "a writer whose work has often made me love life more." After adopting two cats, whose erratic behavior she finds vexing, she discovers Doris Lessing's Particularly Cats . Guided by Gornick's trademark verve and insight, Unfinished Business is a masterful appreciation of literature's power to illuminate our lives from a peerless writer and thinker who "still read s] to feel the power of Life with a capital L."
LC Classification Number
PN4874.G548A5 2020
Item description from the seller
Seller feedback (23,359)
- j***2 (60)- Feedback left by buyer.Past 6 monthsVerified purchase☆☆☆ Seller. Is not the picture of actual recieved item. Listing photo was pulled from internet and used as placeholder, according to sellers listing. Thats on me for buying the cheapest one without looking at listing fully. Would have been better to not use another persons photo on seller's listing as the specific guide book advertised has reflective bits, the one i recieved did not.. At least it arrived and is decent enough to use and look at. Packed ok. Shipped promptly. Thank you.
- k***i (36)- Feedback left by buyer.Past 6 monthsVerified purchaseFantastic price, faster shipping than expected, item as described. However, packaging was a thin plastic envelope instead of bubble/ cardboard. Book arrived new yet slightly damaged. Not worth asking for a return due to the very low price, yet would suggest to seller/ future buyers to have better packaging for shipping. Thanks.
- e***u (4506)- Feedback left by buyer.Past monthVerified purchaseWell the stock photo was just that, a stock photo and the item did not include the other material shown, which I had asked about. A chance you take. Otherwise, in good shape, shipped promptly, plastic bag envelope (nothing wrong with that for the price, but subject to beatings by the PO dolts. Yes, i will still buy from them if the price is reasonable.
Seller feedback (23,359)
- j***2 (60)- Feedback left by buyer.Past 6 monthsVerified purchase☆☆☆ Seller. Is not the picture of actual recieved item. Listing photo was pulled from internet and used as placeholder, according to sellers listing. Thats on me for buying the cheapest one without looking at listing fully. Would have been better to not use another persons photo on seller's listing as the specific guide book advertised has reflective bits, the one i recieved did not.. At least it arrived and is decent enough to use and look at. Packed ok. Shipped promptly. Thank you.
- k***i (36)- Feedback left by buyer.Past 6 monthsVerified purchaseFantastic price, faster shipping than expected, item as described. However, packaging was a thin plastic envelope instead of bubble/ cardboard. Book arrived new yet slightly damaged. Not worth asking for a return due to the very low price, yet would suggest to seller/ future buyers to have better packaging for shipping. Thanks.
- e***u (4506)- Feedback left by buyer.Past monthVerified purchaseWell the stock photo was just that, a stock photo and the item did not include the other material shown, which I had asked about. A chance you take. Otherwise, in good shape, shipped promptly, plastic bag envelope (nothing wrong with that for the price, but subject to beatings by the PO dolts. Yes, i will still buy from them if the price is reasonable.