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An Arsonist's Guide to Writers' Homes in New England
An Arsonist's Guide to Writers' Homes in New England: A Novel | Brock Clarke
11 posts | 24 read | 21 to read
Sam Pulsifer is determined to put his past behind him after serving a prison term for torching an American literary landmark and killing two people in the blaze, but when the homes of notable American writers begin to go up in smoke, his history makes him
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review
cmurrsanders
Mehso-so

I gave this book a So-So rating because of the unreliable narrator, something I don‘t care for when reading a novel. The long title fits with the authors style of long sentences. The quirky nature of the story and splashes of humor in unexpected moments kept me reading until the end.

review
rwmg
Bailedbailed

When you're 1/3 of the way through a book and the best thing so far is the title, it's probably best to abandon it

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rwmg
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#mycover
Only a generic ebook cover on my reader, so here is the thumbnail.

review
CoffeeNBooks
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Bailedbailed

I really wanted to like this book! I tried, but I just couldn't keep reading it. I got through chapter 7, and then just didn't want to keep reading. I love quirky characters: Ove, Britt-Marie, Don Tillman, Eleanor Oliphant... but Sam Pulsifer is in a league of his own, and I just didn't like him.👎

lahousewyfe Me too! And I can't let go of the book yet. But niw maybe I'll drop it at the library donation box! 6y
Ruthiella Oh I loathed this book. Humor is tricky and this title did not tickle my funny bone in the least. 6y
74 likes2 comments
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CoffeeNBooks
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I'm not sure how I feel about this book yet. I like the premise of it, but the main character is driving me crazy. I'm four chapters in, so I'm going to keep reading a little further.

Lunch, however, was most certainly amazing! The culinary class at the high school where I teach makes really amazing food! Today's lunch was honey mustard grilled chicken and mashed red potatoes with mushroom gravy.

Skyrimir Whoooaaaa, that looks really yummy! 6y
merelybookish I used to teach that novel. The MC drove the students crazy too! 6y
CoffeeNBooks @merelybookish Good to know I'm not the only one! I'm at the part where he lies and tells his wife he's having an affair because it's better than telling her the truth. I'm going to give him another chance, but he better step it up soon, lol! 6y
See All 6 Comments
cassandraolea422 Yum!!!! 6y
merelybookish @CoffeeNBooks Don't hold your breath. 😬 The book was great for discussing the differences/overlaps between truth and fiction. There was a fun writing assignment at the end. (Well I thought it was fun. 😉) 6y
CoffeeNBooks @merelybookish Thanks for the warning! I'll take a 2nd book with me tomorrow in case I need to switch books, lol! 😄 6y
94 likes1 stack add6 comments
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Leftcoastzen
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#burnittotheground #getmovin Again , still on TBR. I better get reading.Sam spends 10 years in prison for accidentally burning down Emily Dickinson‘s house.Writers homes in New England are being torched and Sam wants to figure out who it is before the blame is placed on him.

CarolynM I have an unread copy of this too 7y
Cinfhen What an interesting concept for a book!!! 7y
33 likes1 stack add2 comments
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merelybookish
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A funny/weird novel about Sam who serves time in prison for burning down Emily Dickinson's home. After his release, fires start occurring at other writers' homes and Sam must prove his innocence.
What I enjoyed most about the book is how it pokes fun at aspects of literary culture including academic analysis, Oprah-esque book clubs, Harry Potter fandom, and literary tourists.
#tours #150pnpcoverlarty @LeahBergen @CrowCAH

LeahBergen I am one of those lame literary tourists. I track down authors‘ homes wherever I go. 😆😆 7y
CrowCAH I was worried this was real! Glad it‘s a fictional tale. I love going to literary homes for tours! 7y
ValerieAndBooks That title 😂! Looks good! 7y
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merelybookish @LeahBergen Me too. 🤷 I've also written my fair share of academic essays. 7y
merelybookish @CrowCAH I used to teach this novel and a lot of students thought it was real, too. ☺️ 7y
merelybookish @ValerieAndBooks I think the title is what drew me in initially. 7y
64 likes1 stack add6 comments
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FairyHighRoad
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An accidental arsonist is #framed for burning down the homes of famous writers. He is on a mission to find the true arsonist and prove his innocence. #anditsaugust

13 likes1 stack add
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MrBook
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#TBRtemptation post 4! Considered comparable to "A Confederacy of Dunces" & "The World According To Garp". Sam Pulsifer spent 10 years in prison for accidentally burning down Emily Dickinson's house and killing two people. At 28, he gets out & starts a new life, becoming a husband and father. When the homes of other New England writers go up in flames, he's Prime Suspect #1, and he's got to prove his innocence. #blameLitsy #blameMrBook ?

ApoptyGina69 Wow Ignatius and Garp? Big shoes to fill... #stacked! 7y
TheBookAddict @ApoptyGina69 my thoughts exactly! Well, in regards to Ignatius since I haven't read about Garp. Stacked! 😅 Oh @MrBook you're a bad influence! 📚📚📚📚 (edited) 7y
Louise Since I live just up the road from Emily's homestead, I see this book a lot around town in the indie bookstores! Bookish New England souvenir? 😳🔥 7y
See All 7 Comments
Yeah_I_Read I've heard this was good 7y
Leftcoastzen On my TBR forever , better move it up 7y
Apinlibraryland Omg you are my hero! I know the origins of that lady on the cover! It's a (relatively) famous German cartoon. I've been wracking my brain wondering on what book I had seen it! 7y
rwmg Wishlisted 7y
78 likes11 stack adds7 comments
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RanaElizabeth
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Tried to do this without any subtitles, this was as long as I could get! It has very mixed reviews but I thought it was pretty snarky and a fun read.
#longtitle
#booktober

39 likes4 stack adds
review
janeycanuck
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Mehso-so

The problem with a title like Arsonist's Guide to Writers' Homes in New England is that you expect something hysterical. This had its funny moments but didn't live up to the expectation I had from the title. Good story, though.