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Underworld
Underworld: A Novel | Don DeLillo
A finalist for the National Book Award, Don DeLillos most powerful and riveting novela great American novel, a masterpiece, a thrilling page-turner (San Francisco Chronicle)Underworld is about the second half of the twentieth century in America and about two people, an artist and an executive, whose lives intertwine in New York in the fifties and again in the nineties. With cameo appearances by Lenny Bruce, J. Edgar Hoover, Bobby Thompson, Frank Sinatra, Jackie Gleason and Toots Shor, this is DeLillos most affecting novela dazzling, phosphorescent work of art (Michiko Kakutani, The New York Times).
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shawnmooney
Underworld: A Novel | Don DeLillo
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https://youtu.be/TaSIMH8MGTk?si=RyjiprOsLVP1ExwI

Shocks to the System: Don DeLillo‘s novels of the Cold War and its aftermath by Christian Lorentzen: https://www.bookforum.com/print/3001/don-delillo-s-novels-of-the-cold-war-and-it...

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Nathan_Opland-Dobs
Underworld: A Novel | Don DeLillo
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Mehso-so

😊

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Kristelh
Underworld: A Novel | Don DeLillo
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GatheringBooks
Underworld: A Novel | Don DeLillo
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Therewillbebooks
Underworld: A Novel | Don DeLillo
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New episode is out! We talk about lots of stuff, including our favorite baseball movies. We also talk about the relative lack of baseball in fiction. It plays a part in DeLillo's Underworld but we were struggling to come up with further examples. What is it about the sport that lends itself to film?

https://open.spotify.com/show/6A6hXZ7eaOG7BtHOSJpCTI?si=h_7TJ6rIT0CHtBUvmKUy5g

Ruthiella The Natural by Bernard Malamud is a novel that features baseball (was also adapted for film in the ‘80s). 4y
Therewillbebooks @Ruthiella Oh yeah! I'd forgotten that was based on a book. 4y
MittenGirlPeach Evvie Drake Starts Over is definitely baseball adjacent, and a lovely read. 4y
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bibliothecarivs Shoeless Joe by W.P. Kinsella is the basis for the film Field of Dreams ⚾ 4y
Therewillbebooks @MittenGirlPeach Thanks! I'll check it out 4y
CarolynM Bull Durham is one of my favourite films in any genre. My husband and I quote it all the time, it applies to most sports😆 I've read a few romances featuring baseball players, I don't know if you would count those? This one includes a scene of a family baseball game 4y
Therewillbebooks @CarolynM Love Bull Durham too! And yes, romance novels count 😃 4y
BookNAround If I remember correctly, this one has a baseball storyline too 4y
Therewillbebooks @BookNAround Oh interesting. I've wanted to check out The Brothers K for a while now 4y
Suet624 I liked this one. Also the art of fielding was good. (edited) 4y
Therewillbebooks @Suet624 The David Duchovney? I'm gonna add it to my tbr. 4y
Suet624 I liked them both but Duchovny‘s was a really pleasant surprise. After the first few chapters it picks right up. I chuckled through it. 4y
Suet624 I was looking for my copy of the Duchovny book to send to you. Can‘t find it but I did find Bottom of the 33rd. Any interest in it? It‘s non-fiction. 4y
Therewillbebooks @Suet624 Thanks! That's very thoughtful. I think I'll see if my library has an audio copy though. Just realistically might not get around to reading a hard copy for a while. Also, we just did our baseball episode and talked about the Duchovny book for a bit! 4y
Therewillbebooks @Suet624 Thanks! That's very thoughtful. I think I'll see if my library has an audio copy though. Just realistically might not get around to reading a hard copy for a while. Also, we just did our baseball episode and talked about the Duchovny book for a bit! 4y
Suet624 Oh! I‘ll check it out. 4y
57 likes18 comments
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mklong
Underworld: A Novel | Don DeLillo
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Pickpick

Everything about this book is challenging. The length, the themes, the sprawling cast of characters, the mix of historical and fictional elements, all ask a lot of the reader. I had a hard time finding my way in, but at about 250 pages in, I was fully engaged and by the end, rewarded for my patience. I am so glad that my book club took on this challenge, because it is a book I don't think I would have committed to on my own.

erzascarletbookgasm Well done. I have this on my shelf and I don‘t think I can commit to it on my own either. 5y
BarbaraBB I read it years ago and was surprised by how much I liked it! 5y
AnneCecilie I‘ve been thinking about reading this book this year. It has been standing on my shelves for 15 yrs 5y
mhillis I read this a few years ago and enjoyed it too! 5y
Leftcoastzen I‘m glad! I read it years ago,worth the effort. 5y
50 likes5 comments
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gradcat
Underworld: A Novel | Don DeLillo
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#RedRoseSeptember

(Day 20 - #TheLifeOfRiley)

*This is convoluted thinking for sure, but here goes: In the opening scene of the book, we‘re at the Polo Grounds, along with J. Edgar Hoover, Frank Sinatra, Toots Shor & Jackie Gleason. The game is NY Giants vs. Brooklyn Dodgers. Bobby Thomson hits a 3-run homer against Ralph Branca, thus securing the pennant for the Giants. This hit is known as “The Shot Heard ‘Round the World”—historical moment ⬇️

gradcat ⬆️ (Cont.) indeed for baseball. Now, here‘s the convolution: Jackie Gleason played the part of Riley in the TV show “The Life of Riley” for one season from 1949-1950 (and on the radio show in 1949). Get it? Too much? I know. Okay, bonus: Lenny Bruce also has a cameo role in this book, which in my opinion, is DeLillo‘s best. ⚾️ ♥️ (edited) 5y
Leftcoastzen I like him too. I know why some don‘t, he‘s a bit complicated.😂 5y
arlenefinnigan Nice! Would also work for tomorrow's prompt 😉 5y
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gradcat @Leftcoastzen I believe I‘ve read almost all of his books, and I can honestly say I love his writing. “Underworld” was really long AND really confusing, as you say, but I still love it. I have not read his last one, though... 5y
Ruthiella Makes sense! It‘s like seven degrees of Jackie Gleason! 😀 5y
gradcat @arlenefinnigan Oh, I see that now...and it probably would‘ve been better for that one. As it is, this post is like “three degrees of separation” re the prompt! 😂 5y
gradcat @Ruthiella Omigod! Your post came up at exactly the same time as my response to @arlenefinnigan ... we must think a lot alike—poor you! Just kidding! ♥️♥️♥️ 5y
Ruthiella 😀 5y
Cinfhen Your mind is a beautiful thing 😘😘 5y
gradcat @Cinfhen Thanks Cindy—you‘re a doll! ♥️ 5y
50 likes10 comments
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UnabridgedPod
Underworld: A Novel | Don DeLillo
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Our newest episode caused equal parts excitement and anxiety: I could NOT wait to hear what Sara and Ashley would recommend for me, but I was quite nervous about how they would receive my recommendations. Take a listen, and let us know what you think—are there any books you'd add?

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TheKidUpstairs
Underworld: A Novel | Don DeLillo
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The mask transformed him. For the first time in some years he did not see himself as a tenant in an old short popover body with an immense and lumpish head.

#masquerade #MusicalNewYear @Cinfhen @vivastory

IamIamIam I wear that headdress to PTA meetings occasionally... 😁😁😁😁 That's really spectacular!!! 6y
Cinfhen Fancy‼️😉😂 6y
vivastory Excellent choice. 6y
101 likes3 comments
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AMVP
Underworld: A Novel | Don DeLillo
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#augustisatrip #day6 - #hell

I remember at the start of the year, I'd resolved to read more long fiction like this. I certainly enjoyed reading White Noise, but that was a lot less imposing.

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andrew61
Underworld: A Novel | Don DeLillo
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#GetMovin #WayDownWeGo
I have gone with the title here rather than the subject.
I guess underworld counts. A great book with an incredible first chapter and memorable images of the planes in the desert.
Really want to reread but it's so big.

Vikkiha I have this in my stack but it is so long it is putting me off. 6y
andrew61 @Vikkiha i remember enjoying it but big books do need a lot of commitment - i generally aim one or two a year. 6y
30 likes2 comments
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Pickels437
Underworld: A Novel | Don DeLillo
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Henrik_Madsen
Underworld: A Novel | Don DeLillo
Mehso-so

A looong book about America during the cold war. There were good parts about baseball and art, but there was also too much going on and the writing never really gripped me. #1001books

RaimeyGallant Welcome! A few days ago, I asked everyone who was willing to follow back newer users to comment on a post. If you're interested, about 240 people have so far. To find the post, you can either scroll down my page, or use the magnifying glass icon, then select tags, then type: DirectUsersToThisTagButDontPostOrCommentWithIt ...Let me know if you decide to try it, because I'm excited to know how well this works for people. :) #litsywelcomewagon 7y
Wife Welcome to Litsy!🌹 7y
Jess7 Welcome to Litsy! 7y
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Eggs Welcome to Litsy 👋🏻👋🏻 7y
Ingerella Welcome to Litsy! 7y
CarolynM Welcome to Litsy! 7y
Logcabingal Welcome and enjoy!! 7y
Henrik_Madsen Thanks all. Nice to see so many book lovers in one place! 7y
TheKidUpstairs As a whole, I too found this one to be uneven. But that first chapter, about the baseball game, is one of my favourite stories about baseball (or any sport, really). It's brilliant. 7y
Henrik_Madsen Agreed. The first part was great but it tailed off after that. I couldn‘t relate to the main characters and was just too obviously an attempt to write a Great Novel. 7y
16 likes10 comments
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Lylah
Underworld: A Novel | Don DeLillo
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This is a really dense read and I keep having to read things twice 🌝

BookaholicNatty Ohhhh welcome to my life!!!!!!! I have to do that a lot!!! 7y
45 likes1 comment
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Lylah
Underworld: A Novel | Don DeLillo
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Books this big should always be hardcovers... my wrist hurts holding it open!

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Lylah
Underworld: A Novel | Don DeLillo
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Does anybody else enjoy reading books just because the font is aesthetically pleasing?

8leagueboot Yes, and I'm also so turned off to the content of something if the font is horrid. 7y
41 likes1 comment
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Lylah
Underworld: A Novel | Don DeLillo
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My next planned read!

wanderinglynn What a cutie-pie! ❤️🐱 7y
DebinHawaii Sweet! 🐱❤️ 7y
JoScho That cute pink nose 💕 7y
RohitSawant 😻😻 7y
59 likes4 comments
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ladyonequestion
Underworld: A Novel | Don DeLillo
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One of those books thar have been on my currently reading list forever (october 2016 😮). I like the writing a great deal but somehow end up getting caught up with other books! #hititorquitit #moodreader

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Liz_M
Underworld: A Novel | Don DeLillo
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Pickpick

I adore DeLillo's writing. I loved the opening of this novel, describing the final moments of a famous baseball game as witnessed by real life people. It kept me guessing how much of the many other interwoven plotlines were also real. I loved the balancing of so many plotlines, maintaining my interest in the baseball, in learning what crime Nick committed, what was the relationship with Klara, what happened to the nameless Bronx girl. It is epic.

arubabookwoman I loved Underworld many years ago, and want to reread. Also loved Libra. Haven‘t been thrilled with his other books I‘ve read. 7y
16 likes2 comments
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Liz_M
Underworld: A Novel | Don DeLillo

I may have accidentally tricked my bookclub into choosing this for Feb. We typically don't read anything more than 400 pages. Except for that one time I suggested The Power Broker as a joke and it won the vote. But I honestly thought this wasn't too long. Ooops, it's 800+ pages.

Billypar Ha- you're going to be popular ☺ I am curious about this one from all the praise- I wasn't a fan of White Noise but this sounds much different. 7y
Liz_M White Noise made an impression on me. Not exactly enjoyable, but I loved the ideas and the writing. One other member endorsed this choice so it's not solely my fault. :-D 7y
BarbaraBB I really liked this one, but it is definitely no easy read. 800 pages and reading backwards in time :) 7y
12 likes3 comments
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AMVP
Underworld: A Novel | Don DeLillo
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#riotgrams #day12 - #bookandlibrarycard

Found this #hardback edition of Underworld in the free book bin outside the local 2nd & Charles. It's a library copy from Florida, and I already have the book in #paperback, so I don't really know what to do with it.

The key fob at the bottom serves me for most of my library interactions. I've been meaning to get a new one since it's all stripped, but it always slips my mind.

9 likes1 stack add
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erzascarletbookgasm
Underworld: A Novel | Don DeLillo
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#aprilamazingreads 4.13 My physical copy at 827 pages, this book is considered to be my #amazingdoorstopper. Still sitting pretty, unread, on the shelf!

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erzascarletbookgasm
Underworld: A Novel | Don DeLillo
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#marchintoreading #startswithuvw from my TBR stacks. The W has been shortlisted for my #Litsyatoz read, the other two, one day..

Bambolina_81 @erzascarletbookgasm Villette is my favourite Bronte. A wonderfully atmospheric tale 😊 8y
55 likes1 comment
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hlgreenfield
Underworld: A Novel | Don DeLillo
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Mail just came!! #newbooks been meaning to read something by Don DeLillo for a while so I finally went ahead and bought on of his books! didn't realise it'd be this big, but looking forward to getting to it! also shout-out to one of my fav mugs that's next to it #booksandtea

utterKATEness DeLillo is a favorite of mine, I hope you enjoy Underworld! 8y
hlgreenfield @utterKATEness thanks :) that's great! I've heard nothing but good things about his books so I am expecting to love it! Hope I'm not disappointed. 8y
4 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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utterKATEness
Underworld: A Novel | Don DeLillo
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Warm tea, good book, fantastic cafe table. Ladies and Gents this is Webster's.

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Martamaia
Underworld: A Novel | Don DeLillo
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“Edgar looks at the faces around him, open and hopeful. He wants to feel a compatriot‘s nearness and affinity. All these people formed by language and climate and popular songs and breakfast foods and the jokes they tell and the cars they drive have never had anything in common so much as this, that they are sitting in the furrow of destruction."

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Martamaia
Underworld: A Novel | Don DeLillo
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This beast engulfs you in a forgotten world that was (maybe is) threatening and alive not so long ago. Don DeLillo takes you into the days of history makers that, from their common lives and grand decisions, shape the world as we know it.
No imagination could create a better metaphor than the bomb (and the power that comes along with it) for what human life is turning into.

2 likes1 stack add
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LorneGuyland
Underworld: A Novel | Don DeLillo
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Or if you like baseball...

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Taylor
Underworld: A Novel | Don DeLillo
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Pickpick

This is quite the journey. DeLillo is my favorite writer, and this is better than his earlier work. It's futuristic DeLillo: sinister and spiritual, and filled with the frenetic tensions and drama necessary to keep it gripping. A fascinating examination of America's uncontainable propulsion.

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Taylor
Underworld: A Novel | Don DeLillo

When you're reading your way through two books but one is so superior to the other that you never want to leave it...

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mauveandrosysky
Underworld: A Novel | Don DeLillo
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Mehso-so

I struggled with this. There's utter brilliance within, but much of it truly felt bloated + superfluous. Nevertheless, there's something undeniably special about experiencing a work of fiction like this from a master like DeLillo. I'm a huge fan of his, so this was a must-read + I'm glad I did it.

Taylor Yay you finished it 👏 8y
mauveandrosysky @Taylor 🎈🎉🎈🎉🎈 I powered through 200+ pages of it last night. I was determined to finally finish! Interested to hear what you think when you finish it. 8y
dylanisreading What novel(s) of DeLillo's would you recommend? I've only read Falling Man and I want to read more. 8y
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mauveandrosysky White Noise! A million times White Noise! It's what got me hooked on DeLillo. @Bianca 8y
dylanisreading @mauveandrosysky Added to my TBR! I'm going to look for a used copy. Thanks! 8y
mauveandrosysky Anytime! 😊 @Bianca 8y
15 likes1 stack add6 comments
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mauveandrosysky
Underworld: A Novel | Don DeLillo
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I've been very slowly making my way through this bad boy for a few months now. I LOVE DeLillo, so it pains me to say I'm not loving this. But I'm determined to finish. Gonna try to power through a bunch of it tonight. So close, so close...

ErickaS_Flyleafunfurled You need snacks and booze. I believe in you! 8y
mauveandrosysky @ErickaS Flyleafunfurled.com I really do! 😂 thanks! 8y
Taylor I love that we both have Underworld listed as currently reading. I'm enjoying it though. I'm not as far as you. But I'm also a huge DeLillo fan. 8y
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mauveandrosysky @Taylor me too! That's why I'm so distraught that I'm not enjoying it more 😩 haha. I'm definitely liking some passages way more than others. 8y
SarahKay I loved White Noise but Underworld didn't do it for me for some reason. 8y
mauveandrosysky @SarahKay same! White Noise is one of my favorite books of all time. I've liked DeLillo's other books too. This one is just so long and so many parts feel unnecessary. 8y
ErickaS_Flyleafunfurled Im about to try my first DeLillo (I'm a DeLillo virgin!). Im going to start with The Names. Is that a good first one for me? 8y
mauveandrosysky @ErickaS Flyleafunfurled.com I actually haven't read that one yet. I highly HIGHLY recommend White Noise though. 8y
16 likes8 comments
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Taylor
Underworld: A Novel | Don DeLillo
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Working my way through this and, naturally, loving it. It's grim and expansive--a bit mind altering. DeLillo is my favorite writer.

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JordanGraft
Underworld: A Novel | Don DeLillo
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Used bookstores are my lifeblood ❤️❤️❤️

brendanmleonard Oh man such great finds! Love De Lillo, and I love tracking Stephen King editions. 8y
thatkruegergirl That's a great stack! Picked up Dracula myself today! 8y
JodyS I love used book stores too! 8y
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Gayan IT and Misery, you scored! 8y
Sweettartlaura Underworld was great - enjoy! 8y
Sammidnightsun Mine to 8y
pageturnersnook IT is just ... amazing! 8y
emmaleegough Me too. Although I have to be careful as I have limited book space at the moment. :( 8y
Chelsey Me too!! 8y
96 likes6 stack adds9 comments