Misconception

I have to admit, when I got this book and saw how small it was, I figured it would be one of those feel good stories with little depth. I couldn't have been more wrong! I can't wait to read more by this author. Humor, just the right amount of angst and uncomfortability, and ends with the exact opposite of what I expected. I couldn't put this book down until I finished it. Fabulous writing.

At first I was inclined to write Misconception off as mostly forgettable, as a work constantly distracted by sexual references and cursing. But memorable scenes were to follow, enriched by fascinating notions like that of "capturing smeared bits of ESPN in the ice cubes." Combine that imagery with stunning food for thought like one character's observation that "God is the world's most prolific abortionist," hilarity like that of another character composing a two-and-a-half-page list of things she doesn't like about guys--a surprisingly insightful list coming from a male author--and some more interesting scenes, and you have a book that just might stick in your memory for quite a bit longer than the amount of time it took to read. I didn't give Ryan Boudinot enough credit to begin with; he clearly knows quite a bit about a variety of topics, but doesn't feel any particular pressure to prove that fact. I'm glad to have selected this book.

Most simply "Misconception" is a book about a book. Cedar Rivers, a doctor and dot com boomer, has been summoned to Albany, NY by Kat, his first girlfriend back when they were both young teens, just learning the world can be a hard place to grow up in. Kat has penned a memoir about that summer of their relationship, but with a catch--half of the book is from Cedar's point of view and the publisher's lawyers insist she gets him to sign off on it. On a snowy night in their hotel, she brings one chapter at a time to his room. As he reads, Cedar remembers that summer and how both his and Kat's worlds changed so much in such a little time. The two main characters are masterfully crafted, as is the plot. The story twists as the two former sweethearts remember when they learned that life is often unfair and that sometimes by trying to do the right things, you've accomplished the opposite. By the time you close the cover on this fine novel, you'll find that Mr. Boudinot has shown you many meanings of the word "misconception." This is a fine read. I've already ordered Boudinot's collection of short stories "The Littlest Hitler."

Updated: Revised this review after 3 unhelpful votes, so please take a read! Hope it is more helpful than before! ---------------------------------------------------- Boudinot has woven a multi-faceted story with Misconception. As the title hints, not everything is as it seems (or in this case, as it once seemed). Cedar Rivers is contacted by his first girlfriend, Kat, to review and sign off on her memoir. The memoir recalls their summer as first loves. Kat's lawyer feels she should get Cedar's approval as he is integral to the story, and there are some controversial events in it. As the story unfolds, Cedar gains more and more insight into the events that transpired many years before, and how things were not really as they seemed. The characters are nicely developed - human, flawed, and funny. Cedar and Kat have an awkward chemistry that is still present many years later. Boudinot writes their characters and musings in an unfinished style (I would like to believe it is on purpose), and it works very well. It makes the whole story seem more real. The story feels honestly told, and turns the reminiscing between the grown up characters during a snowed-in weekend in Albany into a captivating story. Kat spoon feeds Cedar her memoir to read, chapter by chapter, slowly and methodically. The book (and her autobiographical memoir) alternates between three voices - her adolescent perspective, (her version of) Cedar's perspective, and their interactions in the present. The whole thing feels like a choreographed dance. The end product holds your attention very well and helps you understand how complicated life can be. What seemed very clear cut many years before ends up being far more complicated than anyone ever imagined. Boudinot handles the transitions and revelations with equal parts humor and shock. Overall, a very interesting read.