Doxology - Nell Zink

​I know I’m supposed to say something bitingly clever about this satirical novel by trending satirist and social commentator Nell Zink, but I can’t bring myself to do it. I liked Zink's breezy Aaron Sorkin style narration. I, mostly, became attached to her characters, although their self-defeating life strategies were tiresome at times, and Joe can be really annoying but we're not supposed to say that because he has something called Williams Syndrome. So I take that back. Williams Syndrome is the opposite of autism. So you can imagine, this guy is out there socially, and a non-stop high wire act. Lotta lotta impulsive manic behavior, and not just in Joe's orbit.
Colorful fringe characters abound in this satirical and subversive family history of the last 30 years of NY/DC-centric life. It’s perspectives expand and contract geographically as the decades roll and 9/11 disturbs everyone’s life trajectory with its seismic reorientation of American life.
Doxology has a coherent, character-driven narrative, but at its soul it’s a zinger fest.
Hilarious, at times astonishing, social commentary. Sometimes just this side of glib.
If something observed has been popping up on your radar but you haven’t been able to articulate its essence, Nell Zink tosses the perfectly thrown dart. It’s a little like meeting someone for the first time and really connecting. This Nell Zink really knows me and what I’m thinking. A lot of readers will appreciate the vitality of her writing. Dare I say it... this is an important voice. She has an almost god-like societal acumen not to mention, by the way, being a mind meld of the best rock critics of the last two decades. Her characters are witty people. Smart, quick on their feet. Self-contemplative without self-pity. Good people, with few exceptions, but complicated as we all are. Treat yourself.

​Submitted by Ned