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August 11, 2009
 Entering a book is a bit like entering the ocean, one hopes for soft sand and a smooth gentle slope, a seamless drawing in, a comfortable suspension of disbelief, but there is always the chance of a sudden wave occasioning a wallop and a step backward. Nothing occasions a more precipitous retreat, in my view, than ironically meaningful names. This morning, as I was stepping into a young adult book due out shortly, I encountered a butler named Mr. Niceley, who is mean, and a guardian named Mr. Saint, who is evil. I took a few steps back and reconsidered.
"Why," one can't help wondering, "is this happening? How do these patently ironical names help the book?" The tradition of meaningful names is of long standing, true. Few modern readers could plumb the naming depths of Thomas Mann's
Death in Venice, for example, without a copy Of Graves'
The Greek Myths at hand. Also, there is no question that apropos names can be done well. Mary Nash's Mrs. Coverlet books are filled with wonderful characters like Miss Eva Penalty, and Mr. Bouncer, the vitamin salesman. What makes some instances so charming, and some so jarring and ill advised? Is there a pattern? Let me throw this out for discussion. I would say that apropos names can break either way, the result being a matter of touch and skill, but that ironic names are almost uniformly unfortunate. What do you think? Let us know on our Facebook discussion page, or by email!
Here they are! Our weekly picks for the two best: two hardcover, two paperback, and two children's books. The very best new arrivals to leap out of the box and onto our shelves this week. Call or email us if you want more information on any of these titles, or to have us hold you a copy. Or stop in and check them out in person. We'd love to see you. Thanks as always for sharing your reading with us!
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