Here’s a fun, new segment: archived book reviews! I’ll post these for funsies as they pique my interest (and as long as they don’t embarrass me too terribly much). Many of these first appeared in newsletters for Watermark Books and Cafe, a local, independent bookstore where I worked as a bookseller (and for a five-year stint as the Marketing Director) from 2006-2021.
The Miracle Letters of T. Rimberg by Geoff Herbach: A Review by Shelly Walston (& Rebekah Rine)
In our haste to complete this review, and as we were guided by author Geoff Herbach’s muse, only Shelly’s writings and responses to Rebekah’s questions appear. Neither Rebekah’s questions nor commentary appear in this review.
Review Attempt #1 – July 10, 2008
Yes, I’m reading the book, and I actually find it quite interesting. It’s something you have to piece together for yourself. T. Rimberg has a ridiculous sense of humor. I mean, taking his clothes off at the staff meeting! I love it! It’s true: no one pays attention at staff meetings!
Well, where are you in the book? I am around the part where Cranberry appears. Crazy kid.
How do you expect us to get this review completed if you haven’t even made it to Cranberry yet?
I’m just suggesting that you try to get a bit more read. It’s not my intention to put you off this review. It’s gonna be great. Don’t worry.
Yeah, maybe we should wait until you’ve read a bit further. I’m glad you suggested it.
Review Attempt #2 – July 12, 2008
I think I’m really getting the hang of the chronology of this book. I’m definitely getting used to the transcripts and letters. And even though Fr. Barry doesn’t really have a “voice,” I feel like I get to interpret him for myself. I’m still baffled, though, by the trip to Europe and Cranberry falling in love on the plane, but—
Cranberry. Cranberry and T. Wait. You still haven’t gotten to Cranberry?
No. Cranberry and T. don’t fall in love. There’s Kaatje and Chels for each of them, respectively. Well, Chels more in the past. I don’t want to ruin it for you. I mean, you have to figure these things out as you go along.
I don’t know why Herbach wrote it this way, I hear he’s some kind of performance artist, or something. Maybe he’s trying to make a statement. I like. Reminds me of An Arsonist’s Guide to Writer’s Homes in New England. T. is just that pathetic kind of guy who you want to cheer for, even though he’s on a downward spiral. But I guess you haven’t even met Cranberry yet, so…
I have to work too. You can’t say that.
Fine. Write your own review. I don’t need your help anyway.
Review Attempt #3 – July 15, 2008
I just want to apologize for the way things ended last time. I know you’re busy.
No, it’s okay. I got flustered too. Let’s just finish this review.
So you made it to England, I see. I totally agree that T.’s relationship with his father was…disturbed, as was his relationship with David, his brother. Twisted. It’s crazy, though, how T. has the dreams; they’re almost too vivid.
Definitely. They do get more vivid as his year before his “miracle” progresses. Weird vivid.
I think his distorted view of religion plays a major part in the novel. I mean, he’s a semi-Semite, raised by a Catholic mother and talking to a priest after he attempts suicide. Not to mention that he writes that ridiculous letter to Jesus while drunk. Yeah. Religion plays a part.
Yeah, I know we’ve got finish this. Geoff Herbach’s showing up in nearly 24 hours. Any ideas about what to write?
But don’t you kind of think people might get confused?
That’s true. Yeah. I think we should give it a try.
shelly. walston. writes. 