All The Answers

This is a very sad and quietly brilliant book that serves as a biography of Kupperman's father as well as a more subtle exploration of their relationship. It's full of perfectly rendered moments that can be funny, frustrating, or heartbreaking, but it never descends into maudlin sentimentality. I think the real genius of the book is how the personal story drives the biography but doesn't overshadow it; Michael Kupperman gradually learns that he won't get the answers he's looking for, and the divide between himself and his father will only be crossed with empathy.

Very sad and touching book. Learning about our parent's pasts changes the way we view them and ourselves. This book was beautifully drawn and even poetic at times. It's definitely a title that will stay on my bookshelf to be read again.

3.5 stars. Quick, sad and interesting - a slice of history I didn't know about and family dynamics that ring very true. The author says he's not sure if he did a good thing in writing this book but I am very glad that he did.