For most of this novel we’re stuck following a person who has no goal, no dream, no quest. And his seeming not to care what happens to him enough to do anything about it, ever, made it impossible for me to care either.

Telling a story from multiple points of view makes two terrific books more than entertaining.

An epic virtual discussion of our absolute favorites of 2010 — in every category we could think of — and why each one made the list.

Brian and Spencer discuss albums by Sleigh Bells, The National, and The Black Keys, and the novels Matterhorn and A Game of Thrones (Song of Ice & Fire vol 1). Also, the shows they’re keeping busy with this summer (Avatar: The Last Airbender and Daria) and the stupid movies they’re not seeing.

What makes Klosterman such an interesting writer is a keen eye for human behavior, not just artistic expression. And that’s why ‘Downtown Owl’ works.