Happy Birthday, Joyce Carol Oates

Born this day in 1938, sez the Encyclopedia Britannica, which describes her as an "American novelist, short-story writer, and essayist noted for her vast literary output in a variety of styles and genres. Particularly effective are her depictions of violence and evil in modern society."

True confession time: I've never finished a JCO book. I get bored. I find I can't care about the characters or their situations. I find Ms Oate's style thick and, well, boring.

Here's more from Britannica:

"Oates’s novels encompass a variety of historical settings and literary genres. She typically portrays American individuals whose intensely experienced and obsessive lives end in bloodshed and self-destruction owing to larger forces beyond their control. Her books blend a realistic treatment of everyday life with horrific and even sensational depictions of violence."

Yummy!