"The Final Solution: A Story of Detection" by Michael Chabon

In "The Final Solution," Michael Chabon gives us the story of the world-famous detective cracking the case of the interrogated parrot. It turns out someone did the parrot's owner in, and was questioning the parrot. It turns out the parrot knew and could recite rail car numbers of Jews being transported in the camps in the Final Solution. The "world famous detective" is not identified in the book, but no doubt is left before you finish. Conan Doyle's hero cannot be mistaken.

This is a haunting little story, with a favorable ending; it's a sweet confection weighted with heavy themes. I enjoyed Chabon quite a bit at this length. "Kavalier and Clay" is too long.

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"The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay" by Michael Chabon

There are some highly diverting pages early in this renowned piece, with various passages in which I took delight. However ... as the story wore on, I began to wear out. This story took a very labored route to its main point, the Hebrew legend of the Golem, and became weighed down like the Golem's clay legs.

This book just seemed like such an effort to get through, and when I did slog my way fully through it, I grudged the effort. I could have spent my time more profitably.

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