Jeffrey Eugenides, Middlesex: 10/8/09
Readers were either engrossed or put off by the historical beginning section of this novel, but most ultimately found it to be a beautifully written and absorbing exploration of identity. Eugenides writes of an unusual condition that could easily be made to appear freakish. However, he writes in such a way that the reader is able to identify with the ordinariness of this character. The humor and tragedy woven throughout are true to life, as are the stories of being different, keeping secrets, and personal (and urban) transformation. -KT