As much as I empathized with Aaron, I found the book just a little trite. At times it read like "Catcher in the Rye"-relating Aaron's adventures in urbania in a manner similar to Salinger's treatment of Holden Caulfield. However, I enjoyed some of the humor-however morose it might be. The plot seems rather thin at times, but picks up enjoyably in the prose. All together, this is not a visionary masterpiece, but it is a solid debut by Lazar. It might even be read as a complement to "CITR", but only as a supplement to Salinger.

I meet this guy at a party and he has a book published, so I figure I'll read it. The first chapter ended with my turning to my wife and saying, "Oh man, I don't want to read this book." From the second chapter on I couldn't put the thing down. Near the end I found myself slowing down and reading it less often - Our relationship (the book and I) had grown and I knew it would end soon. So I tried to prolong it. I thought it was terrifically well-written. The first and last chapters seemed off somehow. A wonderful sandwich on stale bread. But who am I to critique: I don't have a book publshed. Read this book - but don't look too closely at the cover photo - it will detract from the image you form of Aaron in your mind's eye.

"Aaron, Approxiamtely" is one of the most poignant novels I've read thus far. Lazar does an incredible job buidling a deep, almost unnerving sense of loss in his character, which seems to jump from the page and into the reader's heart as well. I finished this book tears, but at the same time feeling calm, as if a cool and comforting breeze was running over me. I anxiously anticipate Lazar's next novel!