What’s your favorite comic novel?

We are now in our third year of NBCC Reads. This survey allows us to draw on the bookish expertise of our membership, along with former NBCC winners and finalists. Three times a year, we pose a question to NBCC members, former winners and finalists. The results are posted here on Critical Mass. We do not tabulate votes or rank the titles under discussion. Instead, we simply give an idea of the authors or particular titles that seem to be tickling the collective fancy of the organization. We will also post specific responses as “Long Tail” entries on the blog, and sponsor related panels from coast to coast. (Let us know if you'd like to set up or take part in one in your community.)

Now, for the current question. What is your favorite comic novel?

This year's NBCC awardee in fiction, Jennifer Egan's at-times hilarious A VISIT FROM THE GOON SQUAD, and Irish writer Paul Murray's darkly comic SKIPPY DIES, an NBCC fiction finalist this year, inspired the question.

Some of the examples that come to mind: Evelyn Waugh's THE LOVED ONE, Nathanael West's MISS LONELYHEARTS, Dawn Powell's A TIME TO BE BORN, Joseph Heller's CATCH-22, Jane Smiley's MOO, Kurt Vonnegut's BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS, and, more recently, Rick Moody's THE FOUR FINGERS OF DEATH, Tom Rachman's THE IMPERFECTIONISTS,

Don't put it off. Deadline in two weeks: April 25, 2011.

New or old titles are all eligible, and we encourage you to send along a few sentences explaining your choice (or choices).

Please direct your comments and suggestions to jane[dot]ciabattari@bookcritics[dot]org

Given the volume of responses, we will not be acknowledging your emails, but rest assured, they will be read with maniacal attention and curiosity.

Please do it now, while you're thinking about it. The deadline is April 25. We look forward to hearing from you!