Underworld, Don Delillo

Underworld was called the runner up to the best novel of the century by the New York Times.  I must say that I don't agree.  I recently read a quote (also in the Times) that sums up this book pretty well : "Books can be long, books can be boring, but they shouldn't be both". 

There were passages that were very well done, and at times I felt I was watching contemporary culture descriptions similar to those in the Rabbit series by Updike.  Overall however, a few good descriptions & insights to modern times doesn't make up for characters that are forgettable or flat, nor for a lack of storyline. 

I will give Delillo another try - I have Falling Man on my shelves, but this book wasn't convincing.