What Is the What writes: "Over the course of many years, Dave and I have collaborated to tell my story... I told [him] what I knew and what I could remember, and from that material he created this work of art." The book is typical of Eggers' style: blending non-fictional and fictional elements into a non-fiction novel or memoir. By classifying the book a novel, Eggers says, he freed himself to re-create conversations, streamline complex relationships, add relevant detail and manipulate time and space in helpful ways—all while maintaining the essential truthfulness of the storytelling. However, not all critics were impressed. Lee Siegel sees
The Idiot (album) "China Girl" on 1983's "Let's Dance" became a major hit. Pop himself has called "The Idiot" his "album of freedom". Siouxsie Sioux described it as "re-affirmation that our suspicions were true – the man was a genius and what a voice!" The album has been cited as a major influence on a number of post-punk, electronic and industrial artists including Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails and Joy Division, whose lead singer Ian Curtis was found hanged in 1980 with the record still spinning on his turntable. Killing Joke's Martin Glover also described "The Idiot" as one of his favorite albums.