book review

current read

Brave New World is an unsettling, loveless and even sinister place. This is because Huxley endows his "ideal" society with features calculated to alienate his audience. Typically, reading BNW elicits the very same disturbing feelings in the reader which the society it depicts has notionally vanquished - not a sense of joyful anticipation.

my thoughts

Running With Scissors - Augusten Burroughs

Once in the book the title 'Running With Scissors' is referenced, but I'd like to think that he choose the title as more of an affront to the adults in his life. Learning as a child to not run with scissors is one of those early lessons that everyone has. I'm sure that no one bothered to teach Augusten Burroughs this concept. To be raised by several self-absorbed, egocentric, loonatics doesn't seem to involve much education. One of the ideas put forth by Burroughs that I found fascinating was that even at the age of 14 when freedom is so desired, he had the presence of mind to know that although it was cool to not have any adult telling him what to do - it was sometimes troubling that no one ever told him what not-to-do. Most life lessons are better learned by making mistakes of one's own, but there is certainly something to be said for a little bit of guidance. Augusten Burroughs puts forth the story of his self-guided tour through childhood and early adulthood with humor and just the right amount of detachment so that they story isn't overwhelmingly depressing. One can conclude that in spite of the lack of direction and support that he received, Augusten ended up just where he wanted to be, in New York - successful.

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams

Need a little sci-fi? Need a little comedy? Need a little nonsense? Need a little fun? This book is for you. Allow yourself to be swept up on a whirlwind tour of the galaxy with several of the wackiest tour guides imaginable - including an indespensable electronic guide to all things existant. Earth - 'Mostly harmless'.

Focault's Pendulum - Umberto Eco

What is the difference between believing in truth and beliving in 'a truth' that has been made up by three unscrupulous editors that decide to reassemble history? History only exists if someone takes the time to construct it. It is not a problem solved by algebra, or theory proved in a lab...history is told from the point of view of the narrator (generally the victor) and is therefore always skewed. In Focault's Pendulum the 'history' that evolves from the tales of the Diabolicals and Cassaubon, Diotavelli, and Belbo is fascinating. They spend days, weeks, months, years spinning their tale. With the aid of the magic Albufia connections are made, conclusions are drawn and the underground society of the occult is stultified by the concoction. A rite is preformed leaving all undone...or is it?

Animal Farm - George Orwell

"supporters of the h-bomb and fire bombing clinic what type of shit is that? orwellian in fact if roe v wade was overturned would not the desire remain intact"
- Digable Planets

George W. Bush: Proposed different measures to improve the environment.
John Kerry: The Clear Skies bill is Orwellian and makes things worse.
- From the second presidential debate when asked about environmental policy

I felt that I had heard enough Orwell references which meant it was high time I decided to read an Orwellian novel. I'm glad that I did. Sometimes. This book which was published in 1945 could have been written yesterday, or a thousand years ago. George may have been writing a social commentary on totalitarianism, but this book can be read as a commentary on your basic power hungry rich 'pig' that controls society. The 'pig' can take many forms - dictator, CEO, president... it doesn't matter. What matters is the inevitable truth that falls off the pages of Animal Farm: somehow these 'pigs' always manage to find a way to 'dumb-it-down' for the people and keep them focused on the most inconsequential things so that their true actions aren't even noticed by the general public. Those who know, and could tell about the crimes being commited are part of the elite - the u83r l337 for you geeks out there - they are so blinded with the concept of having power that ethics aren't an issue, morality isn't an issue, kindness isn't an issue...you get the picture. I'll definately read on.

the lost continent - Bill Bryson

My third Bill Bryson read thus far. I must say to him that the cynicism got in the way of his usual light-hearted comedy this time. His commentary on the state of the nation is right on, people here have definately been set to 'zone' mode. He describes many towns in a way that can only be summed up as eye-sores. He mocks their lack of history and ridicules their way of life. He seems to have a great appreciation for the outdoors and nature, but why then doesn't he ridicule the town in the middle of Arizona with their lush green grass?

As far as his search for Amalgam, he never does find it. He does find several suitable towns from which if he could relocate small sections of each together to form one perfect town then perhaps...He does find himself in a few pickles that all travelers have found themselves in at one point in time or another - being stared down by the locals, no open restaurants for miles and miles and miles, dirty undies, and a general feeling of 'what am I hoping to get out of this?'

As my kids will tell you, the book did manage to have me laughing out loud and although it took me longer than it would had some of his bitterness been checked at the door, I did finish in good time. Some of the perspective that he gives and the never-ending string of trivia is right up my alley. Hopefully in the next Bill Bryson read, he will maintain his fluid writing style and wit, but leave some of the baggage with this trip!

Life of Pi - Yann Martel

Life of Pi can best be summed up as a spiritual journey. Even now, having read the book, I am still left wondering what was reality and what was fantasy. In a way, it doesn't matter. A remarkable young man endured a journey beyond threshold of most people's tolerance and through it all remained steadfast in his devotion to religion. I say religion and not God because of Pi's multi- tiered approach to worship. I felt a kinship with him as he struggled to define his beliefs. Whatever source his strength came from (I suspect it was his own resolve) is one to be reckoned with.

Putting aside the theme of religion, one must marvel at the author's imagination and ability to take the reader along for the ride. I clearly saw the images in my mind as I turned from one page to the next. I'd like to think that if I were to come across Richard Parker someday, I would be able to congratulate him on his success at surviving such an ordeal. As one oftens does, after experiencing the perils of a truly remarkable event, I am left to reflect on my own life. Wonder at the 'trials' and promise myself to focus much more on the successes. Only time will tell if a true lesson is to be learned.

A Walk in the Woods - Bill Bryson

If you happened to visit my adventures page before ending up here, you may wonder if this book has anything to do with my latest destination fascination. My answer is - YES! Bill Bryson made hiking the Appalachian Trail seem like returning home. In a way I feel that I have already seen the sights, smelled the smells and jumped at the sounds...but that makes me want it even more. I love books that make me laugh out loud and this one delivered. The idea of Snickers for breakfast in the back country was not something I had considered. However, I can certainly empathsize with Katz, wanting to throw out every 'useless' item on a tough hike is something all hikers have felt, what makes it hilarious is that he actually does it! Bill Bryson took me along on a journey that was whimsical, yet determined. The ease with which he can translate the most unlikely of situations into a familiar story is pure talent and I look forward to reading another of his works.

on the list

1984

The Ambushed Grand Jury

Oracle Night

Naked In Bahgdad

Courderoy

Running With Scissors

Foucaults Pendulum

The New Birth Order

Emotional Intelligence

Emotional Intelligence at Work

Red Spider White Web

The Other Bullen Girl

Animal Farm

Keeping the Love You Find

Familys First