SOUTH OF NO NORTH - Charles Bukowski

Here is a book I finished September 13th 2014 at 11:10am while at work.  The full working title of the book is; South of No North - Stories of the Buried Life. Although only South of No North appears on the cover.

The idea to read this book came from a preexisting love of Bukowski.  I have over 13 of his novels and collected poems, all of which will be reviewed here.  As I was strolling through the bookstore on my birthday last month I came across this one.  Realizing I did not own it yet, it was a must read - but first a must buy.

Without giving too much away, this book was first published in 1973 (4 years before I was born)  It is compiled of 27 short stories that one would expect from Bukowski.  Tales from the race track, tales of the drunk and downtrodden, and unspeakable sexual acts not fit to be said out-loud.  These are just a few of the reasons why fans of Bukowski love him so dearly.  As with the rest of his works they are partially autobiographical and give the reader the all too familiar glance into a day in the life.  The reoccurring Hank Chinaski is a common thread on the adventures depicted throughout, a character Bukowski loyalist are all too familiar with.  There were a few in here that really made my stomach turn, and this is not what I am used to with Bukowski so it was nice to be surprised. (not that it's a nice feeling - fans catch my drift.)  

My top 5 in this collection are:  1.  Politics. (I just really enjoyed the way this ended)  2.  Love For $17.50. (A strange tale about a man who falls in love with a mannequin.  Not too far off from some recent documentaries I've seen about men falling in love with sex dolls - very unusual story)  3.  The Killers. (Black humor at its finest, about a couple of burglars and a comical analysis on lack of remorse. The ending got me.)  4.  Stop Staring at My Tits Mister (A Bukowski-style dark western, again with a shocking end I did not see coming - although should have.  This was one of the stories that left an impression to say the very least.  I am undecided if that impression is good. ) 5.  Pittsburgh Phil & Co. (a tale from the race track, a nice twist of fate with the Bukowski finish I enjoy)

I recommend this book for those trying to complete their Bukowski collection.  This book has a few gems you don't want to be without.  Listed above are 5 that really stood apart from the rest for me.

This book in this picture is 189 pages long and it took me 3 days to read.

On my sliding scale I gave this book an 8/10.  It was typical Bukowski, he doesn't change much as all fans know.  There were parts in this one that made me cringe, not unlike some of his others.  I wouldn't change him for the world. Check this one out of you're a fan.  If not, run far away in the other direction.  

BRAVE NEW WORLD - Aldous Huxley.

Here is a book I read in April of 1998 while on a 2 month trek trough Ireland. It was one of three books I read while there.  The others being 'Steppenwolf by Hermann Hesse and Doors of Perception, Heaven and Hell also by Huxley (all reviewed here)

The idea to read this book was most likely due to having enjoyed the brief attempt I had given it in high school.  I am not sure which grade level this book is read at anymore, it was just too long ago.  Needless to say I wasn't quite so eager to finish it then, so made up for it when hitting a rainy stint of weather in Ireland. (surprise)

Without giving too much away, this was Huxley's first Dystopian novel, published in 1932.  The main theme of the story shows us a futuristic society where most of humanity is governed by one supreme power called The World State.  The World State has each member of society predetermined to fill certain roles; a caste system.  When you are born, you are born into a certain job, lifestyle, privilege etc... On the contrary to The World State are geographical areas filled with what Huxley has called "the savages" Picture if you will the reservation land for the Native Americans in North America. (sad but true)  In regards to the World State; Huxley spends a great deal of time and detail behind the science of the very complex birthing process, and he gives much detail to the how and why the world is set up in such a way as to be governed by The World State.  This attention to detail makes the book more enjoyable to read, as Huxley has a way of painting a picture for the reader that leaves nothing unexplained. The world State has set up society so that all are willing to subscribe to it from birth.  Brainwashing and a population cap sets up the society so that no one goes without their wants, as the wants are prescribed and embedded into the population.  If a holiday is required there is a drug called 'Soma' that offers the escape everyone is looking for; the only World State sanctioned vacation desired by most. This eliminates the natural human instinct to search out individualism which the World State fears might threaten the State itself. Again, Huxley spends so much time going over the rules of the State that this review would take pages and pages.  By what has been said so far you can get an idea, I won't spoil the rest of the fun details.

The main plot revolves around a handful of characters living in The World State scenario.  Some find they are faced with thoughts and feelings of individualism that threaten their positions in the State.  I have left many characters out to limit the review here on purpose, however, the main characters are; Bernard Marx, Helmholtz Watson, Lenina Crowne, Linda (mother of John), John (Linda and Thomas' son), Thomas (Director of Hatcheries and Conditioning and Johns father), and  Mustapha Mond (the big boss of the area, controller of one of the ten zones which make up The World State)

Linda and John live in the Savage lands for reasons you'll find out when you reads the book.  Thomas (who is Johns father), denies their existence and still maintains his role of director in The World State.  When Bernard and Lenina vacation to the savage lands they meet Linda and John and put the story together as to why they no longer live in The World State. Bernard arranges for them to return to The World State, which is desirable at first.  While there Bernard, after being threatened by Thomas, exposes the truth about John.  Thomas is shamed and resigns from his position.  For a time, John becomes a celebrity; a savage living amongst the people.  Linda, happy to be home falls into a Soma overdose and John annoyed at the lack of compassion disrupts daily life with the help of Helmholtz. The controller Mustapha, a man who is no stranger to individualism himself, but who sees the theoretical need to abandon it for the "greater good" of The World State (who I found to be one of the most interesting characters in the book), must now make a choice.  As it turns out Bernard and Helmholtz are exiled for helping John. While Helmholtz finds this a desirable punishment, Bernard sadly does not.  John is kept on in The World State and, in a sense, he is studied until he is faced with an ultimate decision in order to come to terms with a series of maddening events which will decide the fate of he and Lenina. ( I won't spoil).

Upon careful examination, it seems to appear that Huxley is writing about a fear of losing ones identity, or the sense of the individual.  Compare this classic tale written in the 1931 with society today; year 2014 - and this is the true power behind the book as far as I am concerned.  Does it not feel like we are being moved into a World State scenario in our everyday lives today?  Take a look at John in the book and his promotion from savage to celebrity.  Now look at celebrity worship as a whole in our society - constant idolization and surveillance that is enough to drive modern day celebrity power completely off the deep end, just as John is forced at the end of this book.  The juxtapositions between this book and modern Western society today are staggeringly similar when you adapt an initiated view, and this is only looking at the aforementioned example which is just a tiny glance into the book.  There is so much room for interpretation, it truly becomes endless.

I read a review on Huxley where it stated he was concerned that a government who would choose to give us all that we wanted would reduce us to a  brainless 'passive culture'.  We would concern ourselves with a fake 'race' to an imagined finish line.  Any quest for truth would be diluted in an abyss of information overload.  Huxley feared we would become a trivial culture, preoccupied with a meaningless society based on pleasure seeking as the highest reward for our actions, as the true measure of  life's accomplishment.  In short, he feared a society where we would be controlled by having access to complete opportunity to fulfill our greatest desires. (in other words; constant access to pleasure)  It looks as if his fears summed to one lesson; that our quest for pleasure would destroy us and make us easy to herd and control.  It doesn't take a burning intellect to see that his greatest fears are coming true.  We truly are turning into these things almost exactly - pretty spooky. I'd like to go on further but I have some TV to watch, a video game to play, some internet to surf, and a whole whack of other brainless activities that take priority.  Not to mention I need to go to the mall to get my winter outfits ready for the season change.

I recommend this book for anyone interested in modern day social commentary.  This book has come to be known as the 'lighthouse' book on the topic - or most certainly one that has received a great deal of attention that leads others interested to it.  When you begin to examine the lessons told in this book and compare them to society today, you might begin to experience a very real sense of discomfort. This makes it a good place to start for those interested in social commentary.  As I have been told by some other readers; there is a novel titled 'WE' that has similar themes written before Huxley penned this gem.  George Orwell (apparently) accused Huxley of stealing ideas from 'WE' for this book.  I have yet to acquire a copy of 'WE' but will comment further after I have. Orwells '1984' might be of interest for those dystopian fans, not to mention Huxley's last novel 'ISLAND' (also reviewed here) which takes the themes of this book to another level all together.

This book is 237 pages long and I was able to read it over 2 rainy days from the comforts of my hostel.

On my sliding scale I give this book a solid 10/10.  I enjoy the thought of this book being written so many years ago and still being so relevant today - this is still a book that gets much attention and is up for so much discussion if one chooses.  I found this book to be very difficult to review as there was just too much meat on the bones as far as discussion potential goes.  I was unable to give any one portion of the book enough attention and for this I am regretful.  This is a MUST read, a deep philosophical journey that deserves your own interpretation.  Are certain aspects of this book becoming a reality today?  Give it a read, decide for yourself and drop me a comment.

THE SEA IS MY BROTHER - Jack Kerouac

Here is a book I finished reading on September 2nd 2014 at 9:00pm while at home.

The idea to read this book came in the form of a birthday present.  I had just finished reading a book by Bill Morgan detailing the lives of the Beat Writers, which is probably what sparked the idea for the gift.  It's nice to have friends that pay attention.

Without giving too much away the book tells the story of Wesley Martin and Bill Everhart.  Both characters seem to be based on different halves of the real Jack Kerouac. The free-spirited Wesley is the classic Kerouac nomad, a traveling man living every day for its own worth and seeking high adventure where he can find it.  You see this type of character in most of his later works, and in the living flesh of his real life acquaintances (enter Neal Cassady)  Wesley rolls into town from the docks, having pissed away his earnings on booze and women he finds himself in a diner where he meets Bill.  Bill is the other side of what a 20 year old Kerouac might have truly seen himself to be; a burning intellect, and in the novel a young professor at Columbia University. Bill has lived the life of theory with little hands-on life experience. He is easily seduced by Wesley's stories and experiences and wants to live a portion of them for himself.  The pair embark on a small adventure, which leads Bill to follow Wesley on his next merchant marine voyage to Greenland.  Because the story is so short I won't give anything more away. 

I recommend this book for Kerouac lovers. This one had slipped past my radar growing up, and I wasn't sure why at first.  I found out that this was published in 2011, long after my original run at the 'beat' writers. To my surprise this surfaced and has rekindled my love of Kerouac specifically.  

The book was largely criticized for being too armature, a young Kerouac's attempt to be the writer he dreamed of, but wasn't quite yet.  When I read those reviews I laughed...simply becasue they were right.  But instead of giving the book a poor review becasue of that , I found that I was celebrating the book for those reasons.  This is a young Jack Kerouac writing about his experiences (although short lived) in the merchant marines, and what's there not to love about getting a taste of his style and technique in their earliest recorded stages?  Perhaps you truly need to be a fan of his later works (which I am) to fully appreciate a glance at the roots.  We might all too often see Kerouac as a literary force that simply just came to be, with no visible roots upon which he based his evolution.  The Sea is My Brother shows us that he did indeed have to earn his dues before becoming the author we know him as today through his later and more popular works.      

This book in this picture is 216 pages long and it took me one day to read.
On my sliding scale I give this book a solid 10/10.  Perhaps I am being nostalgic and ranking one of my favorite authors too high, however, truly I feel this book was a perfectly written first novel.  It told me a perfect story, a VERY light read, that gave me exactly what I needed at exactly the right time. I was very happy to have finally read it after all the years it sat in the Kerouac estate unpublished and waiting for me.

SET THIS HOUSE ON FIRE - William Styron

Here is a book I finished reading on July 30th 2014 at 11:41pm while at home.

The idea to read this book came after reading Styron's Darkness Visible (also reviewed here)

Without giving too much away (but there are some major spoilers here), the book is broken up into two parts.  The first part takes a look at the intersecting lives of a group of characters, mainly, southern lawyer Peter Leverett,  artist Cass Kinsolving, and wealthy playboy Mason Flagg. Our narrator Peter recounts the memories of his vacation where he travels to a small town in Italy called Sambuco, where he is reunited with his old friend Mason Flagg.  Not long after his arrival Mason is discovered dead.  Peter who has his suspicions is not to figure out the riddle until the second part of the book.
The second part is primarily a character study based on the background of Cass Kinsolving and his conversations with Peter where we get a closer explanation of what really happened the night Mason was killed. I say 'character study' becasue the second part reads like an unnecessarily deep scaled look into Cass, giving details that are nice to know, but for me not important for the development of the story that just rocks your world in part one. Part two introduces an interesting character named Luigi; a police officer with a deeply rooted philosophical conscience, that I wish more of that part was dedicated to. 
Truly, part one set ME on fire with anticipation to get to part two as quickly as possible.  I had an uncontrollable excitement that so rarely occurs and ONLY does with the right kind of book, which must have the ability to set the right kind of mood.  But, once I arrived at part two and began to slip the pages I literally stalled, I began to struggle to get the pages finished, and often wondered if Styron had made a terrible mistake.  It was like an entirely different read.

I recommend this book for readers looking for a lengthy read that leaves NOTHING to the imagination, and I truly don't say this in a negative light.  This book is exquisitely written, as I have found all the works of Styron so far (at point of this review I am only 3 deep). As such, he never once lets the reader miss something, or to peer too deeply into the hearts of the characters on their own.  It is all written out (in unnecessary length at times) but all parts summing together to give you the full experience. If you're going on a trip, or a lazy vacation; this might just be what the doctor ordered, as you'll require some time to finish it.

This book (as seen in the picture) is a densely written 507 pages long and took me approx one month to read this mammoth. This was remarkably longer than I would have liked, however, I was letting other books get in the way of its completion due to the drawn-out nature of the second part, which I can honestly say took away from the enjoyment overall.  Please note this books first part can stand alone as an example of triumph in literary mastery!!

On my sliding scale I give this book a solid 8/10.  I could have easily given this book a 10/10 if it hadn't have been for the second part interfering with the beautifully composed first part.  Styron, for those familiar, is a MASTER storyteller, and he has been compared to Hemingway with his insanely intelligent 'wordiness' for better lack of terms. (obviously I do not suffer from the same) You can tell while reading this that Styron sincerely is a burning intellect.  This is not a bad thing, and I could appreciate that style for the first 241 pages of part one which took me to a new level.  However, part two became too drawn out for me, and there was far too much examination of Cass's life that I felt was unnecessary, and as already stated; it ended up actually taking away from the full force of the story.  All that being said, this is without question worth reading; a MUST for fans of a long and complicated story that never leaves you requiring the details that other books often do.  Styron has written damn near everything you should hope to discover about the story...and sadly just a little bit more.

THE TYPEWRITER IS HOLY - Bill Morgan

Here is a book I finished on September 1st 2014 at 7:30pm while at home.

The full working title of the book is; The Typewriter is Holy - The Complete Uncensored History of the Beat Generation.

The idea to read this was two-fold.  For one; I have a soft spot for what has been called "The Beat Generation" A great deal of my reviews are of books by, or close to the time, the 'Beat' renaissance writers were writing.  For two; I was in the right place at the right time and found his book in a discount bin for only 2.00 Canadian dollars. That is less than a cheap cup of coffee these days.  So, I literally had no choice.  I had to buy it, and I happily did.

Without giving too much away this is a work on non-fiction, written by Bill Morgan.  Morgan, who has worked as an editor and archival consultant for nearly each of the writers from that time, has painted an interesting picture for us Beat lovers. The author states that this book gives an "uncensored" look at the writers from this era.  For certain, this book offers a ripe history of some of the greatest and most influential writers from that time, and for me at least, it shed light on a lot of topics I was previously unaware of from that time.  If you have read individual biographies of some of the Beat contributors as I have, than there will be some overlap and this DID leave me bored some of the time.  However, over all, this was a necessary read for me, it answered previous questions I had had about the chronology of events in the lives of some of my most celebrated writers, and it sparked an interest for me to revisit some of the old books on my shelf - all of which I plan to review here. At the same time I will be reliving the joys of those writers that made me love reading as much as I do today.  I found at times, (and to be expected due to Morgans close relationship with Ginsberg),that Morgan is quite partial to Ginsberg and seems to say nothing overly controversial in regards to his former friend.  Morgan is constantly reminding the reader, in his references to Ginsberg, that he was all too often the glue that held the Beat renaissance together, almost single-handedly it seems. Whether this is bias or not doesn't take away from the interest of the read.  If you love The Beats, this is a must read! 

I recommend this book for everyone who has had a love, at one time or another, for the key writers in what has come to be known as 'The Beat Generation'.  Although some of the writers (ironically Kerouac) hated being associated with that title, this book gives great detail into the lives of each of the key players from that era.  On one hand this book can act as a springboard into getting your Beat knowledge up to par before embarking on the long journey of familiarizing yourself with the writers from that time.  However, this book can also act as a supplemental, filling in the blanks for someone who is already a seasoned Beat reader, and who has sampled many of the delights from them. 

This book in this picture is 250 pages long (before source notes) and took me 2 days to read.

On my sliding scale I give this book a solid 9/10.  I thoroughly enjoyed the way in which Morgan chronicled the instances of so many lives in a fashion that had readability with little effort.  I have read many books on the individual lives of specific Beat writers, but never had I seen such a complete picture of what they were all doing at given points in history.  Well worth the time to read.

MOCKINGBIRD WISH ME LUCK - Charles Bukowski

Here is a book I finished reading sometime in 1998 or 1999 as a University student.  Exact date and time wasn't recorded. (I didn't always write that in the cover back then)

I own 13 Bukowski books and will review them all in this blog at some point. For his collected poems the reviews will be quite short - his novels will get a proper review. Stay tuned for more if they are not posted yet. If you're a fan please leave comments.

The idea to read this book came from my girlfriend at the time (Kelly) who after dating me for awhile figured that Bukowski was my kind of guy.  Now that I have read well over a dozen of his novels and collected poems, I am unsure how I feel about that.  For those of you who know Bukowski like I do, I am sure you can understand why.

Without giving too much away the book is complied of around 120 poems.  As with all Bukowski's collect poetry that I will review in this blog, there isn't much I can say that you won't find out on your own. Poetry is particularly hard for me to review, so I will say little except to recommend that you read them.  I will also list 10 of my favorites for the sake of sharing, although there were so many more than that in this book specifically.

Here are a few I really enjoyed:  1. a free 25 page booklet. 2. the garbage man.  3. rain.  4. drunk ol' bukowski drunk.  5. slim killers  6. story and poem.  7. the inquisitor.  8. the mockingbird.  9. the rat.  10. hot.
 
Bukowski has so many moments of brutal honesty, for example in 'drunk ol' bukowski drunk' and 'the inquisitor' the reader can easily see him as he existed in real life as these things unfold.  From what I have learned about Charles Bukowski, his poems are like tiny glances into his actual life.  Take 'the rat' for example, or 'hot'  I don't think there was ever any pretending with Bukowski.  

I recommend this book for all those of you who know what I am talking about when I say that you have to enjoy the 'Bukowski-style' in order to dig it.  Trust me when I say you would also enjoy Canadian Author; Juan Butler (who I consider to be the Canadian equivalent - also reviewed in this blog.)  

This book is 159 pages long and I remember finishing it really quickly, I was an instant fan.

On my sliding scale I give this book a solid 9/10 - It's a great introduction to Bukowski if you were to treat it as such.  I am very lucky to have obtained a copy back when Black Sparrow Press was still around (Google it) The Black Sparrow publications always had the greatest paper textures for their covers, and this book is no exception.  If you like to collect and own hard copies of what you read (as I do) this simple pleasure can be very appealing. 

DIARY - Chuck Palahnuik

Here is a book I finished on Wednesday June 25th 2014 at 3:31am while at home.

The idea to read this book (as you may know from my other Palahnuik reviews - Sorry, I am a broken record) was started by a co-worker who recommended the author to me. 

Without giving too much away the book revolves around main character Misty Wilmont and her life on Waytansea Island.  Misty is a young artist in art school when she meets her husband Peter.   The two fall in love and eventually move to the island where Peter was born.  The years go by and Misty puts her dreams of becoming a painter aside and takes a job at the island hotel as a waitress. Over the years she raises their daughter, develops a drinking problem, takes too many pills, and Peter falls into a coma after a failed suicide attempt - but only after he leaves behind a seriously deranged series of messages which he has enclosed in hidden rooms of the rich tourist homes he was contracted to renovate.  Not so slowly, the plot unfolds and Misty discovers (with the help of her husbands gay lover Angel Delaporte) that she is, not only the reincarnation of two older artists, but that she was also recruited by Peter and the other island locals to help destroy the islands rich tourist inhabitants who they feel are destroying Waytansea's way of life.

In Palahnuik fashion, the book is rife with passages that don't make sense until you uncover the full story.  I think Palahnuik was probably hoping to 'wow' his readers with this eventual conclusion - but Diary fell short, and the build up simply didn't reach a high enough peak before dropping the reader down the other side; the 'holy-shit-I-did-not-see-that-coming' moment just wasn't there, and I was left feeling that Palahnuik wrote this too quickly; there was so much room for him to get into greater character detail.  This is a common criticism for me when reviewing Palahnuik.

Like Palahnuik's Pygmy, this book is written in an unconventional way - Diary is written in a diary style (hence the name) written in the third person. (See Nausea by Sartre also reviewed here of you like the diary format) The purpose of the Diary is that it is to be left for Misty's husband Peter to have as a recollection of events if /when he wakes from his coma. 

I recommend this book for those who like a little suspense without biting off their fingernails.  The book leaves you guessing at times but not edge-of-your-seat, so you're able to put it down should you need to, without wondering whats going to happen next.  This, however, can be a point that doesn't work.  If I am going to read a suspense novel, I generally like them to leave me wanting more.  I was told this book was similar in feel to that of Rosemary's Baby...at times I can see a direct correlation; the way Misty is tricked by her family and her doctor, the way she is being used as a means to a sinister end, and a twist at the finale.  Palahnuik truly has done something good here - at least something better than I was expecting.  He riddles the book with interesting facts about art history, and the origins of paint colors, which at times I found more interesting then the plot - thankfully adding to my enjoyment. 

This book is 261 pages long and it took me 3 days to read, which for a suspense novel is a bad sign, as a truly engaging one I simply cannot put down, and this one I could easily forget about.

On my sliding scale I gave this book a solid 6/10.  I enjoyed it much more than the previous 3 books I have reviewed here by Palahnuik. (I know, gotta drive that home)  As noted the diary-style worked for me, and it was kept consistent throughout the book. I didn't feel the book became as repetitive and predictable as previous Palahnuik books tended to.  Worth a read if you're an existing fan, as there are lots of classic Palahnuik trademarks easily identifiable for those that have read even a couple of his others.  After awhile his 'style' becomes very evident and you either begin to enjoy this more or...well...I don't need to tell you.

PS - There is a surprise ending AFTER the ending of the book (read it to have that statement make sense)  that you'll find on the very last page.  I am assuming it was left by the author as one last 'make-you freak-out' attempt - and I can see it working on a very eager reader who truly 'wants to believe'. (enter x-files theme here)  Not to complain more, but I just wasn't convinced.  wamp wamp... Sorry Chuck, but I am going to give you one last chance to make me a believer. Not sure what to read next? 

TROUT FISHING IN AMERICA - Richard Brautigan

Here is a book I finished June 15th 2014 at 8:43pm while at work.  I bought this book (along with 2 other Brautigan classics - reviewed in later posts) from a used bookstore on West Street in Port Colborne in the summer of 1994 as a young high school student.  Therefore, this took me over 20 years to finally read.

The idea to read this book (20 years ago) came from a friend who had lent me a copy of another Brautigan book titled; The Abortion (will review here in a later post)  At the time I was interested in all things "beat generation" and Brautigan fit the bill.  He was classic Beat, and met with untimely death by suicide in 1984.

Without giving too much away, this book is compiled of 40+ anecdotes where the sentence; 'Trout Fishing in America' takes unusual roles.  In the chapters, these roles sometimes include being a product sold by the foot, reoccurring characters like 'Trout Fishing in America Shorty', a dead person undergoing an autopsy, the subject of a parade/rally, and also the act of trout fishing itself, which almost becomes hard to understand after you've been trained to believe it to be so many other things.  Brautigan uses these anecdotes well, and the chapters can be easily read and enjoyed individually. The golden-nugget in this book for me is the potential for interpretation.  Those that are familiar with Brautigan don't need an introduction to his use of metaphor. Brautigan, at times, doesn't require you to look too deeply to find it, like in the chapter; THE CLEVELAND WRECKING YARD, however, often the reader needs to be a little more creative; as in chapters like IN THE CALIFORNIA BUSH.  I enjoyed this book immensely, I liked that I could look as deeply as I wanted at the material and take out what best suited me at that moment.  On the other side of that, I also enjoy a book that can be digested in an afternoon; just to pass the time. Fortunately for Brautigan fans, this book can be both, as it can be reread multiple times and enjoyed a different way each time through.

I recommend this book to all those interested in the 'beat' writers. This has everything you'd expect from this era.  One the the true beauties of  this book for me was how Brautigan was able to take it slow, the book just seems to coast at times, and when I least expected it there was a line that blew my mind with something so beautifully and metaphorically written that I not only had to stop to contemplate what I thought he was trying to say, but also kept me reading until he was able do it all over again. Examples of this ability can be seen in my favorite excerpts from the book, such as the description of the sun in chapter 'RED LIP', and hearing about Hemingway's death in the chapter 'THE LAST TIME I SAW TROUT FISHING IN AMERICA'.  It was easy to feel a pit in my stomach when Brautigan talked about Hemingway in that chapter; knowing how Brautigan would eventually meet his own end; by pulling the trigger himself...bone chilling reading.  I wish I could say more, but this is one of those rare treasures that must be read and figured out on your own.

This book is 182 pages long and took me one day to read (although 20 years after purchase date)

On my sliding scale I give this book a solid 7/10.  I am almost certain 20 years ago I would have ranked it much higher, but as my tastes have changed over the years I am only now able to go as high as 7, and that's in paying niceties to the homage of my youth. 

PYGMY - Chuck Palahnuik

Here is a book I finished June 12th 2014 at 3:17pm while at home.

The idea to read this book came from a promise I made to myself to read '4' Palahnuik books before deciding if I wish to buy, read and collect his anthology.  Originally a co-worker promised me that I would enjoy his books...I am still undecided. 

Without giving too much away, the book  tells the story of Agent 67, a spy from an undisclosed totalitarian state, sent to unleash a 'terrorist' plot in America.We learn that from the age of 4, Agent 67 (named Pygmy by his sponsor family) has been training to carry out "Operation Havoc", an act of terrorism on American soil (Fight Club's Project Mayhem anyone?) Agent 67 is not alone, he has come to America with several other agents under the guise of foreign exchange students, however, not many get mention in the book after chapter one where we learn these agents are all sent into different American host families.  Our story revolves mainly around the 4 members of the Cedar family, where Agent 67 has lovingly been placed. Enter here Pygmy's description of his host family (perhaps the only part I liked about the book)"Cow father",a God fearing porn addict employed in a biological weapons facility. The matriarch, lovingly titled "chicken mother" a skin and bones drug addict who is obsessed with her large collection of vibrators. Their classic American son, "Pig Dog Brother", a bullied high school student obsessed with breasts, and lastly there is "Cat Sister" who in the end is instrumental is integrating Pygmy into what he was originally sent to destroy.
We get the usual taste of Palahnuik's all too common attack on the church, ("religion propaganda distribution outlet") with more time-wasting spent on his potentially clever observations of school life in America, ("American education facility devoted humiliation and destroy all self-respect").  We get a spelling bee competition, a science fair, and even a school-shooting - oh my!  All this, and the odd quote from Hitler, Mussolini, and other undesirable tyrants from time to time.  This is suppose to be satire...oh I get it now.

As a reader semi-familiar with the Palahnuik recipe you can already imagine how much potential there was with a plot and a character like Pygmy. I was expecting Palahnuik to do so much more with the voice of Pygmy; a perfect candidate and vessel for our author to utilize in his trademark satirical rantings.
Sadly, so much is lost right from the gates, as the reader has to get used to the epistolary novel style, which for those that don't know is a novel written as a series of documents.(Google it).  This would work in very short bursts, but for 200+ pages it becomes a small hell.  For example; Pygmy is suppose to be a genius, yet his mastery of the English language is absurd, and makes Palahnuik's attempt at being humorous that much more intolerable to read.

I recommend this book to no one.  No one I know, who is alive, should need to suffer as I did.  At points I grew so angry that I was foolish enough to have purchased the book, that I actually wanted to physically destroy it. I am not joking.

This book is 241 pages long and it took me four days to read.  It is easily readable in one day, however I could not torture myself for too long a period at once, and had to space it out.

On my sliding scale I give this book a solid 1/10.  There was nothing about Palanuik's attempt to be clever that I truly enjoyed here. He wasted an ideal character, in an ideal Palahnuik-wonderland with an inundation of terrible boob jokes and uber-cliche observations of American culture. While the epistolary template might work for some, it just did not work here and ends up feeling like an experiment...one gone horribly wrong. Chuck P. only gets as high as a 1/10 because he wrote a book (worth 0.5) and becasue he had the balls to actually attempt this gigantic flop of a project (worth another 0.5)...that must deserve something...right?   

DOOMED - Chuck Palahnuik

Here is a book I finished on June 4th 2014 @ 11:16pm while at work.

It's worth noting that this book is the second part in a series written by the same author.  The first book is called Damned (also reviewed in this blog)

The idea to read this book came simply from reading the first book (Damned) Originally it was a coworker who got me started on my Palahnuik kick; at this point I am undecided if I will continue to read too many more of his books.

Without giving to much away the book continues to follow the life (or after life) of Madison Spencer.  In this book she has escaped from Hell and is on earth as an invisible observer.  At this point in the book series Satan has been trying to convince Madison that he has authored her life and she is predestined to play an instrumental role in sending millions of the still living to eternal damnation.  In the first part of this series Madison was under the impression that Hell was a good place to be and she had been communicating with living people and spreading the word.  Eventually word spreads (like it does in Fight Club fashion) and the world begins a new religion based on her teachings; Boorism. The people of the Boorist faith are people that are horribly mean to each other, verbally abusive, but instead of being viewed as 'wrong' these actions are instead seen as kind gestures; an entry into heaven. Never has a world filled with so much 'wrong', seemed so 'right'.  Madison, somewhere in the book, realizes the error of her ways and sets out to make things right; to warn people that they are actually damning themselves.
Palahnuik gets into some dark territory with this book; he depicts a very gritty and rather disturbing account in Madison's past, which at the time of reading seemed to make little sense other than shock-value, and (for me at least) was almost too disgusting to finish reading.  However, he redeems himself in the last few chapters, as you realize that things are not always what they seem and what was a disturbing encounter between Madison and her Grandfather earlier in the story, makes more sense after you realize the truth Palahnuik has laid out.  The book ends with the promise of a third part to the series, making it a possible trilogy. The next book hints of Madison being unable to identify between good and evil, between God and the Devil.  She vows to "reconcile Satan and God"  She plans to "resolve all conflict" between the two superpowers of the afterlife.  Sounds complicated, but if you enjoyed Damned, this book is almost necessary to finish, and part three, if it does get written, will simply be a MUST read. 

I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys the feeling of being totally grossed out while they read.  This book was, at times, flat out disturbing, more so than the first part in the series. This time however, Palahnuik seems to have put more thought into the story, and there were more twists near the end that I found to tie the rest of the story together nicely.  I enjoy books that can make a complete 180 degree turn in the last 10-20 pages, and in doing so, completely redeem certain characters that you hated throughout most of the book. Palahnuik's use of satire ( one of his trademarks ) is less obvious in this book, making it more enjoyable for me than the first part.  In Palahnuik fashion, we are shown a not-so-unique obsession behind religion, how people can allow themselves to lose all sense of right and wrong when they become obsessed.  This book, in a very drawn out way, depicts the struggle between good and evil, and in its last few pages promises to mend the two in order to create some sort of peace.  We'll need to wait for part three to get more from this mention.

On my sliding scale I give this book a 5/10.  I am still not entirely sold on Palahnuik as a "generation defining author", but I am committed to at least 2-3 more of his books. Call me a sucker, but there is always something in his books that keeps me wanting to read a little longer.  Perhaps when Palahnuik finishes this potential trilogy in their entity, perhaps then, the completed works together will make it a more enjoyable experience.  I am certainly committed to reading another if he does, I simply must get an end to the life of Madison Spencer now that I have started.

FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS - Hunter S. Thompson.

Here is a book I finished in 1998, as you can tell by the cover the movie had already been released.

The idea to read this book came from a preexisting love of Hunter S. Thompson which I developed after reading Fear and Loathing:  On the Campaign Trail '72.  (which will be reviewed in this blog)  I originally heard of Hunter S. Thompson after seeing a Bill Murray movie called; Where the Buffalo Roam. which I saw with my father as a young boy.


Without giving too much away, as it has been some time since last reading; the book revolves around a journalist's deranged road trip to Las Vegas to cover a racing event taking place in the desert for the magazine that employs him.

The main Character ( Raoul Duke - based on Dr. Thompson) is accompanied by his Samoan 'attorney'(Dr.Gonzo - based on real life activist; Oscar Zeta Acosta), whose sole advice is to rent a red convertible and fill the trunk with booze and drugs for their consumption. The sporting assignment is sadly never covered due to large clouds of dust the racers stir up from the desert sand. Raoul returns to his hotel where he and Dr.Gonzo destroy a hotel room and rack up an insanely large hotel room-service bill.
They consume more than enough drugs and hit the streets of Las Vegas in a drug induced frenzy, eventually concluding their time together after Dr. Gonzo's disturbing display of violence.
At some point in the story Raoul tries to flee Vegas, but he is forced to return after an unfortunate experience with the highway patrol. It seems as if he keeps getting sucked back in.
Later in the book, Dr. Gonzo finds Raoul another assignment; covering a DA convention on illegal drugs, a convention filled with lawmen from around America; not the place for a drug crazed lunatic-journalist.  Gonzo and Raoul are reunited shortly after; again they embark on their usual bouts of over the top drug consumption and destroy yet another hotel room.  The pair eventually split again and Raoul returns to LA, escaping the large bills for damages he and Gonzo have accrued at their various hotel visits. 
 
I recommend this book to all fans of 1960's hippy culture.  Dr. Thompson's famous "wave speech" included in this book almost entirely condenses the totality of the 'hippy movement' with just a few paragraphs.  That in particular is one of the reasons I love Hunter S. Thompson's writing; he has an incredible ability to paint for his readers an exact portrait of even something like a generation - even when the reader (like myself) was not there to experience it first hand.  For anyone who has no desire to read this book, I still strongly recommend reading that short piece if literary genius; the 'wave speech' that is. (Google it)

This book is 204 pages long and was easily read over the course of 2 days.

On my sliding scale I give this book a solid 9/10 based on the sheer force of the story telling.   The thought that Dr. Thompson and his actual attorney actually did experience some of the things written about in this book increases the enjoyability of reading. 

THE ART OF LIVING - Epictetus

Here is a book I finished in 2006.  Sadly, I did not record the month or time like I try and do, however '2006' was written on the inside cover in my hand writing so I know this year is accurate.

The idea to read this book came as a recommendation from a good friend; Mac Pearsall.  He and I used to work in a small cafe kitchen during that year, and to pass the time we often discussed the books we were reading.  Mac was interested in Stoic Philosophy at the time and was immersing himself  in various books regarding the topic. Being a philosophy major, I had heard  of Stoicism as well as the name 'Epictetus' many times prior.

Without giving too much away, this book is translated from his original, ancient text, to paint the picture for readers that human beings can simply have no 'real' control over life, but can more accurately only control their either, positive, or negative responses to it. By putting the small chapters of this book into manageable daily practices, the reader can be trained that they ought to be able to handle the all too common disappointments of modern life with renewed confidence; that everything is out of their control, and therefore not worth worrying about.

From the history books it is said that Epictetus was born into slavery about 55 AD in the eastern outreaches of the Roman Empire, once freed he established an influential school of Stoic philosophy. I won't go into detail here, as WIKI can explain it better.

I recommend this book for anyone interested in stoic philosophy which should go without saying, but the book can also act as a guide for everyday living. I have heard of people giving copies of this book to friends and family when seeing them losing ground in their everyday affairs.  It's amazing how when reading something written so simply that it can change the entire outlook you might have on certain aspects of your own life.  Those who read motivational books like those written by Anthony Robbins will see that Epictetus' ancient philosophy has become a highly marketable motivational teaching...this isn't entirely a bad thing, I suppose if it helps you get out of bed in the morning than there must be some good in that...but somehow it feels wrong to me; that what started out as a revolutionary (for its time) school of thought is now a pocket book for adjusting your mind into a state of 'getting by' and accepting the things you can't really change.  Regardless of all this, its a 'feel-good' read and most certainly has something in it for everyone...especially if you're looking.

This book is 113 pages long.  It is broken up into short page long chapters, making it easy to digest for one, but also something simple to pick up and use on a day to day basis without cutting in to your busy life schedule. I imagine, due to this fact, that one would be able to read it over a day with very little effort.

On my sliding scale I give this book a solid 10/10 as it serves its designed purpose; a motivational book that helps the reader to not sweat the little things in life and to help them build a foundation upon which they can set clear mental goals and build character reflected by a helpful reminder that there are just things in life that deserve your time, and stress and pain are not some of those things.  My only regret is that I am unable to tell how much was lost in translation from Epictetus' original works to this put-in-your-pocket, self-help section, motivational  version. If anything this book left me hungry to study the true philosophy behind Stoicism, and when you start that journey things can get quite interesting.  Happy trails to those of you looking to become what the Stoics of Epictetus' time called a 'Sage'.  If you figure out how to get there please leave a comment and explain how.

DAMNED - Chuck Palahniuk

Here is a book I finished reading on May 22nd 2014 at 4:56pm in Burlington Ontario after a dentist appointment where I had a crown put in.

This book is a two part series.  Part one (Damned) reviewed here and part two (Doomed) reviewed in another post.

The idea to read this book came after a coworker told me how much he had enjoyed it.  Having more than a few things in common with this particular coworker I thought I would gamble and make the purchase.  I had always meant to read some Palahniuk after seeing the movie Fight Club (which he also wrote) but just never found the time or had the desire to follow through.

Without giving too much away; this book follows the life of a prepubescent teenager after her untimely death.  She finds herself in hell with several other characters, as Palahniuk himself admits, are based on 1980's brat-pack movie; The Breakfast Club.
The main character, Madison Spencer, was raised by a billionaire father and a movie-star mother, and she is afforded what might be too much privilege in life; constantly being bombarded with perfectly planned, yet staged family experiences. These experiences have trained her to become cynical of everything that might seem wholesome as far as family-values are concerned. (this becomes clearer in part two of the book series)  This also makes Madison much older in her intellect than her actual age.  In an attempt to win over the affection of a step-brother who Madison feels slightly attracted to, she is accidentally choked to death and wakes up in hell, which is where her tale begins.  While in hell she learns very quickly how to make up her own rules and eventually becomes a powerful and feared member of its most motley ranks.  Her job in Hell (as everyone has something to do) is that of a telemarketer, and when not telling her millions of minions to make hell a "prettier" place, she spends her time calling people in the "alive" world and tricking them into doing things that will make them come to hell.  She takes-on Hitler, giant demons, as well as other interesting faces of history along her journey, until eventually she lands herself back on earth for more misadventure which the author covers in part two (titled; Doomed - reviewed here as well). Part two gives us much more insight into the life of Maddy Spencer and her twisted billionaire parents, and in my opinion you can't read one and not the other, and they truly need to be read in order to fully appreciate.

For the first time since starting this blog I am uncertain how to recommend a book; what type of person to recommend this book to alludes me!  Chuck P. likes to stir the pot and in this book his over-the-top (and constant) descriptions of wealthy and privileged life are rife with intelligent satire, but it becomes too easy to miss what I feel Palahniuk is really trying to show us, as he beats his point to death way too often.   Readers can't miss the in-your-face descriptions of a doom and gloom teenage life, of growing up with rich parents, and the lack of attention they pay for anything unscripted in a world where everything is staged, planned and phoney...all set up for the perfect newspaper headline.  However, it is this obviousness that is constantly being forced on the reader than makes the true satire, and beauty of the book, hard to appreciate and therefore identify.  As with the other Palahnuik books reviewed here, I always finish them feeling like he rushed them, like he was writing them just to get them done. I truly feel so much more time could have been spent on character, plot, and overall story development to help drive some of his more interesting satirical rants home.

This book is 247 pages long and took me two days to read.

On my sliding scale I give this book 5/10.  Although I rather enjoyed the vivid descriptions of hell and Palahniuk's unveiling of the insanely rich, I found that the content was so frequently repetitive in its limited descriptions that it felt as if I was reading the same lines over and over again but on different pages. Perhaps at times striving too much for the shock-value over a good story, Palahniuk lost me on ranking it any higher. Although this has been his recipe for many successful books, and it seems to work for him, it just didn't make me a believer this time.  All that being said, I did buy part two the day I finished this book so I could find out what happens to Madison and her family - perhaps Chuck is on to something. 

AMERICAN SNIPER - Chris Kyle.

Here is a book I finished reading on October 16th 2012 at 1:45pm while at work.

The idea to read this book came after finishing another book called "The Taliban Don't Wave" (also reviewed here) as the two books were in the same section at the local bookstore.

Without giving too much away the book revolves around the missions and experiences of Navy Seal sniper Chris Kyle; who up until the book was penned had the most confirmed kills in US military history.  The book starts with Chris in his childhood working odd jobs and the like until his life is forever changed when he joins the military.  Chris talks about the struggles he and his fellow navy seals had during their training, the obstacles he had to overcome to become one of (what he considered) the elite.  All of this and the taxing relationship this put on his home life are included, as well as sporadic written interludes from his wife which I found to be the most uninteresting parts of the book.
Chris Kyle was a brutally gifted sniper and the way in which he deals with the killing of well over 200 "enemy" troops seems to me almost not human. He was able to live by a code that he used to justify his actions. 
As a Canadian who has never served time in the military I am unable to understand much of the emotion in the book and in his actions. That being said, what I found to be of serious interest while reading this book was how hungry I was as a reader to hear about the gory details of life overseas in the middle of war.  At times I almost felt like I was watching a movie unwind in my head while reading.  It almost seemed wrong.  Again, having never served time in the military myself, I was not sure what to expect, but after reading Chris' accounts and recollections I am confident in saying the theater of war is certainly not an experience I would have thrived in.  One one hand Chris, whether he knows it or not, takes some of the glamor away from the polish that is often put on military life. One the other hand the book is rife with American pride which some might find a tad overwhelming at times. Chris certainly has a way of telling a story regardless of your politics. This is not so much a hero's tale as man describing a job that had to be done, and one he was just naturally (and unbelievably) good at.   
A year after reading this book I was reading the paper at work and read Chris had been murdered by a fellow solider with PTSD.  The irony that Chris spend so much of his life in enemy territory and came back unscathed, only to be gunned down in cold blood by a fellow American back home is not an easy pill to swallow after hearing so much about his life.  To live a life surrounded by guns and murder in the defense of ones country and then to die the same way...speechless. 

I recommend this book for anyone researching a decision on whether or not to join the military, and for those interested in seeing another side to the Iraq war. 

This book is 379 pages long and I was able to finish it in 4 days.

On my sliding scale I give this book a solid 8/10.