Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: First Impressions
Having only read the first few chapters of the Hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy, I can't cast a final judgment on the novel, but what I have read is very British, and conversely very witty. It also sports a lot of references to popular culture, such as when Ford throws away his copy of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Gotta love that name.
There is also a pretty funny shout out the soccer team the Arsenal, who I could honestly live without (go Liverpool!), and lots of digital watches. Adams' style is very tongue in cheek, quite hysterical.
My only problem with Hitchhiker's is it's inherent "Britishness." Don't get me wrong, Hitchhiker's is quite funny, but after seeing Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, and watching the UK version of The Office (which is hysterical), they all sort of meld together.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
November Blog #7: The Life of Pi, by Yann Martel, Published 2001
Wacky it gets, then. A floating, acidic, predatory island made entirely of algae? Check. An ending that presents an entirely different take on the entire story? Check. A layered look at atheism, agnosticism, and faith? Check.
The Life of Pi captures the readers thoughts, bottles them, and gives you one of three choices. Or something like that.
Early in the book, Pi gives his thoughts on Agnosticism, and explains that those who do not choose are lost. They have nothing. Then, at the end, Pi presents two stories, and lets you decide which one is better.
So what exactly is the point Martel trying to make? Is he stressing that the more fascinating story is just that, a story, and yet the one the masses will accept? Is he showing you the beauty of the unknown? Whatever the case, Martel makes it obvious that if you refuse to accept either story, you are missing out on both the beauty and the logical, leaving you with next to nothing.
Is that the point he is trying to make?
The Life of Pi captures the readers thoughts, bottles them, and gives you one of three choices. Or something like that.
Early in the book, Pi gives his thoughts on Agnosticism, and explains that those who do not choose are lost. They have nothing. Then, at the end, Pi presents two stories, and lets you decide which one is better.
So what exactly is the point Martel trying to make? Is he stressing that the more fascinating story is just that, a story, and yet the one the masses will accept? Is he showing you the beauty of the unknown? Whatever the case, Martel makes it obvious that if you refuse to accept either story, you are missing out on both the beauty and the logical, leaving you with next to nothing.
Is that the point he is trying to make?
November Blog #6: The Life of Pi, by Yann Martel, Published 2001
"I have a story that will make you believe in God." -Author's Note
As unlikely as that may be, The Life of Pi is an enchanting story, at least to this point. Pi describes his life in India, which all comes across as rather boring and ordinary. He begins comparing zoology with religion in an unnaturally sophisticated matter for someone so young, and then his Dad decides to move the zoo (oh yeah, his Dad owns a zoo).
Unfortunately, the boat sinks, and that's when Pi is forced to share a boat with Richard Parker, a tiger. And the book gets even better.
There is a lot of symbolism in this novel, and a lot of rather beautiful descriptions. I can't decide if this book is a tad too preachy for me or not, but it certainly is enjoyable. My Mom told me it gets a little wacked out towards the end, and has a bunch of religious references.
As unlikely as that may be, The Life of Pi is an enchanting story, at least to this point. Pi describes his life in India, which all comes across as rather boring and ordinary. He begins comparing zoology with religion in an unnaturally sophisticated matter for someone so young, and then his Dad decides to move the zoo (oh yeah, his Dad owns a zoo).
Unfortunately, the boat sinks, and that's when Pi is forced to share a boat with Richard Parker, a tiger. And the book gets even better.
There is a lot of symbolism in this novel, and a lot of rather beautiful descriptions. I can't decide if this book is a tad too preachy for me or not, but it certainly is enjoyable. My Mom told me it gets a little wacked out towards the end, and has a bunch of religious references.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
November Blog #5: Fight Club, by Chuck Pahlaniuk, Published 1996
I have just completed Fight Club.
Fight Club is the sort of novel that sticks with you, especially if you're a guy. I mean, the entire story seems to be based around the narrator struggling with his own masculinity, alternately doing absolutely bonkers things and then trying to keep himself in check.
The final chapter lends some powerful finality (no pun intended) to the story. The narrator finally got what he wanted, which was to be remembered, and it wasn't necessarily for all the bad things either. Though committing suicide can be a bit cliche.
I'd have to say Fight Club has sneaked it's way into my top 5 favorite books now. It really possesses a feeling of spiritual journey and abstract mysticism that drags you in, and refuses to let you go.
Fight Club is the sort of novel that sticks with you, especially if you're a guy. I mean, the entire story seems to be based around the narrator struggling with his own masculinity, alternately doing absolutely bonkers things and then trying to keep himself in check.
The final chapter lends some powerful finality (no pun intended) to the story. The narrator finally got what he wanted, which was to be remembered, and it wasn't necessarily for all the bad things either. Though committing suicide can be a bit cliche.
I'd have to say Fight Club has sneaked it's way into my top 5 favorite books now. It really possesses a feeling of spiritual journey and abstract mysticism that drags you in, and refuses to let you go.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
November Blog #4: Fight Club, by Chuck Pahlaniuk, Published 1996
So, wait a second, the narrator is Tyler? Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?!! Didn't see that bit of information coming!
It does make sense, though. Where did Tyler go during the day? Why did he disappear whenever anyone else was around? Because he's just a part of the narrator's personality. And the narrator is Tyler. Tyler is the narrators best friend. He is his own best friend.
This revelation grants the book a new poignancy. So, in the opening scene, he's attempting to commit suicide? And he is really having sex with Marla, and isn't too happy about it?
This book is weird.
The narrator (for he is "the narrator" and not Tyler. Tyler is a worse part of him) has struggled with his own individuality up to this point because he doesn't really know who he is. He didn't even recognize that he was Tyler. I like this book. Solomon read more.
It does make sense, though. Where did Tyler go during the day? Why did he disappear whenever anyone else was around? Because he's just a part of the narrator's personality. And the narrator is Tyler. Tyler is the narrators best friend. He is his own best friend.
This revelation grants the book a new poignancy. So, in the opening scene, he's attempting to commit suicide? And he is really having sex with Marla, and isn't too happy about it?
This book is weird.
The narrator (for he is "the narrator" and not Tyler. Tyler is a worse part of him) has struggled with his own individuality up to this point because he doesn't really know who he is. He didn't even recognize that he was Tyler. I like this book. Solomon read more.
November Blog #3: Fight Club, by Chuck Pahlaniuk, Published 1996
Fight Club is an introspective look into the psych of a man struggling with his masculinity. Around every corner waits something out to get him, or something that reminds him of his insecurity as a man. He was raised by a mother, we are told. He mentions his father creating a new dynasty every six years with a sort of reverence.
This book is weird.
I like it. Fight Club is pretty daggum awesome. It is at once poetic and gritty. I still have a lot more to read, but I now actually know what the "Fight Club" is! It is a chance for the narrator kick some serious butt and release his masculinity (that sounds kind of gross... this book is starting to get to me). He deals with his issues by kicking his issues in the face.
Manly.
This book is weird.
I like it. Fight Club is pretty daggum awesome. It is at once poetic and gritty. I still have a lot more to read, but I now actually know what the "Fight Club" is! It is a chance for the narrator kick some serious butt and release his masculinity (that sounds kind of gross... this book is starting to get to me). He deals with his issues by kicking his issues in the face.
Manly.
November Blog #2: Fight Club, by Chuck Palahniuk, published 1996
Fight Club is a strange and fascinating novel, though I'm only on page 30 or so.
Gosh, this can seem difficult to write about. Palahniuk writes in a choppy fashion, often going on tangents. Fight Club also remains rather depressing.
What is Palahniuk talking about? Why so much sexual imagery? I have a hunch that the sexual imagery is there to spark discomfort and sexual tension. The narrator (who is nameless, I guess?) does not seem to enjoy Marla's company much, and dislikes her more when she is having sex with Tyler. Yikes.
This is certainly a mature and very strange book. I look forward to more.
Gosh, this can seem difficult to write about. Palahniuk writes in a choppy fashion, often going on tangents. Fight Club also remains rather depressing.
What is Palahniuk talking about? Why so much sexual imagery? I have a hunch that the sexual imagery is there to spark discomfort and sexual tension. The narrator (who is nameless, I guess?) does not seem to enjoy Marla's company much, and dislikes her more when she is having sex with Tyler. Yikes.
This is certainly a mature and very strange book. I look forward to more.
November Blog #1: Dave Barry Talks Back, by Dave Barry, Published 1991
Maybe I'm not "stretching my wings" so much now, but I had to read another Dave Barry collection. He is ridiculously funny.
Talks Back covers a wide range of topics given by Barry's readers, from Disney World to exploding animals. In fact, the first 5 or so chapters are devoted to cases of exploding animals, and safety tips regarding them.
Not exactly everyday stuff, right?
It's everyday stuff for Dave, apparently. In fact, he takes such situations wholeheartedly, with open arms. Dave Barry slaps a goofy grin on your face.
Talks Back covers a wide range of topics given by Barry's readers, from Disney World to exploding animals. In fact, the first 5 or so chapters are devoted to cases of exploding animals, and safety tips regarding them.
Not exactly everyday stuff, right?
It's everyday stuff for Dave, apparently. In fact, he takes such situations wholeheartedly, with open arms. Dave Barry slaps a goofy grin on your face.
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