Well, I have completed Diary. Let's start with what I liked best: the writing. The twisted, palpable images of Misty and the community of Waytensea Island are watermarks of Palahniuk. Misty's self-loathing and depressing lack of motivation was almost annoying in content, but that's good. That means I was strung along as I should have been. Now the bad news: the story, oh-so-promising in the beginning, unraveled towards the end, much to my disappointment. I was all packed and ready to board the express train to Crazyville which is often where Palahniuk takes us (Fight Club was fantastic in that regard). Yet somehow, he just couldn't seal the deal with me. Was it the trite, coquettish way of the mysterious green pills? (Yes.) Or the unexplained, underwhelmed, blatant acceptance of death? (Yes.) Or perhaps it was the lame-o ending? (Definitely.) All of the aforementioned was just so awful. So much so that I threatened to leave the novel in Vegas since that is where it ended for me. (I really would have left it with a disclaiming instruction to never read it, but I promised it to Kathy L. I may try and talk her out of it though.) Anyways, it's over and done with and it couldn't do so at a better time.
Next Monday, March 15th, a new adventure begins in the reading of Malcolm Gladwell's Outliers: The Story of Success. True to form, I'm optimistic of this reading especially considering what I've just read. It can only get better, right?
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Week Two: Can you feel this?
Initially, I was reading with a view point apart from reality. Seeking to define what I thought were metaphors and written puzzles, I slowly began to realize: "Ohhh! This is her crappy life." and immediately began to feel the story come together. Sort of. What I like is the promise to keep the language and mood of the writing very honestly diary-esque. It's verbatim when the content should not be altered (ie: the writing on the walls, Angel Delaporte--who has a fascinating last name, don't you think?). Then the easy, self-effacing way she describes herself, her talents, her relationship to her daughter, husband and mother-in-law, and her dream of a fairy tale ending. I wonder, do you feel empathy for this woman and her unusual life?
I also like the artistic eyes with which she views the world. It's either foreshadowing a break-through or a breakdown. Palahniuk is no Wally Lamb (read "She's Come Undone" for another man's view on a woman's perspective) so I'm fairly certain this will not end well for our misty-eyed Misty.
Bonus Question: What do you think of Peter's mother thus far? Saint or devil?
So, first quarter of the book? I'm liking it. I've got some answers and lots more questions. I'll be reading pages 67-132 this week. If you've finished the book already, sit tight and prepare yourself for voting on next month's book.
PS: If you liked the personification of emotion (ie: "Just for the record, the weather today is partly suspicious with chances of betrayal." Page 56 in my hardcover copy) which I loved, then you are going to want to seek out the lyrical prowess of Tom Waits and his song "Emotional Weather Report" from the 1975 release of his album "Nighthawks at the Diner". Look up the lyrics at the very least for such gems as:
"...when the thunderstorms start
increasing over the southeast
and southcentral portions
of my apartment, I get upset..."
I also like the artistic eyes with which she views the world. It's either foreshadowing a break-through or a breakdown. Palahniuk is no Wally Lamb (read "She's Come Undone" for another man's view on a woman's perspective) so I'm fairly certain this will not end well for our misty-eyed Misty.
Bonus Question: What do you think of Peter's mother thus far? Saint or devil?
So, first quarter of the book? I'm liking it. I've got some answers and lots more questions. I'll be reading pages 67-132 this week. If you've finished the book already, sit tight and prepare yourself for voting on next month's book.
PS: If you liked the personification of emotion (ie: "Just for the record, the weather today is partly suspicious with chances of betrayal." Page 56 in my hardcover copy) which I loved, then you are going to want to seek out the lyrical prowess of Tom Waits and his song "Emotional Weather Report" from the 1975 release of his album "Nighthawks at the Diner". Look up the lyrics at the very least for such gems as:
"...when the thunderstorms start
increasing over the southeast
and southcentral portions
of my apartment, I get upset..."
Monday, February 15, 2010
Week One: Discovering "Diary"
Well, today's the day to begin our first novel together. If you're like me, then you received your book some time last week and couldn't help but start reading right away. One word to describe the first few pages? Weird. Intriguing. (Okay, that's two words but you know what I mean.) Like all things weird and intriguing, I am inclined to break them down to their lowest denominator--figure it out before I'm told. It's too soon to guess who "you" is (read the first few pages, you'll see what I mean) but I wonder, who do you think "you" is?
What excites me about the beginning, is the style in which this novel is written. I've never been much of a diary keeper myself, but there is something devious and curious about being given access to someones diary. Let's see if this "Diary" is as revealing as my sister's was in junior high.
This week, let's read pages 1-66 and check back to the blog next Monday to follow (and contribute!) to the discussion. For now, tell us about your first impressions of this author and the novel.
Get yo read on!
-Amanda
What excites me about the beginning, is the style in which this novel is written. I've never been much of a diary keeper myself, but there is something devious and curious about being given access to someones diary. Let's see if this "Diary" is as revealing as my sister's was in junior high.
This week, let's read pages 1-66 and check back to the blog next Monday to follow (and contribute!) to the discussion. For now, tell us about your first impressions of this author and the novel.
Get yo read on!
-Amanda
Monday, February 1, 2010
SBC: First Read Winner!
Well, SBC'ers! It's official, our first book which we will be reading together is "Diary" by Chuck Palahniuk. We had fifteen members vote and this is how it went down:
"Diary" received 8 votes (53.3%)
"Eat, Pray, Love" received 3 votes (20.0%)
"Wicked" received 2 votes (13.3%)
"A Long Way Gone" received 2 votes (13.3%)
Reading will commence on 2/15/10, so you should have plenty of time to get your book. Try checking on Amazon, eBay or copy the following address' into your browser to find a used book store in your area:
http://www.bargainlink.com/book-stores.htm
Or search for a local library here:
http://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/locations/
Once reading has begun, check back to the blog to participate or follow the discussion for "Diary". This book seems to be the club favorite so I'm excited to read with each of you!
Get yo read on!
-Amanda
"Diary" received 8 votes (53.3%)
"Eat, Pray, Love" received 3 votes (20.0%)
"Wicked" received 2 votes (13.3%)
"A Long Way Gone" received 2 votes (13.3%)
Reading will commence on 2/15/10, so you should have plenty of time to get your book. Try checking on Amazon, eBay or copy the following address' into your browser to find a used book store in your area:
http://www.bargainlink.com/book-stores.htm
Or search for a local library here:
http://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/locations/
Once reading has begun, check back to the blog to participate or follow the discussion for "Diary". This book seems to be the club favorite so I'm excited to read with each of you!
Get yo read on!
-Amanda
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