This book I have unfortunatly been unable to finish. I feel that while the ideas involved the gangsta rap industry being a kind of Al Capone system. However, I just can't stand to contunuely read swear words & poor English.
"That's what street life is about - people living on a barbaric level in which almost any kind of conventional civilized morality is sneered at because it's in the way of these people achieving what they want."
25 February, 2009
So It Goes
Ah, how I love Vonnegut. I decided to read "Bluebeard", one of his lesser known novels. Definitely a good pick: it made me laugh & inspired me. I have nothing more to say, really, other than to write my favorite quotes:
"The human condition can be summed up in just one word... Embarassment."
"I have had all I can stand of not taking myself seriously."
"Knowledge was so much junk to be processed one way or another at great universities. The real treasure the great universities offered was a lifelong membership in a respected artificial family."
"And what is literature... but an insider's newsletter about affairs relating to molecules of no importance to anything in the Universe but a few molecules who have the disease called 'thought'."
"The human condition can be summed up in just one word... Embarassment."
"I have had all I can stand of not taking myself seriously."
"Knowledge was so much junk to be processed one way or another at great universities. The real treasure the great universities offered was a lifelong membership in a respected artificial family."
"And what is literature... but an insider's newsletter about affairs relating to molecules of no importance to anything in the Universe but a few molecules who have the disease called 'thought'."
20 February, 2009
Fatty!
I expected the book "The Fat Girl's Guide to Life" to be really inspirational. Here was a woman proud of her larger than average physique, wanting to change the stigma of the "fat girl." I don't know a single woman (or man for that matter) that hasn't dealt with body issues at some point in their lives. It really is sad that today, while a family in a third world country are starving to death, we are starving/gorging ourselves on purpose! Talk about American indulgence....
Well...I didn't like the book. It was less of an empowering monologue and more of a manifesto of Wendy Shanker and her life as a fat jew. I'm sorry, but I personally don't care about the life of Wendy Shanker. She's an average, rather cliched writer, kind of boring life; it seems the only drama in her life has been her on-going battle of her bulge!
Even worse was that is made me feel worse about myself, reminding me of my bad spots instead of my toned torso. And she relied way too much on stereotypes (fat girls with gay best friends, anti-curly hair) that fat girls relate to. Since I fit into those categories (gay best friend, curly hair) it seemed like a big cop-out, especially since most females want either or both.
However, on the rare page or two, Wendy did make a good point (or say something really clever):
"People take your cue on how to behave around you. If you act ashamed of yourself, they will be ashamed of you. If you act proud--even if it's just an act--people will kowtow"
"I've rarely met a man who feels like he has TOO MUCH vagina access...The dude's more like, 'Psych! I get to put my penis in a vagina! Hooray for me!'"
Well...I didn't like the book. It was less of an empowering monologue and more of a manifesto of Wendy Shanker and her life as a fat jew. I'm sorry, but I personally don't care about the life of Wendy Shanker. She's an average, rather cliched writer, kind of boring life; it seems the only drama in her life has been her on-going battle of her bulge!
Even worse was that is made me feel worse about myself, reminding me of my bad spots instead of my toned torso. And she relied way too much on stereotypes (fat girls with gay best friends, anti-curly hair) that fat girls relate to. Since I fit into those categories (gay best friend, curly hair) it seemed like a big cop-out, especially since most females want either or both.
However, on the rare page or two, Wendy did make a good point (or say something really clever):
"People take your cue on how to behave around you. If you act ashamed of yourself, they will be ashamed of you. If you act proud--even if it's just an act--people will kowtow"
"I've rarely met a man who feels like he has TOO MUCH vagina access...The dude's more like, 'Psych! I get to put my penis in a vagina! Hooray for me!'"
16 February, 2009
Letters from a Nut
I picked up this book the other day that consisted of all letters to famous companies, hotels, universities, etc. In these letters, Ted L. Nancy writes the most elaborate and creative tales ever, appealing to these companies (having an extra leg, wanting to bring his own mattress).
This was probably the funniest thing I've ever read. Some of it is just so oddball you can't help but laugh. I wish I could have read more out loud (that's when the book is at it's best), but I definitely would reccommend this to anyone and everyone. Especially Mr. Brower. I could see him and Mr. Nancy having tea together, laughing.
"...it will blink out of unison with yours. Your sign blinks, then ours. So...when your sign blinks then goes dark - my sign blinks. When mine is dark - your's blinks. It will be two different signs blinking one right after each other. (I may have music)."
"But, Sir, with all due respect, I cannot be compared to Rip Taylor. I am the 16th President of the United States...I am a log splittler, a not so easy accomplishment."
This was probably the funniest thing I've ever read. Some of it is just so oddball you can't help but laugh. I wish I could have read more out loud (that's when the book is at it's best), but I definitely would reccommend this to anyone and everyone. Especially Mr. Brower. I could see him and Mr. Nancy having tea together, laughing.
"...it will blink out of unison with yours. Your sign blinks, then ours. So...when your sign blinks then goes dark - my sign blinks. When mine is dark - your's blinks. It will be two different signs blinking one right after each other. (I may have music)."
"But, Sir, with all due respect, I cannot be compared to Rip Taylor. I am the 16th President of the United States...I am a log splittler, a not so easy accomplishment."
The James Frey Theory
I enjoy a good memoir every now and then. Especially if they are well written, and the story is fascinating.
Ever since James Frey confessed his lowly secret of fabricating his memoir, I've been extra cautious when reading.
Personally, while I believe I have a very vivid memory, I couldn't remember the intricate details and conversation that make up an every-day memoir (and my story isn't finished yet!).
"The Glass Castle" is an intense story. Jeannette Walls writes very eloquently, lightening the depressing details of her childhood (alcoholic father, neglectful parents, poverty). So much of her life just made me greatful for what I take for granted, and it is truely remarkable that she grew up successful and still kept in contact with her parents.
Now, every detail in the book, while very dramatic and elaborate, there was one part that really bugged me. In one scene, Jeannette and family are at a zoo, when her father suggests that she and her siblings climb into the cage with him and pet a cheetah. Now, as great of a story as this sounds....COME ON! Its just way too unbelievable.
All in all, it was an interesting read, I just wish I believed it more.
Ever since James Frey confessed his lowly secret of fabricating his memoir, I've been extra cautious when reading.
Personally, while I believe I have a very vivid memory, I couldn't remember the intricate details and conversation that make up an every-day memoir (and my story isn't finished yet!).
"The Glass Castle" is an intense story. Jeannette Walls writes very eloquently, lightening the depressing details of her childhood (alcoholic father, neglectful parents, poverty). So much of her life just made me greatful for what I take for granted, and it is truely remarkable that she grew up successful and still kept in contact with her parents.
Now, every detail in the book, while very dramatic and elaborate, there was one part that really bugged me. In one scene, Jeannette and family are at a zoo, when her father suggests that she and her siblings climb into the cage with him and pet a cheetah. Now, as great of a story as this sounds....COME ON! Its just way too unbelievable.
All in all, it was an interesting read, I just wish I believed it more.
12 February, 2009
Band Aids and Iggy Pop
I love reading literature on music of the '60s-'90s. I happen to like the music they showcase (everything from Led Zepplin and The Beatles to Nirvana), and having missed the hey-day of those artists, I feel closer to appreciating them on the levels of people like my dad with each new book.
Having just finished "Let's Spend the Night Together: Backstage Secrets of Rock Muses and Supergroupies," I wish I could travel back in time and be a groupie when music was more about a talent and attitude and less about fame and talent-free.
To a certain extent, I admire these girls for their daring, courageous moves. However, I felt sometimes, it was more about pleasing their "Rock Gods" then getting something for themselves.
In the end though, these girls had the prime time of being a groupie. Led Zepplin, Elvis, Iggy Pop, David Bowie, Nirvana, Cat Stevens, Jimi Hendrix; those were the days to be a groupie. I must also include that this book re-invigorated my passion for a certain rock god: Iggy Pop. Those girls were so lucky.
10 February, 2009
Hot Topics
I recently finished a book called "The Tortilla Curtain," contrasting the lives of a rich Californian family and a Mexican couple struggling to survive in the new world. As the immigration issue has taken a back seat thanks to our weakening economy, it made me re-evaluate how I felt about the problem.
Of all the political issues, the immigration dilemma is one I'm not quite decided on. On one hand, I think the population influx of Hispanics is out of control, and things need to change. But I also see how its borderline hypocritical of us to call them "immigrants" and to stop coming here. This is a country based on immigrants, where the only people who really have a right are Native Americans.
Well everyone has an idea for this debate, but I don't see this being solved in my lifetime, especially with far more critical situations to attend to (hello war, Middle East, Recession....).
Now, for the book....it was hard for me to get into at first. I couldn't agree with the Mexican couple, Candido and America. I couldn't really pity their bad luck when I felt it was their fault (kind of hard to ask for work in USA when the only English words you know are "No espick ingliss", but hey, to each their own). At other times, their string of misfortunes just broke my heart, and I just wanted them to find some stable source of money already so they could better themselves.
While the Mexicans were hard to relate to, the caucasion couple was worse. I COULD NOT STAND the couple. They were so naive and ignorant in dealing with others; it made me sick to think there are people who are just like them!
So with that in mind, I didn't get into the book until the devastating climax (read the book if you want to know). Once I got over that hurdle, the book came full circle and ideas just popped out.
"This isn't about coyotes, don't kid yourself. It's about Mexicans, it's about blacks. It's about exclusion, division, hate." p. 220, Unfortunately, this quote speaks so much truth about our society. It really is remarkable that we have elected a Black president, with people who can say these things.
"Get complacent, and you become a statistic." p. 221, Another very truthful quote, because the minute you stop fighting your cause, you become another drone.
"One (beer) would make him feel loose at the edges...but two would be glorious, two would be thanksgiving.", p. 254,
"It was as exciting as going to the toilet." p.336, I just like these quotes!
Of all the political issues, the immigration dilemma is one I'm not quite decided on. On one hand, I think the population influx of Hispanics is out of control, and things need to change. But I also see how its borderline hypocritical of us to call them "immigrants" and to stop coming here. This is a country based on immigrants, where the only people who really have a right are Native Americans.
Well everyone has an idea for this debate, but I don't see this being solved in my lifetime, especially with far more critical situations to attend to (hello war, Middle East, Recession....).
Now, for the book....it was hard for me to get into at first. I couldn't agree with the Mexican couple, Candido and America. I couldn't really pity their bad luck when I felt it was their fault (kind of hard to ask for work in USA when the only English words you know are "No espick ingliss", but hey, to each their own). At other times, their string of misfortunes just broke my heart, and I just wanted them to find some stable source of money already so they could better themselves.
While the Mexicans were hard to relate to, the caucasion couple was worse. I COULD NOT STAND the couple. They were so naive and ignorant in dealing with others; it made me sick to think there are people who are just like them!
So with that in mind, I didn't get into the book until the devastating climax (read the book if you want to know). Once I got over that hurdle, the book came full circle and ideas just popped out.
"This isn't about coyotes, don't kid yourself. It's about Mexicans, it's about blacks. It's about exclusion, division, hate." p. 220, Unfortunately, this quote speaks so much truth about our society. It really is remarkable that we have elected a Black president, with people who can say these things.
"Get complacent, and you become a statistic." p. 221, Another very truthful quote, because the minute you stop fighting your cause, you become another drone.
"One (beer) would make him feel loose at the edges...but two would be glorious, two would be thanksgiving.", p. 254,
"It was as exciting as going to the toilet." p.336, I just like these quotes!
08 February, 2009
Those 6 Magic Words
I can't say them. Men and women across the country can't say them. And it's true, we do everything possible to avoid saying that simple phrase: i'm just not that into you.
This was a book that I'd been dying to read for a while. I was hoping it would give me newfound insight to my dating life (and the movie was coming out).
Well, overall, "He's Just Not That Into You" was definitely NOT a book for me. There were two pages (out of the 165 page book!) that applied to my past experience with guys, but the rest...well needless to say I should just give this book to all those guys I wasn't that into. Disappearing, too busy, just got out of a relationship, not ready for something serious, I've used them all!
Now while I didn't gain too much from this book (except those 2 pages, which I had figured out already), there were a couple things that stuck out that I did not agree with:
1. The first chapter is about guys who aren't into you if they aren't asking you out. Now while that statement is true, what they say next is very backwards of them. The authors advise women that men enjoy asking women out, they crave that chase. They discourage women, saying he'll ask you out if he likes you, so let him do the work, even including a poll with guys that said it would have taken out all the fun.
Now, being a woman who has seen the struggles and fights we've had (voting, abortion, job equality - oops not solved yet), I'm rather upset by this statement. Don't get me wrong, I love being chased, it is something that has been instilled into every girl, and it is quite fun. But also being a mature, strong-minded female, I still like to toy with the idea that I could ask him out if I wanted to. I don't like being told I can't do that. In fact, I took a poll myself of guys and asked them whether this idea was true, that girls are wasting time if they ask guys out. Well, surprise surprise, all eight of them said they would love it/have no problem with it. Now, I still am determined to find guys who think only guys should ask out girls....so this idea is to be continued. Until then, I will do my victory dance and ask the next guy I meet out, just to spite the authors.
2. The next thing that bugged me what a rather biased quote from author Greg:
"Because face it, you're a woman, and women can't separate sex and emotions." Well Greg, you are full of it. That idea is as sexist as saying men can't be nurses and women can be presidents. Speaking on behalf of my sex, I will say I know which women you are referring to. They CAN'T separate sex and emotions, but they are also the women who have sex for love, save it until marriage, or have a few long-term relationships in their lifetimes. Now, many more of my friends (and myself) know the power of balance. AND, there are MEN who can't separate sex and emotions! Okay, Greg won't read this, but I hope you, the reader of this, does understand this theory.
Now I'm writing this after I went to see the movie. I appreciated what the directors did, in basing the stories from both men and women angles. However, I also counted 4 men, so I'm not sure how effective that was. In terms of a movie, it was predictable, cliched, and too much Jennifer Aniston/not enough Jennifer Connelly for my liking. But, I would definitely say skip the book and see the movie. You'll get the same idea out of the movie, sans the sexist criticism, biased writing, and you'll see Ben Affleck in a Wisconsin Badger t-shirt!
This was a book that I'd been dying to read for a while. I was hoping it would give me newfound insight to my dating life (and the movie was coming out).
Well, overall, "He's Just Not That Into You" was definitely NOT a book for me. There were two pages (out of the 165 page book!) that applied to my past experience with guys, but the rest...well needless to say I should just give this book to all those guys I wasn't that into. Disappearing, too busy, just got out of a relationship, not ready for something serious, I've used them all!
Now while I didn't gain too much from this book (except those 2 pages, which I had figured out already), there were a couple things that stuck out that I did not agree with:
1. The first chapter is about guys who aren't into you if they aren't asking you out. Now while that statement is true, what they say next is very backwards of them. The authors advise women that men enjoy asking women out, they crave that chase. They discourage women, saying he'll ask you out if he likes you, so let him do the work, even including a poll with guys that said it would have taken out all the fun.
Now, being a woman who has seen the struggles and fights we've had (voting, abortion, job equality - oops not solved yet), I'm rather upset by this statement. Don't get me wrong, I love being chased, it is something that has been instilled into every girl, and it is quite fun. But also being a mature, strong-minded female, I still like to toy with the idea that I could ask him out if I wanted to. I don't like being told I can't do that. In fact, I took a poll myself of guys and asked them whether this idea was true, that girls are wasting time if they ask guys out. Well, surprise surprise, all eight of them said they would love it/have no problem with it. Now, I still am determined to find guys who think only guys should ask out girls....so this idea is to be continued. Until then, I will do my victory dance and ask the next guy I meet out, just to spite the authors.
2. The next thing that bugged me what a rather biased quote from author Greg:
"Because face it, you're a woman, and women can't separate sex and emotions." Well Greg, you are full of it. That idea is as sexist as saying men can't be nurses and women can be presidents. Speaking on behalf of my sex, I will say I know which women you are referring to. They CAN'T separate sex and emotions, but they are also the women who have sex for love, save it until marriage, or have a few long-term relationships in their lifetimes. Now, many more of my friends (and myself) know the power of balance. AND, there are MEN who can't separate sex and emotions! Okay, Greg won't read this, but I hope you, the reader of this, does understand this theory.
Now I'm writing this after I went to see the movie. I appreciated what the directors did, in basing the stories from both men and women angles. However, I also counted 4 men, so I'm not sure how effective that was. In terms of a movie, it was predictable, cliched, and too much Jennifer Aniston/not enough Jennifer Connelly for my liking. But, I would definitely say skip the book and see the movie. You'll get the same idea out of the movie, sans the sexist criticism, biased writing, and you'll see Ben Affleck in a Wisconsin Badger t-shirt!
02 February, 2009
Doctors' Orders
I have an interesting history with doctors, starting from when I was younger. From bad backs and fractured ribs to near death, I've done it all. I've had some really great, understanding doctors and I've had lousy, judgemental, sell-out doctors. With a pre-nursing roommate and my frequent visits, I have mixed emotions when it comes to doctors. But I definately agree with the book, "How Doctors Think" on this statement: every doctor is unique for every patient.
The book was decent. I was prompted to read this by a recent judgement call one of my doctors made that skewed her focus in my appointment. It definately opened my eyes to the realities of being a doctor, and how an idea can greatly influence a doctor in dealing with a patient:
"And once you rememove yourself from the patient's story, you no longer are truely a doctor." p. 17
01 February, 2009
Time After Time
Among my many enemies (the can opener, my 4th grade bully, the hairbrush, humidity), time is the worst. There's never enough of it when you need it, and too much when you have no way to occupy yourself.
I was lent the book "The Time Traveler's Wife" recently, a book that reading the back alone would have never propelled me to turn a page. The back describes an "unconvential love story" about two people who struggle with the changes of time, especially since one travels back and forth. Lame right?
Well, the beginning I was still kind of worrisome. I mean, imagine meeting your future spouse when you are 6 and they are 40. That is just, well messed up (for lack of a more eloquent word choice). It does improve, and come in full circle when the couple are married and he starts his visiting his current wife during her childhood.
Now the main themes of this book I didn't really like. That whole, love enduring time kind of fluff just doesn't grab me. But I loved the Chicago backdrop and being able to understand the locations of everyone. And what I like about the idea of time traveling was the realistic twist the author added to it; time traveling as a genetic disorder verses some magical power.
"I thought free will had to do with sin." p. 75, Probably my favorite quote in the book. It presents an interesting idea that I never have given much thought, of free will being closely tied to sin. I diagree with that idea for several reasons. Under our free will, we sin, but we also do so many good things that really balance out our bad. But then again, everyone has a different idea for what "sinning" is considered.
"I mean, to me things seem to random and meaningless for there to be a God." p. 76, I think this is a good sentence, because it's a really good description of how an atheist/agonstic views religion. I remember when I first started questioning things, it didn't make sense to me that if this so-called God was so great, why there were so many things wrong with the world (according to Christians). This is obviously a post for another time, so I will just say, the world is too imperfect for a God.
"My vast powers of observation have led me to the conclusion that whatever remains when you have eliminated the impossible, is the truth, no matter how impossible." p.87, I really just love this quote. I think its so beautiful.
"Praise means nothing...only criticism can flush her cheeks and catch her attention." p.216, What I like about this quote is that I really relate to it. Praise is wonderful, but it's forgetable and meaningless to a degree. In the end, if you get praise, it means you didn't fuck up. Whereas criticism is a wonderful thing. I have learned more from my mistakes and critiques then from anything else. A criticism is a gift in disguise.
I was lent the book "The Time Traveler's Wife" recently, a book that reading the back alone would have never propelled me to turn a page. The back describes an "unconvential love story" about two people who struggle with the changes of time, especially since one travels back and forth. Lame right?
Well, the beginning I was still kind of worrisome. I mean, imagine meeting your future spouse when you are 6 and they are 40. That is just, well messed up (for lack of a more eloquent word choice). It does improve, and come in full circle when the couple are married and he starts his visiting his current wife during her childhood.
Now the main themes of this book I didn't really like. That whole, love enduring time kind of fluff just doesn't grab me. But I loved the Chicago backdrop and being able to understand the locations of everyone. And what I like about the idea of time traveling was the realistic twist the author added to it; time traveling as a genetic disorder verses some magical power.
"I thought free will had to do with sin." p. 75, Probably my favorite quote in the book. It presents an interesting idea that I never have given much thought, of free will being closely tied to sin. I diagree with that idea for several reasons. Under our free will, we sin, but we also do so many good things that really balance out our bad. But then again, everyone has a different idea for what "sinning" is considered.
"I mean, to me things seem to random and meaningless for there to be a God." p. 76, I think this is a good sentence, because it's a really good description of how an atheist/agonstic views religion. I remember when I first started questioning things, it didn't make sense to me that if this so-called God was so great, why there were so many things wrong with the world (according to Christians). This is obviously a post for another time, so I will just say, the world is too imperfect for a God.
"My vast powers of observation have led me to the conclusion that whatever remains when you have eliminated the impossible, is the truth, no matter how impossible." p.87, I really just love this quote. I think its so beautiful.
"Praise means nothing...only criticism can flush her cheeks and catch her attention." p.216, What I like about this quote is that I really relate to it. Praise is wonderful, but it's forgetable and meaningless to a degree. In the end, if you get praise, it means you didn't fuck up. Whereas criticism is a wonderful thing. I have learned more from my mistakes and critiques then from anything else. A criticism is a gift in disguise.
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