Don Dellilo's "Libra" seems like a very promising book. The story revolving around a postmodernist view on the assassination of JFK makes for a potentially extremely interesting read. I've always been interested in conspiracy theories which makes the whole conspiracy theory involving the CIA particularly intriguing to me. I'm usually skeptical about conspiracy theories but in the case of Libra's plot I definitely think it was a great possibility that there was a conspiracy. It'll be nice to see how Dellilo interprets these theories and how he portrays Lee as a character.
So far the book hasn't been as confusing as some of the other books we've read (Mumbo Jumbo...) which always is important to keep me engaged. There are definitely post-modernist aspects to the book but they aren't so "Look at me! I'm post-modernist" as it was like in Mumbo Jumbo. It's subtle yet you notice them and appreciate them, rather than Reed making them so obvious that it gets kind of bothering. I think my interest in the plot as well will keep me motivated to read the book thoroughly. I look forward to reading the rest of Libra, so far it has not disappointed.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Lyndon
The short story "Lyndon" by David Foster Wallace is a look at the Lyndon B. Johnson's life through the eyes of a member of his staff. It is a lot different from what one would expect from someone who would become the most powerful man in the United States of America.
First of all, the first line, "'My name is Lyndon Baines Johnson. I own the fucking floor you stand on, boy.'l speaks for itself. It is definitely a very in-depth look at Lyndon that people would not normally read about. The way he is portrayed is very vulgar and sometimes downright disgusting. I did not like Lyndon as a character at all. I found him to be quite an asshole which one wouldn't expect from someone with such power. His always calling people "boy" and "son" really bothered me. It made him sound like he always talked down to people.
I didn't think Wallace could think of this much to write about Johnson. Like why pick Lyndon B. Johnson over any other president to write about? There were a lot of more interesting presidents he could've written about that would have made a more interesting read. Overall I didn't really like reading the short story. Although it is very interesting that he was sworn in as the president right after the assassination of JFK which is probably why we read this before starting Libra.
First of all, the first line, "'My name is Lyndon Baines Johnson. I own the fucking floor you stand on, boy.'l speaks for itself. It is definitely a very in-depth look at Lyndon that people would not normally read about. The way he is portrayed is very vulgar and sometimes downright disgusting. I did not like Lyndon as a character at all. I found him to be quite an asshole which one wouldn't expect from someone with such power. His always calling people "boy" and "son" really bothered me. It made him sound like he always talked down to people.
I didn't think Wallace could think of this much to write about Johnson. Like why pick Lyndon B. Johnson over any other president to write about? There were a lot of more interesting presidents he could've written about that would have made a more interesting read. Overall I didn't really like reading the short story. Although it is very interesting that he was sworn in as the president right after the assassination of JFK which is probably why we read this before starting Libra.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Thoughts On Kindred
After reading the blurb at the back of the book that explains the plot a little bit, my first impression of Kindred was that it would be very interesting. I really liked the whole idea of two modern people being able to go back in time and experience what life was like back then. Readers would be able to see what it was like to be a slave in the early 19th century through Dana's eyes. When Kevin and Dana decide to pretend that Kevin is Dana's master I thought it was really interesting because if they were actually from that time that could have been a reality.
As the story progressed I became more and more interested in Dana's interactions with Rufus. Since Rufus is one of Dana's ancestors and has to have a child named Hagar for Dana to exist, it is pivotal that Dana subtly coax Rufus into having Hagar. This is all complicated by Rufus' questionable character. He rapes Alice and even tells Dana that he has feelings for her. Hagar ends up being born though and Dana is now sure that when she returns to the 20th century that she'll exist. I believe that Dana was sent back in time to save Rufus from his injury and if she'd failed she would not have been able to go back to her own time.
Overall I enjoyed reading Kindred because of its interesting plot. I'd never read a book set in the antebellum South before and I found it a good read. The kind of sci-fi aspect of time traveling was also something that sparked my interest. I honestly don't think there was much controversy or intensely thought-provoking theme surrounding the story, just a well-written and interesting book.
As the story progressed I became more and more interested in Dana's interactions with Rufus. Since Rufus is one of Dana's ancestors and has to have a child named Hagar for Dana to exist, it is pivotal that Dana subtly coax Rufus into having Hagar. This is all complicated by Rufus' questionable character. He rapes Alice and even tells Dana that he has feelings for her. Hagar ends up being born though and Dana is now sure that when she returns to the 20th century that she'll exist. I believe that Dana was sent back in time to save Rufus from his injury and if she'd failed she would not have been able to go back to her own time.
Overall I enjoyed reading Kindred because of its interesting plot. I'd never read a book set in the antebellum South before and I found it a good read. The kind of sci-fi aspect of time traveling was also something that sparked my interest. I honestly don't think there was much controversy or intensely thought-provoking theme surrounding the story, just a well-written and interesting book.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)