Book Bonanza 1: Books #22-30

In an attempt to catch up with my book-reading and thereby get reacquainted with the writing process, I'm going to blitz through the remainder of the books I've read since the inception of this blog. As the books have added up, it has seemed as though getting an opportunity to catch up has been made more and more difficult. Rather than stop reading in order to get writing, I kept on plowing through books. As a result, I've got a stack of books next to me that has reached a preposterous height. I'm going to run through them, one paragraph at a time. In addition, I'll be giving a quick rating of 1-5 stars, based on my enjoyment of the book.

Book #22: "Killing Yourself to Live" by Chuck Klosterman (****)
The last of Mr. Klosterman's books that I had read, KYTL is an account of Klosterman's trek across America visiting the death sites of famous musicians. Like most adventure tales, the journey is more significant, even if its resolution is unclear. The mental process is very deftly described, as the author brought historical perspective into his musing about the lives (and deaths) of rock stars. I took from this many prophetic passages, and managed to grasp at a notion: what you do while you're doing something "bigger" often becomes the better story. Think about it: how many stories start, "while wherever I was, here's what happened"? The location and the broader theme become secondary to the actual, vivid memory. Now, while I am a huge Klosterman fan, the timing and the poignancy of the book made it one of the more enjoyable of his collection.

Book #23-25: "Millenium series" series, by Stieg Larsson ("Girl With the Dragon Tattoo": ****)
("Girl Who Played With Fire": ***) ("Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest":***)

First of all, the star system here is a bit flawed, only because I would consider them to be comparable. However, since I'm not doing quarter- or half-stars, this will have to do. Anyway, Larsson's trilogy revolving around Lisbeth Salander and Mikael Blomqvist makes for an entertaining read, if not a well-written one. In an attempt to read the first installment of the series before the theatrical release of the American film adaptation, I picked up "Dragon Tattoo", and had a hard time putting it down. Larsson- in my mind- gets a lot of the "extra" background information out in the open earlier on in the book. If the reader is then able to conceptualize and keep track of it all, the rest of the story goes smoothly. I will say that the final installment had a LOT of background information, making it less enjoyable BECAUSE it followed the second book immediately; a lot of that background information could have been sprinkled in intermittently throughout the rest of the book.

The series itself spends a lot of time focusing on the development and past of Salander as a character. As such, the first book adds a mystery element on top of it. It was that storyline that grabbed at me the most, only because of the elusive nature of Salander's past (Knowing, of course, that there were two other books to follow made me feel better about not having everything revealed in the first story). Throughout the second two stories, the focus on another plot element was absent, making the view slightly more singular. The investment in the trilogy is a hefty one. Ultimately, it pays off, but it takes a while to get there. The pockets of background info dispersed throughout the trilogy can make for a frustrating reading session, as I found myself saying on multiple occasions, "get ON with it!". Since it's a popular trilogy and read, I recommend it. If nothing else, the ability to have lengthy discussions about the characters (Salander, in particular, is complex and worth remembering) and their flaws is an enjoyable time.

Book #26: "Thirteen Reasons Why" by Jay Asher (*****)
One of the best books I've read in a while. While it's another YA piece, the best part about Asher's work here is that it looks at the IDEA of communication and within it, weaves a story that's not terribly complicated, but is fairly universally understood. The story itself is fairly clever and innovative: a girl who commits suicide first records messages for 13 individuals who have led her to make this tragic decision. The character who we follow through the book- Clay Jensen- is one of the people to whom the deceased had left a message. There's a lot of back story which explains why the decision was made to commit suicide. In the meantime, Clay wrestles with what he could have done to drive a girl to kill herself. The anticipation mounts and as the message to Clay becomes clear, it makes for an emotionally-charged climax. Can't recommend this enough. Even if it's not the great American novel, Asher created an engaging and page-turning work. Perfect for a vacation flight to Asia (yeah, it's been quite a while).

Book #27: "Random Family: Love, Drugs, Trouble, and Coming of Age in the Bronx" by Adrian Nicole LeBlanc (****)
I had a tough time fully grasping the objective of the book. A non-fiction narrative, "Random Family" follows the lives of 4 Bronx residents and their seemingly inescapable lives of despair. While reading, it often was lost on me that the story was, in fact, non-fiction, and so I had been anticipating the happy ending or light at the end of the tunnel for any of the characters involved. When positive steps were followed by two steps back, I groaned, wondering why the hell it was that the characters couldn't escape the fate of jail or destitution. It is here that the story works its magic: rather than take on a sympathetic tone, LeBlanc simply presents facts as they come, and as a result, the attachments to characters is left solely up to the reader. As I read on, the characters become more and more real, and I empathize with them more and more. It was, ultimately, a REALLY valuable read. While not the clear skies that people may be accustomed to in fictional reading, it is none-the-less an important story to hear.

Book #28: "Life" by Keith Richards (*****)

As a Stones fan, I'm more than happy to throw on the 5th star. If I am trying to remain objective, I would still consider this to be a great read. It is necessary to realize that the allure surrounding the Rolling Stones- and "Keef" specifically- has been going on for fifty years. While not terribly long in the progression of world history, it's an eternity in terms of rock n' roll, and DEFINITELY an eternity in terms of what Richards is purported to have done in that period. Now, to the story: Richards has been lauded for his ability to have such lucid memories of his earlier life. As the ageless wonder of rock, he comes across as FAR from the drugged-out caricature that is thought of at the mention of his name. His musings of childhood come off as whimsical, and it's clear that Richards OOZES charm, like a mischievous kid who is approaching his 70s.

The science of music, the early Stones life (hovels, booze, women), and jet-setting are prominently featured in the book. Richards makes a great point of incorporating as much of it as possible, so as to better understand that the true rarity and longevity of the Stones is a unique result of a multitude of different circumstances. Inevitably, Richards sounds very open in his concessions and story-telling. This is what makes the book SO enjoyable for me: an iconic figure in the history of rock n' roll has nothing left to prove, and so the honesty that comes from his mind and his heart is the most endearing sort of tale.

Book #29: "A Pint of Plain: Tradition, Change, and the Fate of the Irish Pub" by Bill Barich (***)

In this story, Barich is on the quest for a quintessential Irish pub. What develops is an elusive search, based partly in Barich's 'not feeling' certain pubs and part in the transition from tradition into modernity throughout much of Ireland on the whole. The former part of the search is pretty frustrating: the author goes to great lengths to find a spot that is in his head, rather than taking the authenticity that is right in front of him and running with it. On the other hand, the book serves as a where's where of Irish pubs, which is incredibly handy when in the Emerald Isle and in need of a bite (or drink). Barich offers much first-person commentary into the shift in Irish pub culture. As Ireland became more and more westernized (for lack of a better term), the demise of the essential nature of the pub became a growing concern for someone who yearned to experience it. I guess the only thing that keeps this from being better in my mind is that the conclusion is that Ireland is for the worse when it comes to the search for authenticity. I'm sure it's there, as I've felt it. It ultimately becomes a matter of the purpose of pursuit. I'd rather have my optimism.

Book #30: "The House on Mango Street" by Sandra Cisneros (***)

Mouse here to zoom in

Cisnero's tale of the young Esperanza Cordero is full of half-baked anecdotes on life growing up as a young Latina girl in America. While the depth of Esperanza's narration is felt and recognized through the course of the book, I found myself- like Esperanza- wanting more. I understand the idea that as a child, the narrator's thoughts may not have a conclusion that i scientifically stated or drawn out; it doesn't mean I have to love it. A lot of what happens shows a less-than-ideal surrounding, and yet it is enjoyable to remember a child's perspective in this coming-of-age book. As far as the path taken through the story, I just felt disconnected from the character, something I'm not happy about. I typically feel as though I connect fairly well. This made me sad; ultimately, I'll give it another read-through (at 110 pages, it wouldn't take long), but I was left unsatisfied.

Book # 19-21: The Hunger Games trilogy

The Hunger Games series, by Suzanne Collins

Always a sucker for YA literature, I had been told that the Hunger Games series was a legitimately interesting novel for all ages, and was excited to borrow a copy from my cousin for a recent trip. After plowing through the first book (outstanding, by the way; more on that in a moment), I devoured the second of the series before taking a break (while continuing two other books and starting a third....dangerous addiction, this 'reading' fad). Over the holiday weekend, I flew through Mockingjay, the third and final installment of the series.

I've had a number of conversations already about the surprising depth of the series. It is, quite wonderfully, a combination of The Most Dangerous Game (favorite short story), Gladiator (among favorite movies), and 1984 (the book- a favorite- not the album (also a favorite)). As a teacher-to-be, it's a book I'd love to teach; there's a lot to consider from a number of perspectives. After finishing the first book of the series, I sent a series of points to a good friend of mine with plenty of YA lit. exposure. Here are some of those points:

1) The level of emotion in this book is pretty astounding, particularly for YA lit. It's got REAL depth, without the pretension of an exhaustive vocabulary. I love the feeling of a page-turner out of excitement, rather than for the sake of finishing a book, if that makes sense...and this did it. Big time. 2) I didn't want to do a search for where in today's North America the Districts were supposed to represent, but I gave it a LOT of thought. I will assume this is the geography nerd in me. Feel free to not hop on that discussion track. 3) I don't like Gale, which is to say I don't like Edward Cullen, which is to REALLY say that the over-representation of the ideal male as a brooding, tight-lipped mystery is a tired idea, and a bit of a farce. I feel like there is a disproportionate number of males who're that tough to crack in real-life. The silver lining here is we learn too little to really cast Gale in the same light as, say, Mr. Darcy; he's not condescending (which is supposed to turn into something endearing by book's end...I never understood that), so good for him. Still, if this is how I am to perceive the female psyche, I give up. 4) Brilliantly-disguised love story within a suspenseful dramatic setting. Katniss's awkwardness cuts through a lot of the would-be mush, which is a good thing. I would venture to say that that's what kills a series like Twilight for men (boys? Should I even be sending this as a 27 year-old?): too much mush. From all three lead perspectives. Woof. 5) The clever loophole of "it's the future. Believe everything." is SO well-implemented here, I had next to no trouble believing that any of what Collins writes could actually happen. Can we discuss- in particular- the premise of entertainment as a mask for something bigger and exponentially more sinister? I would hope, as an English teacher, to get the chance to teach 1984 and Brave New World...and this is a breeze of a read compared to both AND deals with a mixture of themes of the two. I'm really liking the story and the idea that people just don't "get it"...reminds me a lot about reality tv and the danger in getting wrapped up in something so artificial and contrived. Bloodsport for entertainment, manufactured conditions for battle, and a fight to the death (among TEENS, no less) makes for quite an alarming scenario...except everybody LOVES it. It is (thanks to the single-channel TV setup) THE big story. I'd be interested to learn how exactly the government managed to strip away luxuries.


I then followed it up with a few more points after reading the other two books in the series (note: None will give away the ending entirely)...


1) Catching Fire was interesting in how it shifted from a story about the uprising to the Quarter Quell. I felt as though the victory tour had a lot more potential than what it was given, and that the Quell seemed to be a bit of a cop-out. I understand that it was necessary to develop certain characters and whatnot, but Beetee and Finnick's roles in particular could have been just as well-developed in the setting of the tour of the districts. 2) I'm really legitimately upset that Regis Philbin is not playing the role of Caesar Flickerman. Perhaps it's just that I see the interviews playing out like an episode of Who Want to Be a Millionaire? whenever I think about it, but I felt it was totally manageable. In fact, that's the first character I felt able to place with an actor in the entire series. 3) There's a weight to these books that makes me really sad. It's reaching to describe the uprising as a possibility within the confines of the plot of the series, let alone to put a teenager in the role of the face of the revolt. I suppose it's what makes Katniss a tragic figure; it just made me tired. 4) Mockingjay petered out towards the end, in my opinion. It seemed as though the buildup IN 13 far outweighed the amount of time spent in the Capitol. I felt-most of all- that there wasn't nearly enough playing up of the realization that Coin was playing the same game as Snow. It was as though the author wanted to surprise everyone with the assassination (which wasn't the case at all for me)....which is unfortunate because it is PRECISELY that hatred and bitterness that had been allowed to simmer throughout the first two and a half books. Frustrating..

I'm game for any sort of discussion about the series, so if you've read it, let me know!

Verdict: Highly recommended!

Book #18: Walk On: The Spiritual Journey of U2

I knew I wouldn't be able to avoid including a U2 book on this list, as I've got a shelf's worth of U2-related literature in my room. This selection was more out of curiosity than anything. As an unauthorized quasi-autobiography of the band, I should have taken caution before reading. However, I figured I'd give it a shot; I have no regrets.

Author Steve Stockman takes a look at the progression of the band from early days until circa 2001 (pre-9/11, which is important for a couple of reasons which I will explain shortly), and more specifically, their blatant lack of representation from any particular denomination. Early on, U2 were involved in a religious group; indeed, their second album, "October", is packed with quite religious sentiment (which doesn't even include "40", based on Psalm 40 in the Bible, or really any number of other spiritual references). While Stockman doesn't have any access to the band, his work is filled with quotes from magazine exposes and articles, as well as thoughtful analysis of U2's catalog of lyrics.

The spirituality of course isn't without some sort of controversy, namely the contention that rock stars would dare to make bold, religious statements. It is unfortunate that organized religions have 1) worked to claim U2 as their own, 2) disowned them after being spurned, and 3) ignored the questions that the band has asked in their work. The questions of spirituality and existentialism are found all over the band's collective work, and I feel as though it is these questions which endear U2 to many fans, myself included.

The band has claimed in the past that faith is not the same as religion, a sentiment that can make the idea of God much more accessible and pragmatic; adhering to His word is much more basic than following the rules of religion, which are often self-serving. In fact, the pushback from religions wanting to have an up-and-coming (and later, a well-established) musical act serving as mouthpieces for their intended work. However, the band's progression taught them to speak for themselves only, rather than represent something they may not entirely agree with.

Even so, the questioning and establishment of a relationship with God enables U2 to connect with people who have those same questions, without alienating those who do not. There's a similarity between love and faith, and so songs like "With or Without You" can be perceived as both a love song and a song representing a crisis of faith. It is in that flexibility that the broad appeal of the band gets its legs; a song that means something to one person can have drastically different significance to someone else.

The use of 2000's "All That You Can't Leave Behind" is minimal, as the book was sent to review and publication shortly thereafter. However, as the events of 9-11 unfolded, the search for answers to heavy questions (most notably, "Why?") and understanding really lent itself to the tracks found within the album. As a group whose heart had been worn on its collective sleeve for years, U2's ability to identify indirectly with those in mourning was brought into the light. If able, try to imagine "Walk On" in a pre- versus post-9/11 context. Ultimately, it's the latter that tugs at you more. The words- and the song by association- means more. Even "New York" takes on a personality that is proud of its identity and united in its assertion that it is a great place, indeed. And when in a position to question or curse someone, hasn't anger been directed above? It is in this vein that U2 takes on deeper meaning, and has all along.

I enjoyed the book quite a bit. While it didn't give much to me in terms of new information about the band or its prior work, it did connect the religious/spiritual implications and connections, as well as shed some light on the issues that the band has had with institutions of faith. As is the case with most matters of religion- to my mind at least- taking full credit for something on behalf of a higher institution or power an be prickly; I'd rather let each user/reader/listener use their own discretion, and let it take on whatever meaning they see fit. After all, personal relationships are more rewarding when they are personal, rather than uniform.

Book #17: The Great Gatsby

F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby"

Fitzgerald's classic 1925 novel brings back memories of high school English classes, for better and worse. Really, the only downside to reading such a book in class was the focus on what became maybe the most lingering example of symbolism I can remember: the watchful eyes on the side of the garage of George Wilson. It is ultimately these sorts of inane details that bored me in an English classroom that was almost never actually boring. Far more interesting, in my mind, was the explanation of the wistfulness that enhances- and at the same time curses- the human condition. Before I pontificate, the quick synopsis of another book I read on the Asia trip...

Nick Carraway, the story's narrator, moves to Long Island in an attempt to make it in the bond market of New York. His cousin- Daisy Buchanan- helps to incorporate him into the local social scene, though it is ultimately a rager at his neighbor's mansion that draws his attention. His mysterious neighbor (Gatsby) spends time throwing these lavish parties despite not taking part in them. As we come to learn, this is done as a means of conveying to Daisy that he is a successful, rich man who is capable of taking care of her. Meanwhile, Tom's affair with Myrtle Wilson appears to be common knowledge, though nothing is really done about it, since security goes a long way in the matter of substituting for happiness. As things come into the open, the true sorrow of the book is exposed. If for whatever reason you haven't read The Great Gatsby, stop reading this and pick it up. A spoiler alert is coming, and I wouldn't want to ruin this great piece of work for anyone.


Alright? Good. Now, the tragedy of Gatsby is that.......................................

SPOILER ALERT





..........................he is left as defeated as any man has ever been before he meets his demise. Gatsby- like anyone who has ever felt the feeling- is driven by love, and in the course of that pursuit, of course he engages in less-than-reputable things (bootlegging, in this case, and associating with disreputable characters). The saddest- and most identifiable- part of all of this is that, for those of us who have ever been there, been on the short end of unrequited love, the rest of what you do can seem hollow. The notion that Gatsby would not take part in the downright epic revelry that becomes associated with his parties seems mystifying, but is explained soon enough over the course of the story.

See, Gatsby's love for Daisy Buchanan had started long before her current marriage to her husband, Tom. Over the course of a war and time apart, however, things change. The pursuit to rebuild something that has faded (rather than been broken. Big difference...) is ultimately fruitless, as the comfort of the known and the security that it provides causes Daisy to ultimately stay with Tom. It is THIS concept- not symbolism- that is the most striking aspect of what is ultimately a very enjoyable read, worthy of study and mandated reading, if with just a twist.

Book #16: On the Road

Jack Kerouac's "On the Road"

In the final days of my time in Chile, I was granted access to the bookshelf of a good friend, Aashish, whose own stint in South America was winding down. He gave me Jack Kerouac's "On the Road", which I had been eager to read, as both a travel enthusiast and as a young man whose life bears little semblance to a certain direction. Over the course of time, the book became lost (and found again), and so it wasn't until my trip to Asia in the spring that I took the time to get through it. I must say I was disappointed. Now whether this is a result of not caring for the book or recognizing the haphazard nature in my own life within the pages of the story is unclear. In any event, I felt as though neither Sal Paradise nor Dean Moriarty were very much likable (in fact, Dean comes off in my mind as barely tolerable).

"On the Road" focuses on Sal's trips across the post-WWII United States. A large amount of "stuff" happens within the larger search for whatever life has to offer. It is in THIS regard that the book hit close to home. I like to think, however, that my life has a little more aim than the group of reckless people in the story. In any event, the story comes in a series of parts, each of which starts with Sal Paradise (the main character, based on Kerouac himself) and his restlessness with where his life has taken him. He's as uncertain as the day is long, but longs for something else; certainly this is the height of personalization. And so starts the disembarkation across the great American terrain. This is before Eisenhower's Interstate System, mind you, and so the landscape carries much more flavor and personality than the endless fields and landscapes.

The more I think about it, the more I feel as though my own "itch" to explore the unexplored on a whim SHOULD have me enjoying this story more. And yet, I don't. It all seems very haphazard and ultimately, the ending made me even angrier, as it just ends. Hear me out: the ending is sort of a wistful look back at all that's gone on and seems to end on a shaking head, like, "I can't believe all of the shit we got up to." The problem is Sal never explains what he's done since. The idea of doing all that they got up to and having nothing to show for it infuriated me. I love to travel. I've done extensive time abroad, and have something to show for it....or will.... or propose to. I plan on teaching for my career. Whether I do that here or abroad, it is the driving force behind the majority of my travels. I want to be well-versed, informed, connected to something bigger. THAT is what bothers me about the characters in this book, and ultimately, the book itself. It's not that they lack direction. It's that they don't profess to want a direction. Had Kerouac simply said "I did it because it was there", it wouldn't be as bad because, really, some things have to happen for that reason. But there's none of that. It's as though he splattered out everything he wanted to say and said "okay, you make sense of this." Shirker.

In any event, there are some gems of quotes in the story, and there are endearing moments that hit quite close to home, as I had previously stated. Overall, however, "On the Road" left me a little cold. Oh well. I suppose sometimes you do (and read) things just because they're there, and just to say you did/read them.

Book #15: Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut

Kurt Vonnegut's "Cat's Cradle"

On the trip to Asia, travel was fast and furious. Hours of waiting in airports and on planes themselves meant there had to be something to do other than sleep. I had tucked 6 or 7 paperbacks into my backpack, in addition to the kindle lent to me by my cousin Kristine. By the last couple of days of the tour, however, I had plowed through all of them, and so I borrowed one of my buddy Dan's books. Dan is a relentless reader whose bookshelf I not-so-secretly envy. In any case, he gave me "Cat's Cradle", assuring me that it was a quick- albeit strange- read.

It was my first venture into the literature of Vonnegut, and while I was entertained and certainly amused by his writing, I can't say I was altogether very stricken by any feeling that Vonnegut had cracked the code with regards to any otherworldly insight. The story- following the narrator's journey to follow a lead to aid him in writing a book. He goes to a fictional island in the Caribbean, and encounters a variety of slightly-off characters as his life is taken by strange storm, all in pursuit of a lead.

Vonnegut deserves credit for incorporating so many big ideas into this tale of twists and turns (like, of course, a game of cat's cradle). Whether it's religion (Bokononism, a cynic's response to Shintoism) and the denouncement of other religions throughout history; science (ice-nine plays a prominent role in the climactic action of the story) and its ability to spiral beyond control of those who experiment with the "unnatural"; or politics (the dictatorship of the fictional San Lorenzo eventually is bestowed upon John, the narrator) and its fickle nature, particularly given the often-shaky premise upon which a political structure is built. Through an absurd lens, the author makes his mark in a sardonic sort of way with regards to weighty issues. It is Vonnegut's strong writing (it really is an effortless read, if strange) that gives this story its wings.

I am very much interested in reading more from the man, as he came and continues to come highly recommended. All in all, Cat's Cradle ranks somewhere in the middle of the pack among books I've read for this list so far.

Ballpark #1- Nationals Park May 8, 2010

Exactly one month before Stephen Strasburg made his debut for the Washington Nationals, I had the pleasure of catching a game at Nationals Park in Washington, DC. A bunch of friends and I descended on our nation's capital for a weekend of fun and games. We all managed to cramp ourselves in the apartment of a good friend who was living in DC for work purposes. In the meantime, he was living a mere 2-3 blocks away from the stadium, so a ballgame seemed like a no-brainer.

Washington's ballpark was a real treat for fans. As the franchise is still relatively new to the DC area, the ballpark is clean, new, and well-maintained. Green grass, bright and shining seats, uncluttered walkways...while some of this can be attributed to it being early May, the overall feel is that it is a fun place to be. Picture time!



Nationals Park. Benefits include: Proximity to public transportation, pick of good seats.


Towards the end of the season, the mascot may become more intimidating than the team. Not a good sign.

Sampling the fare at the ballpark...

Chili cheese dog. Verdict: Delicious! Not even 'delicious for ballpark food'. It was legitimately tasty.

Views from the stadium include: The Capitol! A very unique experience at MLB parks, from my experience.


Maybe it's just that it was a day game, or that it's the Nationals, but I thought it was a really tranquil place to catch a game...


Lounge area for when the Nats aren't worth the $24 bleacher seat ticket...


Easily navigable concourses. Well-lit and not overcrowded. Two big pluses.


View from the outfield concourse. Nothing like a well-manicured field..
Photographic evidence that I made it to Washington.


From the upper deck. Classy.


The good:
Thanks to a smaller crowd than I'm used to, the stadium felt very friendly. I managed to get around without any crowd issues, which meant I had plenty of time to take it all in (like a picture of the Capitol).
The hot dog was good, and the beer was cold. It can be a real crap-shoot when you go to the park to get food, but Washington delivered.
No line at the bathroom!
Friendly staff. People are vastly friendlier outside of New York, and so it was nice to get to experience that at a ballgame.
Scoreboard: having multiple places to look to find the score, lineups, etc. is an underrated part of the game. Understandably, it comes from the advances in technology (this would be a lone drawback at Fenway or Wrigley).
Atmosphere: Laid back. Nice for a relaxing afternoon watching a game.
Public transportation options. A stop only a block or so away from the ballpark. Tough to beat that.

The bad:
The frenzy of sport was lacking until late innings.
It didn't look like there would be great lighting at night games outside the stadium. While I went on a gorgeous day, I would imagine that the walk back to a car parked up the street a few blocks might be a little more ominous.

Perks: Got to see Josh Johnson pitch, and Tyler Clippard, too. Also, got to cheer for Josh Willingham and his game-winning homer skills. Big day for team Parmesan.