Part Three - Ok, so in the end, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was difficult and the first part was especially brutal but I like what Burgess is saying. I also think that chapter 7 of part three should have been included in the original American release, as well as the movie...
Here's my take on that chapter: I think that the novel, sans the last chapter, speaks to the youth of any time period. It encourages them to be themselves and live their lives and rebel and all that good youth stuff. (Think how so many say, "The Catcher in the Rye changed my life!") And I don't wish to belittle the "youth" experience...because we all go through it to become adults. But that last chapter is for us. The grown ups. Or even just the folks on the cusp of adolescent-to-adulthood. It speaks to the desire to be oneself but the realization that the "self" you knew as a teen is not necessarily who you want to be for the rest of your days...hum...deep thoughts.
In short, if you can handle the ultraviolence of the first section of the book, then you should read this...it's a mind-blower but it makes some good points and overall, I liked it. And I've started to incorporate some of the Nadsat slang into my daily use...I viddy, said the starry blind veck. Happy Reading.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Sidebar - The Power of a Praying Wife (OMartian)
I've read the first few chapters of Stormie OMartian's The Power of a Praying Wife and I have to say that so far, I'm a little disappointed. Please don't get what I'm not say; this book has some vitally important stuff in it, like that wives should pray for their husbands and scriptural references for different subjects, etc. OMartian has even written out prayers based on the Scriptures at the end of each chapter.
It just seems a little light. Perhaps it is designed for someone who is a new prayer/believer? I know that I'm blessed to have the husband that I do and that he and I have discussed and prayed through many things together in the past five years of our dating and married life together. Maybe it's just that I chose to read this book at a time when there is limited to no real strife in my marriage, so I'm not desperate for a "fix all".
I like quick chapters that I can read in a few minutes but I have found that many of these barely scratch the surface and sometimes teeter along the fine line of "if you pray for this, you will get this desired result". That kind of teaching is not Biblical. But prayer, IS. So I take a Nike approach to it...just do it!
It just seems a little light. Perhaps it is designed for someone who is a new prayer/believer? I know that I'm blessed to have the husband that I do and that he and I have discussed and prayed through many things together in the past five years of our dating and married life together. Maybe it's just that I chose to read this book at a time when there is limited to no real strife in my marriage, so I'm not desperate for a "fix all".
I like quick chapters that I can read in a few minutes but I have found that many of these barely scratch the surface and sometimes teeter along the fine line of "if you pray for this, you will get this desired result". That kind of teaching is not Biblical. But prayer, IS. So I take a Nike approach to it...just do it!
Book #3, Blog #2
Part Two shows us Alex in jail...like so many jail experiences, he becomes a number rather than a name. There is a two year gap between parts one and two and now Alex is a 17-year-old convicted murderer crammed into tight quarters but also having interesting encounters with the "charlie" (prison chaplain) and what Burgess calls "Religion". He writes honestly from his character's POV, rather than (seemingly) forcing his own views on organized religion onto Alex. His (Alex's) statements ring true and sincere, even though they might not be perceived as "good" by some.
After another violence-induced death, Alex gets to participate in an experimental treatment to "cure" him of his badness and will be released much sooner than originally sentenced. The treatment is watching films...or so he thinks...These images of violence are combined with the use of a drug that causes him to experience extreme physical illness so that he begins to associate violence with the illness. Eventually, this happens at the thought of violence without the drugs. Alex has been "reformed."
The "charlie" has two great quotes (really, more, but let's keep it simple, shall we?) about this new technique that really jump out at me as the voice of the author speaking to his readers. "When a man cannot choose he ceases to be a man." (Burgess, p. 93) "(And later...) "And yet, in a sense, to make an ethical choice, you have in a sense really chosen the good." (Burgess, p. 107)
I find it refreshing that the "charlie" is the man who sees the truth of the situation, rather than the reformers or the ultra-violent loving malchik protagonist.
At the close of part two, Alex is "reformed" and released to his former life and world...now what will happen? There's not much more I can say about this because I think that Burgess' writing is clear and well-written. The reader him/herself can form opinions within him/herself. Read on!
After another violence-induced death, Alex gets to participate in an experimental treatment to "cure" him of his badness and will be released much sooner than originally sentenced. The treatment is watching films...or so he thinks...These images of violence are combined with the use of a drug that causes him to experience extreme physical illness so that he begins to associate violence with the illness. Eventually, this happens at the thought of violence without the drugs. Alex has been "reformed."
The "charlie" has two great quotes (really, more, but let's keep it simple, shall we?) about this new technique that really jump out at me as the voice of the author speaking to his readers. "When a man cannot choose he ceases to be a man." (Burgess, p. 93) "(And later...) "And yet, in a sense, to make an ethical choice, you have in a sense really chosen the good." (Burgess, p. 107)
I find it refreshing that the "charlie" is the man who sees the truth of the situation, rather than the reformers or the ultra-violent loving malchik protagonist.
At the close of part two, Alex is "reformed" and released to his former life and world...now what will happen? There's not much more I can say about this because I think that Burgess' writing is clear and well-written. The reader him/herself can form opinions within him/herself. Read on!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Anthony Burgess' A Clockwork Orange, Blog #1
Hum. How to discuss this novel...I thought about writing some creative analysis using Burgess' created Nadsat language (the slang used by the main character/narrator). I also thought about writing something incredibly misleading about puppies and kitties and happy smiling families. Nah. I'll just dive in.
This is book is not for the weak of heart or mind. Not saying anything about myself here...because I'm having more than second thoughts about this one, myself. Not only is the language something to make your brain hurt (imagine reading a book half in your native language and half in another one you haven't studied - full-immersion), but the images Burgess paints are vividly vile and violent. (ooh...alliteration!)
If you read this book, you must make sure to get an edition that includes all 21 chapters. Apparently, Burgess intentionally wrote the novel with 21 chapters and divided into three sections of 7 chapters each. SO, if you do read the novel, be sure to read Burgess' introduction as well. Primary sources are always good when trying to understand the "why" of a novel.
I plan to blog on this novel thrice: at the end of each section. So...section 1 - we are introduced to Alex, our 15-year-old protagonist. He has a gang of "droods" with whom he spends his evenings stealing, vandalizing, raping and beating...oh, and of course getting high on some sort of drug. Ah, teens today...Anyway, Alex is very intellectual but never remorseful. I think it's fair to share this little "spoiler" since it occurs fairly early on in the novel - he gets busted by the police and is in custody at the end of section one.
One quote of section one that jumped out at me was when the social worker is confronting Alex as to why he does what he does. "They don't go into the cause of goodness, so why of the other shop?" (Burgess, p 44) Alex spends a few moments theorizing on bad vs. good and he raises some interesting points...but I'll leave that for future readers...
My challenge is that if you choose to read this book, do so without the aid of A Clockwork Orange (guide to the language, dictionary, et. al.) It is a challenge but it really makes you think and pay attention.
Oh, and like A Million Little Pieces this is definitely NOT for kids...while the bizarre language masks a lot of the imagery, if you figure out the language, you'll be disgusted. Trust me. Like I said, lots of violence and rape and some more violence. Without remorse.
Strange read...I'm wondering why anyone would recommend it...perhaps as I read on I'll figure it out...
This is book is not for the weak of heart or mind. Not saying anything about myself here...because I'm having more than second thoughts about this one, myself. Not only is the language something to make your brain hurt (imagine reading a book half in your native language and half in another one you haven't studied - full-immersion), but the images Burgess paints are vividly vile and violent. (ooh...alliteration!)
If you read this book, you must make sure to get an edition that includes all 21 chapters. Apparently, Burgess intentionally wrote the novel with 21 chapters and divided into three sections of 7 chapters each. SO, if you do read the novel, be sure to read Burgess' introduction as well. Primary sources are always good when trying to understand the "why" of a novel.
I plan to blog on this novel thrice: at the end of each section. So...section 1 - we are introduced to Alex, our 15-year-old protagonist. He has a gang of "droods" with whom he spends his evenings stealing, vandalizing, raping and beating...oh, and of course getting high on some sort of drug. Ah, teens today...Anyway, Alex is very intellectual but never remorseful. I think it's fair to share this little "spoiler" since it occurs fairly early on in the novel - he gets busted by the police and is in custody at the end of section one.
One quote of section one that jumped out at me was when the social worker is confronting Alex as to why he does what he does. "They don't go into the cause of goodness, so why of the other shop?" (Burgess, p 44) Alex spends a few moments theorizing on bad vs. good and he raises some interesting points...but I'll leave that for future readers...
My challenge is that if you choose to read this book, do so without the aid of A Clockwork Orange (guide to the language, dictionary, et. al.) It is a challenge but it really makes you think and pay attention.
Oh, and like A Million Little Pieces this is definitely NOT for kids...while the bizarre language masks a lot of the imagery, if you figure out the language, you'll be disgusted. Trust me. Like I said, lots of violence and rape and some more violence. Without remorse.
Strange read...I'm wondering why anyone would recommend it...perhaps as I read on I'll figure it out...
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
And Now for Something Completely Different..
I have taken suggestions for next reads and have decided (and now begun) my third book in this little experiment: Anthony Burgess' A Clockwork Orange.
When I purchased the book at my local Barnes and Noble, the young man behind the counter smiled weakly, then spoke up. "Uh, I don't mean anything by this...but this is a tough read...not that I don't think you can handle it...I just wanted to let you know...I mean, I am an avid reader and I was stumped" (Insert expression of, "do I look like a total idiot to you? Maybe it's the business clothes that make me look stuffy?") Then the young man went to on to explain that Burgess created his own language used by his characters in this novel. What a relief! I can handle bizarre language, as I've had experience with made up languages before. Although, it did put me on my guard and had me searching the Internet for a translation guide at the ready...
I chose this as my next novel for several reasons. First, it was recommended to me by someone I consider fairly brilliant and clever and someone who knows me pretty well. Second, when I saw it at the bookstore, it looked like a "quick" read (only 212 pages). However, this myth in my mind has been put to rest by the nice checkout boy at B&N who brought the whole "new language" thing to my attention. Third, I knew absolutely nothing about this novel before I picked it up. And finally, from what I could gather from the cover image and the summary/notes on the back (what is that called?!?!), this is something completely different from my more recent reads. Violence, nay, make that "Ultraviolence"...funny words to wade through...oh the joy! Something very different from mastering the art of making authentic French bread, and even quite different from recovering from substance abuse.
Now, if only more people followed and commented so I could determine if this was worth my while or just give the whole thing up...but then again, it benefits me and that's enough.
When I purchased the book at my local Barnes and Noble, the young man behind the counter smiled weakly, then spoke up. "Uh, I don't mean anything by this...but this is a tough read...not that I don't think you can handle it...I just wanted to let you know...I mean, I am an avid reader and I was stumped" (Insert expression of, "do I look like a total idiot to you? Maybe it's the business clothes that make me look stuffy?") Then the young man went to on to explain that Burgess created his own language used by his characters in this novel. What a relief! I can handle bizarre language, as I've had experience with made up languages before. Although, it did put me on my guard and had me searching the Internet for a translation guide at the ready...
I chose this as my next novel for several reasons. First, it was recommended to me by someone I consider fairly brilliant and clever and someone who knows me pretty well. Second, when I saw it at the bookstore, it looked like a "quick" read (only 212 pages). However, this myth in my mind has been put to rest by the nice checkout boy at B&N who brought the whole "new language" thing to my attention. Third, I knew absolutely nothing about this novel before I picked it up. And finally, from what I could gather from the cover image and the summary/notes on the back (what is that called?!?!), this is something completely different from my more recent reads. Violence, nay, make that "Ultraviolence"...funny words to wade through...oh the joy! Something very different from mastering the art of making authentic French bread, and even quite different from recovering from substance abuse.
Now, if only more people followed and commented so I could determine if this was worth my while or just give the whole thing up...but then again, it benefits me and that's enough.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Book #2, Blog #4
I don't like clichés, but isn't it a convenient one for a woman to blame emotions on hormones? That having been said, I've just completed My Life in France by Julia Child and am fighting back tears. I think it has more to do with her epilogue feeling like the end of her extraordinary life more than just the end of a great read, but Child's book really did hit home with me.
I adored her stories and even found myself smiling as if talking with an old friend when she would begin a paragraph sharing a story about something and would finish it rather abruptly. I suppose I kept expecting major plot points when she would start out with, "one evening..." and only later realize she was just telling about one evening. Her voice is clear throughout this piece and I even heard echos of her as I read passages...well, I believe it was a cross between her real voice and Dan Akroyd's SNL impersonation. Either way, it was the heart of Julia speaking to her reader. The element that holds this book together is the photographs. Not only are the beautiful and help tell the story, but they are (mostly) the work of her beloved husband, Paul - a talented artist in his own right.
I wont dare to undertake a feat such as cooking my way through Mastering the Art of French Cooking any time soon...if ever. But I do hope to do a little more cooking a la Julia. As my dear friend Leigh said when recommending this read, "read it! You'll immediately want to bake French bread!" I might have to try it someday...
One quote that I absolutely love from this book and will hold on to in my own heart is when Julia says of herself, "I was thirty seven years old and still discovering who I was." May we all live each day as a new discovery.
This book is much like a fine French meal: it has all of the elements, lots of flavor, the heart of the chef in each moment and complete with the perfect presentation (down to the personal photos). Well, one can't end a blog about Julia Child without her famous last words:
"Bon appétit!"
I adored her stories and even found myself smiling as if talking with an old friend when she would begin a paragraph sharing a story about something and would finish it rather abruptly. I suppose I kept expecting major plot points when she would start out with, "one evening..." and only later realize she was just telling about one evening. Her voice is clear throughout this piece and I even heard echos of her as I read passages...well, I believe it was a cross between her real voice and Dan Akroyd's SNL impersonation. Either way, it was the heart of Julia speaking to her reader. The element that holds this book together is the photographs. Not only are the beautiful and help tell the story, but they are (mostly) the work of her beloved husband, Paul - a talented artist in his own right.
I wont dare to undertake a feat such as cooking my way through Mastering the Art of French Cooking any time soon...if ever. But I do hope to do a little more cooking a la Julia. As my dear friend Leigh said when recommending this read, "read it! You'll immediately want to bake French bread!" I might have to try it someday...
One quote that I absolutely love from this book and will hold on to in my own heart is when Julia says of herself, "I was thirty seven years old and still discovering who I was." May we all live each day as a new discovery.
This book is much like a fine French meal: it has all of the elements, lots of flavor, the heart of the chef in each moment and complete with the perfect presentation (down to the personal photos). Well, one can't end a blog about Julia Child without her famous last words:
"Bon appétit!"
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Dual Book Blogging
Ok, so I have decided to read another book or two while working on this project. Aside from my Read and Blog choices, I'm also doing a lot of research for NaNoWriMo. This will involve reading or at the least skimming several WWII books. Additionally, I am reading Stormie Omartian's The Power of a Praying Wife in an effort to strengthen my personal prayer and quiet time.
If I choose to blog about any additional texts I am reading, I will make note in the title as to which book I am referring. Otherwise, "Book #(whatever), Blog #(whatever)" will refer to the "official books"...currently Julia Child's My Life In France.
If I choose to blog about any additional texts I am reading, I will make note in the title as to which book I am referring. Otherwise, "Book #(whatever), Blog #(whatever)" will refer to the "official books"...currently Julia Child's My Life In France.
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