A book of astounding mediocrity, sewn together by fraying thematic thread. A longer and more in-depth review is forthcoming, but in short: Junger has ...moreA book of astounding mediocrity, sewn together by fraying thematic thread. A longer and more in-depth review is forthcoming, but in short: Junger has becomes something of a daredevil journalist. He's impressive, thorough, courageous, admirable -- but he's started to create a cult of personality that I find distasteful.(less)
(1) Mischa Berlinski is a wicked fun novelist. His work treads nimbly between well-re...moreI had two thoughts while reading "Fieldwork":
(1) Mischa Berlinski is a wicked fun novelist. His work treads nimbly between well-researched realism and very silly satire. Usually, if the choice comes between fiction and nonfiction, I'd prefer the nonfiction, but I loved how lovingly Berlinski described his invented hill tribe.
(2) Wes Anderson needs to read this book and make a film version of it. I would like to volunteer my services as a screenwriter, or at least script doctor. It has the heavyhearted funniness of an Anderson film, plus pseudo-scientific conversations, terrible relationships, exotic locations, an academic backdrop, lots of hyper-intelligent people with no real direction, and plenty of daddy issues. Perfect.
One of the most enjoyable histories I've ever read -- largely because of the subject, but also because Herlihy tells such a gripping, romantic, myster...moreOne of the most enjoyable histories I've ever read -- largely because of the subject, but also because Herlihy tells such a gripping, romantic, mysterious story. His research is impeccable, and the narrative pedals along as steadily as a bike on rough roads. Although his story is tragic, Frank Lenz has become a new hero of mine, for his humble Pittsburgh origins, his tenacious "globe-girdling" venture, and his martyrdom in the name of anthropology of adventure. I wanted to begrudge his rivals (old-money New Yorkers who never had to raise a nickel for their three-year trek), but they were also a delight to read about. It's heartening to know that, even during the Victorian age, a clique of young men could travel the world and embrace its diversities.
Should you have a similar fetish for history, photography, long-distance cycling, early journalism and adventure travel, "The Lost Cyclist" absolutely must be found.(less)
Could there be a purer adventure story? A retired president, his manic son, a Brazilian gentleman-explorer, a Vermont naturalist, a crew of valiant me...moreCould there be a purer adventure story? A retired president, his manic son, a Brazilian gentleman-explorer, a Vermont naturalist, a crew of valiant men and even a pack of dogs? And what do they face, but dark rainforest, raging rivers, piranhas, venomous snakes, cannibals and even a mutinous turncoat? My testosterone boiled with every page. Roosevelt still hasn't won me over, but this story is positively riveting. Lesson learned: No Amazon. Let sleeping pit vipers lie.(less)
I like Burroughs well enough, although no one will ever be as obsessed with him as my girlfriend. There is a great battle among fans of Rakoff, Sedari...moreI like Burroughs well enough, although no one will ever be as obsessed with him as my girlfriend. There is a great battle among fans of Rakoff, Sedaris and Burroughs, all gay, white, male, American* essayists who are neurotic about everything, yet overcome their perpetual discomfort to try incredible masochistic pastimes and then complain about them. Of these three, Sedaris is my favorite, Rakoff a distant second, and Burroughs a nearly invisible third. There's just something a little self-satisfied about Burroughs, a kind of smugness about his own clever pranks and plots. Nothing wrong with it, he's just the least appealing of an increasingly tedious trio.
* Yes, Rakoff was born in Canada, and I believe he has dual citizenship. But I count him as an American these days.(less)
Thoroughly enjoyable, as are all Troost's works, although this journey was far less personal than "Savages" and "Cannibals." I lov...moreThoroughly enjoyable, as are all Troost's works, although this journey was far less personal than "Savages" and "Cannibals." I love his endearing, self-effacing humor, but China seemed a little too much for him. This is a country that requires savvy and patience, and Troost is a little too wry. A laid-back place like Fiji, with all its happy eccentricities, is the perfect speed for Troost, which I think is why books about Pacific islands perfectly match his voice. That said, the titular "live squid" dinner scene is one of the funniest things I've ever read.(less)
Meandering nonsense? Yes. Dated Boomer humor? Yes. A worthy vacation read? Barely. The only interesting aspect is that Carrie Fisher is, in fact, comp...moreMeandering nonsense? Yes. Dated Boomer humor? Yes. A worthy vacation read? Barely. The only interesting aspect is that Carrie Fisher is, in fact, completely disconnected from the real world, thanks to her "wacky" Hollywood family, and she has no sense of what is normal family weirdness and celebrity family weirdness. I would watch her one-woman show, if it was free, and probably not fall asleep, but even a book this short is too long.(less)
Loading...
