bookshelves: currently-reading
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This is a much more serious and dark story than Hornby's other works. Although it has some humor, it makes A Long Way Down seem downright cheerful and optimistic. Just a few quotes, most of the lines I liked in this book are far less meaningful without the context of the story:
"I can now see, for the first time, just how many worms a can holds, and why it's not a good idea to open one under any circumstances."
"If you start examining your prejudices carefully, there'll soon be nothing left of you."
"I can hear how I sound--like Mary Poppins in 91/2 weeks..."
"It seems to me now that the plain state of being human is dramatic enough for anyone; you don't need to be a heroin addict or a performance poet to experience extremity. You just have to love someone."
"All I need to do is quell the doubt and skepticism that make me human."
"I'm sure that depression of this kind is an entirely normal consequence of having your whole reason for living taken away from you." ]]>
It often amazes me how some of the most thoughtful, philosophical writing comes intertwined with over the top satire. Maybe it needs to be that way, maybe the ridiculous puts you off guard and lets the serious sneak up on you. The character of Hank Hannah and the plot he's caught up in are absurd, but through him Johnson explores very real issues of coping with loss, loneliness, and isolation, and does it with carefully crafted and sometimes beautiful language.
"If there are ghosts on this earth, they are formed by the things you cannot utter, and they'll outlive the black in your teeth, burn hotter than any hole in your stomach."
"To them, I'd always be the first chapter in a book they set aside and never finished."
"The stars looked away from me."
"A zoo is where you store animals that are going extinct. Sticking an animal in a zoo means you've given up on it."
"Unremembering another's name and story is a strictly human pastime, and only we have learned that, to truly get the last word, you must give silence."
"Stars, if you'll notice, burn dimly and alone."
"It seemed to me that what Eggers was really demonstrating was that it was easier to put your faith in the possibility that twelve-thousand-year-old corn could pop than in the hope that the person you needed also needed you." ]]>
by Adam Johnson
The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is kind of silly. I just don't agree with the premise that the Clovis people wiped out 35 species. I tend to agree with the theory that a comet or asteroid strike did it. I was able to put that aside long enough to enjoy the book immensely. ]]>
Glenn Murphy
took the never-ending book quiz.
| questions answered: | 600 |
| correct: | 425 (70.8%) |
| skipped: | 443 |
| best streak: | 8 |
| questions added: | 0 |
bookshelves: currently-reading
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Glenn Murphy
added a quote:
"A friend can tell you things you don't want to tell yourself" — Frances Ward Weller
"A friend can tell you things you don't want to tell yourself" — Frances Ward Weller
Glenn Murphy
added a quote:
"When you choose your friends, don't be short-changed by choosing personality over character." — W. Somerset Maugham
"When you choose your friends, don't be short-changed by choosing personality over character." — W. Somerset Maugham
bookshelves: to-read
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bookshelves: to-read
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