The Corrections
The Corrections by Jonathan FranzenMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
There are few things more annoying than losing the book you were reading before you finish it. This book is 566 pages and around page 450 someone broke into my car and stole it…well…they stole the bag that I was keeping it in…I was sitting in the car and reading before the Velocity Girl Show and I was getting toward the end of this layered family saga. Because when you read Franzen you are in for a long ride but it feels well-worth it.
(I was led here by my reading of Taffy Brodesser-Akner’s The Long Island Compromise, which was compared to this book).
I was so annoyed that I went out and bought it to finish it.
The Lambert family. Mother and father, Enid and Al. AL is suffering from Parkinson’s disease but it is plain to see that while he is suffering, his wife is truly dealing with it more. They live in St. Jude Florida and their three kids are grown in age if not in temperament and scattered across the country. Chip is a middle child fu*kup who is constantly at work on a screenplay, while borrowing money from sister Denise. Gary is engaged in a war of wills with his wife, Caroline and had no idea how they got there.
These people are a mess. Papa Al once invented a highly specific piece of railroad equipment that he never truly got compensated for…but he was too old school and pig-headed to realize what he had and what he was entitled to. Pride and an out-of-touch and outdated idea of what he owed to the Company cost him dearly…but not only him but his kids as well…but what may solve his problems is an experimental drug called Correctall which could cure his condition.
All Enid Wants is the Whole Family to spend One Last Christmas in St. Jude.
All the Family wants is to minimize the pain of being related and struggling to make it through both their bad choices and the insufferability of others.
It’s basically a comedy set in the days right before 9-11 CHANGED EVERYTHING but even before that, the surveillance state was booming. Corporate greed was enjoying the field day of little regulation, Regular folks getting screwed. Poor people…well…you’re on your own. (It hasn’t really changed much.)
Franzen spins a web and there are few authors that make so much exposition so much fun.
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Patty
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Dec 02, 2024 10:00AM
My husband was diagnosed of Parkinson’s Disease a couple of years ago, he had severe fatigue, difficulty with mobility and sleeping. He was placed on Sinemet 3 times daily, which helped but only for a short while. So, we decided to try alternative treatment and began on PD-5 protocol, it has made tremendous difference for my husband, he had improved walking balance, muscle strength and he is now very active. His Parkinson’s is totally under control, google binehealthcenter. com. This treatment is a breakthrough for PWP!
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I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease four years ago. For over two years, I relied on Levodopa and several other medications, but unfortunately, the symptoms kept getting worse. The tremors became more noticeable, and my balance and mobility started to decline quickly. Last year, out of desperation and hope, I decided to try a herbal treatment program from NaturePath Herbal Clinic.Honestly, I was skeptical at first, but within a few months of starting the treatment, I began to notice real changes. My movements became smoother, the tremors subsided, and I felt steadier on my feet. Incredibly, I also regained much of my energy and confidence. It’s been a life-changing experience I feel more like myself again, better than I’ve felt in years.If you or a loved one is struggling with Parkinson’s disease, I truly recommend looking into their natural approach. You can visit their website at www .naturepathherbalclinic. com.
