Why read 'Depressing' Books?
Laurie Uttich has an interesting column “In Defense of 'Depressing' Books” in Huffington Post today, that made me reflect on a couple of 'Depressing' books I read recently. One is Marina Mander’s "The First True Lie" and another is "Family Life" by Akhil Sharma. Both are critically acclaimed, and Akhil Sharma’s book is even a “NYT bestseller.”
I got around to finishing Marina Mander’s
"The First True Lie" in a single sitting in a couple of hours. The story is actually summarized in the blurb; nothing more, nothing less. There aren’t too many surprises or twists in the plot besides the main theme of Luca coming to accept the death of his mom while attempting to keep it a secret from his circle of friends and others in school. Although the story is flat and rather morbid, Marina’s evenly paced narrative keeps the reader engaged.
I decided to read Akhil Sharma's "Family Life" after I came upon his essay in Sunday NYT. The book is semi-biographical and expands on essays Mr. Sharma has chronicled in NYT so I was prepared for a sorrowful narrative of the Sharma family saga. Much of the book focuses on the travails and tribulations of immigrant Sharma family seen through the eyes of the protagonist, Akhil. He wallows in self-pity while taking us through experiences of an Indian immigrant family in New York. And despite all odds, does well academically and is accepted into Princeton. The rest – a well paying job in investment banking etc follow.
No doubt Akhil and family were dealt a lemon, but as the adage goes ‘We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.’ Admirable that Akhil turned his lemon into a story, a bestseller at that!
I didn’t go looking for a “depressing” book when I picked these up. And to be fair, a scan of the blurb warned me. So, why did I read them? I can relate to Laurie Uttich’s comment “I want a book that has the potential to change my life in a series of small, important ways.” I am always seeking books that give a ‘glimpse’ of life; and sometimes the glimpses are gloomy, morbid or depressing.
In many cases, the authors blend melancholy or depressing events with other upbeat anecdotes or events to show the ebb and flow. To highlight that life is not all a downward spiral.
This was also my attempt in my recently published book "The Bounce!" where I attempt to take readers through the peaks and troughs, rather than focus on a singular tragic event. Sometimes tragic events can take us into a downward spiral, but how we stay ahead is perhaps more inspirational, an aspect that adds character to the story, and perhaps shows life in entirety; even while highlighting a slice.
I got around to finishing Marina Mander’s
"The First True Lie" in a single sitting in a couple of hours. The story is actually summarized in the blurb; nothing more, nothing less. There aren’t too many surprises or twists in the plot besides the main theme of Luca coming to accept the death of his mom while attempting to keep it a secret from his circle of friends and others in school. Although the story is flat and rather morbid, Marina’s evenly paced narrative keeps the reader engaged.
I decided to read Akhil Sharma's "Family Life" after I came upon his essay in Sunday NYT. The book is semi-biographical and expands on essays Mr. Sharma has chronicled in NYT so I was prepared for a sorrowful narrative of the Sharma family saga. Much of the book focuses on the travails and tribulations of immigrant Sharma family seen through the eyes of the protagonist, Akhil. He wallows in self-pity while taking us through experiences of an Indian immigrant family in New York. And despite all odds, does well academically and is accepted into Princeton. The rest – a well paying job in investment banking etc follow.
No doubt Akhil and family were dealt a lemon, but as the adage goes ‘We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.’ Admirable that Akhil turned his lemon into a story, a bestseller at that!
I didn’t go looking for a “depressing” book when I picked these up. And to be fair, a scan of the blurb warned me. So, why did I read them? I can relate to Laurie Uttich’s comment “I want a book that has the potential to change my life in a series of small, important ways.” I am always seeking books that give a ‘glimpse’ of life; and sometimes the glimpses are gloomy, morbid or depressing.
In many cases, the authors blend melancholy or depressing events with other upbeat anecdotes or events to show the ebb and flow. To highlight that life is not all a downward spiral.
This was also my attempt in my recently published book "The Bounce!" where I attempt to take readers through the peaks and troughs, rather than focus on a singular tragic event. Sometimes tragic events can take us into a downward spiral, but how we stay ahead is perhaps more inspirational, an aspect that adds character to the story, and perhaps shows life in entirety; even while highlighting a slice.
date
newest »
newest »
Thanks Gisela. I think we all are in the "pursuit of happiness. But that may not be a straight path. :-)
Thank-you