Ronald F. Jedlowski Jr.’s Comments (group member since Feb 25, 2017)

Ronald F. Jedlowski Jr.’s comments from the CPL's Book a Week Challenge group.

When I heard that Norse Mythology would be our first book for the Club I wasn't particularly excited; it seemed more daunting than interesting (I had another horse in the race too). However, I'm almost through it now and I have to say that it has been a lot of fun! It is so humorous. I should have been more optimistic, for I have heard nothing but praise for this book as well as for Gaiman's other works. I myself have read most of the Sandman stuff and truly enjoyed it.

I am most familiar with Greek and Roman mythology as I was a student of Latin in high school and college. Like many people, I probably didn't know much more about Odin, Thor, or Loki that wasn't presented to me in an Avengers film or comic book...

I agree with Joanna's statement that the Norse gods are more rounded: food, violence, sex! These gods created by man are more human. Is not 21st century the perfect time to reevaluate these ancients gods? Our pop culture indulgently revels in postmodern post apocalyptic prophecies! This book exposes the ever present "lust" that (leads to?) ends with Ragnarok. Also, as seen with Loki and others, they love to play games of deception and trickery. Some of the Gods are more noble, some are more delusive. Either way, this variety is seen in mankind as well. These players seem to have more layers. I reveled in the intriguing reminder that we see the same kind of parallels in the stories of religions today: these parables look ridiculous from the outside looking in but all the religions throughout the world mimic each other. Whether it is a creation story, a challenge, a bet, a masquerade, or moral allegory, these fables help to explain the big question: Why?

Are we any closer to truth?

Already got my copy reserved and ready to go!

I've been on a Stephen King kick lately, so I am reading The Stephen King Companion: Four Decades of Fear. Also, his novella "The Langoliers"