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One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest

Ken Kesey

Start date: April 1, 2015

Finish date: April 30, 2015

Discussion: Group Reads

Why we're reading this: It's on the Time 100 List…more
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Group Reads

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What Members Thought

Oct 17, 2012 Jason rated it really liked it

Shelves: own

'Ting. Tingle, tingle, tremble toes, she's a good fisherman, catches hens, puts 'em inna pens... wire blier, limber lock, three geese inna flock... one flew east, one flew west, one flew over the cuckoo's nest... O-U-T spells out... goose swoops down and pluck you out.'

From the POV of Chief Bromden, a man who has so long hid that he has lost himself, we get to observe an escalating chain of events when a 'crazy like a fox' alpha named McMurphy shakes up the authority (or 'the combine', if you wi ...more

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Sep 08, 2022 Naga Sravika Bodapati rated it it was amazing

One flew over the cuckoo's nest by Ken Kesey

#amazing #novel #classics

http://sravikabodapati.blogspot.com/2... ...more

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Mar 19, 2015 Valerie rated it really liked it

Shelves: readinglistbookclub

This book has long been on my radar and I finally had an excuse to bump it to the front of my list. I am glad that I finally did.

While the book read like a dark comedy, there was a world of tragic truth built into the humor. This blend struck a perfect balance, allowing the reader to absorb the horrors faced by the patients without pulling them too far into darkness. I suspect that during its time, this book was invaluable in creating awareness for mental health reform.

Kesey created such a sini ...more

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Jun 26, 2012 Jessica rated it liked it

Shelves: owned

Need to process first.....(June 25)

Alright here we go. I am still not sure what I want to rate it. While I applaud the author for his writing and the themes he brings up in the novel, it was hard for me to read, and also probably not something I will read again. It doesn't have anything to do with bad writing or a plot. Kesey was able to bring emotions out in me, the reader, which I am certain most of the characters feel as well. This is what made it an uncomfortable read for me. So, for that I Need to process first.....(June 25)

Alright here we go. I am still not sure what I want to rate it. While I applaud the author for his writing and the themes he brings up in the novel, it was hard for me to read, and also probably not something I will read again. It doesn't have anything to do with bad writing or a plot. Kesey was able to bring emotions out in me, the reader, which I am certain most of the characters feel as well. This is what made it an uncomfortable read for me. So, for that I congratulate him. He is one of the few classic authors who have been able to make me feel like I can empathize with the characters to the point I have trouble reading the story...It becomes too real for me. I am the Will Graham of reading, btw. Also,to come from reading The Handmaid's Tale to reading this book was a little rough. They are polar opposites of each other. I recommend not reading them at the same time.

Nurse Ratchet represents a part of the female society I cannot stand. Women like her give us all a bad name. She is the one character that made this novel truly difficult for me to get through. Anger, rage, hurt, sadness all balled up inside me after she acted/reacted the way she did. Her desire for control and oppressive nature made her repulsive. The patients, who are all male, have been stripped of confidence, humanization and manhood. And yet, they can do nothing but sit and take her insults while she shames them all into submission. But things take a turn and have humorous moments sprinkled in after the arrival of McMurphy. The Big Nurse does not disappear but McMurphy's presence makes her abuse more bearable.

There are moments of laughter and moments of anger. It was quite an emotional roller coaster for me. A ride I am not sure I want to hop on a second time. I DO believe this is a must read for everyone out there. There is much to be gained and learned from the events. It also makes you look at those with mental disabilities in a completely different light (specifically in a more positive light not negative). I feel one too many movies out there have made society overly paranoid of these types of patients. When, in reality, they have emotions just like we do. They are still human.
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Apr 13, 2014 RachelvlehcaR rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 03-library-and-borrowed, novel, classics, literature, contemporary, guardian-1000, banned-books

Amazing book. I grew up to the movie and all the pop culture references from this book. When I watched it as a child I thought it was a very boring movie and had no desire to read it. I saw such wonderful reviews and thought, why not. I'm so glad I did read this book, it has surprised me and I'm so amazed about it. It's a very powerful book. I wasn't able to appreciate it when I heard about it but now I'm able to drink it up. ...more

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Apr 04, 2013 Courtney rated it really liked it

Shelves: made-into-movies-or-tv, not-for-children, audio-books, read-classics, 2015-classics-challenge

An interesting ending. The narrator, Chief, had a very clear voice. Not much to say that has not already been said. I listened to the John C. Reilly audio book and loved every minute of it! Definitely a must read for those interested in mental disorders.

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