One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest: Reviews by 2014 Reading Challengers

[[deleted user]]

Finished the book tonight and I was pretty disappointed in it. The narrative voice was really difficult to follow and it seemed like there was a lot of pointless filler going on. Maybe if I read this for a HS or college class and had an instructer flesh it out it would make more sense, but I finished it not understanding why this is considered such a great classic?

Gave it a 2 star rating.

[Lynn]

When I read this book in high school, I loved the anti-establishment statement.....down with the Machine! I think the writing is what I loved this time around. I loved the voice of Chief Bromdem and the way Kesey shows us the world of Miss Ratched's ward. Finally I have to love McMurphy.....every reading.

[LyndiLea]

First time reading this book some how I missed it in h.s. and college. I loved the writing, the characters, the setting, the narrator, the message, everything! I'm going to read The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test to learn more about the author.

[Valerie]

I'm not sure if this book has dated but I was a bit disappointed. I have a big problem with McMurphy being painted as a hero for one thing and most of the patients don't seem to have a mental illness. I didn't enjoy the machinery descriptions and the fog scenes although I did get the point of them. Nurse Ratched, though no angel, was not the monster we were encouraged to believe. I didn't hate the book, but it didn't have a great impact.

[❦Dawn❦]

I absolutely LOVED this book and am shelving it as one of my favorites. Having spent time on a Psych Ward (as a psychologist not patient, LOL) I really enjoyed the machinery descriptions from the inner voice of a paranoid schizophrenic. I also enjoyed the historical value of the acceptable treatments that were involved, EST and Lobotomies, for the treatment of a broad array of issues. Also the excessive use of tranquilizers since many psychotropic meds were not invented yet. I also found it interesting to use this novel to come up with diagnosis for each of the characters based on the limited information. McMurphy may be considered narcissistic with conduct disorder, socially maladjusted and possible oppositional defiant disorder. ...I could keep going but I am afraid I am indulging in my psycho babble.