One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest

[Lisa]

Our April group read from the Barnes and Noble list of 50 books to read before you die.
Big thanks to Shermaya who has agreed to lead this discussion.

[Shermaya]

Hi guys I'm Shermaya and I'm from Liverpool, England (sounds like an AA meeting but thought I'd put it out there haha)

I'm excited to get started on this book, I just planned to read through and post on here with my thoughts, questions etc as I go along, but if anyone wants to read through as a proper book club just let me know and we can sort out a schedule and such :)

Looking forward to the month ahead guys :D

[Kim]

Either way is great with me. I picked up my battered copy at my library tonight. :0)

[Lisa]

I read this in January, expecting to like it- it received rave reviews from my bestie and my mother (our tastes are similar).
I didn't like it, maybe because I knew already how it ended and it wasn't surprising.
I'm a shrink and I kept wondering if Kesey was trying to make a point other than the obvious- maybe something about free will and how those in power steal it.
Or if he is buddies with the Thomas Szass crowd.
He wrote this based on his experience working at a VA hospital where he felt most patients were sane. I find it difficult to comment on that as I have no experience with the American mental health system.

[Shermaya]

how is everyone else getting on with this? also just wondering how mamy people have started it?

[Kim]

I'm starting it tonight.

[[deleted user]]

I'll be starting this sometime this week and I don't mind if we have an end of month discussion or as we go along.

[Buck]

I read it years ago and quite liked it, but my memory of it is vague and really is of the movie. I'm thinking of rereading it but it will be a little later this month. Books I haven't read yet take priority.

[Erika]

I just finished a book so I'm going to start reading this one tomorrow and I don't mind if we have a discussion as we go along or in the end of the month. Either way is fine with me. Looking forward to my first Goodread's book discussion. No pressure ;)

[Buck]

I've started it. My memory of it from so long ago has been completely overwhelmed by the movie, which I saw also years ago. Mr. Bromden, the Chief, is the narrator. We have a front row seat to his delusions. In the movie I don't think he ever said a word.

[Kim]

I started as well, I hope to carve a big chunk out today. :0) I watched the movie a really long time ago and feel like I'll want to re watch it after I'm finished reading. It is on the AFI list of 100 greatest movies after all.

[Erika]

I'm reading it as well not only in English but in Swedish as well. On part in English and then the same part in Swedish. It's a good way to practice my English.
Just as Buck and Kim writes I have seen the movie years ago but have to definitely see it again after I'm done with the book(books).
Can anyone help me understand if the boys who help nurse Ratched speak in dialect? And if they do were are they from (part of the USA)?

Edit: spelling

[Lisa]

They do speak a dialect. I thought it was related more to lack of education than location. Maybe someone from US knows better though. Anyone?

[Buck]

Lisa wrote: "They do speak a dialect. I thought it was related more to lack of education than location. Maybe someone from US knows better though. Anyone?"

The 'black boys' do speak a dialect, or at least an accent, associated with their race, that developed presumably from years of segregation. There was a movement a few years ago to have it taught in schools as a separate language, ebonics.

[Buck]

I read this not long after it was first published and have always thought it to be a great book. Now that I have reread it, that opinion stands. The following is my Goodreads review:

Ken Kesey’s One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest is set in a state mental hospital ward, which stems from Kesey having worked as an aide in a Veteran’s Administration psychiatric hospital. The book, however, really has nothing to do with mental health or therapy or psychiatry. In one sense, this book could be classified as a dystopian novel. All the elements are there, but in the microcosm of a residential hospital ward rather than the wide world. It is the conflict between Authority, in the seemingly-benign but firm oppression of Big Nurse Ratched, and Free Spirit, personified by Randle McMurphy, a brash small-time gambler, petty grifter, and brawler.

(view spoiler)[When McMurphy arrives on the ward, all of the inmates have succumbed to Nurse Ratched’s control. Little by little, he awakens in them their lost individuality. In the end, even though Authority has its smug victory over McMurphy, he is almost like a war hero whose sacrifice saves his buddies. Except for poor Billy. It is Nurse Ratched, not McMurphy, who is directly responsible for Billy Bibbit’s suicide, though she could never admit or even see that. Those in power never acknowledge their mistakes. It was she, not Mac, who killed him. (hide spoiler)]

One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest seems very much like Cool Hand Luke, (I’ve seen the movie and now that book is on my to-read list.) Its theme is of the natural resentment to unyielding authority in rare individuals, that resentment becoming defiance, and the inexorable ability of power to quash resistance. Its theme is repeated in song and saying: “I Fought the Law and the Law Won”, “I Fight Authority but Authority Always Wins”, “You can’t fight city hall”, and “Resistance is futile”. Thoreau said “Most men live lives of quiet desperation.” Not Randle P. McMurphy. This book reminds us that oppression can be thwarted or maybe even overthrown, but not without casualties.

The book is well written with a compelling theme. I rate it highly and recommend it unreservedly. Long live scofflaws and flouters of inane rules!

[Erika]

Thanks Lisa and Buck for clarifying my question about the dialect. Buck I like your review.

[Buck]

Erika wrote: "Thanks Lisa and Buck for clarifying my question about the dialect. Buck I like your review."

You're welcome Erika, and thank you.

[Stevo]

Still going through this. Reading it on my phone in dribs and drabs. :)

[Buck]

Stevo wrote: "Still going through this. Reading it on my phone in dribs and drabs. :)"

Suboptimal

[Shermaya]

So how did everyone else find the book? :)

[[deleted user]]

I have just finished reading this and found my enjoyment of the book increased as Chief''s 'fog' began to clear. I don't know if this was intentional by the author. I felt I was reading through treacle at the beginning and struggled to focus. Then each part became clearer and easier to read - loved it.

Buck's review is spot on.

[Erin *Proud Book Hoarder*]

It was better in the second half. I have yet to see the movie. So sad what went on - and still does - in institutions.

[S.J.]

I'm reading this book now. I find that it's definitely from a male perspective, but I still like it tho. Can't wait to see the movie and I want to read other books about people's experiences in mental instituitions and hospitals. Any suggestions?