Old Books, New Readers discussion
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June 2024 BOTM -- One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
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I've read this cracking book a few times, have a great read!
I’ll be joining in on this read but I’m on holiday and unable to get a copy of the book until after I return, so I’ll be reading it all in the last 2 weeks of June. Looking forward to the read, seen the film (a long time ago) but not read the book.
I'm starting this today! It is very rare that I read a book where I have watched the film already, or visa versa, I like to do one or the other, not both, so this will be an interesting experiment.
I can't not see and hear Jack Nicholson in my head! :o) It's not a bad thing I suppose.
I've finished and all I can say right now is WOW! What a book. I gave it 5 stars and it deserved more. Is anyone else reading this? It's very quiet over here.
Mod
Enjoy the book La Tonya! I hope you like it as much as I do.
Mod
Is anyone else reading this? It's very quiet over here."
Hi Cheryl,
I am about 70% of the way through the book. I saw this movie about 30 years ago, but I really do not remember much about it. I find it interesting that the story is told through Chief Bromden's eyes and he is not fully sane.
I think I am in the same boat Ian, I saw the film a long time ago but I'm not sure how much of it I remember, I don't recall the ending being like this book (I want to rewatch the film now).I was surprised Chief Bromden narrated, I would have guessed it would be McMurphy, but Bromden is a clever choice, not a reliable narator of course but it was good to get a spectactors view as it were.
Mod
Once I got started with this one I rattled through it quite quickly, it was hard to put down.Happy Reading Daniel.
Hello everyone,I’m not very far into the book but I’m really enjoying it. It’s impressive for me how little you would have to change in the text for the book to be set in a prison instead of a mental hospital.
That's a really good point Vera, I hadn't though about that but I think you are right. Scary isn't it.Although this book is fiction I have a feeling that a lot of the details are probably quite accurate.
Mod
Here are some my initial thoughts:
To me, this is the quintessential American novel.
A mental facility of forgotten, marginalized people is exploited to peddle an ideology rooted in conformity, in which author, Ken Kesey, uses to create a microcosm of American society. Nurse Ratched, and those within her network, have a vision of the model citizen and they are determined to see it through, even if they have to "crack" a few eggs in the process. All of this is done under the guise of mental health.
The story is told through the eyes of a Native American who is also telling a parallel narrative about the indoctrination of his own people.
Wow, that's a lot of allegorical heavy lifting.
From the perspective alone, I'm hooked. But we haven't even discussed the power struggle that occurs within the institution, as well as the eventual mutiny, which is the main story.
I know this read is done, but I can't unhook myself from it. Cheryl and others, I would love to hear your thoughts in detail.
Hi Daniel, I'm not sure what to tell you, it was a while ago I read it and I have been ill for a little while so I'm only just now seeing your comments. I don't think I could put my thoughts into such eloquent or intellectual words though! I absolutely loved the book (I rated it 5 stars). I was so so so disappointed at the outcome for poor McMurphy, I felt angry that Nurse Ratched had 'won'. It was heartbreaking, part of me wanted to cry but it was also incredibly fury inducing, not just at the final outcome but at the whole system.
This is not a happy ending but I think the book is all the more powerful and memorable because of it.
(I'm all angry and upset again now just thinking about it)
I finally got to this book as I was on vacation the month, the group read it. I truly enjoyed this well written and entertaining story. Great character building and although some of the story is unrealistic wow!! I was laughing, angered and truly saddened at multiple times in this novel.
Great review there Larry. I whole heartedly relate to that last line of yours - me too!
I will be posting a schedule very soon.
Disclaimer:
As your moderator, it is my responsibility to make sure everyone has a fulfilling group experience. During this read, if you decide to finish the book ahead of schedule, please keep your closing thoughts to yourself, or wait until we are in the final days of the proposed reading schedule. These kinds of posts may cause some readers to abandon the book, especially if the review is negative. When people decide to join a group read, they are making a commitment, so let's be respectful of that.