Well I finished "The Road" by my favorite author Cormac McCarthy last night ("All the Pretty Horses" and "No Country for Old Men") but was thinking the whole time, "this is not the book to be reading while you are trying to stay in a good mood. It was superbly written and a great book, but it was just as weird and dark, although the ultimate message may have been good for my situation. The book is about a father and a son who wander the roads after most of civilization has been destroyed. There are very few other people alive and no animals survived some sort of tragedy that hit the earth. Very little happens, but it is a constant struggle for father and son to survive. The whole book is about not giving into the utter tragedy of the situation, but the situation is so tragic, it is hard to stay in a good mood while reading it. Plus, it is actually pretty suspenseful, which I think kept me from sleeping. I guess I am starting to say too much, but my point is, the book was great, but I want to read more uplifting material. (It doesn't sound like the greatest plot, but really is a good book.)
So, I am asking for suggestions as to what you think the most uplifting or humorous books are. My top three are:
- The Power of One
- Candide
- A Confederacy of Dunces
I have received good books from people, but I am running out and need something to read.
Good books people have given me are "New Rules" by Bill Maher (a book I found surprisingly funny), "I am America and So Can You" by Stephen Colbert (very funny) and "Pure Drivel" by Steve Martin (haven't listened to it yet). Also, I wouldn't classify it as an uplifting book but "A Fine Balance" was one of the most remarkable books I have read in a while if you are looking for something to read.
So any suggestions you have would be great.
Steve
20 comments:
hi steven,
this is definitely a post i can respond to - books i can speak about, the economy not so much; although your post was amazing!
ok, here's a list of funny books:
if you want something 18th century and british, and you probably don't, but thought i'd throw it out there, since it will soon be my expertise, i suggest:
tristram shandy, by lawrence sterne
(a man tries to tell his life story, but never quite gets around to it....he isn't even born until page ohhh...200 or so).
probably more useful and fun ideas:
- lamb, by christopher moore. (jesus' life story, as told by his childhood best friend, biff. HILARIOUS, if irreverent).
- straight man, by richard russo. the insanity/chaos in the personal/professional lives of a small university english department. funny analysis of the quirkiness that is academia, and how we all take ourselves way too seriously. (might sound familiar is your econ department is as fraught as uw's english department).
-yeats is dead, edited by joseph oconnor, written by 15 irish writers. ridiculous "mystery" about the discovery of a long lost james joyce manuscript.
hope these are useful!
i put them in descending order of laugh-out-loud-ness.
take care,
lauren
Steven -
Ted, Linds and I can vouch for Lauren's suggestion of Lamb - really funny. I haven't read Straight Man, bur Empire Falls, another Richard Russo book, is also great. Everyone in our family loved it. I'll be thinking of some others. Greg
I know a bit more about books than Econ and music.
Here it is:
Funny
Naked, David Sedaris---really anything by David Sedaris will make you laugh... even better listen to him on This American Life
The Absolutely True Dairy of a Part Time Indian, Sherman Alexie.
In my opinion his best book, and an easy quick read as it is a young adult book.
Worth Reading that Aren't Downers
Desert Soltaire, Edward Abbey
The Botany of Desire, Michael Pollan, A Plant's Eye View of the World.
No doubt, Brian's list will be longer as I believe he has out read me of late.
Paula
I think my favorite funny book is Catch-22 by Joseph Heller. Great War satire, but be warned that it may make you laugh out loud, and there are a few sad parts, but on the whole it reads like a funnier, more ridiculous M.A.S.H
Oohh, other greats:
The Little Prince - Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (just a classic feel good, easy read)
The Princess Bride - William Goldman (really easy read, kind of long but is as fun as the movie, with more details and stories)
High Fidelity - Nick Hornby (also funny, like the movie)
The Alchemist- Paolo Coelho (haven't actually read this one, but it's been suggested to me by several trusted sources as a good read and inspirational
I love you.
Will you be my valentine?
Sweet Steve,
Linds, Mary Driscoll, Amie and I are all quite fond of US weekly....On a more serious note....."Middlesex" Jeffrey Eugenides.
For a decidedly british turn, I would reccomend the works of Irvine Welsh or Nick Hornby (as tony already mentioned). I also would reccomend, "Surely, you must be joking Mr. Feynman" about Richard Feynman.
Steve,
A funny read is "Letters from a Nut" by Ted L. Nancy. It is just goofy letters that this guy sends to businesses and other organizations, additonally Seinfeld wrote the introduction. The other funny book that I read was "Thank You For Smoking" by Christopher Buckley. Another book that you might enjoy is the latest book from Vince Flynn "Protect and Defend"
AJ
Steve,
You're posting too fast! First, a comment about your previous post.
Welcome. You finally made it. I'm talking, of course, about the fine and distinguished club of men who have experienced hair loss. Luckily, you have already secured the companionship of an outstanding young lady. As such, the benefits of hair loss may seem somewhat irrelevant, but besides snaring a date now and then, a smoother dome still holds some positives. Trust me, you're talking to a member. Some notable members:
-Winston Churchill
-Sinead o'Conner (self-induced)
-Pope John Paul II (aka, "JP2")
-Rick Majerus
Next, as for funny or inspirational books. I'm drawing a blank - except for one. It's that dry british humor, but it's funny. I read it in Alling's class: Lucky Jim by Kingsley Amis. You would likely appreciate it especially because it's set in the context of a university. Or you could try Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. 1st, because Phil Jackson gave it to Kobe, and if he can do it, so can you. 2nd, because there may be no other time in your life where you'll so desperately need to pass the time that you'll be willing to re-read each of the last 100 pages. Some people, all of whom are stranger than I, think it's worth it.
Anyway, take care!
I feel guilty for such a long time between posts, but I have to admit that book knowledge is not my forte. Except for John Irving and John Grisham, I can't say I remember much.
I am glad another week has past. Two to go? At my age, I am usually trying to get life to slow down. But i will gladly forgo my personal preference and pray that the next two weeks fly by.
Moke: I can't suggest any good books, at least any that would be uplifting. I can suggest a new blogging idea though. How about funny or inspiration movie lines (Wacky at his best)? Just an idea. Also, congrats on another week down. Keep it up. Thinking of you!
Congrats on another week down! I don't really get to read "funny" any more, so I'm sorry I don't have any suggestions. I do like Tony's suggestion of The Princess Bride though. Such a great movie - must be even better in its written form!
Why hasn't mom posted Les Miserable. Sorry but I do not have any good book suggestions. I would say the Harry Potter set, but i do not think that they are uplifting.
funny Ryan, I actually did suggest that to him in person since I am down here and you're not (picture me blowing a strawberry at ya). Anyone who has not read that book is missing out on an uplifting inspirational read. Not funny but a true testament to the human spirit. I recommend it so highly I may just reread it myself. David Copperfield and Oliver Twist are two other favorites of how good triumphs over adversity, and that fits the situation T is in. As a plus they have happy endings. Jean (posting from Steve's computer) P.S. there is snow on the Catalinas...another beautiful day in paradise.
Hey, steve-o. dude here. can you or anyone write me steve's mailing address. i.e. that mysterious place where people used to actually receive real mail that you can hold in your hand and takes like 3 days to get there....or three weeks, whichever is later.
thanks a freakin billion.
matt
mattblaine13@gmail.com
The Fixer.
Go read it now
Hey there. I just read the most PHENOMENAL book on vacation. No Country for Old Men...unreal! SO well-written. I know it won some awards for the movie and the subsequent screenplay but it truly is a great read.
You continue to be in my prayers, of course. I saw the picture of you sitting on the window seat, just soaking up the sun. It looks as if you are just hunkering down, turning within...perfect strategy for this last leg of your journey. Just like the last few miles of a race. Stay focused...you will win.
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