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3.53 AVERAGE
3.53 AVERAGE
2.5 stars. In some ways, I should have absolutely loved this book, even though philosophy really isn't my cup of tea — on a meta level, it's all about the blurry line between fiction and nonfiction, plus you have the psychology angle because of Phaedrus' condition (which I won't spoil for those who haven't read this yet). I also love road trip stories, and obviously the cross-country motorcycle trip provides the frame for this story. So overall, I was pretty excited to read this book, even if it is philosophical fiction.
But this book just failed for me on multiple levels. First of all, the philosophical arguments weren't that tightly put together, and the rambling, over-long nature of the monologues didn't help me follow the logic — and in some cases, made it painful to try. I also neither liked the narrator nor felt sympathy for him, or even interest to see what happened to him. However, I just couldn't get over his pretentious attitude towards every other intellectual, nor his harsh treatment of his wife and son.
I guess it's a good thing that I finally read this and finally know what everyone is so hyped up about, but I think there are definitely better books that you could spend a week+ of your life reading.
But this book just failed for me on multiple levels. First of all, the philosophical arguments weren't that tightly put together, and the rambling, over-long nature of the monologues didn't help me follow the logic — and in some cases, made it painful to try. I also neither liked the narrator nor felt sympathy for him, or even interest to see what happened to him.
Spoiler
For me this was particularly tragic since Phaedrus/the narrator has a mental illness and also underwent forced ECT (electroconvulsive therapy), both of which can alter your personality beyond your control. I suspect that these two factors greatly contributed to the "asshole" attitude that other readers have complained about, and I tried really hard to be sympathetic to him.I guess it's a good thing that I finally read this and finally know what everyone is so hyped up about, but I think there are definitely better books that you could spend a week+ of your life reading.
I read an abridged version, so caveats are necessary. However, I have not disliked a book as strongly in a long time. It was a book club choice, or I would have turned back fifteen minutes in. I can't think of any reasons to care about any character, and the narrator's meandering reminiscinces about his Greek philosopher alter ego read as pompous and ridiculous for the most part. It's hard to shake the feeling that the coherent life philosophy that supposedly underpins this book's popularity wasn't coherent at all. And the intertwined search for meaning with manifestations of mental illness just felt distasteful and stigmatizing for some reason. Needless to say, I was not a fan.
One of the hardest slogs I've ever had, but one of the most rewarding.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book took forever to read, but was worthwhile. Some of the philosophy went over my head, but reading about someone who is trying to literally make sense of the world was intoxicating. It made me reflect on how I process experiences.
This was the hardest book I've ever slogged through. I like the themes and I believe that they were portrayed well... but holy moly was it dense and difficult and dry times.
Read in college many moons ago. Fantastic and one I need to re-read
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
Great book - re-read is several times, recommend to others, even give them copies.
Good blend of values and quality - nice fit as I was a Quality manager years ago.
Not sure when I finished it 1980??
Good blend of values and quality - nice fit as I was a Quality manager years ago.
Not sure when I finished it 1980??
Amazing book. Not an easy read, but probably something my mind will be chewing on for a while.