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One of the weirdest books I've read, and the concept makes me laugh every time. The fact that this was published and even an idea astounds me. Lightning Rods provided pure entertainment.
funny
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A pretty good satire, was almost a little too dry at points. Seemed to kinda lose the point almost. I feel like it would have made a better short story/novella instead of a full novel
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I agree with those who said this one went on a bit too long. It's material suited more to a novella than a novel, and the extremely straightforward structure and repetitive voice made it a bit of a slog at times. Still really funny, just stretched a bit thin.
Interesting... such a departure from The Last Samurai that it's almost startling, but it also speaks to the versatility and power of DeWitt's writing. The Last Samurai is one of my favorite books, but it would be really tricky to call this another favorite. Her dealings with language in this book remind me of the inherent sliminess of business itself, that the business world's vernacular is simplistic and meandering, always following a faulty logic full of platitudes that ends up into dangerous yet convincing ideas.
What's uncomfortable and remarkable about this book is how easy one slips into it. Yes, one thinks, now that I think about it why not? This could make sense. DeWitt constantly eases you back in. It's satire, until it isn't, until you remember what you're reading. But there's always that danger.
What's uncomfortable and remarkable about this book is how easy one slips into it. Yes, one thinks, now that I think about it why not? This could make sense. DeWitt constantly eases you back in. It's satire, until it isn't, until you remember what you're reading. But there's always that danger.
Patently offensive! Heteronormative! Sexist! Just like the society in which we live. Lightning Rods is humorous and certainly not for weak stomachs. Many have suggested the book is a critique of corporate culture and capital. Perhaps, but Lightning Rods goes beyond business-as-usual to the darkest chambers of our beings, namely: the restroom and sex. Not just sex, but masturbation. Not just masturbation, but common fantasies. Not just common fantasies, but the fantasies people couldn't possibly admit in public for fear of guilt. Not just guilt, but sexual harassment, but she gets there by the most controversial way: many if not most people love being sexually harassed by the people from which they wish to be sexually harassed--which makes it not sexual harassment but consensual. And tons of people feel guilty about these sorts of things. And why? And how do we reduce sexual harassment/guilt?
Lightning Rods examines these problems with humor (and from a masculine perspective), but if you feel too guilty, chances are, you will immediately put the book down and stomp off in the most hi-falootin' way.
This book should be read with 50 Shades of Grey. Or at least a 50 Shades' outline. Dewitt's first book The Last Samurai was considered a bit academic, and Lightning Rod's style isn't quite so daunting, and my guess is, it wasn't necessarily written for academics. However, the themes are similar(with different subjects): "we're scared humans who have the biggest problem dealing with other humans." With all the hullabaloo about 50 shades, Lightning Rods is probably more controversial, because it gets at the heart of the society producing 50 Shades of Grey, making it a perfect companion book.
The premise of the novel is clear in the first couple chapters. Hold on for the roller coaster as the book has a point. Yes, it's patently offensive, heteronormative, sexist, racist, and classist... so are the people you recognize in the novel as you and your heroes.
I'm trying to decide whether to give this 5 stars to offset the unfair low ratings or to give it four. I'd probably give it 4 and a half.
Lightning Rods examines these problems with humor (and from a masculine perspective), but if you feel too guilty, chances are, you will immediately put the book down and stomp off in the most hi-falootin' way.
This book should be read with 50 Shades of Grey. Or at least a 50 Shades' outline. Dewitt's first book The Last Samurai was considered a bit academic, and Lightning Rod's style isn't quite so daunting, and my guess is, it wasn't necessarily written for academics. However, the themes are similar(with different subjects): "we're scared humans who have the biggest problem dealing with other humans." With all the hullabaloo about 50 shades, Lightning Rods is probably more controversial, because it gets at the heart of the society producing 50 Shades of Grey, making it a perfect companion book.
The premise of the novel is clear in the first couple chapters. Hold on for the roller coaster as the book has a point. Yes, it's patently offensive, heteronormative, sexist, racist, and classist... so are the people you recognize in the novel as you and your heroes.
I'm trying to decide whether to give this 5 stars to offset the unfair low ratings or to give it four. I'd probably give it 4 and a half.
A hilarious satire with a premise so inappropriate, I’m too much of a prude to ever describe it to anyone, let alone recommend the book—despite enjoying it myself. Helen DeWitt is a genius.
AR 3.5
Surprised how much I enjoyed this. The audiobook narrator was a perfect Joe.
Surprised how much I enjoyed this. The audiobook narrator was a perfect Joe.