Neither the book, nor the film ever captured my attention or my interest. Neither were watched or read. But, that's proving to be more a fault of my own discernment than one of content. Clearly, this is something that should have been examined more closely. Especially given that I've been giving some thought to "normalcy" and "conformity". Thanks for this!
Absolutely. It’s been one of those books (and movies) I’d heard about most of my life but never took any interest in either. I only decided to read it this year as part of my classic novel goal. Very glad I did.
I never had interest in it either. It seems to appeal to men more than women, although my sister loved it - she's a defiant hippie, though. My son read it and loved it. Back in the day, the film was part of a film analysis class I had taken back in college. We had just watched "Clockwork Orange". I had great difficulty absorbing that one. "One Flew..." was also part of the topical unit of resistance/rebellion, so I knew it too was going to be difficult to stomach. I opted not to come to class that day. This kind of thing does not flick my Bic. This is all to say, I appreciate the review because I still do not feel I need to read it, for my own sanity. ;)
Nowadays I breeze through books. I read Cuckoo’s Nest in high school, when I would slowly pace myself through a book, stopping often to ponder what I had read.
Thanks for this review and reminding me of a time when I’d savor books and they meant something special to me.
Never read it, for shame. I really really should. Interestingly I’m in the middle of Catch 22 again now (I think it’s my third re-read) and will have to check out your April review. Also is it card ‘shark’ or card ‘sharp’?! Didn’t ‘Friends’ have something to say about this?! (Edit - it did indeed https://getyarn.io/yarn-clip/51856d5f-fcb9-45ef-bf5d-0507dea29af7)
Yes! I enjoyed Catch 22 quite a lot. The books are similar in several ways—pair nicely together. Regarding sharp v. shark, I paused there every time I read through the piece, thinking of that distinction. I decided to stick with shark because that’s how I’ve always heard it and Merriam Webster says you can break the deck either way. But I think the origin is sharp.
Thanks for this thorough analysis Joel! I have always had the book on my shelf, but will now add it to my reading list. "Do we let the Combine win? In such a situation, resistance—even if insufficient to prevail—might be the only way to stay sane in the meantime." Such true words - sanity through resistance. Much to reflect on here...
It was probably the funniest book I read this year. It’s of its time, of course, and contains several elements modern readers might regard as objectionable. Reader beware. But the aware reader will also walk away with a treasure.
Both the book and the movie are excellent. The book had a powerful impact on my youthful self. Insisted my kids read it as soon as they were old enough to appreciate it. It’s also an excellent exposition of power dynamics and systems of oppression and manipulation.
One of my favorite novels. Chief Broom is one of the all time great Native fictional characters. To clarify a point: Electric Shock Therapy was indeed brutal in the past but it's changed in major ways and it'a long been an effective treatment for different types of mental illness.
Time to watch the movie again ... with fresh eyes, thanks to your keen observations, Joel. For sure there's something to be gleaned as we navigate the unsettling season that lies ahead.
Fantastic novel. A true great in my opinion. One of the rare occasions where the film adaptation is surprisingly just as good.
I’ve heard the film is good as well. Weirdly, Kesey refused to watch it. Maybe his loss?
I loved the novel—was blown away by it, actually. Can’t believe it took me this long to get to it.
Ah! Never knew that. I will dig deeper into this and find out the reason. Thanks for sharing!
Neither the book, nor the film ever captured my attention or my interest. Neither were watched or read. But, that's proving to be more a fault of my own discernment than one of content. Clearly, this is something that should have been examined more closely. Especially given that I've been giving some thought to "normalcy" and "conformity". Thanks for this!
Absolutely. It’s been one of those books (and movies) I’d heard about most of my life but never took any interest in either. I only decided to read it this year as part of my classic novel goal. Very glad I did.
I never had interest in it either. It seems to appeal to men more than women, although my sister loved it - she's a defiant hippie, though. My son read it and loved it. Back in the day, the film was part of a film analysis class I had taken back in college. We had just watched "Clockwork Orange". I had great difficulty absorbing that one. "One Flew..." was also part of the topical unit of resistance/rebellion, so I knew it too was going to be difficult to stomach. I opted not to come to class that day. This kind of thing does not flick my Bic. This is all to say, I appreciate the review because I still do not feel I need to read it, for my own sanity. ;)
Nowadays I breeze through books. I read Cuckoo’s Nest in high school, when I would slowly pace myself through a book, stopping often to ponder what I had read.
Thanks for this review and reminding me of a time when I’d savor books and they meant something special to me.
My pleasure! Glad you enjoyed it!
Never read it, for shame. I really really should. Interestingly I’m in the middle of Catch 22 again now (I think it’s my third re-read) and will have to check out your April review. Also is it card ‘shark’ or card ‘sharp’?! Didn’t ‘Friends’ have something to say about this?! (Edit - it did indeed https://getyarn.io/yarn-clip/51856d5f-fcb9-45ef-bf5d-0507dea29af7)
Yes! I enjoyed Catch 22 quite a lot. The books are similar in several ways—pair nicely together. Regarding sharp v. shark, I paused there every time I read through the piece, thinking of that distinction. I decided to stick with shark because that’s how I’ve always heard it and Merriam Webster says you can break the deck either way. But I think the origin is sharp.
There’s possibly a special place full of torments for those who would argue it, where I clearly belong!
LOL! No harm, no foul.
I loved this book and movie. Especially the fact that part of the movie took place in my hometown.
Wow! That’s fun. It’s a fun and gripping novel. I’ve never seen the movie, though. I’ve heard good things.
Thanks for this thorough analysis Joel! I have always had the book on my shelf, but will now add it to my reading list. "Do we let the Combine win? In such a situation, resistance—even if insufficient to prevail—might be the only way to stay sane in the meantime." Such true words - sanity through resistance. Much to reflect on here...
It was probably the funniest book I read this year. It’s of its time, of course, and contains several elements modern readers might regard as objectionable. Reader beware. But the aware reader will also walk away with a treasure.
Both the book and the movie are excellent. The book had a powerful impact on my youthful self. Insisted my kids read it as soon as they were old enough to appreciate it. It’s also an excellent exposition of power dynamics and systems of oppression and manipulation.
One of my favorite novels. Chief Broom is one of the all time great Native fictional characters. To clarify a point: Electric Shock Therapy was indeed brutal in the past but it's changed in major ways and it'a long been an effective treatment for different types of mental illness.
Www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/electroconvulsive-therapy/about/pac-20393894
Time to watch the movie again ... with fresh eyes, thanks to your keen observations, Joel. For sure there's something to be gleaned as we navigate the unsettling season that lies ahead.