Critic's Choice

I don't get it.  I am currently reading a book that won the 'Man Booker Prize' in 2007.  I don't even know what that is but when a book has won an award, any award, one assumes it is a good book.  What I have found, more often than not, is these award winning books seldom make me smile.  They are dark books full of dark wordy imagery.  I don't overly enjoy these books.  So why am I reading it?  I have a strict rule, made for myself by myself, to finish every book I start no matter how much I dislike it.  So there, I'm obligated.  Plus, in this instance, I'm waiting for the author to just get to the point already.  I'm waiting for the climax, one would say.  However, like many women, I just don't think I'm going to get there.  At least in this instance.

It's called 'The Gathering' by Anne Enright and is about a large Irish family. So far the biggest thrill of this book has been the cultural references and language.  I enjoy that no matter what.  'Angela's Ashes' was also about a large Irish family but it was entertaining despite the dark theme of it all.  This book also has a dark thematic element but is also convoluted and aimless.

Maybe it's me. I consider myself an intelligent person.  I also enjoy being entertained but what seems to be the common cultural perception is the darker or worse or more confused one feels after reading a book or watching a movie, the more critically acclaimed it is. Why do we have to feel unhappy or disconcerted after seeking out entertainment?  I suppose thought provoke-ment is a positive thing but really, and this maybe attributed to the work I do, I don't want to think that hard while being entertained.  I want to laugh and feel good upon completion.  After watching the movie 'Monster' with Charlize Theron a few years back I was angry and wanted to cry.  So yes, excellent acting and story but I did not feel good or entertained.  I cannot tell you how many times I've watched 'Anchorman' with Will Ferrell.  It did not win any awards.  I always feel good and highly entertained after watching. Also good acting.

I love lamp.

Okay, maybe it is me.

Stay Classy San Diego (which I believe means "whale's vagina").