Book. Into the Wild

The book Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer is a sort of interesting book. The author has created a sort of well-researched book with just a little fictional flourish to fill in the gaps.

The main problem I have is liking the main character. This kid repeatedly does not grow up, often attempts things full-board, with research and resources, yet still so many decisions seem made with such bravado and youthful ignorance as to rub me the wrong way.

Repeatedly, the young adult appears mature for his age and then appears far less mature for his age. It is as though he repeatedly attempts to assimilate and when he fails he moves on to a new adventure. A couple times, he successfully finds a group that appreciates, even if doesn't understand, him. This group he returns to a few times, yet always goes looking for something better.

I guess my main issue with the story of this young adult is that I feel he is in many situations "old enough to know better." Nothing is good enough to satisfy him intellectually, physically, nor emotionally.

I think the movie did a much better job of making the main character more likable, even if they were less honest to the real story. In this rare case, I recommend the movie over the book.

Podcast. Left, Right, Center by KCRW

I recently discovered a podcast called "Left, Right, Center" by KCRW by NPR on my podcoin app. The topics are mostly political, but also include social topics and other things that tend to divide people along conservative/liberal or democrat/republican lines.

The host is the "center" representative. The left and right are mostly consistent, but are occasionally different people. Sometimes a third guest is thrown in just for fun, or as a specialist on a particular topic.

Keeping Discussions Civil

What I like so far about the random episodes I've listened to is that the arguments are kept mostly civil. The majority of guests on the show seem to know and respect each other to some degree, and while things get heated the topic is resolved or changed before a full blown fight emerges.

I really appreciate the host's ability to review facts of difficult topics, ask the hard follow up questions, but also moderate well and know when the discussion is devolving and needs to be switched to a new topic. There are a few times I've heard one side or the other get pretty heated with their opinions, as is to be expected, but they still manage to keep it civil.

Book. Lisey's Story

I recently read the book Lisey's Story by Stephen King. As far as King's books go, this was a weird one. I know that's strange to say of Stephen King, but this on was truly odd for him. The darkness took a new form in this book, and upon finishing the book I did finally appreciate it.

Almost Put It Down

I'll be honest here: for the first third, almost half, of the book I had trouble sinking in. There was a lot of back story, and a lot of build up. Action was throughout just often enough to keep me reading, but barely. There was a very slow turning point that took my interest, but I don't think I could pin point it. Slowly, the main character pulled me in with her and I read more quickly and longer each time I picked up the book.

Worth the Read

Keep the lights on toward the end. It does hit home just enough to give you goosebumps and make you think twice about looking into the shadows of the corner late at night. If you can push through the first half, this book is truly worth the full read.

Erm... Re-Re-Intro?

Howdy!

I'll eventually get good at keeping this blog truly updated. Heh. I'll get some posts up soon to share more thoughts, experiences, and hopeful get to a point of more meaningful schedule and content.

Lately I've been discovering lots of podcasts and music while working. I have gotten back into reading books for a little bit each day. Just this year I opened a card and board game development company with a couple partners. A couple years ago I bought a house, and a few years before that I married.

Look for many more updates, for realz this time. I'll sit each time I have time and type away my thoughts to this blog here.

Cheers!