It was hard for me to make it past the first chapter or two of this book. You know why? Because Troost is talking the whole time about he's this slackery guy that doesn't know what to do with his life and thinks writing would be fun, but doesn't put any effort into it. So he decides to up and leave all his responsibilities behind and go somewhere crazy hoping it'll spark some genius.
So why, you ask, do I hate this guy already? Because dammit he sounds exactly like me. No direction, no real solid plan, just an idea of some career that "might be fun." Which wouldn't bother me so much except for the fact that I'm holding this guy's book in my hand. I already know he's accomplished his goal and it makes me angry because he sounds like such a shlub. Like somehow this guy sat on his ass for a few years and managed to come up with a decent book and get it published without even trying. Ok, he probably tried a little bit, but I hate it when people make success look like it came so easy. Jerks.
But, in case you're wondering, I did make it past the first couple chapters. And it does get better. And I guess he pays his dues a little bit just in the fact that he lived on that God-forsaken island. You win this time, Troost. But I'm watching you.
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Successful people with their impressive accomplishments annoy me, too! (The other night I dreamt that I couldn't pass high school biology. I think it has to do with "making it" in the real world.)
ReplyDeleteI'm finding Troost charming and amusing but so much of the lives of those who live in desperate poverty sounds like NO FUN! (Did I succeed in saying that like one of the girls from "The Hills"? I watched an entire segment of that show the other day and I think my eyeballs are scorched forever. I was talking to Paul about that show, late at night, and I commented on what a waste of time their lives seem like... and he one-upped me by commenting on what a waste of time talking about THE FREAKING HILLS was... you know, instead of SLEEPING!)
On the other hand, this little book doesn't seem like a waste of time. More comments on said book later... but soonish. I SWEAR!
Honestly Karen, you are WHIZZING through these books! I wanna read "Last Words" but all of the library's copies are out so it might be awhile.
I don't know if you're looking for recommendations, but, I still think you'd enjoy "The Perks of Being a Wallflower." (By Stephen Chbosky.) (And it's on the shorter side, so it'd perhaps be a good pick for racking up the number of books!)
In Birthday Awareness News... I feel like it's Birthday SEASON! Seth, and soon... In a month and three days... You know who! Our favorite, incorrigibly witty and profound, freaking person.
Did I get all the commas right, in that last sentence? I couldn't quite tell. I should ask our favorite comma expert. :)
ReplyDeleteYeah, that trip to Houston gave me a lot of free time. I actually finished this book and Born to Run by Christopher McDougall (which is AWESOME) and I'm half way through the George Carlin book. It's good, but not as good as I thought it'd be. I'll have to pick up that Wallflowers book. I'll add it to my list right now so I don't forget.
ReplyDeleteAlso you and Paul are too funny.
Kay, I just looked up that "Born to Run" book! It sounds fascinating!
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