Book Reviews Continued (By Scott)

There are many unwritten truths to backpacking/extended travel. One is you read a lot of books. So to continue where Tiffany left, I have a few book reviews as well.

First, I´d like to comment that "Confessions of an Economic Hitman" by John Perkins is an excellent, well researched book. Whether or not you agree with all the assertions and conclusions of the author, you will think differently about the impact of oil and other natural resources on the world. Second, I disagree with Tiffany´s review of "On the Road" by Jack Kerouac. While the writing style is sometimes difficult to follow, the stories of travel across the US with Dean Moriarty (aka Neal Cassady) are superb. While Dean is not the typical "hero" character, he is unique, entertaining, and at moments insane. Kerouac does an excellent job illustrating the complexity of Dean. Now, onto books Tiffany has not read...yet.


Night by Elie Wiesel
OK, I know this is on Oprah´s Book Club list and as much as I dislike that woman, this is a great book. Night is a memoir of a teenage boy during the holocaust. There is an abundance of books and movies on this topic, but Night stands out. It is a very quick read packed with detailed heart wrenching incidents which are certainly burned into the authors´ mind. It is not overflowing with emotional pleas or overly descriptive language, just pure terror delivered in a very straight forward manner. The openness of the author to share these terrors makes this a powerful read which leaves a lasting impression.


In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
Yes, this book is the inspiration for the movie "Capote" which won Philip Seymour Hoffman an Oscar. However, the movie does not spoil the book. While the general story line is revealed in the movie, the book really delves into the life and minds of the two main characters, Perry Smith and Dick Hickock. Some of the best parts of the book deal with the psychological evaluations of Perry and Dick and subsequent research and conclusions related to random crime and murder. The movie is a look at
Capote, the book is an in-depth analysis of the lives Perry and Dick and the chain events which brought them to Holcomb. The writing is eloquent and a true work of art.


Pastoralia by George Saunders
I picked this up based on a recommendation from a magazine. This is a collection of strange short stories which paint a bleak picture of life when money and materialism are more important than family and friendships. The main character in each story struggles to realize their unhappiness and take measures to change their life. In some cases these changes are obviously for the better and in others the outcome is more disturbing. Nonetheless, this book will make you think about what is truly important in life.


notes of a dirty old man by Charles Bukowski
So, this is my introduction to Bukowski. Caution, this book (and probably most of his writing) is not for the easily offended. Probably one of the reasons I liked the book so much. His style of prose is unique and engaging and his stories are shocking and appalling. The book is basically a collection of dozens of short stories without chapter breaks or titles, they just flow from one to the next. It is clear that many of the stories are actual recounts from his own life and others inspired by his life. Well, he has lived a very interesting life which makes for great stories.