I’ve been lucky to stumble upon some highly pleasurable media recently, two being the books I’ve devoured this week. My daily commute to and from Wall Street from way up yonder on Central Park West enables me to get a lot of reading in. When I bully my way to a seat on the subway, that is, but I’m a public transportation piranha. I’d pretend to be disabled, pregnant, or both to get a seat, but usually, sprinting does the trick. I also have an eye for people who are about to get off. One tip: Look for fellow passengers who are awake. Another: Look for people who keep trying to figure out what stop it is. One more: Telepathy might be fruitful. Stand in front of some seated schmuck, take cleansing breaths, and think, “You are getting off at the next stop. You are getting off at the next stop…”
Okay, so the media. I’m going to make a quick list for you, because I like ‘em.
1. Lord of the Flies: Can you believe this was William Golding’s first novel?! Sucks to your novel, man! I loved this book, and yes, it was another classic I hadn’t read until adulthood. I’ve speculated as to why it was stupidly excluded from my high school reading list, but I think I appreciate it more after being a teacher. Golding really “shows instead of tells” for the most part and when Piggy met his end, I was sitting on the subway and shaking my head. I knew it was going to happen, but not that way. If only those brutes would’ve heeded the conch…
2. No Country for Old Men: I adored the film. Turns out, it was a seamless adaptation. I can’t imagine anyone but Javier Bardem flipping coins and saying creepy things and looking all spooky-sexy while bleeding in the bathtub. I love the language of the characters. The vernacular and malapropisms are so colorful. Print accommodates my desire to speak like a Cormac McCarthy-created badass. I’m taking notes and studying.
3. I read this a few days ago. Homeboy sticks to his buns, err guns.
4. Cade’s mom recommended this “This American Life” episode after hearing all sorts of bad things about my super. My super is not as cool as the ones on the show. Also, he fixed my light and wiring. I’m trying to consider this grounds for a truce, but it still bothers me that he only works on apartment renovations (in the now-vacant apartment next door) on Saturday mornings around 8:00. WHY?!
