These last few weeks have expired faster than milk at the corner store, which is to say, very fast. Too fast. Defying the fuzzy numbers printed on the carton fast. I’m busy with comedy, fiction class, and doing things that are giving me material for both.
I’ve successfully completed my yearly reading goal. I still want to read, but I don’t have the time or concentration right now.
It’s your turn.
Here’s a question from Nia:
Just surfing and came across your blog. I too keep a list of all the books I’ve read over the past 9 years. It’s good to share these lists! Just finished Revolutionary Road tonight and loved it. Never heard or Yates before the film, so was completely new to me.What did you think? I’ll be renting the dvd this weekend…
My response:
Revolutionary Road was the first book I read this year. I bought it before the film came out, but ended up reading it after I saw the Sam Mendes adaptation. I was really pleased at how true the screenplay was to the novel, as far as dialogue goes. I think Richard Yates writes beautifully, and I intend to read more of his work. Someday. In a galaxy far, far away where I can focus.
While I enjoyed the film, I know some people who saw it wanted to just kill themselves before they inevitably failed to live up to their potential. The themes of the story get under the skin a bit, yes? To me, that’s a sign that you should read the book.
I’d never spoil the book for you, but here’s my quick description: Frank and April Wheeler are a married couple living in 1950s suburbia who decide that they put their dreams on hold when they had a family. Can they reconcile the people they have the potential to be - or the people they think they have the potential to be - with the people they’ve become?
If you’re in a relationship, Revolutionary Road could be an interesting read to share. It could foster deep conversations you may not have had with your significant other ever or since you first met.
What do you want to do with your life? How will you get there? How might your goals and life change if you have a family together? At what point is it no longer healthy to stay together?
Do those questions make the book sound like a downer? That may be justified. But it’s a thoughtful downer! Read it!
