Books
The Rum Diary
Oct 30th
Johnny Depp’s new flick, “The Rum Diary,” definitely follows the tone, pace and style of it’s inspiration, Hunter S. Thompson.
I’ve never read Thompson’s fiction novel, which the movie is based on, but I have read Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, as well as Jann Wenner’s biography on the writer. Having read these pieces, I can see how true this film stayed to Thompson’s spirit. “The Rum Diary” is a little slow-paced, has some laughs, a love interest, an enemy, journalism, and drugs and alcohol- all staples in Thompson’s work (especially the last two.)
As a writer, I particularly enjoyed one quote in the film, which is said by Johnny Depp’s character, Paul Kemp. Kemp, who is a journalist, says, “I’ve got no voice, I don’t know how to write like myself.” When I was a journalism student at Ryerson University, my first-year reporting teacher told my classmates and I that the hardest thing to do is write in your own voice; so I’m sure many writers, myself included, can relate to Kemp’s struggle.
I enjoyed “The Rum Diary” and, since I’ve read Thompson’s work, it lived up to my expectations. To those humming and hawing over viewing the flick, I would say that if you enjoy reading Thompson, you will probably enjoy this movie; If you don’t like his writing, then you probably won’t like this film.
Have you read The Rum Diary or seen the film adaptation? Tweet me your thoughts @LAMcEachran.
Book: ‘Naked’ by David Sedaris
Sep 28th
I just finished reading David Sedaris’ hilarious memoir, Naked. The book is clever, engaging and hilarious. Since I seem to be the only person on earth that still reads for fun, I decided to print this funny excerpt from his collection of autobiographical essays. It made me laugh out loud, so perhaps you will enjoy it too.
I spent my high school years staring at the pine trees outside my classroom window and picturing myself on the campus of an Ivy League university, where my wealthy roomate Colgate would leave me notes reading, ‘Meet me on the quad at five.’ I wasn’t sure what a quad was, but I knew that I wanted one desperately. My college friends would own horses and monogrammed shoehorns. I’d spend weekends at my roomate’s estate, where his mother would say things like ‘I’ve instructed Helvetica to prepare those little pancakes you’re so fond of, but she’s had a devil of a time locating fresh cape gooseberries.’ This woman would have really big teeth that she’d reveal every time she threw back her head to laugh at one of my many witticisms. ‘You’re an absolute caution,’ she’d bray. ‘Tell me you’ll at least consider joining us this Christmas at Bridle Haven; it just wouldn’t be the same without you.
Summer Reading Series: Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim
Jul 27th
I knew when I opened Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, and the first autobiographical essay was about David Sedaris’ childhood fascination with a family who didn’t believe in television, that this was a memoir I would enjoy. And I was right. I borrowed the book from the library on Friday evening and returned it Monday morning- I just couldn’t put it down!
Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim is a collection of 22 autobiographical stories by humorist David Sedaris. It includes details on his wacky family members, observations on people he encountered growing up, the dumpy places he’s lived and the crappy jobs he’s worked. All are written with wit and detail and love, and all are a joy to read.
It is no wonder that I enjoyed Sedaris’ memoir, because it is along the same lines as one of my favourite books- Magical Thinking. Magical Thinking is a collection of true stories by Augusten Burroughs. It consists of the same twisted humour found in Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim.
If you are looking for an excellent summer book, I highly suggest this memoir. It is a fun, interesting and easy read that will surely make you laugh out loud.
Already read it? Check out reviews on other books I’ve read this summer: