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The legend behind this book is that Kerouac sat down, high on benzidrine and wrote the story in 3 weeks on one continuous scroll of paper. After completing this mammoth task in 1951 he was unable to get it published until 1957 due to the sexual and drug use content. Dealing with issues unlike other novels at the time bought controversy as well as a cult following. Voted by TIME magazine as one of the top 100 novels from 1923-2005 this book is still a must read for many youths setting out across country trying to discover their own place in the world as well as ‘IT’.
The story follows Jack and his travels across the great wide expanse of the USA. Joined by a group of crazy, drugged out and albeit colourful characters, makes this not just another road trip. Set during the 1950’s this book explores many themes and social taboos of the time. Being the founding members of the Beatnick movement you are drawn in by there personalities and their Beat ideas, it also makes you want to pack up and set off west.
I really liked this book. Knowing that is was written on one continuous sheet of paper in an erradict three weeks, I felt I read it in the same way. I felt like I couldn’t put it down and I wanted to swallow all the information in one go. The characters interested me and after reading their stories I wanted to find out more about these people. Many of the died young, from drugs, alcohol or some other vice but each off them somehow has left their mark in American history and on American society. I think there is something for everyone in this book, especially if you think philosophically.
I don’t read much (anymore). It takes me ages to get into a book, and once I have started, it takes me even longer to finish it. If I manage to sit down and actually read a book it’s usually Fantasy or Autobiography… what a strange combination of genres. Thinking about it, makes me think ‘what a strange introduction to a book review, too’.
So here we go: ‘Warhorse – Life, Football and other battles’ by Shane Webcke is a book about those things in life that really matter. Well, at least to a man like Shane. He looks back on a professional career of football (for all those non Australian readers: Rugby League), probably one of the toughest sports out there. I enjoy watching rugby games but I’d be scared to death actually actively playing in them (I am just not build for it). Shane draws many conclusions from the game, some of them simple and some of them complex, and applies them to life in the bigger sense. The simple stuff evolves around traits such as being honest and straight (straight as in a non-sexual way… though Shane being a boy from the ‘Bush’ would have probably copped a few confused looks from the ‘ordinary, middle class’ people in country-side Australia, when talking about sexual tolerance). It also touches issues such as always putting in your best and never stop trying, to respect friend and foe, to work hard but also know how to switch off and cherish family and friends. Basically, he covers all the ‘good, old values’ that the Australian society was built on. While none of this is new or mind-blowing, it helps you (at least it did help me) to step back and reflect on your own life, where you stand, and what your values are.
Shane is a simple man. He’s tough, honest, street smart, funny and pretty much your stereotype giant with an even bigger heart. He has weaknesses of course (e.g. struggling with alcohol in his past or being a bit of a redneck growing up in the bush) but with the help of football and his mentor (his coach at the club, almost a father figure) he managed to turn into a ‘decent bloke’. He’s actually almost the same age I am so that helped me to relate to the story. If you still feel like you are growing up at the age of 31 and you are still stuck in between two (or more) worlds, Shane’s view of the world will sound familiar to you… and more importantly it will put a smile on your face quite often. Not because it’s overly funny but because it’s good to look at life in a very basic and pure way. To give you an example let me quote page 337 where he talks about the executive committee of the Australian Rugby League and their attitude towards change: “Too often it seems to be too hard, or not worth doing or pursuing, and that really gives me the shits. […] We need fresh, innovative leaders who are determined to make things happen”. Congratulations Shane, you have just described (purposely or not) the very nature of politics. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it. It’s almost amusing how he points out this very fundamental flaw, probably without realizing that (unfortunately) this kind of attitude is predominant in society. But Shane is determined to make a change and even if it’s a small one and will only affect his small world…it’s still a start. I just like that attitude and that’s why I like this book. I hope you do to. (Review by Ole Brandenburg)
I can’t recall the exact reason for why I read this book. Maybe it was because I saw it on a bedside table in the hotel or did it first grab my attention on the list? I think I may have seen someone talking about it on TV, but whatever the reason was (pity I can’t remember), I was lucky to find it because it’s a fascinating story.
‘Mao’s Last Dancer’ as the name suggests is set in China during the reign of Chairman Mao. It tracks the life of an ordinary child (Li Cunxin) who is plucked from poverty and thrust into the spotlight as an elite ballet dancer in Madame Mao’s dance company. Through this opportunity Li Cunxin is able to break free from the communist confines and live a life only dreamed of in his childhood.
This story gives you a glimpse into communist China, a view rarely seen. It is also provides an insight into the hours of practice, dedication and excruciating pain it takes to be a ballet dancer (I winced when I read the part where the children had to bend over and tear their hamstring muscles).
It is amazing how one brief moment in time can set you on a path that will lead down a very different road. One moment you are looking out the window, when suddenly your teacher singles you out. From this moment you leave your home and family to begin dancing. I wonder how many times Li Cunxin gives thanks for that single defining moment?
After reading this book I started thinking have I maybe missed some moments where I was at a crossroad? Where one decision could have set me on a path that I should have taken? I have now decided I will keep my eyes open to these opportunities and not a let and opening pass by. Maybe everyone should think like this. This is an inspirational story that makes you wonder where your life will take you.
Almost FrenchWhile shopping at the local shopping center I went into the book shop, it is a must stop whenever I’m there. This time I discovered they had a top one hundred list of books as chosen by the general public. I myself love making lists and thought wouldn’t it be great if I could work my way through all one hundred (though personally I don’t think I can read the Bible)? So my quest (which I will document here) to read all one hundred began. This is number fifty-eight and when I read the blurb I knew I had to read it.
Sarah Turnbull is an Australian journalists who one night in Bucharest meets a French man who will change the course of her life forever (very dramatic I know but a true story). On an invite from the man she has known for forty-five minutes she visits him in France as a detour until she falls in love.
This book explores the cultural difference between a down to earth Australian and a culturally elite French man. While reading it was hard not to laugh out a loud, cringe and at the same time feel the sadness of constantly being an outsider. Though despite the cultural ostracism by the end of the book you want to pack up your life and move to France. This book is the stuff of fairy tales. How many of us haven’t dreamed of falling in love in a foreign country? I know I have.
I think this is a book for any romantic at heart or people like me dating others from different cultures. Despite all the differences in opinion and embarrassing moments you know you wouldn’t have things any other way. This book proves that people from different cultures can pull together and make a mostly perfect life for themselves.
