Bookshelf
| Sex, Drugs, And Cocoa Puffs, Chuck Klosterman |
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Sex, Drugs, And Cocoa Puffs, by Chuck Klosterman **** I don't often read pieces of "Pop Culture Analysis" as it often seems to be mindless fluff trying to make sense of why we are the shallow creatures we seem to be. I'm not really even sure why I picked up this book, other than it seemed to sit on the"Recommended" shelf at Davis-Kidd for the past year or so. Maybe it was the title or the funny cover art. Regardless, I'm glad I did and will probably start working my way through Klosterman's other offerings (Fargo Rock City, Killing Yourself to Live) as soon as I can. This book is essentially a collection of essays, each on a particular subject of pop culture such as internet porn, the NBA or Guns-n-Roses tribute bands. The subject material is not really all that important other than providing a solid base for Klosterman to skewer. The brilliance of this collection is how these subjects are interpreted. When Klosterman explains to you that Billy Joel is really cool specifically because of his obvious lack of coolness you find yourself nodding your head in agreement (after you have quit laughing out loud). His descriptions of Pamela Anderson's true relevance, how The Real World has become the REAL world for a generation of young Americans and why Wal-Mart country music will always remain popular are stimulating, thought-provoking and, mostly, hilarious. I'm sure there are myriad reasons why I like this guy so much. We are close in age so we have lived through a lot of the same cultural experiences. I tend to think in a bit of a skewed manner and like to make fun of a lot of stuff. We both think Tom Cruise is an idiot. Despite all of those similarities, I think virtually anyone will enjoy this book. You will probably read it in about 2 days ( one if you are on vacation) and will think back on it kindly the next time you are humming along to Paradise City.
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| Last Updated on Monday, 09 February 2009 08:35 |