Week 3 - A Wild Sheep Chase

A Wild Sheep Chase : Haruki Murakami’s A symbolic book from the first page to the end. Murakami make a immensely popular book in Japan. I have never read of his books nor heard of Murakami. “The Wild Sheep Chase” is narrated by a modern Japanese guy. Average man overall that is divorced and works a everyday job. Everything seemed very monotoned even if something exciting happening the character would just accept it and move on. Very little emotion in general. Being a hybrid of mythology and mystery this novel begins and ends with little climax but there is a story that develops over time. His mans goal in the novel is to find the sheep with the red star on his back. Starting a surreal journey that brings him to the sheep but his inner demons as well. The main character was almost annoying with his lack of emotion told life and people around him. Even forward the end when he begins to lose people the response is anything but normal. There are no stakes in this book, whether they be lives, reputations, jobs, money, nothing that anyone really cares about enough so that it would affect them in any way to lose anything. Murakami is known for this I guess after doing some research on the writer himself. When I read I want to fill a connection with the character and in this book I don’t. He seems to lack life in his story which I do believe is what Murakami brings up in his book. A contrast of characters that are not complex, deep, and that don’t have a realistic or interesting life. By far a interesting read but I would not choose to read it again.

Week 2 - Interview With The Vampire

Interview with a Vampire

“Interview with a Vampire” is a new book for me. Way different then your standard main stream series of “Twilight saga” and “True Blood” series. Rice overturned the traditional view on a vampire. In this story the vampire is no Dracula and definitely not an Edward. Putting the hero abilities in the hands of a vampire and the hunters. Flipping the roles did have a impact on on the story giving a new perspective for myself. Again like in “Frankenstein” the writing is very vivid with effective results. The book hovers over a few characters with lives that are bound together based upon their actions and events that they end up in. The main character struggles with the fact that he must feed to survive. It effects him so deeply that his goes through some form of depression. Hating himself and self worth in the world he is stuck in. He develops an odd yet engaging relationship with his friend Lestat. She is a wild character full of energy and everything that he is not. After attacking a five year old girl Lestat steps in and turns her that causes a huge conflict later to come. Making things more complicated the little girl does not grow but develops a adult mind over time. After all their travels together they seem to get into more trouble then anything. Interesting read for class and I would have to admit I would probably never have read this book unless for this class. Never really favored this style of book but overall, it was an interesting take on vampires.

Week 1 - Frankenstein

Frankenstein Mary Shelley Frankenstein is a classic. I remember reading it in high school. After reading it again got a different perspective on it. The main storyline talked about a scientist who creates a monster which unfolds awful events throughout the story. After learning that he could give life to another being he uses that knowledge to do just that. I believe his original reasoning for doing so was to lead to other scientific advances. The monster was a brutal one that I would sympathies with because of his loneliness and rough treatment in society. The scientist Victor was a arrogant man who would not take any blame for the monster he created so Frankenstein must answer for all actions even when he was unaware of what he did. Not understanding basic morals this was difficult for the monster. Overall the writing in complex and very vivid expressing horror and madness amongst the characters. I remember enjoying the novel in high school and after reading it again I remember why. Frankenstein can be seen in many different ways and I believe the monster was brought into a world that would not accept him. Of course who would when everything they do causes terror, pain, and trouble. In the end I became frustrated with Victor and his arrogant self righteous narration only because of his actions but it was a good read for the second time.