A Christmas Carol

December 24, 2009
Book of the Day: A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens
Grade: C
First published: 1843
1-word review: Bah!
5-word review: "I think I'd rather not."

I liked Scrooge better before the ghosts visited him.

Idaho-ho-ho!

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Election

December 2, 2009 Book of the Day: Election , by Tom Perrotta Grade: B+ First published: 1998 1-word review: Ignominy 9-word review: High school and politics are both a bit ridiculous. You might be familiar with the movie based on this novel, starring Reese Witherspoon. I haven't seen it (I think I was camped out in the Ozarks, living on possum and moonshine, when it came out), but I hear it's pretty good. Here's a picture of Reese Witherspoon as Tracy Flick. Here's another picture of Reese Witherspoon. Here is a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup. But it's late, and I digress. Let us discuss the novel. It's told in a unique first-person style that alternates between its main characters. In the year 1992 Tracy Flick squares off against Paul Warren for the office of student body president of Winwood High School. A teacher, Mr. M., recruits Paul, the Golden Boy, to run due to a misguided animosity aimed at Tracy. Paul's sister, Tammy, joins the race as the ec...

The Theory of the Leisure Class

December 30, 2009 Book of the Day: The Theory of the Leisure Class , by Thorstein Veblen Grade: A- First published: 1899 1-word review: Conspicuous 7-word review: It's all pecuniary conspicuity, you materialistic bastard. This is an interesting, sometimes funny, frequently profound, take on our consumer culture. There's a certain desire to achieve material success just to show others that we have achieved material success. Furthermore, our motivation comes from seeing the success of others. These factors lead to what Veblen calls "conspicuous consumption." We like other people to notice our stuff. Then there are those who try to try to wow you with their stuff when their stuff isn't all that impressive. Veblen refers to these people as "Boise State fans." Just a little love tap.

Freddy the Detective

December 11, 2009 Book of the Day: Freddy the Detective , by Walter R. Brooks Grade: A- First published: 1932 1-word review: Porcine 5-word review: Don't mess with the pig. Freddy the Pig awakes one morning to find Hambone, his best friend and longtime sty-mate, missing. He begins an investigation into the disappearance only to stumble upon the dismembered and eviscerated corpse of Hammy hanging in a meat locker. He proceeds to take revenge on those he deems responsible, doing to them what was done to his buddy. Blood flows as Freddy self-destructs in an orgy of violence. This is all rather surprising to find in a children's book. Warning to my more sensitive readers! Here's a gruesome picture of some of Hammy's remains, shown only in the interest of science. Here we have Idaho.

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