Mar 23
The more books I read the better I am becoming at recognizing what makes a particular book good. Lately I have been asking myself not just whether or not I like the book, but why. Is it the plot and story arc that I find entrancing (The Bourne Identity, Harry Potter)? Am I captivated by the characters themselves (Ender's Game, The Lord of the Rings)? Does the book reach me on a deeper level and force the recall of personal experience and forgotten emotion (East of Eden, The Perks of Being a Wallflower)?
I finished an incredibly tight book this week that I would recommend to most anyone. It is probably best categorized as historical nonfiction, not a subject I would expect any of you to get excited about. And although I admit to a greater appreciation for history than most, I believe this book to be that rare game capable of transcending traditional barriers and reaching an audience that will find itself realizing what it never knew it was always missing. It follows the lives of two extraordinary men as they made history, each in their own way, in Chicago 1893. If the story were purely imaginary it would still be teriffic, but knowing that it actually happened, that these men actually lived, makes the read almost mezmorizing. The story of America's greatest architect organizing the greatest event the world had ever seen. The story of a wealthy, charming physician who came to be recognized as one of America's first and most prolific serial killers.
Having finished one book set in turn-of-the-century Chicago I dove right into another. The Pit is a fictional story that takes place against the backdrop of the Chicago Board of Trade and the turbulent, but enticing world of commodity speculation. Although I'm sure I would enjoy the book a lot more if I understood the difference between a Bull Market and a Bear Market, it is at its heart a love story. The book was given as a present from a friend of mine who really liked it, but despite my respect for her taste in literature, I can't say I expected much. The Pit was first publiched in 1902 and is written in the particularly boring style of Jane Austin and Louisa May Alcott. “I do declare, Mr. Darcy!!” Although a lot of girls and sissy men like that sorta thing, I would be lying if I claimed to be able to read those books without falling asleep/wishing for death. Still, the book was a gift, and even worse the note on the inside cover began, “Jason – I love this book…” and ended, “Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!” I at least owed my friend, if not the book, a chance. So far I am pleasantly surprised. Even though the main character is a woman of 'delicate sensibilities' named Laura whose entire life seems to revolve around various guys falling in love with her (and then declaring their love in ways that I can't believe any girl would actually find romantic), I still catch myself succumbing to its charm.
Although the setting and language is seriously outdated, the characters and story transcend the times. One of Laura's suitors is an all-around nice guy with nothing but good intentions and a genuine, deep-rooted love. Naturally, she thinks he is everything she could ever want in a man and recognizes him for the amazing person that he is. And then, being the typical girl, rejects his feelings and chooses the rugged, powerful man of mystery and wealth. He says he loves her but we all know it isnt true. Before it's all over Laura is going to get served, I just know it. Today I was reading a passage where Laura comes to realize that the reason she doesnt want the good guy is because he is too innocent and naiive. On the other hand, the rich guy is worldly and commands respect and power in a city dominated by greed. She is excited by the danger and attracted to the manliness of the cut-throat business world. Laura, and 13 year old girls around the world, swoon. Jason, and decent guys around the world, curse their fate.
On the bus ride home from work I was reading my book again and, without realizing I was in public, shouted “Dammit!” pretty loudly. You see, it turns out that Mr. Charming-but-Naiive isn't naiive afterall. He works on the floor of the Board of Trade and is widely respected as among the most cunning and shrewd brokers in the entire city. However, Laura doesn't know that about him. She only sees the one (kind-hearted) side of him and assumes he doesn't have another. Meanwhile, with the rich mystery-man she only sees the one (cut-throat) side of him but assumes he DOES have another. What the hell?! Apparantly guys like me have been getting the shaft since 1902, and before to be sure. I tell you what, though: I bet Laura is going to get served hard-fucking-core within the next hundred pages. And while the Oprah's Book Club bitches cry about her horrible misfortune I am going to be smiling and high-fiving the guy sitting next to me. You would think that if this same bullshit has been happening since the beginning of time, and it hurt people of the past so badly that they took the time to write it down in the form of a best selling book, the people of the future should have taken notice. But no. Just like the best sellers of the 19th and 20th centuries, those of the 21st will be about the awesome guys who get rejected and the assholes who get the girl.
Peace.