Entertainment Snapshot

Thought now would be a nice time to share what I’ve been consuming as
entertainment these days.

Books

Recently finished The Davinci Code and Angels and Demons (both by Dan
Brown). Good books, definitely flavor of the month. Both follow the same
basic story line with the same plot twists (and the same main character).
Brown also shows a slight resemblance to Neal Stephenson (of Cryptonomicon
fame) in being a great author for geeks (theological geeks in this case,
versus computer geeks for Stephenson). The amount of detail learned about
Rome and European churches in these books is impressive to say the least.

Just yesterday I picked up two books at Barnes and Nobles, The Code
Book and Lullaby. I have yet to even touch the former, so I’ll hold off
judgment. Lullaby is by Chuck Palahniuk, whose first book was Fight Club.
Chuck is my favorite current author by far, combining great social commentary
wrapped up in very dark comedy/tragedy. I still rank Fight Club as the most
gripping book I’ve ever read. The story and philosophy of modern culture was
just perfect, and the violent repercussions really hit a chord with those who
experienced it. I also give the movie credit for staying very close to the
book, and have even defended the movie as being just as good (if not better)
then the book in its storytelling.

Since FC, I’ve read three other Palahniuk books, Invisible Monsters (which I
thought had a better premise then FC, but fell short), Survivor (great and
funny), and Choke, which was a piece of shit. This newest book though has me
hooked in three chapters. Chapter 3 was classic, grade A Palahniuk. Long
sentences talking of society’s darkness, almost a primal feel, building up
towards the end. Think of the song on the Fight Club of Brad Pitt talking his
manifesto over a techno track, you’ll know what I mean. I have a feeling this
book will be a great read.

Coming tomorrow, movies.