Very hilarious comedy audio play, and it seems like part of a new genre that is forming. What can Heads Will Roll be compared it to? Kind of like the Very hilarious comedy audio play, and it seems like part of a new genre that is forming. What can Heads Will Roll be compared it to? Kind of like the classic Douglas Adams' Hitchhikers Guide radio series, but medieval comedy like Monty Python. But, like modernly updated.
A stellar cast with Kate McKinnon as the evil queen, and the bird girl is a treat, not to mention fellow SNLer Alex Moffat as Odin. There are skits with Peter Dinklage, the Fab Five, and more! And, amazingly, Meryl Streep.
The world of this Disney-esque kingdom with a dark edge makes just enough sense to work (that is, not that much sense, as it should be). So many fantasy tropes satirized, as well as some political takes and more among all the many skits. I also liked the weird commercials peppered around.
I'd definitely like to see more of what Audible can do with this new storytelling medium of uncensored "radio" dramas.
Lastly, Warning: extremely dirty jokes herein. You better be into such to enjoy....more
The Big Short. Remember that movie? We all should, and never forget...
If you're like me, and don't know anything about the Wall Street high finance, The Big Short. Remember that movie? We all should, and never forget...
If you're like me, and don't know anything about the Wall Street high finance, but just kind of suspect that it's all bullshit and nobody really knows what they are doing, then this is the book for you!
The 2007-2008 financial crisis was one of the most important historical events of the young 21st century. It wasn't even that long ago, and already we've mostly forgotten. Whether or not you're the type to have strong political opinions, on this it's just too complicated for most of us to care about.
Luckily, Michael Lewis has penned this fascinatingly entertaining book. A book which is in no way a dull summation of mortgage fraud, although you'll definitely learn a lot about CDOs and the culture which nearly destroyed the entire system. But really, this is a book about people. And that's the brilliance of it.
An engaging tome about those who were smart enough to predict what in retrospect should have been obvious all along. This is the best way to learn, by hearing it from the true experts themselves who are fascinating characters in their own right. That is why The Big Short is the best book for learning about all these things, because of Lewis' excellent writing readers will care on a deeper level.
(However, if you've watched the film first you may be a bit confused by how the film changed most of the names of these real people. Another reason why reading is ultimately superior to watching movies, if one truly wants to be educated, right?)
Sadly, upon finishing this you may be left with much pessimism. It doesn't seem that Wall Street and the government have learned any lessons at all from this catastrophe and we are doomed to repeat it all over again very soon. Seriously, think about who is in charge now and shudder.
Well, should make for a good sequel soon enough ~...more
When reading the charming memoir that is Paddle Your Own Canoe, it is important to remember that the real-life Nick Offerman is not in fact the fictioWhen reading the charming memoir that is Paddle Your Own Canoe, it is important to remember that the real-life Nick Offerman is not in fact the fictional Ron Swanson. Offerman is actually an actor, who yes is good at carpentry, but this is going to be about his experiences in theater and hilarious takes on society much more than about canoeing.
Got it? Okay then, as long as that doesn't disappoint this is an interesting book.
And just to reiterate how much he's not Swanson, in the first few chapters about his childhood we shall learn all about how he hates Christianity. One might say this is a very (well, pre-2016 that is) libertarian take on rugged individuality while promoting quite a bit of sex and drugs throughout the tome.
The bulk of the book is definitely about acting. How he came up in theater, his successes in stageplay-friendly Chicago, and his struggles in the shallowness that is Los Angeles. There are a lot of opinions about what he finds stupid and what he recommends, from aesthetics to the "business." Especially on mustaches/body hair.
If there is a flaw here it's that he can get a mite repetitive and preachy. Still I'd actually quite recommend this book to anyone who is serious about acting, if that's your thing.
Then of course there's his marriage to the talented Megan Mullally. Wow, he really loves her! If you're a fan of her work, Will & Grace being great obviously, then there's some nice tidbits. I wonder what she thought of his poem...
And at last, because these things go chronologically, there's Parks & Recreation and the creation of the Ron Swanson character. It takes all the way to the very end, after a lot of slow snowballing, before he finally makes it big on that brilliant show. But again I reiterate: if you just want Swanson it's more sparse than you may think. Yet when we do get there, the backstory of that show is great.
I should probably say that for Parks & Rec fans Amy Poehler's Yes Please! is probably more up your alley, and that book is one of the all-time best comedy memoirs ever, but Paddle Your Own Canoe is pretty good too. ...more
If you haven't been listening to podcast Team Human by Douglas Rushkoff--the great techno guru of the 90s who has now become more of a skeptic and theIf you haven't been listening to podcast Team Human by Douglas Rushkoff--the great techno guru of the 90s who has now become more of a skeptic and the social consciousness of the silicon era--do so now. Full of brilliant ideas and dialogues about our current confusing era. Then, after listening to most of the archive, get the book Team Human.
To be honest, it's rather light for Rushkoff. To delve deeper, try Life Inc. or Throwing Rocks at the Google Bus. Team Human could be accused of oversimplifying a host of issues, but the book does provide a valuable service by summing up the ethos that humanity needs to start living by if we are going to survive the digital landscape that we are in. These things do need to sorted in an orderly manner, like a manifesto or at least a starter, so that well-meaning people will have a foundation to fall back on.
Much of the book is fascinating, on the connection between computerized media and nationalism as opposed to the unifying nature of other mediums. On the absurd abstraction of the economy, and how we must care more about the foreground and not be lost in the background. Why the Renaissance, which takes in positive old ideas, is a better metaphor for the state of the world than 'revolution', which always ends up with the same power structures in the end. There is even an analysis about how story structure in cinema has warped people's expectations of reality, and even gets into the cyclical nature of time in cultures both pre- and post-agriculturalism. And my personal favorite, the dangerous concept of mechanomorphism in which humans start imitating the machines.
Team Human is an important book for anyone who cares about just that, humans. Armed with these ideas, let's choose a team that has our interests in mind before it's too late......more
Ellie Kemper is a delight, and her fun comedic energy is a joy to be around (especially when listening to her narrate the audiobook)... but no offenseEllie Kemper is a delight, and her fun comedic energy is a joy to be around (especially when listening to her narrate the audiobook)... but no offense I wouldn't quite put My Squirrel Days in the high ranks of comedy writing memoirs.
The book jumps around to silly stories about her childhood--like the squirrel story hence the title--family, acting, college years, early imrov work, etc. Eventually, she gets to marriage and motherhood. It's all quite charming, all hilarious and with a lot of heart. Nothing particularly scandalous or tragic seemed to have ever happened to her, which is fine because the lighthearted take on her life is what she was going for and it's always expressed well and quirky.
Generally speaking, for the Hollywood stuff the book is probably more for fans of the Office than for fans of Kimmy Schmidt. There are more quips about Steve Carell et. al than Tina Fey. Which is a bit of a shame for me as a fan as I'm very into the latter. The Office is classic no doubt, but I find a lot more depth in the societal analysis (and ridiculousness) of Kimmy Schmidt's world.
My Squirrel Days is pretty much totally apolitical, which can be a rare respite in books these days. Kemper even points this outright, how Kimmy's character has influenced her to be more optimistic in this contemporary era~
The last chapter does get into the backstory of the Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt show with the pilot and Titus and everything, and was extremely interesting to me. It was rather late in the book though. So... in conclusion, I more recommend this book for fans of the Office and nothin necessarily wrong that :)...more
I honestly cannot sing enough praises to this book. Absolutely brilliant. What a shame it's not a big hit, poor Anthony Atamanuik... He is of course tI honestly cannot sing enough praises to this book. Absolutely brilliant. What a shame it's not a big hit, poor Anthony Atamanuik... He is of course the star of Comedy Central's President Show, and in my view the greatest 45-impersonator out there. It is a crowded field these days, true, but his oddly deep take analyzes this tragical/satirical era like no one else.
I have no idea why there's not more President Show (or The Opposition for that matter, but that's a lament for another day), damn you Comedy Central!
The premise of American tantrum, is that an editor of a golf magazine is interviewing our illustrious prez for a presidental library pocktbook that needs to come out before Obama's actual presidential library opens. It starts out innocuous enough, this seemingly apolitical fellow as the straight man to Atamanuik's crazed commander-in-chief. In fact, at the start of the book it's pretty funny but not outstanding and one wonders if the joke can be sustained for an entire book.
Then, some kind of a plot begins to develop. The interviewer is apparently an alcoholic, and starts to go on his own rants which can get very dark and very racist, and also involve an infidelity episode. I shouldn't say more and spoil it. Then there's the weird Nikola Tesla references which actually taught me a few things.
Some of the funniest parts were the calls to various world leaders and business tycoons, with more smart impressions and unique takes on the state of the whole world not just America.
I also enjoyed the call to Area 51 and the Illuminati orgy party descriptions. What a wonderful blend of conspiracy theory (JFK stuff there too) and cutting edge topical analysis.
And lest I forget, Bannon's "Jack Renegade" stupid action hero self fan fiction makes horrible anti-Semitism a laugh riot! Seriously, this gets the essence of Bannon like you won't believe.
As the book comes to a climax, the Mueller and Cohen plot becomes more central. (The messages at his "consulting" firm, ha! Those election recordings, like that tower meeting and other collusions, are both absolutely hilarious and also seem surprisingly probable.
The epilogue absolutely blew me away. Like an essay on the darkness of America's soul, exposing what's bigger than who is in office now, the past and future and what to make of humanity's destiny, and then there's the 7-eyed raven. If only it was required reading all through the land...
After reading Woodward's book, I needed this. Even though it's comedy, Atamanuik and Casey are as qualified as anyone to frame just how the world works these days. I suppose one could make comparisons to Fire and Fury, in that much of it may not technically be confirmed but there certainly is a feeling of truth in this kinda-historical document.
In fact, Anthony Atamanuik has come up with actual predictions in character on multiple occasions. Look it up: he's done ridiculous bits on his show and then they've turned out to come true later. That's how good he is at getting into our demented leader's head.
This is a valuable skill. I just wish this book stood out more among all political tomes that swell the bookstore.
Lastly, give audiobooks a chance and experience this book by listening. With the prez in character among other great actors, it's basically a comedy album. Which also happens to be the culmination of the legendary President Show.
What a ride. Thanks for bringing a smile to my face as I'm crying.
I really enjoyed this short story collection of some of PK Dick's finest and weirdest or short stories. Of course, as we all know, he was a genius andI really enjoyed this short story collection of some of PK Dick's finest and weirdest or short stories. Of course, as we all know, he was a genius and predicted the anxiety and reality confusion of the modern world like no one else! Etc. etc., you've heard it all before.
What is unique about this anthology is that it ties into the Amazon television series. Now, it is true that this series has it's highlights but it's frankly not as good as Black Mirror. But it's still solid science fiction, which should always be embraced, and it's most interesting to watch the adaptation with all their choices in rewrites, and then go to the original source material to read what else could be.
At the same time, PK Dick's prose was sloppy here and there but that's not the point. The powerful ideas are incredible enough that these stories are worth the legendary hype of this important author.
I particularly got a lot out of Human Is, a love story about how the alien that possesses a woman's husband is actually the good guy, and Sales Pitch which with its obsessive salesrobot is probably one of the most biting satire of consumerism you'll ever read.
I imagine these stories will resonate for decades, if not centuries, to come. Nothing as timeless as the great Philip K. Dick!...more
Dirk Gently is still not on the level of Hitch-hiker's Guide, obviously, but this sequel is a better read than the first. Easier to follow, and very fDirk Gently is still not on the level of Hitch-hiker's Guide, obviously, but this sequel is a better read than the first. Easier to follow, and very funny, the story is intriguing. I do wonder though, with the irreverent Norse gods hanging around, did this or American Gods come out first? ...more
The finale of the Remembrance of Earth's Past saga, The Three-Body Problem, is so overwhelmingly epic it makes it difficult to review as one would a nThe finale of the Remembrance of Earth's Past saga, The Three-Body Problem, is so overwhelmingly epic it makes it difficult to review as one would a normal novel. Although in some ways it's more of a direct story, starring one main protagonist Cheng Xin as opposed to the ensemble casts of the previous novels, the scope is so incredibly broad and haunting that one struggles to process after the story concludes. I probably need a few more days to reflect, honestly.
The main flaw in Liu' writing here is that there is so much exposition. A century of human history (or more) is thrown in here and there, grand future geopolitics smoothed over quickly. And yet by the end the subjects become so incredibly high-concept that you'll definitely forgive that. Far beyond the cryogenic science fiction trope, the narrative becomes cosmic in whole new ways to ponder all night over.
Then there's the theme of lamenting love. It seems a tired repeat of something The Dark Forest covered, until this love story of starts becomes so unspeakably tragic in such an original way, that... Well, I better not say any more.
This book is truly haunting. And truly original. After reading, one may never again think about cosmic civilizations--or multiple dimensions, or dark matter, or the speed of light, or the Fermi Paradox, or--quite the say way....more
So you should all know the headlines at this point. The really attention-grabbing ones aren't the main point though, the main point of the book is of So you should all know the headlines at this point. The really attention-grabbing ones aren't the main point though, the main point of the book is of course about how 45 is a horrible boss and constantly fighting with his staff: to be specific, there's the military angle and the "globalism" free trade angle. Again and again it comes to that.
The main protagonist is Gary Cohn, who fought against protectionism but spoiler alert he loses in the end. The whole thing is just so frustrating to read. For fuck's sake, really, why is 45 so stupid when it comes to the meaning of trade deficits? And now we know, he will never ever learn.
Then there are the fights with the military. Mattis and McMaster always trying to keep the world order stable, and guess who wants to upend it? Another thing I learned is how much 45 hates South Korea for some reason, it came up quite a lot.
In trying to figure out just what 45 believes in, if there's any consistent set of values, it seems to be that he likes everyone who works for him to be miserable all the time and he likes to think of businessmen as superior to all other humans. This is a point of contention with those in the military, that they don't believe y'know that everything the United States does should be rated solely by money.
At this point one can't help thinking a military coup may be the lesser evil.
Lastly, there's the value system of how personal relationships are all that matters internationally. Like, being friends with Xi and liking him is gong to save the world. It is self-evident how stupid and overly simplistic that is.
All in all, read this and learn about the inner workings of the current chaotic white house and despair. Fire and Fury may make for a better read, but this is Woodward so we should be able to trust this. I suppose there are some criticism that Woodward is too deferential to the military/intelligence complex and the free trade status quo, usually sympathetic to their arguments. But, can't blame him at this point.
To be honest, who fucking cares. This is depressing. This is what? The fourth 45 book I've read lately? The dozenth best-seller out now? How much more does the public have to know before this is over already? These are objectively bad times, there's no rational defense anymore unless you really live in kookoo land, this administration is a disgrace. When are consequences going to catch up?
When is it going to end? On a very personal note, I need it to end soon because I can't think about this for much longer. ...more
This is sincerely a great children's book with a positive message about accepting people who are different, and about taking up the responsibility to This is sincerely a great children's book with a positive message about accepting people who are different, and about taking up the responsibility to vote. I couldn't recommend this more for kids.
Remember, unlike stinky bugs who like telling people what to do, love is forever...
The audiobook in particular has a great cast, very cute and well done.
Thanks, Last Week Tonight! (that was money well-spent) ...more
Personally I think the Michael Wolff's Fire and Fury is excellent and damn what a fascinating read, but there is a certain challenge in it. Not that IPersonally I think the Michael Wolff's Fire and Fury is excellent and damn what a fascinating read, but there is a certain challenge in it. Not that I think criticisms of the accuracy are what's wrong—I will defend them below. But the problem is that that living in this age and rehashing the past year has been very mentally stressful. And at the same time to read, there's keeping up with the endless barrage of new scandals which threatens to overwhelm my feeble mind.
Simply put, too much fucking Tr*mp. I get conflicted because this is important and worth paying attention to. Yet the sad fact of it is that he is the history’s all-time greatest attention whore and good or bad press he no doubt relishes in all the constant fretting. Note that in my small way I try to rebel against this by hereafter only referring to Prez you-know-who as 45.
As to the merits of the book, here I go: I genuinely think it is excellent and everyone should read it. It came at the right time, just when one may worry that we are getting used to it and normalization has set in, this amazing story was suddenly published to usher in more fresh outrages. And fatigue or not, outrages is the sensible reaction. Michael Wolff has done a great service.
Starting from the scene of election night at the campaign when they shockingly won, the premise from the get-go that no one expected him to win. The campaign was a terrible mess, as was reported on at the time, thought the one guy who believed he could make it happen was Bannon. From beginning to end, Bannon is certainly the protagonist of the book.
Wolff lays out the insanity of recent history in a readable and dare I say entertaining manner. It’s not only the dry facts, but a narrative arc that somehow all makes sense. Some may criticize that but I think it is a perfectly fair way engage the reader. There is even commentary on the reality show nature of the current presidency to create this sort of drama, which we’ve all been witnessing. Usually history is made sense of and turned into story long after the fact, but this is the new postmodern age isn’t it? Wolff is simply transcribing in the most appropriate way possible.
Some may think it grossly irresponsible for Wolff to relay rumors, but so far there isn’t anything specific which has turned out not to be true. No one has denied any quotes. Wolff is upfront in the book when the same events often have competing interpretations from different camps. I find the author’s judgment to always be fair. If there are later corrections made then so be it.
If one can just call a spade a spade, we know it’s all basically true. Like, the way the book states that 45 hated his own inauguration and was visibly fighting with Melania. Anyone can watch the videos to know this is truth. Another example that comes to mind is when Bannon gave the speech at CPAC which was a dig at Jared, it’s obvious! All the behind the scenes footage is valid and America knows it. Above all, the glaringly open secret that 45 is an idiot and everyone who works for him constantly talks about it.
Moreover, the rumory nature of the book is what has gotten headlines but for the most part it’s about Michael Wolff’s analysis of public happenings than just the gossip. Wolff, in omniscient narrator fashion, gives thorough critical examination to the firings and the scandals and panic, and without the lame partisanship in so much punditry. Although the central theme that 45 is shallow and empty and doesn’t read and constantly watches TV (an interesting term, he’s “post-literate”) and he can’t control his worst impulses and who refuses to even know that he doesn’t know, barring that overall important point the other characters are indeed analyzed with respect. There’s still more to learn about 45 beyond his mere stupidity, like the way he prefers loyalty of women. There are the the occasional pop psychological riffs on his motivations to just be liked, paternal-related and otherwise.
In any case, 45 and his defenders have rather had an enormous problem with the concept of objective truth… So why listen to their attacks on Wolff? I for one trust the leaks.
Michael Wolff is clearly talented at writing about politics in surprising ways. For example, he does repeatedly criticize the so-called liberal media. Makes it all the more poignant when he explains the world of right-wing media with its far lower standards of entry. And after all the due respect given to the original core members of the cabinet, it can’t be denied that the unqualified Hope Hicks and Stephen Miller’s promotions towards the end show an absolute problem with finding professional staff. Wolff simply, as they say, tells it like it is.
One of the most haunting analyses that come to mind is when white supremacist Richard Spencer is declared to be the intellectual base of “Trumpism”, which is all the more a horrifying concept because the more one thinks about it the more it can’t be denied to be true.
Overall, the book is about the disastrous and chaotic infighting which took place in the White House. From chiefs of staff Preibus to Kelly, when it all settles we find ourselves nearly caught up in the low morale present. There's the Scaramucci affair, which turns out to be yet worse knowing the backstory. Often it's 45's own family, Jared and Ivanka, who are the worst of the worst.
If Bannon is the main character, then the utterly incompetent “Jarvanka” family faction proves to be the antagonist. Spoiler: They win in the end. It’s hard to say if that’s a happy or sad ending.
In satisfying faction, by the time of the infamous Charlottesville “many sides” comment, absolutely everybody knows that 45 is a lost cause who cannot do this job. Not to mention the tweets. Then there’s the growing Russian scandal, which initially is given a lot of skepticism but grows worse and worse veering into that incredibly inept Comey firing and then revelations of inexplicable meetings and subsequent coverups and obstruction of justice allegations and Rosenstein’s revenge in the form of the Mueller Special Counsel. By the conclusion no less an authority than Bannon himself has to admit that eventually this will bring the administration down.
Because we are living this, the story goes on.
The odds indeed are very high that scandal is going to take this administration down, perhaps even soon, but for a reader who has learned so much I am left wondering why the hell it is taking so long.
At last, Bannon loses his job but remains hopeful for the future of his outsider revolution, and the book ends with as much feeling of closure that can be expected. Yet, now we know that due to the fallout of the book Bannon has even been let go from his Breitbart, which does seem just. I just hope to read in the paperback updated edition of Michael Wolff’s take on the latest.
A recurring motif is that 45 as such an anomaly to everyone in Washington, with everyone who doubted the loud-mouthed reality show host having to reluctantly work with what they have. Sadly, as true as the strangeness of this strange chapter of American history is, Wolff does leave something out after all that focus on 45 and his ilk. The question still remains on how America—even if not due to the majority of voters—could let this happen. How can this train wreck of a government have happened and so many citizens supporting such chaos and bigotry and corruption? Those questions may have to be answered by future historians after far more time passes.
Meanwhile, Wolff did his best to explain the inner workings withing Fire and Fury and America must wait and see to further understand and reflect....more
Of all the characters from the Trainspotting universe, Begbie may be most surprising one to suddenly be able to sustain a protagonistship in a new IrvOf all the characters from the Trainspotting universe, Begbie may be most surprising one to suddenly be able to sustain a protagonistship in a new Irvine Welsh novel.
Psycho wild card of Skag Boys, and of course Trainspotting, and the unrepentant antagonist of Porno (not to mention the different version in the film T2). He just never seemed the type to sustain a book all on his own, with no other POVs. Yet here it is, short and to the point like the eponymous art of the blade.
Especially a reformed, thoughtful Begbie. It does strain credulity here in The Blade Artist, but somehow it ultimately works. Unlike Sick Boy’s turn as antihero main character in Porno, it even seems like Begbie is genuinely rehabilitated which may make for the greatest literary trick of all. Sure it strains credulity a bit that he would grow so much as to become a famous artist in America, marrying his art therapist and raising a new family the right way, but the latest in Welsh’s world-building makes for a fascinating thought experiment if nothing else.
The bulk of the story consists of Begbie, or rather “Jim Francis”, going back to his hometown and it’s that whole you-can-never-go-home-again thing. Inevitably, it all leads back to violence with some actual shocking moments. The book never tries to gross the reader out or anything like that by being over the top, and every bloody detail comes across as absolutely necessary to the story.
Definitely required reading for fans of the rich land Mr. Welsh has been writing all these years. And it even features a cameo by Juice Terry!...more
I could listen to Warren Ellis riff about End-of-the-World/apocalypsism scenarios all day... and I'll take any narrative excuse at all to explore thesI could listen to Warren Ellis riff about End-of-the-World/apocalypsism scenarios all day... and I'll take any narrative excuse at all to explore these Big Ideas. In true Ellis fashion, it's mind-boggingly smart and at once too short. Much to ponder. Also, often funny in that charming yet fucked up way. Here's to hyperintellegencia paranoia!...more
This is a pleasant surprise. I simply wanted to listen to a comedy audiobook, and checked out Trevor Noah's latest, and it turned out to be one of theThis is a pleasant surprise. I simply wanted to listen to a comedy audiobook, and checked out Trevor Noah's latest, and it turned out to be one of the absolute best books I've ever 'read'/listened to on the subject of Africa and black issues.
There are plenty of funny stories about Trevor's childhood, and it's no Daily Show, but above all Born a Crime is an excellent introduction to all things South Africa. Even after visiting recently, I could never get a handle on how to explain the complexity of the country. Everyone in their own bubbles is a big problem. But Trevor Noah expertly maneuvers through different scenes--much of it due to his mixed background--and explains so much history with apartheid and the different tribes and the colored thing and life in the townships and life in the homeland and so on... Some through little lessons scattered about but mostly through his own personal tales which gives this sort of thing a lot of emotional weight as well as knowledge.
Another major theme of the book is that his mother is the main character, besides himself. What a woman. It is very sad what happens in the end, but even through the tragedy Trevor's positive perspective makes it somehow. He has a lot of heart. South Africa does of course have it's problems, yet after this book one has to be at least more empathetic. And maybe even optimistic in some way. In any case I am left with much newfound respect for Trevor Noah, after learning what he's been through.
Recommended most of all for visitors to the great state of South Africa~...more
Chris Thrall’s memoir Eating Smoke (sensationally subtitled One Man’s Descent Into Drug Psychosis In Hong Kong’s Triad Heartland) was published in 201Chris Thrall’s memoir Eating Smoke (sensationally subtitled One Man’s Descent Into Drug Psychosis In Hong Kong’s Triad Heartland) was published in 2011 but resparked buzz last year when the book was adapted into a radio dramatization for Hong Kong’s RTHK station.
The memoir is about Thrall’s time in Hong Kong in the 90s when he found himself addicted to ice—that is, methamphetamine—and indeed written in the style one would expect while on speed.
It is a dazzling ride, full of flowing neon and inebriation. First, the British Royal Marine suddenly quits his military position and moves abroad with dreams of making it big in the business world. Before he knows it, his business fails and he has to start hustling. The bulk of the story consists of jumping from one sketchy employment opportunity to the next, constantly maneuvering through new scams which grow increasingly desperate. He stays in the infamous Chungking Mansions, then hangs out among the hippie scene on Lamma Island where it starts out innocently enough with some strong weed, and ends up in the seediest parts of Wan Chai addicted to crystal.
“Quiss” Thrall meets a seemingly never-ending parade of colorful characters who live on the very edge of Hong Kong society, the caliber getting lower and lower as he is dragged down to the dregs. But there are so many he meets that it becomes difficult for the reader to follow what’s going on after a while.
The subtitle of the book declares his descent into the “Triad Heartland”, but the part when he becomes a doorman for a Triad-connected club is just one section among many, which comes rather late in the book. The stakes do get higher as threats of violence and death race towards the climax.
The radio drama, an audiobook really, overall can be quite superior to the book because as an edited abridged version it can get to the point quickly and highlight the best sections. Many odd jobs are skipped over in order to focus on the Triad and drug-crazed scenes. I did miss some, such as the English-teaching episode, although that is a story that has been told before. The unique nature of Thrall’s perspective is worth focusing on, though my personal favorite was the weekend-long DJing gig in China which unfortunately didn’t make it to the radio for some reason.
The narration from RTHK is excellent, with acting that can be funny when necessary as well as solemn, and always powerful. One noted part details the time a woman passed out due to a possible overdose at the club, Thrall calls an ambulance but the boss coldly stated he just wanted her thrown out. Stories like these are best listened to and not only read, so be sure to download the free podcasts…
For the most part, Thrall remains likable through it all until perhaps the finale of the memoir when he descends deeper into madness. His greatest talent is his ability to get by in Cantonese, which grants him a window into an authentic world which most foreigners never get to see. Eating Smoke is a fascinating insight into 1990s Hong Kong that readers and listeners from all over the world would do well to appreciate....more
Loading...
