“Perhaps this focus on "the apocalypse" feeds our doomsday fascination a bit too much. Growing up in "born again" household, I can say that the "seed gets sown" intentially, at an age when children are at their most impressionable and least capable of reason. Whether McCarthy had a similar fire n brimstone upbringing, I don't know, but like Flannery O'Connor, his work is marked heavily by it.I'm pretty sure McCarthy uses the "annihilation of civilization" as a literary device in order to ask: what remains essentially "human" about us? (in the context of a post-civilization world). What of us survives? The father survives by scavenging the remains of the past civilization. Love is the only thing that does survive, (I know it sounds trite, but there it is.) and that keeps our species from unraveling the work of evolution.”
“Being somewhat of a dramatic literature freak, I found myself relating this book to Waiting for Godot and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead. I am wondering if anyone else has seen these parallels?”
“Ishmael Beah's life story is amazing, but it'll probaby haunt your dreams for the rest of your life. Stories like his make The Road seem nothing.And re: religious angle, please can everyone stop acting like kids? Posting fake polite responses to each other trying to seem like the more open minded, more tolerant, more even handed person? If you think JF is an idiot, (I certainly count myself on that team), then just ignore him. Quit whining that his inane observations ruin the discussion, just continue on as if he weren't here.”
“katiebee- for a non-fiction suggestion try "A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier" by Ishmael Beah. Although there has been some controversy surrounding the title it is a powerful story of a boy trying to survive wartorn Sierra Leone.”
“katiebee- I recently read Flannery O'Connor's "The Violent Bear it Away" which I'd suggest mainly because of the direction this forum has taken (secular vs. spiritual interpretations of The Road). VBIA is a book of contrasting worldviews. In one world spiritual salvation is possible, but freedom and individuality bend to God's will. In the other self-actualization is possible, but the life of the spirit has lost significance.”
“Hello Jim,I have had Faulkner's "As I Lay Dying" on my shelf for ages... it's probably high time to blow the dust off of it. I meant to read it... I just have about 80 books that are waiting to be read... I collect them quickly.I'll definitely keep an eye out for those other McCarthy books, thank you. I've read many horrific books... I'm sure I can handle it. It can't be any worse than American Psycho, lol.Thanks again,-katie-”
“Well done freak - I stand meatballed. Really though if you are into the whole theological debate thing, Cormac wrote a screen play called Black and White which is about an atheist and a Christian who debate the god question - I have not read it but it is on my list. Jim H, I really liked Blood Meridian but I think The Crossing and Sutree are still my two favorites by Cormac.”
“Jesus Freak, religious talk about the BOOK is fine, but it was starting to stray. You can't honestly say your comments below all pertain to the book? I just skimmed over meatball talk, too, oddly enough.Jim, what else would you recommend to read of McCarthy's? I tried No Country For Old Men, but having seen the movie first, the book was a bit redundant... I should have read it first. I will look into Blood Meridian, but any other recommendations are greatly appreciated. Have you read any other authors like him???-katie-”
“Always. Until I die.”
“So, if your god is the great Flying Spaghetti Monster, then does that mean Chef Boyardee is the High Priest and a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese is your Holy Water?! And if you truly believe all of this, then would that make you a meatball?Just curious. :-)Peace,freak”
