"Paddle Your Own Canoe" by Nick Offerman

I am a fan of Nick Offerman. I am a fan of his performances, both dramatic and comedic. I am a fan of his philosophy related to the entertainment industry and how best to navigate it as an actor. I am a fan of his humour and wit. I wasn't a fan of this book. I am not convinced that I wanted an autobiographical journey for an actor who has not yet proven to have a full and vibrant career. I guess I was expecting something of a self help book with different tips and suggestions to best enrich one's life. Don't get me wrong, that is embedded in between these two covers but I found myself dragging through very personal anecdotes that I wasn't expecting when I first opened this book. Nick Offerman is a fascinating human and I would love to spend time in his presence. I expect he speaks in much the same way that he writes and I would enjoy the particularies of that style so much more in person. For whatever reason, if feels too forced on paper and it drew me away from enjoying the witticisms and clever phrasings. I'm happy that this book exists. I think I would really enjoy a narrative piece in Offerman's voice. Something less bound to actual events, perhaps. He could spin a yarn that might make the world's largest ball of yarn if wound up. This man could pen an epic tale, of that I have no doubt.

"Sex and Rage" by Eve Babitz

Following what seemed very much like an autobiographical take of a California surfer girls development in relation to love and career, "Sex and Rage" gives a unique and insightful view of Los Angeles through the 50's, 60's and 70's. Many of the sections pertain to a specific person in the narrator's life. We see as a young woman falls in love with the wrong people time and time again. She gives years to the man who won't leave his marriage, the man who is too self-engrossed to give of himself to another, and the assexual soulmate who has no qualms with verbally and emotionally cutting her down at every chance. In the second half of the book we begin to watch "Jacaranda" find her path. She extricates herself from a life that is destined to kill her, finally submits to the insistence of others that she needs to actively pursue achieving her potential and discovers what can give her lasting happiness. The story was compelling. The style was not as engaging for my taste. It felt like every opportunity to name drop was siezed, if only under alias. It was perhaps, a bit self-agrandzing for my liking. Especially considering the, some might call, "depths" this character so often finds herself. Instead of a tale of redemption, it felt more like humble bragadoccio. That's just my take but, consequently, I'm not going to seek out another work from this artist. Glad to have read it though.

"The Largesse of the Sea Maiden" by Denis Johnson

This book contains short stories and novellas. I enjoyed, once more, the stylings of Denis Johnson. This book seemed more focused on Johnson's later years. Many of the stories detail friendships in his advanced years. Some focusing on mortality, others on the arc of decades long friendships. Once I began a story, it was difficult to put the book down until I reached to conclusion. I enjoyed that each piece stood alone so I didn't feel obligated to read from cover to cover but could enjoy each part piecemeal. In the description of the author at the end of the book, it mentioned "Tree of Smoke" as a highly lauded novel by the Johnson. I intend to read this at some point in the near future.

"Jesus' Son" by Denis Johnson

I really understand the acclaim for this author. In what seems, mostly autobiographically based, Johnson takes the reader into the consciousness of an alcoholic, heroin addict. The world spins, thrusts, waves in and out of reality and then, that reality too, is put into the question, Through it all, the adventures, dangers and capers into which the author finds himself drawn, as if by fate, are compelling and entertaining if not, at times, deeply depressing. I already have another of his work in my possession and look forward to seeing more of the world he has penned.

"Ubik" by Phillip K. Dick

First off, the concepts and scientific speculation in this novel are awe-inspiring. I was blown away to learn that a novel published so long ago could delve deeply into the consequences of scientific advances to which we have still not come close. Being able to capture a portion of one's self after death to use sparingly over time is an understandable desire for most of humanity and it was an innovative concept used by Dick. That said, I did not love the writing here. I haven't read anything else by Dick so this could be an outlier. It may be telling that I've not heard of "Ubik" being adapted as famously as "Minority Report" or other Dick dramas. If felt clunky at times, characters felt underdeveloped to a degree and maybe I'm just a pompous ass. This book flew by for me and I will make a point to zoom through another of Dick's works when given the chance. It was a nice change from Proust in french and Proust in English.

"In The Shadow of Young Girls in Flowers" by Marcel Proust

The man is every bit the legendary author his reputation declares him. This second installment of "In Keeping with Lost Time" series follows our young Proust into his preadolescent years, many spent by the sea where he, begins to find a life after Gilberte. Albertine enters as a new love interest. This book continues the deep, insightful remembrance of our collective youth and the experiences we have all had.

"Rich Dad, Poor Dad" by Robert T. Kiyosaki

This book has stood the test of time. 20 years old but still as poignant as anything written today. The aspect that most impressed me was the breakdown of assets vs liabilities and the rally call encouraging readers to get frugal and make your money work for you, constantly learning more as you go along. It was a very quick and inspiring read.