What do you think?
Rate this book
Paper, Scissors, Rock
Book by Decter, Ann
Paperback
Published October 8, 1992
3 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
March 17, 2011
This book manages to walk a fine balance between a Canadian novel and a book of poetry. I've emphasized 'Canadian' because of the role nature plays in the book, but more importantly because it is a story about small gestures and the importance of them in an 'ordinary' life.
At times the writing is truly beautiful and engaging at the same time. For example:
I am inferring that Decter's conceit in this book was to write a critique of western values of logic and power without resorting to the manner of expression typical of these values. Does it work? Well, to even ask the question is to loose the argument, because the book mostly succeeds in making its points outside the 'normal' lines of logical/linear argument and refutation.
It reads like an intricate poem with some elements of prose mixed in, and as such this is a book that can be savored like a good book of poetry — read slowly, with re-reads when the language is particularly evocative. In writing it this way, Decter keeps Paper, Scissors, Rock from being what would be considered a 'good' read by those addicted to logic and linearity.
But most commendably, Decter manages to keep the memoir from even a hint of maudlin sentimentality despite the presence of regrets and death and the challenge of writing an extended prose poem.
At times the writing is truly beautiful and engaging at the same time. For example:
In a strict patriarchy, men maintain power by insisting that women show caring, give comfort, soothe wounds, assuage anger, and then devaluing emotion as weakness.This book departs from typical novels, in that the beginning, middle and end are jumbled and juxtaposed, as are the histories of family and society.
In a changing society, those drawing strength from new patterns feel the reimposition of the strictest forms as an alienation from themselves.
Slow spiritual death.
In a causal philosophy, the agent must be identified.
A box of chocolates.
In a philosophy of emotions, expectations must be assigned to the person that generated them.
Phil wanted to know his family would be alright.
Owen wanted to know his father would be alright.
Made Jane their agent.
A box of expectations.
Slice your way out.
I am inferring that Decter's conceit in this book was to write a critique of western values of logic and power without resorting to the manner of expression typical of these values. Does it work? Well, to even ask the question is to loose the argument, because the book mostly succeeds in making its points outside the 'normal' lines of logical/linear argument and refutation.
It reads like an intricate poem with some elements of prose mixed in, and as such this is a book that can be savored like a good book of poetry — read slowly, with re-reads when the language is particularly evocative. In writing it this way, Decter keeps Paper, Scissors, Rock from being what would be considered a 'good' read by those addicted to logic and linearity.
But most commendably, Decter manages to keep the memoir from even a hint of maudlin sentimentality despite the presence of regrets and death and the challenge of writing an extended prose poem.
November 12, 2023
Moving book by my aunt Ann that tells some of our family history as well as the state of Manitoba politics in the late eighties/early nineties. The character who I think is based on my dad shows up halfway through, is emotionally supportive, eats a bunch of leftovers, and then goes back to Toronto. Sounds accurate to me.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews