Mike Kleine > Recent Status Updates

So good I've stopped reading for a little bit because I, you know, don't want it to end so quick.

1/3 of the way thru THE BEACH BOY and I have to say, this is the most heart-wrenching so far. The two main characters, I know a few people like them, so reading how much I have read so far, I kept thinking, "I want to show them this story and ask them, what's it like being like these people in the story." Again, the introspective parts, which make 90% of Moshfegh's stories are ON POINT!

The sleaziest story, of the bunch, maybe--feat. an old man and a pretty young girl as neighbors. Ms. Moshfegh has something about sex & teeth. It's in basically all the stories so far. While the message is presented in a deliberately roundabout way, I think it will resonate with, oh so many people. I might even say, as far as "feels" go, this might be the story I liked the most. Maybe 1st or 2nd place for this one.

I did not like this story at first. See, it's more about the location than the main character. But then, it transforms into this beautiful tale about escape. My favorite story so far. Not sure if it's because it's different from the others or because it's legit. Cannot wait to keep reading!!!

Story 6 is about an elderly man who takes care of special needs adults. What I appreciate about Ms. Moshfegh is that she uses a word like "retarded" and it doesn't cause the commotion and hubbub that is expected. It's like when someone says, "Mexican" and people gasp. Context is everything. And I do not think I would ever use the word "sad" to describe any of these stories. More, they feel real & true & authentic.

Story #5: A DARK AND WINDING ROAD. Similar in feels to #4. Best parts occur as a main character becomes introspective and we (as the readers) find out a whole mess of stuff. There's a sort of familiarity that manifests itself in the style of: these are the sorts of things we all think about but never talk about, when the characters think & imagine things. And it's nice to see stuff like this happening w/ the stories.

Story #4: THE WEIRDOS is good but also probably the weakest (for me) of the bunch, so far. I like that there's mention of aliens and the main character's boyfriend reminds me of a friend's former roommate so much it is scary. Ending is a little "I didn't expect this," but it made me think of the off-screen death of the main character in the film NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN. Like, how in life, unplanned stuff just happens.

Story #3 is pretty damn good. Every single story so far has been about people going out to meet another person at some point and eat. The stories, as a whole, can be easily summarized, but it's the small & bizarre details that make them so interesting. And the way the characters have sex (or do foreplay, whatever)--I feel like a voyeur. But I have no problem with that. I don't think most people will. It's engaging.

Second story down the hatch. The way this author writes is very simple and almost parable-like. Reminds me, even, of African folk tales. I started reading the third story but only stopped because I actually feel too tired to continue reading. But so far, thoroughly impressed.

First story is pretty good. The actual meat of the story was alright. What was really good is the way it was written. The sort of sentences that make you read them again two or three times over. And I'm not talking James Salter A SPORT AND A PASTIME level here--something completely different, but equally mesmerizing. Seems people either really love this book are absolutely do not like it. Maybe I'll give up. Hmmmmm.

Just keeps getting better and better. The same "simple logic" stuff is still happening it's gotten to a point where it just sort of works. Like, I've stopped being so critical and sort of just let it all waft over me. And each page is riddled with so much detail (to the point of (good) ridiculousness) I accept that I am probably going to miss 1 or 2 things per page. Small details. I will catch those in a re-reading!

Still guessing what page number I am actually on. There is so much going on within each page that (given the fact I am already, by nature, a slow reader) it is taking me probably x3 as long ad the average reader. Regardless, this has been a pleasant sojourn so far. The story is pretty much: problem & then solution that isn't entirely logical but then again, nothing in THIS world is. +1 million points for creativity.

There are no page numbers so can't be entirely sure I'm even reporting the correct page number for this status update. I like that there are no page numbers because it totally gels with Mr. Kyle's unique take on comics. Gone are traditional box & square panels! Absolutely one of those books that inspires you to draw your own comic because it's so outside the box! It's like a (couple) breath(s) of fresh air.

Very different from your standard fare of comics. The layout is non-existent and it's like you're witnessing art trying to tell a story. While the story itself is slightly askew, it's totally normal, compared to the art style. A step above children drawings w/ a 15 / 10 in the "style" dept.

Easier to get into than I thought. For some reason, felt I had to work myself up or get into the mood but no, Mathews has made it pretty easy to just jump in!

The different sections and various descriptors really get the mental juices flowing. Good / great stuff so far.

Highly predictable stuff happens with Dern Foley and THE PROFESSOR makes an appearance! (feat. something to do with a tanuki).

???

Some interesting (& questionable?) relationship stuff.

Some meta-narrative stuff and a very Pynchon-like moment, à-la Inherent Vice / The Crying of Lot 49.

Stuff about walking on wires and the helicopter gas becoming more scarce.

ZOMG. *****************/ ***************** This book is so good I want to die

So close to being done!