Justin’s Reviews > Not from Concentrate > Status Update

I only have one story left in this book, but I'm worried that I'm going to start it and get distracted with schoolwork. It's a two-hour long story, I might have to listen to it on Tuesday/Wednesday on my commute to school.

"Digital Girlfriend"- Hmm, this story sounds familiar. Karen's motorcycle accident, and her decision to create an adult website, are eerily similar to Em's story in "Growing Up Wired". That's not to say I didn't enjoy hearing this story. It was very personable, and you can't help but feel bad for her, no longer comfortable with herself and having to continue appearing perfect to everyone. That's a lot of pressure..

3 more stories left, but apparently they're a significant bulk of the collection. They have a lot of promise though, if they're anything like these first 9 stories I've read.

"I Want to Stand in My Cubicle"- Definitely a dark comedy.. Feeling pretty bad for poor Gregory, all he wanted was to make a good impression but keep his crazy newfangled ideas about health and exercise. Fun ending though, nothing like calling your manager out on a stupid idea haha. And this is total truth, because cubicle really would be mindless, drone work. I'd probably keel over drooling.

"Girl Fistfights Boy" perfectly sums up gender roles and chivalry in the 21st century. Women are just as capable as men, and chivalry is out the window in exchange for equal treatment of the 'fairer' sex. Even when the girl starts a fistfight with a weaker male. Highly entertaining and the ending is a perfect fit. I'm glad Benny and Alice were able to recognize their own flaws and prejudices and just laugh it off.

"The Infidelity Detector"- interesting take on society's trust in technology, and lack of trust in each other. John is more willing to believe an infidelity detector than just listen to his girlfriend and choose to believe her anyway. I kinda liked this story, especially how his freak out is something that could and does definitely happen everyday in life. Sad how nobody trusts anybody anymore..

"Microcosmic Romance"- CHERRYWOOD NIPPLES! This was a hilarious story, akin to a grown up Dr. Seuss book. I definitely think this was all the more funny having listened to it, rather than reading it in print. Sometimes hard to understand, but in a good way. Like reading "A Clockwork Orange", you have to use context clues to understand these nonsensical words. I had a blast with this one though.

"Yuppie Marooned"- This was a really interesting take on office life. In a sense, workers really are marooned. Especially in this story, where poor Andy Iowa finds his way from happiness in Texas to insanity-producing boredom in Virginia. "It's not the black or the white we fear. Anything pure can be beautiful. It's the grey we fear," is such a thought provoking quote. I'll have to elaborate on my blog..

Also listened to "Father Internet" which I liked a lot more. The message I got from this story was to stop focusing on whatever it is you're focusing on, and just enjoy yourself and live in the moment. You'll be more relaxed and fun, and may even get to dance and have fun with some attractive women! You know, instead of sitting in the bar waiting for your iPhone to load with YouTube clips of how to appeal to women

Just finished "The Natural Celebrity"- whatdahell. This was a comedy that I just kinda sat and stared blankly as I listened to it. IT'S ABOUT A POOP CONTEST. Idk I think I missed the point of this one. Is it that people will applaud someone for being the best at something, regardless of what that 'something' is? I think I was too caught off guard by this story to properly appreciate it..