Book Review: John Irving - The World According to Garp

B. Thomas Cooper - Editor

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John Irving, iconic American novelist, born March 2, 1942, garnered critical acclaim in 1978 with the release of his fourth tomb, The World According to Garp, a dark, but gripping tale of love and loss, of friendship and of loneliness.

Sex and promiscuity return as the central theme in this modern tale of dysfunction, as Irving presents the reader with an array of colorful but sensitive characters. The central protagonist, Garp, as he is referred to,
grows up in a world compromised by lust and betrayal. As an adult, little changes in his disturbing world but the names, as Garp confronts good intentions with disastrous results.

As is nearly always the case with an Irving novel, we learn to love his most dysfunctional characters the most. We grow as they grow, we suffer as they suffer, and ultimately, we die silent deaths in the shadows of these tragic people and the events which shape their lives.

The antagonist in The World According to Garp seems to shift from one chapter to the next, but in fact remains metaphorically consistent with John’s implied intent. The real antagonist is ourselves, always and forever in contrast with our own moral and ethical self loathing. It is we, who are the enemies of our souls. “In the World According to Garp,” a young Donald Witcomb would write, “we are obliged to remember everything.”

The novel ends as tragically and as ironically it begins, leaving the reader with a real sense of loss. It is an art form Irving has mastered, and continues to share with great passion. His novels are timeless statements on humanity, and although perhaps not suitable for young readers, I strongly recommend his work to adults of all ages.

Irving, who studied under the Late Kurt Vonnegut at the University of Iowa Writers’ Workshop during the sixties, continues to live and write in his home state of New Hampshire. Other novels by John Irving include: Setting Free the Bears, The Water-Method Man, The 158-Pound Marriage, A Prayer For Owen Meany, The Hotel New Hampshire and Cider House Rules. For further information on John Irving and his novels, visit your local library or book store.

B. Thomas Cooper - Editor

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Book Review - John Steinbeck - Tortilla Flat

B. Thomas Cooper - Editor

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John Steinbeck, the voice of American conscience, and a true literary genius. His work has grown increasingly important in these modern times, these devoid of his ceaseless grace and passion. His words hang like crystal chandeliers in a world inhabited by shadows. John Steinbeck is more than a novelist. He is our reflection.

Tortilla Flat represents Steinbeck’s first critical and popular success as a novelist. Comprised of seventeen ‘episodes, Tortilla Flat documents the events surrounding a group of ‘paisanos living on the fringes of society in the fishing community of Monterey, California nearly a century ago.

It is a story of Danny’s house, and Danny’s friends. It is a story of loss and redemption, and more loss. It is a tale of meaningless triumph, of alcoholism, of loneliness and of friendship. Steinbeck warns the reader of such impending peril, and delivers with great sadness. Such is the fabric of Tortilla Flat.

Ultimately, Tortilla Flat confronts the basic tenets of morality, steeped in a shadowy broth. Sometimes humorous, but always painful in it’s analysis, the story tumbles and slides down the slopes of humanity. Blood and wine are equally spilled, and the loss is communally shared.

The story ends as it begins, full circle, cryptic and proverbial. It is Danny’s house and these are Danny’s friends. Like the candle that burns in the evening, and by morning, was never there, Tortilla flat tells us of a world that existed once, but only within the bounds of it’s own jurisdiction. With Tortilla Flat, John Steinbeck does not create a world we wish to share, but instead shares a world with us created by others. A world created by Danny and his friends.

Born February 27th, 1902 John Steinbeck grew up in Salinas California, and much of his writing is centered around these peoples of the coast. Perhaps best known for his depression era masterpiece, Grapes of Wrath, Steinbeck wrote several unforgettable novels, including Cannery Row, Of Mice and Men, East of Eden and The Pearl. Steinbeck passed away on December 20th, 1968, but his writing lives on.

“Now it is over”, remarks Pilon, friend of Danny’s and fellow resident of Tortilla Flat. “Now the great times are done. Thy friends will mourn, but nothing will come of their mourning.” Perhaps Pilon was correct all along.

B. Thomas Cooper - Editor

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Public Appearance

B. Thomas Cooper - Editor

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Greetings!
For those interested, I’ll be making a brief public appearance this afternoon at: Jennerisms, 810 Valley St. in Prescott between 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. I don’t believe there is any admission fee, so please feel welcome to drop by.


B. Thomas Cooper

I’ll be performing two brief sets on my acoustic, and I’ll make myself available afterward for questions, etc. I hope to meet some of you there!

Brad
B. Thomas Cooper

B. Thomas Cooper - Editor

Sound Foundation Entertainment - National Newswire - The Infinite Echo - Impeachment Now! - Sound&Recording - Skate the Razor - Skate the Razor Blog - blogment

The Broken Promise

B. Thomas Cooper - Editor

blogment - National News wire - The Infinite Echo

Bush has really done a number on America. In fact, his irresponsible conduct has done more damage to the United States than bin Laden and Saddam Hussein combined. So then, why shouldn’t Bush also swing from the neck? He should, of course.

There is no longer any doubt George W. Bush and his administration lied about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. The result has been devastating! There is little question the invasion of Iraq was avoidable. We shouldn’t even be there.

The consequence has been the deaths of thousands of innocent people, none which happened to be Americans, by the way. Innocent people don’t occupy foreign countries. Still, some very horrible Americans support that war. Those are some sick people, scumbags to the last man. You wanted blood, you got it!

Bush has less than a year in office, but it’s already too late. The damage is done. Americas reputation is shot. The U.S. is no longer land of the free nor home of the brave. It is however, the mother lode of self serving, shit for brains. Bush says history will judge his administration accordingly, but history is now! Let the judgment begin.

The Republicans want us to believe the soviet Union collapsed as a result of a few stupid remarks made by the Gipper. Bad science from bad people. The last thing they want to admit is that the USSR was really brought down by bin Laden, especially since he is now targeting us.

Republicans don’t like to be reminded of the thousands of innocent people whose deaths they are responsible for. They don’t like to admit this entire Iraq affair is about greed and pride. No, of course not!

I’ve seen the way Republicans act when they think no-one is looking. Out come the clown suit and the handgun, first opportunity. Out goes common sense. After all, you never know when you might have to shoot a child, so away they go, stalking anyone they can point a gun at, children included. Republicans are just that kind of stink. They wreak cowardice.

History is now, folks. We need not wait until all of us are dead before measuring the crimes of the Bush administration. It is neither noble nor patriotic to guard the door whilst the fox raids the henhouse. Blessed are the peacemakers, not the warmongers.

B. Thomas Cooper - Editor

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The Fall of the Aztec Empire

B. Thomas Cooper - Editor

blogment - National News wire - The Infinite Echo

The fall of Aztec civilization has long been the subject of much debate. However, this much is clear, the Aztec were an extraordinary people, steeped in myth and mayhem. Their impact is still felt throughout Mexico.

The Aztec Empire collapsed quickly, lasting no more than a century. Some have blamed the collapse on Cortes, and the invading Spaniards, but in fact, disease and regional discord also played major roles.

In the year 1427, the Aztecs, under the rule of Itzcoatl, and with the assistance of surrounding communities successfully conquered the Tepanecs, thus gaining control of the Valley of Mexico'. However, unlike other warring nations, the Aztec were primarily interested in occupation of new territory, seeking offerings, human and otherwise, for sacrifice to their unusual Gods.

Existing community temples were burned or destroyed, replaced with Aztec alters. Residents were instructed to worship their new God, Huitzilopochtli.
Aztec religion was represented through numerous deities, most which appear on the Aztec calendar. These deities were believed responsible for blessing or cursing Aztec life. Such practices were unacceptable to many regional communities, who often found themselves or their neighbors victims of Aztec atrocities.

Around 1521, the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan became infected with the small-pox virus. The subsequent epidemic wiped out nearly half the population of the city, leaving it vulnerable to attack from outside forces. Soon after, Cortes mobilized nine thousand of his own troops and nearly a hundred-fifty thousand regional troops, bringing down the Aztec Empire forever. By August of 1521, the Aztec were all but decimated, and in their wake, began the era of Spanish rule throughout Mexico.

Descendants of the Aztec continue to live throughout Mexico, and much about Aztec culture remains. Previously unknown ruins have recently been documented and excavated, leading to much new information about these amazing people. Still, like their relatives, the Mayan and the Toltec, the Aztec left behind a curious and troubling legacy, some mysteries of which we shall never fully understand.

B. Thomas Cooper - Editor

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Criminal Probe Announced in CIA Torture Cover-Up

B. Thomas Cooper - Editor

blogment - National News wire - The Infinite Echo

Just over a year remains for the Bush administration, an administration long caught in the grip of pathos. These have been lean years for integrity in the Oval Office. George W. Bush isn’t just dishonest, he is indeed, downright pathological.

We all have our critics. I certainly have mine. Unfortunately, this goes way beyond critical commentary. George W. Bush has violated US and international law, including the Geneva Accord. He is a war criminal. He is a radical, lawless extremist.

George W. Bush stood before the nation and denied the use of ‘water-boarding‘. Of course, few believed him and judging by past performance, with good reason. The doubt was soon justified when the truth again slipped through the cracks. Bush, the pathological liar, had struck again.

With no sign of remorse, Bush lied to the nation, and to the international community as a whole. In doing so, he obstructed justice, and compromised the integrity of the country and his position of authority, an act of treason.

I’ll not mince words. Only an absolute fool would continue to defend or support the transgressions of this administration. It is neither noble nor patriotic to guard the door whilst the fox raids the henhouse. Wake up and smell the coffee, America. We have been taken for the ride of our lives, and the mileage is beginning to wear this country thin.

Today the US Justice Department announced it was opening a criminal probe into the destruction of video recordings destroyed in violation of court order. These videos are purported to have been taken during interrogations of terror suspects being held in secret prisons abroad.

"The Department's National Security Division has recommended, and I have concluded, that there is a basis for initiating a criminal investigation of this matter, and I have taken steps to begin that investigation," Attorney General Michael B. Mukasey said in a statement released January 2nd, 2008.

The investigation is yet another horrible black eye for this formerly great country of ours. A scar perhaps, long to heal, if ever. This has been a sad, sad period for America. Let’s just all hope these next twelve months pass quickly. The best we can ask is that we are able to put this darkest of disasters behind us, and move forward with dignity. It won’t be easy, America. Rest assured, it will not go gently into that good night.

B. Thomas Cooper - Editor

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