Crunch time

Colleen, who has lent me a small library of books to read before she leaves for San Francisco is leaving in a matter of days, so I am down on the wire trying to cram as much literature as I can. Bah!!

My latest read was One Few Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey. I really enjoyed it. McMurphy embodies such a celebration of life in a way that is beyond just upbeat/carefree attributes. He (and the Chief) actually seemed real and layered in a sensitive way. It's difficult to create believable characters with this kind of purpose, I think, and Kesey did a fine job.

Living your life the way that you want, and doing things for the sole purpose of enjoyment is a wonderful thing. Not entirely practical these days, but with the seemingly meaningless miracle of life, why shouldn't one do whatever they want? I'm not exactly one to advertise this notion...as I'm a bit uptight when it comes to priorities...but I really do appreciate the appeal of making the most of it while you're alive. It's a refreshing thought. Within reason, too, I'm all for being selfish in the pursuit of happiness. In McMurphy's case, his selfishness only led to good, and to teaching others the value of life. I've had a few people in my own life helping me realize what risks are worthwhile for the outcomes that you want, and I couldn't be more grateful to them for showing me who I really ought to (and want to) be.

The Nurse, too, I thought was well-played. She was a perfect balance of spite and business, and it came across in a very successfully accurate manner. Not entirely evil, with human weaknesses like everyone else. I was happy though, for the introduction of a pleasant "Jap" nurse. ^______^

All in all, an elegantly written book, I think. For me, the ending was peaceful and perfect and not at all macabre. It seemed very natural and "right", and I'm glad for Kesey's decision to do it so simply.

p.s.
.....I just looked up images of the book and see that Jack Nicholson played McMurphy in the movie version. .....nooooo