Sunday, June 7, 2009

Killing Yourself to Live: 85% of a True Story by Chuck Klosterman



Journalist Klosterman road trips in this (apparently 85%) true story to famous rock star's death sites for inspiration for his column in Spin Magazine. Along the way, this novel is also written, and reads on the above topic and many of his other cultural musings. While most of us don't have millions of adoring fans, reading this book (at the very least) will remove previous envy (perhaps momentarily) of rock stars when you realize you (most likely) aren't dying of a heroine overdose or small plane crash.

I thoroughly enjoyed Chuck's pop culture insights into music, Manhattan, and hipsters. Not to mention the fact that he's not feigning to be the next great American novelist (unlike the other Chuck, *cough* Palahniuk).He's just a witty guy with an incredible CD collection with some interesting thoughts to share. He's written two other novels, Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs: A Low Culture Manifesto and IV: A Decade of Curious People and Dangerous Ideas, which both also come recommended (word on the street).

*Sidenote: So, I was a little harsh on Mr. Palahnuik above (I once defended him). You should read one of his novels and the first one you read will undoubtedly be your favorite of his (I warn you--I would spend your time on only one--unless you enjoy broken records). Ladies: You will most definitely prefer Invisible Monsters. Gents: Fight Club, Survivor, or perhaps Choke (if you're the womanizing, manipulative sort). Unless you're a hermophodite alien... don't touch Haunted with a 10 foot pole.

FDB out.

1 comment:

  1. If you liked this, you'll like Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs.

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