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Nancy's Reviews > Jesus� Son
Jesus� Son
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Nancy's review
bookshelves: addiction, fiction, short-stories, homelessness, library-books, shelf-inflicted
Feb 13, 2010
bookshelves: addiction, fiction, short-stories, homelessness, library-books, shelf-inflicted
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I wasn’t sure if I would like this collection of loosely connected stories about a young guy who is addicted to drugs, sometimes homeless, sometimes employed, and occasionally steals. He’s not an especially likable character, but I enjoyed being a part of his thoughts, his views, and his haphazard journey through life. Maybe it's because I have empathy for addicts and others who live on the edge.
This powerful and gripping collection of stories was troubling, intense, and humane. I was overwhelmed by its beautiful language and poignant passages.
One of my favorite stories in this collection is Dirty Wedding, a sad and unsettling little story about abortion, loneliness, heroin addiction, and death.
Beverly Home was sad, a little humorous, and very hopeful. The young narrator finds a part-time job in a nursing home, spies on a Mennonite couple in their bedroom, and begins a life of sobriety.
I wasn’t sure if I would like this collection of loosely connected stories about a young guy who is addicted to drugs, sometimes homeless, sometimes employed, and occasionally steals. He’s not an especially likable character, but I enjoyed being a part of his thoughts, his views, and his haphazard journey through life. Maybe it's because I have empathy for addicts and others who live on the edge.
This powerful and gripping collection of stories was troubling, intense, and humane. I was overwhelmed by its beautiful language and poignant passages.
One of my favorite stories in this collection is Dirty Wedding, a sad and unsettling little story about abortion, loneliness, heroin addiction, and death.
“The wheels screamed, and all I saw suddenly was everybody’s big ugly shoes. The sound stopped. We passed solitary, wrenching scenes. Through the neighborhoods and past the platforms, I felt the cancelled life dreaming after me. Yes, a ghost. A vestige. Something remaining.�
Beverly Home was sad, a little humorous, and very hopeful. The young narrator finds a part-time job in a nursing home, spies on a Mennonite couple in their bedroom, and begins a life of sobriety.
“All these weirdos, and me getting a little better every day right in the midst of them. I had never known, never even imagined for a heartbeat, that there might be a place for people like us.�
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mark
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Mar 07, 2011 05:50PM
an excellent film as well.
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I was going to say the same thing, mark, so I will. Excellent film.
This little black book has been sitting on my bookshelf like forever. Thanks for the reminder that I must read it.
Wow, I had no idea this was adapted for film. I'll have to check it out. I hope you like the book, Nicci.
It's not really the same guy, is it?
Nancy wrote: "He’s not an especially likable character..."He's a hell of a lot more likeable (well, easy on the eye) when he's played by Billy Crudup.
I LOVE this film. Samantha Morton is also in it and she does a dance scene to Tommy Roe's Sweet Pea that is something else. Also moving, harrowing, funny and oddly goofball performances from Crudup and Jack Black. Really, really good. I need to watch it again. (I'm something of a Samantha Morton super fan.)
Mariel, I hope you might be able to help me.One of the reasons I love this film is the direction of Alison McLean (a Canadian).
She is one of a bunch of women directors who I love: Mary Harron, Lisa Cholodenko and I thought here was another one from New Zealand whose name I can't remember (not Jane Campion) who had done some quintessentially indie American films (I thought it was something like "I Shot Andy Warhol" was one of them, but that was Mary Harron).
Do you know who I might be thinking of, or am I just confusing New Zealand and Canada?
Oops, I just sorted it out: Alison McLean was born in Canada to Kiwi parents.
I put her in the same league as Dean Wareham from NZ, who nailed the Velvet Underground sound in Galaxie 500 and Luna (two of my favourite bands).
I'm glad you remembered because I had no idea.I like Galaxie 500 too.
I like Kiwi overachievers...like the All Blacks ;)
Alright. I read it again and saw the movie. Interesting that I could have missed it was the same guy. I like that the book sly's away from rubbing that in your face.
Interesting. I had seen the excellent movie as well, and had no idea it was first a book. There I go destroying my "book first, movie second" creed.
Mark wrote: "Interesting. I had seen the excellent movie as well, and had no idea it was first a book. There I go destroying my "book first, movie second" creed."I found out it was a movie from reading one of the reviews here. Still waiting for it at the library.
Beautiful review Nancy! Will add... and watch. Thanks :)
Thank you, Debbie! I hope you enjoy it. Sadly, it doesn't seem to be available on Neflix streaming. I'm also not having much luck finding it at the library.
