White Noise

[algunz]

Alright, here goes. We need to figure out a reasonable reading schedule. Some (amy) have already started, some have already read it, and we don't want to spoil it for those that have never read it.

Any suggestions? Chapters, page #s, how do we want to break it up?

[SoulDischarge]

I was looking through and it seems to divide into three sections of roughly 100 pages pretty easily. Would that be ok for everyone?

[TeamCoachellaHellYeah]

when I saw the white noise title, I thought it was about Merzbow.

[fatbastard]

I'm going to the library today to return some books and pick this one up.

[amyzzz]

Sorry, algunz, I needed something to read, and I wanted to start. The book is picking up a little now. I'm for the 100 page break-up, and I'll try to stop reading.

[TomAz]

Did you get to the part where it turns out she's really a he?

[algunz]

Did you get to the part where it turns out she's really a he?

*Spoiler alert*

100 pages over a week? so we can start posting impressions on the first 100 pages over the next week and then the next 100 next Tuesday etc?

If you don't want a spoiler, don't click on the thread until you've finished the 100 pages.

[Pixiessp]

*Spoiler alert*

100 pages over a week? so we can start posting impressions on the first 100 pages over the next week and then the next 100 next Tuesday etc?

If you don't want a spoiler, don't click on the thread until you've finished the 100 pages.

you know, i read this post already and still I posted above. sorry.
waiting patiently.

[Pixiessp]

Did you get to the part where it turns out she's really a he?

wtf? thanks a lot Tom.

[Pixiessp]

wow!!!! this book is great!! I'm on page 90 now. that would be 2 pages from chapter 19. these are very small chapters. Algunz, are you going to start the discussion soon? I can suppress my urge to read on (bites knuckle and grimaces).

[SoulDischarge]

To clarify, and to prevent confusion due to different editions, it breaks down pretty nicely into chapters 1-20, 21-30, and 31-40. I'm ok with a week, although if everyone wants to move quicker, I'd be ok with that too. So far I'm loving it and it's hard to put down.

[algunz]

To clarify, and to prevent confusion due to different editions, it breaks down pretty nicely into chapters 1-20, 21-30, and 31-40. I'm ok with a week, although if everyone wants to move quicker, I'd be ok with that too. So far I'm loving it and it's hard to put down.

This is an excellent point. This plan sounds perfect.

[sbessiso]

oh God I'm stupid, I thought it had something to do with either the Michael Keaton stink-fest, or the "actual phenomenon" of ghosts contacting through tv static. heehee

[amyzzz]

Oh damnit. I picked up the wrong book.

[amyzzz]

just kidding

[Blinken]

I will pick it up sometime this week.

[amyzzz]

I think I've read too much. The children in the family seem very precocious. I'm not sure what I can say beyond that. And I like that Murray guy--he has interesting ideas.

[algunz]

I'm totally enjoying the beginning. It's making me rather nostalgiac. (Damn, I loved college.)

Anywho . . . I'm wrestling with the Hitler Studies. I figure it's meant to be ironic. You have this college town and this world obsessed with the material - status, gadgets, and labels. Even the buildings have fancy labels, a "neoclassical high school." (7) The family is kind of caught in this odd limbo. But . . . why Hitler studies housed in the "popular culture department." (9)

I adore DeLillo's random details: "She needed my semen for a divorce suit." (11)

The beginning of this story reminds me of Radiohead's "No Surprises."

[Pixiessp]

I'm not sure,as of yet, where the significance of Jack's obsession with Hitler comes in. Maybe as I read further it will make more sense.

Those kids are not only precocious but downright scary. I don't know any child who is so aware at such an early age. They are so inquisitive.

I am really into this book. I already superanalyze almost anything and now
I am more aware of the little things that I wouldn't normally pay attention to.

[TomAz]

You've established a wonderful thing here with Hitler. You created it, you nurtured it. . . . He is now your Hitler. I marvel at the effort. It was masterful, shrewd and stunningly preemptive. It's what I want to do with Elvis.

this is one of the funniest lines I have ever read in a book.

[algunz]

Agreed, Tom. I have had no choice but to chuckle outloud a few times so far, that above quote definitely being one of them.

[SoulDischarge]

I haven't laughed this hard at a book since "A Confederacy Of Dunces."

[amyzzz]

I like when the professors (Grappa, Cotsakis, the narrator guy, and Murray) discuss random things and try to outdo each other:
"Did you ever brush your teeth with your finger?"
"I brushed my teeth with my finger the first time I stayed overnight at my wife's parents' house....
"Forgetting my toothbrush is a fetish with me....I brushed my teeth with my finger at Woodstock, Altamont, Monterey, about a dozen other events"
"I brushed my teeth with my finger after the Ali-Forman fight in Zaire...."

They come up with my most ridiculous details that no one could possibly remember.

[wmgaretjax]

This is probably the only book I have ever guffawed at. I've chuckled before, but never guffawed.

[algunz]

Nothin' better than a good guffaw.

Screw this computer thing. I'm gonna go read.

[amyzzz]

I guffawed at the book last night at 9:25pm while a blue bolt of lightning flashed outside my window. It struck a tree at that very moment which has still not been cleaned up by the HOA.

[Pixiessp]

the finger brushing discussion was hilarious Amyzzz. I have had to resort to doing that in my wild past but i certainly cannot pinpoint when or who I was with etc. I am now at the Airborne Toxic Event section. I took a breather because I would have read almost all of it by now had I not abstained.

[fatbastard]

I picked this book up last night.

FYI, LA central library is almost out of this book. Only 2 copies currently available, 1 in Brentwood and 1 in the valley.

[algunz]

That airplane scenario reminded of the movie . . . "Crash Positions!!!"

Jack's wives and children are strong, but he just seems so disconnected and now he is even one more step displaced from Baba because now she has become an image on TV.

It was interesting how he "bathed" in his son's crying. It's like he can only feel emotion through others.

[amyzzz]

I've finished the book and I understand everything.