Another week that I didn’t read a book. But I pledged to write a book review every week, so what to do? I could do what I’ve been doing and pick a book I read at some point in the past, but that’s gotten old, so instead I’m going to be completely self-indulgent because it’s not like anyone I don’t know actually reads this blog, and I’ll discuss some of my to-be-read-books because not knowing anything about a topic has never stopped me before. I will not, however, be really funny, like that lady who’d never seen an episode of Lost.
Small Crimes in an Age of Abundance – This is a DTB that the better-half insists I read. He keeps saying stuff like, “You haven’t read it yet, have you?” I get the feeling that his dream girl has read it already, and they have lots of great imaginary discussions about it in their bed of roses. I can see why it appeals to him. Per the blurb, it’s short stories about “ordinary people” set in many different parts of the world. Per the review excerpts, the stories are “darkly funny” and “highly entertaining.” I get the impression they have edge, so if you like edge, this may be for you. If you like brands, it’s published by Picador, an imprint of Macmillan aimed at the international high-brow market.
There are also several “indie” books waiting to be read on my kindle. I here and now pledge to Read the rest of this entry »
When the American version of The Office first appeared, it was condescending in a Hollywood way, written by people who may have once, briefly, worked in a setting similar to Dunder-Mifflin, but always believed they were destined for better things, and got the hell out as soon as they could.
Over time, however, it became habit-forming. Steve Carrell made Michael Scott’s need to be loved idiosyncratic, terribly funny and somehow a reflection of everyone’s inner-narcissist. Contrary to rumor, he was not the terrible boss we’ve all had. He might have shared some traits with bad bosses, but most truly horrific employers want to be feared, not loved. There was also, of course, Jim. From the beginning Jim, and to a lesser extent his beloved Pam, were our surrogates. They were young. They were not weird. They were more than their jobs, and they fell in love. Communication was not great. It took Pam a while to see what should have been obvious.
Other characters also developed into full-fledged human beings although it took some longer than others. Angela, the office mean girl, needed to be taken down a few dozen pegs before we could consider liking her. As for Oscar, if I’m not mistaken, until the last couple of seasons, he seemed mostly to be there as two-fer, and to make Michael’s jokes that much more embarrassing. Dwight remained eccentric, but matured. Andy’s arc was the strangest. He started out as Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: The Office American, The Office compared to It's a Wonderful Life, The Office finale review, The Office series review
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