Killing Yourself To Live

When I initially found out that I had to read a book by the name of “Killing Yourself To Live” I was immediately intrigued and flocked to the nearest internet search engine to get down to business. I wanted to know what this book was all about and why it carried a name of such strongly suggested character. It took all of three sentences into a general description of the book for me to realize that I knew I would love reading it and more so, I knew this was a book that my best friend would love to read as well (if she hadn't already read it, which she had).

To be quite honest, I didn't care that this man was driving across the country to view places of famous celebrities deaths, that wasn't my attraction to it. Okay, there was a little bit of attraction there, but my fascination with music and the desire to know as much of it's context as possible was irrelevant in comparison to the actual story I was seeking within the books pages. What really attracted me to this story was the complexity of the way this man's mind worked naturally, how he was often oblivious to it at times, yet so perfectly in sync with his irrationalities that it seemed inspiring. Before even reading the book I read excerpts and discussed it with my best friend, who quickly told me it would either make me fall in love with this man or reevaluate the people I associate with. (Oddly enough, it did a little of both)

The strengths and weaknesses of this book are going to be very dependent on the reader. From a personal standpoint, I didn't find any weakness. The only weakness lies within himself and the disaster that he is as a person, but he knows that he's a little ridiculous and that's part of why I find his story intriguing at all. The beauty of Chuck Klosterman, from my standpoint, is that he's relatable and a total smart ass. This might not be appealing to a lot of people, but considering the fact that my own father labeled me a “sassy smart ass” before I even entered kindergarten, this mans meanderings and experiences while frolicking around the country are almost like reading a road journal that I wrote myself (minus the cocaine of course).

Since reading this book I have recommended it to several people and have even put his other books on “to get” lists. As I said before in class, his style and thought process almost reminds me of James Frey in a way, but without as much carefully scripted tragedy and self loathing. If an overly opinionated, music loving, confused and awkwardly almost tender hearted (in a way he doesn't seem to place) asshole is the kind of guy you like to hear things from, this is the book to read. If not, there are always selections “written” by Glenn Beck and Sarah Palin to please the people I don't associate myself with, meaning the kind who wouldn't read a book like this in the first place.