The Road is not boring--it's devastatingly honest portrayal of a world in which all has come from blue and green to complete gray and how a man leads his son through journey so they can survive. This novel is one of the greatest I have ever read and will go down in history as classic and, as it is, it is already being studied in schools (it was studied in my school, anyway).
And dont complain about it not being philosophical enough--it is. Especially the last paragraph.
Congratulations, you just told the world your educated beyond your intelligence.
It is very likely you would also hate "The sun also rises" by Hemingway. As a novelist, I am in awe of McCarthy. He opens the book with an anapestic rhythm and holds the reader with some of the finest prose ever written.
I completely disagree with you, and I see that many do as well.
however I do admire the fact that despite all it`s critical acclaim you still were able to speak you`re own mind.
I personally loved it, it was deeply touching, creative, and did raise great philosophical questions on what is the true reason for living, is loving your child a good enough reason to go through a life that basically isnt living? is it better for the child to face all of this or just die? 4 stars.
This book was beautifully told, and honestly probably the best book I've ever read. In my opinion at least. I never knew it was even a big book in media haha (obviously I don't follow Oprah =P) But everyone has their opinions I suppose.
I'm sorry, but this review reflects poorly on your intelligence. Even though I am trying to understand your opinion, the suggestion that this book is 'cold' is absurd. Every page is infused with an incredible sense of humility. What rises out of the undoubtedly bleak, grey landscape is the most moving depiction of what it is to be human I have encountered. All I can suggest is that you read again.
Well i couldn't disagree more. Your biggest complaint is that it's boring but in the very next sentence, you say that it is written in a way that keeps it from getting boring. Your whole review makes you seem like a snob that enjoys being contrary for the very sake of being contrary. This was an absolutely fantastic piece of literary genius and i found it uplifting in the face of such utter bleakness. It is about being a parent and i fell that is something you just cannot identify with.
Sparring over matters of taste is silly, I admit. But, boring? Really? I couldn't put it down. Story totally absorbed me, hurtled me from page to page. My 14 yr. old, who *might* read one book a year (not counting school assignments) decided he wanted to read the novel after seeing the movie. He struggled a bit w/ McCarthy's unconventional style, but he finished (and enjoyed) the book. Trust me, if he'd found it boring it would have been back to the library w/ it. I strongly recommend The Road.
Although I think the book is flawed, particularly the soft ending, I consider the book to be very philosophical in it's own subtle way. Every few pages there are references to morality, god, belief and religion. The Road provides an exploration of moral relativism and existential anxiety in a paired down enviroment remeniscent of Samuel Beckett. Not only is the book a reminder of the doomsday clock but I think their is case for it questioning our everyday methods of making moral evaluations.
@Sarusource Soft ending? Yowzer. I thought the ending was shattering. I was numb for days. Maybe weeks. (Minor spoiler alert) Granted, it was not TOTALLY hopeless, utterly despairing -- but still pretty grim. I appreciate that, for once (?), McCarthy offered a crumb of light at the end of a long, dark, but brilliant tunnel. Personally, I loved this book. Read it twice. Have seen the film four times, at least. One of my favorite novels and movies.
First of all, this is not a literary review. It is a summary. It was supposed to about a typical man and son, notice there is not much character development. If McCarthy started to get philosophical the whole plot of the book and the genius of it would be gone. It is not boring did you even pay attention to the language used? It wasn't just 2 people walking. There was a road. There was a questioning of faith and hope. You have no grounded arguments. This review gets a thumbs down. Poor McCarthy
well i don't exactly agree with it completely but i can understand where your coming from, i read this for school and i found it one of the best things they've forced me to read ..not my style of book interesting but your right some what boring in the writing itself. I think the reason for that is because the book isn't very specific and so you must pay extra attention but, hey maybe it's because i'm not a parent! LOL XD Thanks for the review
The Road is an interesting book. I can see why you would find it boring, however I see it as much of a poem as it is a novel. It is actually even better the second time through. I personally loved it. It is powerful piece of fiction that sticks with you and it sucks you in.
I love how there's no ominous foreshadowing to the dangerous encounters in the book. A lot of writers would've stooped to that, but the reason it's so terrifying in The Road is because that sense of sudden danger.
the "extremly cold and rather boring" writting of the book is part of the world he's trying to create. the books world is cold dark gray and desolate. the writing an pacing of the book added to that. its not a blockbuster movie man, there aren't going to be any explosions gun fights mostly because there is barely anyone left to fight with. there are long stretches of nothing followed by moments of intense horror. that's the world they live in.
oprah has nothing to do with the book. the book was popular before her. it was one of the most moving books i've read. (im only 17 but i've read a lot of books)
This guy seems unable to comprehend what he read. The Road is not boring! It's terrifying, moving, and beautifully written with plenty of underlying philosophical stuff, since your so worried about that. Its just that it's not spoon fed to the reader like the books you read in highschool. I try to always respect other opinions but you sound like a retard.
I agree that the first 30 pages are very slow and gray; I almost didn't press on and finish. I did, however, and it turned out to be one of the best books I've ever read. It was emotional and suspenseful, and I agree with jrw9902 totally. I cannot see how the movie will do it justice, but I am still curious.
I have not read this book, but my friend did. I listened to her complain, moan, and gripe the entire time she was reading it. From what I have heard about the book it sounded very bad.
all of you calling him names for not liking the book are fools. the things cormac writes in this book are subtly EXTREMELY philosophical, but thats the problem is that some people dont see those hints. i for one thought it was one of, if not the best book ive ever read.
Thanks for giving your own thoughts for this review and not just drinking the kool-aid. From this review at least I feel that you're gonna call it like you see it.
I am fairly sure you have no idea how to write non-traditionally or recognize style. Cormac has a subtle touch- he uses motifs and elevated passages to express what others would outright say. His use of polysyndaton manipulates the reader into a lull that is completely false- he lets you believe all is greygreygreydullandgrey and then you get your legs sawed off by cannibals.
I was horrified when Opera placed her sticker on Cormac- he's better than that. I strongly disagree with your review.
Thank you for your insightful, intelligent, and relevant comment (although perhaps saying that I can't recognize style is unfair - can I recognize his non-traditional style without necessarily enjoying it?). It's good to get a discussion going instead of comparing my literacy level to Paris Hilton's.
Oh, I doubt -very seriously- that Paris Hilton can read. (And I get that you do not particularly enjoy the non-traditional. Some people like it old school, I understand)
I completely disagree with most of what you were saying. Coramc McCarthy failed in his rendering of the story? I'm pretty sure he knew exactly what he was doing. The story was simple, but it was meant to be simple. It was one of the most poetic and brilliant books I have ever read, and I think you need to be able to see a bit below the surface to really appreciate it. This is not commercial fiction, it's literary and is clearly meant to be read by a more distinguished and insightful audience.
You didn't find the language of the novel to be unique and sumptuous, even gorgeous? The book lacked sufficient philosophy? McCarthy is a writer whose diction and rhythm are particularly chosen for each story, and generally each story is told in purely descriptive language. I thought the book was beautiful. It spoke to some of the most fundamental themes in life and art, and yet with uncomplicated grace. And if Oprah can encourage any of her viewers to look at words for a few hours a day, great.
I chose this book for my english ISU before I found out Oprah recommended it (if i'd known that before I wouldn't have chosen it cuz I don't like Oprah) however I really liked it. I can see where you're coming from and how you could find it boring but every second line was freekin poetry! You have to appreciate that! Can't wait for the movie:D
not philosophical enough? what? every description of the wasteland America was freakin POETRY. the relationship between the father and son was beautifully realized, the book was terrifying, gritty, even savage at times but at its heart was a story of endurance of the human spirit and of the humanity that can sometimes shine in all of us, even at the end of all things. Damn i love this book. :D
I loved the novel. I think McCarthy wrote it in that sort of dry fashion for a reason. I felt that it kind of set a tone that was very related to how the characters would have felt. I did feel that there was a lot of walking... and walking... and walking but, I think McCarthy wanted to embed the idea of what they would have went through, again making a connection to the characters. Cant wait to see how the movie turns out :)
Perhaps you need some age and perspective for the book to affect you emotionally. I found the sparse story-telling to be spot on, & the lack of "philosophy" to be indicative of what pure survival does to the "luxury" of examining the human condition through reflection & philosophy. Living in a constant state of fear for oneself, and in particular, one's child, strips away the veneer of civiliaztion, and we realize that much of human "achievement" is the result of safety and a full belly.
Can you be conscious of McCarthy's aesthetic but not think it makes for an interesting read? Maybe I do need some more maturity to appreciate the book to it's full potential, however. I just thought the idea was good and could have been developed in much deeper and more interesting terms. I do realize McCarthy used his style out of choice, however, and that it befits his agenda - it's just not a style that fits my own tastes.
BTW, Oprah is not a diety, she's just fulla shit lol. I'm glad I didn't know it was an Oprah's choice beforehand haha. Great review, though; you do bring up some good points about the novel itself.
I do agree that it's a simple read, and while I didn't love it, I liked it. I think that, when looking at life now, in comparison to the book, it makes our lives seem so easy, & that we bitch about the simplest things, when life can be so much worse. And there are times in the book where the father/son relationship was very gripping. Ultimately, I think this book strips down man to the bare bones, and shows that even in desperate times, people can still choose to show their humanity and morale
The Road is not boring--it's devastatingly honest portrayal of a world in which all has come from blue and green to complete gray and how a man leads his son through journey so they can survive. This novel is one of the greatest I have ever read and will go down in history as classic and, as it is, it is already being studied in schools (it was studied in my school, anyway).
And dont complain about it not being philosophical enough--it is. Especially the last paragraph.
AScearce2332 4 months ago
Congratulations, you just told the world your educated beyond your intelligence.
It is very likely you would also hate "The sun also rises" by Hemingway. As a novelist, I am in awe of McCarthy. He opens the book with an anapestic rhythm and holds the reader with some of the finest prose ever written.
runemrick 6 months ago
I completely disagree with you, and I see that many do as well.
however I do admire the fact that despite all it`s critical acclaim you still were able to speak you`re own mind.
I personally loved it, it was deeply touching, creative, and did raise great philosophical questions on what is the true reason for living, is loving your child a good enough reason to go through a life that basically isnt living? is it better for the child to face all of this or just die? 4 stars.
abeeraj 7 months ago
This book was beautifully told, and honestly probably the best book I've ever read. In my opinion at least. I never knew it was even a big book in media haha (obviously I don't follow Oprah =P) But everyone has their opinions I suppose.
musicismyfavorite777 7 months ago
I'm sorry, but this review reflects poorly on your intelligence. Even though I am trying to understand your opinion, the suggestion that this book is 'cold' is absurd. Every page is infused with an incredible sense of humility. What rises out of the undoubtedly bleak, grey landscape is the most moving depiction of what it is to be human I have encountered. All I can suggest is that you read again.
shcotty29 11 months ago
Well i couldn't disagree more. Your biggest complaint is that it's boring but in the very next sentence, you say that it is written in a way that keeps it from getting boring. Your whole review makes you seem like a snob that enjoys being contrary for the very sake of being contrary. This was an absolutely fantastic piece of literary genius and i found it uplifting in the face of such utter bleakness. It is about being a parent and i fell that is something you just cannot identify with.
krgallion 1 year ago
hahaha the person who made this video is not very bright
duffman5800 1 year ago
Sparring over matters of taste is silly, I admit. But, boring? Really? I couldn't put it down. Story totally absorbed me, hurtled me from page to page. My 14 yr. old, who *might* read one book a year (not counting school assignments) decided he wanted to read the novel after seeing the movie. He struggled a bit w/ McCarthy's unconventional style, but he finished (and enjoyed) the book. Trust me, if he'd found it boring it would have been back to the library w/ it. I strongly recommend The Road.
sjplwc 1 year ago
Comment removed
Orcasisla 1 year ago
Although I think the book is flawed, particularly the soft ending, I consider the book to be very philosophical in it's own subtle way. Every few pages there are references to morality, god, belief and religion. The Road provides an exploration of moral relativism and existential anxiety in a paired down enviroment remeniscent of Samuel Beckett. Not only is the book a reminder of the doomsday clock but I think their is case for it questioning our everyday methods of making moral evaluations.
Sarusource 1 year ago
@Sarusource Soft ending? Yowzer. I thought the ending was shattering. I was numb for days. Maybe weeks. (Minor spoiler alert) Granted, it was not TOTALLY hopeless, utterly despairing -- but still pretty grim. I appreciate that, for once (?), McCarthy offered a crumb of light at the end of a long, dark, but brilliant tunnel. Personally, I loved this book. Read it twice. Have seen the film four times, at least. One of my favorite novels and movies.
sjplwc 1 year ago
First of all, this is not a literary review. It is a summary. It was supposed to about a typical man and son, notice there is not much character development. If McCarthy started to get philosophical the whole plot of the book and the genius of it would be gone. It is not boring did you even pay attention to the language used? It wasn't just 2 people walking. There was a road. There was a questioning of faith and hope. You have no grounded arguments. This review gets a thumbs down. Poor McCarthy
mditty06 1 year ago
This is not a review. You said nothing of any substance about this book.
Eltercero 1 year ago
Oprah...LMAO
ARBuilder1776 1 year ago
well i don't exactly agree with it completely but i can understand where your coming from, i read this for school and i found it one of the best things they've forced me to read ..not my style of book interesting but your right some what boring in the writing itself. I think the reason for that is because the book isn't very specific and so you must pay extra attention but, hey maybe it's because i'm not a parent! LOL XD Thanks for the review
sesshoubitch 1 year ago
...boring? alright there buddy.
philster00700 1 year ago
The Road is an interesting book. I can see why you would find it boring, however I see it as much of a poem as it is a novel. It is actually even better the second time through. I personally loved it. It is powerful piece of fiction that sticks with you and it sucks you in.
namelessfire 2 years ago
I love how there's no ominous foreshadowing to the dangerous encounters in the book. A lot of writers would've stooped to that, but the reason it's so terrifying in The Road is because that sense of sudden danger.
apictureoffunction 2 years ago
the "extremly cold and rather boring" writting of the book is part of the world he's trying to create. the books world is cold dark gray and desolate. the writing an pacing of the book added to that. its not a blockbuster movie man, there aren't going to be any explosions gun fights mostly because there is barely anyone left to fight with. there are long stretches of nothing followed by moments of intense horror. that's the world they live in.
rouronijohn 2 years ago
the book was no where near boring. dude.
oprah has nothing to do with the book. the book was popular before her. it was one of the most moving books i've read. (im only 17 but i've read a lot of books)
rouronijohn 2 years ago
This guy seems unable to comprehend what he read. The Road is not boring! It's terrifying, moving, and beautifully written with plenty of underlying philosophical stuff, since your so worried about that. Its just that it's not spoon fed to the reader like the books you read in highschool. I try to always respect other opinions but you sound like a retard.
9mwood 2 years ago
I agree that the first 30 pages are very slow and gray; I almost didn't press on and finish. I did, however, and it turned out to be one of the best books I've ever read. It was emotional and suspenseful, and I agree with jrw9902 totally. I cannot see how the movie will do it justice, but I am still curious.
rainmanding0 2 years ago
I suspect you are not a parent and are too young to appreciate this book. Read it when your a dad. Its great.
jrw9902 2 years ago 3
I have not read this book, but my friend did. I listened to her complain, moan, and gripe the entire time she was reading it. From what I have heard about the book it sounded very bad.
TheDivis17 2 years ago
all of you calling him names for not liking the book are fools. the things cormac writes in this book are subtly EXTREMELY philosophical, but thats the problem is that some people dont see those hints. i for one thought it was one of, if not the best book ive ever read.
jttam3 2 years ago
Thanks for giving your own thoughts for this review and not just drinking the kool-aid. From this review at least I feel that you're gonna call it like you see it.
TheShnuz 2 years ago
the only reason i read it was to take AP english and OMG i fell asleep two times while reading this book.
VincentVal90210 2 years ago
I am fairly sure you have no idea how to write non-traditionally or recognize style. Cormac has a subtle touch- he uses motifs and elevated passages to express what others would outright say. His use of polysyndaton manipulates the reader into a lull that is completely false- he lets you believe all is greygreygreydullandgrey and then you get your legs sawed off by cannibals.
I was horrified when Opera placed her sticker on Cormac- he's better than that. I strongly disagree with your review.
JyginsGreenBird 2 years ago 5
Thank you for your insightful, intelligent, and relevant comment (although perhaps saying that I can't recognize style is unfair - can I recognize his non-traditional style without necessarily enjoying it?). It's good to get a discussion going instead of comparing my literacy level to Paris Hilton's.
chasch 2 years ago
Oh, I doubt -very seriously- that Paris Hilton can read. (And I get that you do not particularly enjoy the non-traditional. Some people like it old school, I understand)
JyginsGreenBird 2 years ago
@JyginsGreenBird
Its Polysyndeton.
Franstud98 1 year ago
so... you are an idiot
411mh 3 years ago
00:59 WRONG!!! MIss WInfrey is right about everything!
benjamin72hollow 3 years ago
dude , you are a douche...did u even read it!
esteban2284 3 years ago
dude, you kinda dont know shit about good books eh? grey grey grey what do you want fuckin rainbows and care bears
keepitacrime 3 years ago
Your review makes me think of how Paris Hilton would review this book if she could read.
jlumox 3 years ago
you dumbass if you dont like the book...well you just dont understand life.Faggot.
obeliskkiller 3 years ago
or you're a fan of conventional writing techniques. asshat
RedHedRox94 3 years ago
I completely disagree with most of what you were saying. Coramc McCarthy failed in his rendering of the story? I'm pretty sure he knew exactly what he was doing. The story was simple, but it was meant to be simple. It was one of the most poetic and brilliant books I have ever read, and I think you need to be able to see a bit below the surface to really appreciate it. This is not commercial fiction, it's literary and is clearly meant to be read by a more distinguished and insightful audience.
pokemonmaster19 3 years ago
You didn't find the language of the novel to be unique and sumptuous, even gorgeous? The book lacked sufficient philosophy? McCarthy is a writer whose diction and rhythm are particularly chosen for each story, and generally each story is told in purely descriptive language. I thought the book was beautiful. It spoke to some of the most fundamental themes in life and art, and yet with uncomplicated grace. And if Oprah can encourage any of her viewers to look at words for a few hours a day, great.
heartjon 3 years ago 2
lisa b1138, you wrote very well. sounds like some Abraham Maslow. sounds true to me.
norm4254 3 years ago
I chose this book for my english ISU before I found out Oprah recommended it (if i'd known that before I wouldn't have chosen it cuz I don't like Oprah) however I really liked it. I can see where you're coming from and how you could find it boring but every second line was freekin poetry! You have to appreciate that! Can't wait for the movie:D
daveed241 3 years ago
not philosophical enough? what? every description of the wasteland America was freakin POETRY. the relationship between the father and son was beautifully realized, the book was terrifying, gritty, even savage at times but at its heart was a story of endurance of the human spirit and of the humanity that can sometimes shine in all of us, even at the end of all things. Damn i love this book. :D
Harryclownie 3 years ago 3
I loved the novel. I think McCarthy wrote it in that sort of dry fashion for a reason. I felt that it kind of set a tone that was very related to how the characters would have felt. I did feel that there was a lot of walking... and walking... and walking but, I think McCarthy wanted to embed the idea of what they would have went through, again making a connection to the characters. Cant wait to see how the movie turns out :)
wmeadd 3 years ago
Perhaps you need some age and perspective for the book to affect you emotionally. I found the sparse story-telling to be spot on, & the lack of "philosophy" to be indicative of what pure survival does to the "luxury" of examining the human condition through reflection & philosophy. Living in a constant state of fear for oneself, and in particular, one's child, strips away the veneer of civiliaztion, and we realize that much of human "achievement" is the result of safety and a full belly.
LisaB1138 3 years ago 4
I think you hit the nail on the head. But an additive to that would be: I think you need to be conscienscious of McCarthy's aesthetic.
coldbrains1207 3 years ago
Can you be conscious of McCarthy's aesthetic but not think it makes for an interesting read? Maybe I do need some more maturity to appreciate the book to it's full potential, however. I just thought the idea was good and could have been developed in much deeper and more interesting terms. I do realize McCarthy used his style out of choice, however, and that it befits his agenda - it's just not a style that fits my own tastes.
chasch 3 years ago
BTW, Oprah is not a diety, she's just fulla shit lol. I'm glad I didn't know it was an Oprah's choice beforehand haha. Great review, though; you do bring up some good points about the novel itself.
lostviewer 3 years ago
I do agree that it's a simple read, and while I didn't love it, I liked it. I think that, when looking at life now, in comparison to the book, it makes our lives seem so easy, & that we bitch about the simplest things, when life can be so much worse. And there are times in the book where the father/son relationship was very gripping. Ultimately, I think this book strips down man to the bare bones, and shows that even in desperate times, people can still choose to show their humanity and morale
lostviewer 3 years ago