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[deleted] OP t1_j9luxm1 wrote

Reply to comment by Trick-Two497 in I don’t want this to sound egotistical, but how can I tell if my reading comprehension is better than my friends? Or if my taste in books is just different? by [deleted]

I think a large part of his work is to shed light on the darker side of reality. The wild west was a violent, racist, bloodbath. He has the same attitude in the road as well. For me, that's why I like him. He reminds you that those times were not fun, cowboy fairy tales. He reminds you that page turning adventures in reality would probably just high stakes and terrifying.

It's like the heavy contrast you see between a commercial for joining the Marines, filled with cool hero guys and pride vs an interview with an actual vet who has PTSD. So that's completely understandable. If you look past the shock factor, it really does have some beautiful writing though. Try and desensitize yourself to it a little and look past the gore.

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Trick-Two497 t1_j9lx6xx wrote

Yeah, I'm reading it. But I have PTSD myself, so I'm already well aware of the darker side of reality. This is just not something I'm going to enjoy.

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[deleted] OP t1_j9lxuj7 wrote

Ah, I'm sorry to hear that. Maybe you shouldn't read it. There's no reason to put yourself through that.

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Trick-Two497 t1_j9lzj55 wrote

Ah well, just one more week in the book club. I try to give things a chance, but I won't read any other McCarthy books in the future.

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[deleted] OP t1_j9m0w4v wrote

Right on. I don't have PTSD so I view the book differently. I like his work being dark because it reminds me to enjoy the peace I'm able to have currently. I hope you can find at least some enjoyment before you finish. I'm sorry that you're struggling with it. Peace be with you. Have a nice evening.

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