The Fang Family is led by Caleb and Camille Fang, the parents, with the two children, Annie and Buster, following behind. The Fangs are artists. Not in the sense that they create paintings or sculptures, no, they create circumstances. Events. Chaos. And then they take a step back and watch the world react. This raw and unscripted reaction is what they see as art. This type of performance art, at least in the eyes of Caleb and Camille, is the highest art form because it is an event that lives, and then it dies. It is not a painting of some image frozen in time, forever unchanging, resting on a wall. This is a spectacle in which the Fang’s create something absolutely extraordinary in an ordinary place, among ordinary people. It’s live, it’s raw and it’s human. To Annie and Buster, or as Caleb and Camille often refer to them, ‘Child A’ and ‘Child B’, this chaotic type of performance art is nothing more than mischief. But however much Annie disagrees with her parents putting this art above all else, and however anxious and nauseous Buster might become during these performances, they were always forced to participate. They are Fangs, after all. The children, having grown up in such a chaotic and unpredictable environment, each are working to adapt to being adults and exercising control over their lives. Both of the children grew up and fulfilled an artistic career, though neither chose to continue the particular form of art their parents held in such high regard. Buster is a writer and Annie is a film actress, but when Buster suffers a freak accident and Annie’s career takes a nosedive, the siblings have nowhere to go but back home to mom and dad. However, after Annie’s and Buster’s arrival back home in Tennessee, their parents vanish. Are they really trouble or is this just another one of their art pieces wherein they are looking for some type of response? Nobody is certain - the only thing everyone is for sure about is that you should always expect the unexpected when dealing the Caleb and Camille Fang.The book is very quirky and fun, combining a number of fun and unique characters, most of whom I really liked. The book forces the reader to reconsider just what constitutes as art, and poses the question; Are some forms of art more artistic than other forms of art? The Family Fang also points out just how important the formative years of our childhood prove to be well into our adult lives.The book is currently being drafted for the screen, with Jason Bateman set to star and direct the motion picture. Bateman will be playing the role of Buster Fang, ‘Child B’, with Nicole Kidman playing Annie Fang, AKA ‘Child A’, and Christopher Walken and Maryann Plunkett playing Caleb and Camille Fang respectively. The film does not yet have a release date.The Family Fang is a fun, smart and interesting read. I recommend it to anyone interested in theatricals, art, or just likes reading about a hot mess family. This book was....interesting. Caleb and Camille Fang work their performance art by making everyday situations into a creative chaotic mess. Much to the chagrin of their children, Annie and Buster - who are pretty much dysfunctional as a resort of being props in their parents' "art". I thought the book was entertaining but drug on during the last quarter. The end had a nice twist but the very end was a little flat.
What do You think about Caninos Em Família (2014)?
Very unique story but I wasn't a fan of the ending. Maybe because I'm a parent now?
—krd52086
