A soft-spoken meditation on persona, coupling and LA. In its best parts it delves into the places and decisions of being that are normally infrared or ultraviolet- "People who have the gift of letting go of themselves enjoy the gift because letting go of who they are, they can afford to let go of what doesn't work. And the trick, it seemed to me, is to have something waiting, another self or another way of being, something, so that in the moment of letting go, in the sensation of that sense of nothingness, there's something to hold on to."I found the beginning more engaging and more insightful than the end. As a whole it didn't strike me as being as thoroughly conceived or as linguistically tight as American Purgatorio, but still a unique and enjoyable read. I liked this book for several reasons:1. It examines the ways in which we use performance and impersonation in our daily social interactions. 2. There's a sequence involving a Houdini impersonator at Santa Monica Pier that is both haunting and morbidly funny.3. The ending is satisfying.4. As I recall, the penultimate chapter takes place at a taco stand that's down the street from my apartment. I would consider revisiting this book in a few years.
What do You think about Out Of My Skin (2009)?
Interesting. An ideas book. Reminded me of Remainder, although I liked McCarthy's book more.
—yoi
HATED THIS BOOK! Good thing it was a short read! Can't believe I wasted time on it!
—YumiYum
Does this remind you of anyone? Read it!!! It only takes an hour or so
—masoo
It was okay. Reminded me of The Stranger by Camus - but I can't say why.
—Duane
Couldn't make it all the way through... too boring.
—giovenale
