The Pursuit Of Other Interests: A Novel (2009) - Plot & Excerpts
This was one of those books I bought on a whim and then lost the motivation to read. Yesterday, I pulled it from the shelf and decided to give it a quick scan. As I started reading, I thought it was pretty lack-luster ... no intrigue, creativity, historical value or beautiful imagery ... ho hum. But before I knew it, I was halfway through, enjoying Kokoris' uncomplicated writing and clever humor. I realized that it was actually the 'lack' of sensational story-telling that made the book endearing. the characters and their relationships were real, the situation was real, the language and humor were real, and in a world where we are constantly bombarded to think 'out of the box', keep up with everything 'new and improved', and analyze every move, it was kind of relaxing to read a well-written, uncomplicated story with a clear, meaningful message.Charlie was given a chance to step away from the forest to see the trees, and I feel as though the reader was given a similar opportunity … to take a break from the profoundly intellectual book-club novel, and experience a simple story we can relate to, written in the language we speak every day. A simple and valuable message, presented with humor and compassion, easily understood, and delightfully well-written … refreshing! I thought it was a good read. It humanizes a man who was written to only have an interest in his career. But, when he gets fired, this characteristic of his changes and he must reconnect with his family after years of ignoring them. I liked reading through his encounters with other men in the same position - trying to find work again after being laid off - as well as how the dynamics between him and his family changed as the story progressed. It was interesting to see how he began to genuinely and thoughtfully make decisions the longer he was out of work.
What do You think about The Pursuit Of Other Interests: A Novel (2009)?
This one had me squirming in my recruiter's chair, but I'm glad I stuck with it to the end.
—jacobc1
a very realistic look at what life is like when you lose your jobwhat then?
—marziye
I like the portrayal of the corporate world. It's all too familiar.
—Fay
