My book group is meeting next Tuesday (that's four days from now) and I haven't started either of the two books we're supposed to discuss. One of them I have; the other I'll need to borrow. Which rebuked me into finishing up the last one I borrowed, which we discussed a couple of months ago when I was about a chapter and a half from the end: Truck: A Love Story Yeah...two months for a chapter and a half...I deserve that tsk, tsk you're thinking at me.Michael Perry can write. In particular, he's a machine-gun metaphorist, firing off more on an average page than I can come up with in an average year. He crafts beautiful phrases, tells delightful stories, delivers funniful punchlines, and occasionally preaches wisdomful sermonettes. (His inconsistency on that last item, however, is a point of caution.) Here are a few of the shorter bits I tagged with soon-to-be-removed sticky notes (ah, the heartache of borrowing a book so worthy of underlining and margin-scribbling!):"...deep green zucchini squash lying boa-belly fat in the grass..." (56)"He has given me moments that will forever inflect the lexicon of my heart." (105)"Greg Brown's voice sounds as if it was aged in a whiskey caks, cured in an Ozarks smokehouse, dropped down a stone well, pulled out damp, and kept moist in the palm of a wicked woman's hand." (127)For the record, Greg Brown is on Pandora. Knowing that Perry and some friends have also recorded a bit, I checked for his name and was warned away by an explicit lyrics alert. Page 76 ("My name is more common. If she had Googled me, she would have discovered that I was: Robert W. Woodruff Professor of Law at Emory University and a leading authority on the relationship of morality to law; a self-appointed expert on cocker spaniels ('Dealing with fleas? Ask me!"); Nellie B. Smith Chair of Oncology for the University fo Missouri at Columbia; scenic artist for Flight Night Part 2; author of The Groom's Survival Manual; or, a board-certified sexologist from California whose 'hot' products include the Love Swing.") was missing "foul-mouthed musician of indeterminate genre (because I wasn't tempted to click and listen).""Despite my backsliding in the areas of tears and rage, it is my conviction that over the past several decades, the repression of feelings has been undervalued. After a lifetime of being harangued to let it all out, I am heartened by recent studies indicating the people who repress their emotions have a higher heart attack survival rate than people who are overly emotional. I know people who are constantly 'letting it all out,' and their spirits remain unimproved. I humbly submit that the world could do with a little more keeping it in. Sometimes caring people tell me I am repressing my anger. My chosen response is to meet their gaze intently, let one eye drift slowly inward, and reply: " (169)"...paddling laps in a demitasse of home-brewed ennui..." (251)"...sitting beneath quiet stars that wrap all the way around the world." (268)[Describing guests at his wedding} "...a group of people perhaps best summarized as without whom." (270)
I really can't remember the last time I enjoyed a book so much. The writing is so thoroughly entertaining and engaging, it makes activities completely outside my sphere of interest (deer hunting and automotive restoration, among other things) seem compelling and almost noble. And Perry has a gift for capturing everyday experiences in a way that is both thought-provoking and hilarious. Oddly enough, I was surprised to discover that Truck: A Love Story is, in fact, a love story (as opposed to a story about a guy in love with his truck). And, also to my surprise, it was the happy ending and the romantic bits I enjoyed the least—probably because that's where Perry waxes the most big-picture philosophical/theological. Perry's theology seems to be a lot like a marshmallow: sweet, squishy, and lacking substance. But in his defense, that's really not the point of this book.I have a hard time imagining a person who couldn't find something to love about this book. And anybody who can write with wit and insight about dirt track stock car racing, Camille Paglia, and the state of American poetry—all in a single paragraph, no less—has got to be some kind of literary genius. No, really.
What do You think about Truck: A Love Story (2006)?
This book resonated with me on too many levels to write. I enjoyed Perry's self-depreciating wit and felt as though he found the story of a year in his life cathartic to pen. It seemed very personal and I appreciated his willingness to not only expose his faults and challenges, but to show confidence in his strengths and accomplishments. It was inspiring to read about another man who isn't perfect either but honestly and truly tries to shore up his few shortcomings and face the world another day in a stoic, Scandinavian way. :)I was struck by the obvious love and support of his family and how from various members it manifested differently. It wasn't over the top affection but the sense of loyalty and bond was there.I took too long to read this book and it wasn't long enough.Read this book for a reason to love the Midwest and the people who live in small towns.P.S. Michael Perry has shot near to the top of the "People I want to have a beer with" list. (Although it's quite fine if I'm the only one of us with a beer)
—AC
Awesome and hilarious! To be fair - I had a LOT in common with the author so I found myself particularly endeared. The book discusses writing, cooking, gardening, fixing up his ol' truck, friendships that change through the ages, coping with things that don't work out the way we want and celebrating the successes of things that do. I thought this was well written and entertaining. My only note is it had a LOT of words I did not know. Had to keep a notebook and look them up at the end of the day, that said - I did pick up a few keepers for the vocab like "foofaraw" and "ignominy". If you liked Animal, Vegetable, Miracle and Julie & Julia - you will enjoy this, and find it refreshing and pleasant to hear a story from a male perspective.
—Hoss
After finishing Population 485, from the same author, I immediately checked out this book from the library. I wanted a continuation of the laugh-out-loud descriptions of quirky, but real, small-town folk, mixed in with Perry's profound thoughts. So, mid-way through this book, I felt a bit let down. No sooner had this idea formed in my head, though, I was completely taken in by the month by month retelling of a truck's renovation and a developing love story. Perry has such honesty and sweetness and moments of incredible clarity. I ended up really loving this book. And, by the way, there are plenty of quirky folks!
—Patty
