Rant: A Novel

Dear Reader:

With nothing to write about last week, i come this week (a day early as well) i come today with something to write about.

Recently i came to the conclusion that i have ten or more novels to read, that i have bought. however i'll get around to them when i get around to them. Kind of like when i was a kid, and i used to ask my parents all the time "are we there yet?" when were all stuck in the prison cell of a moving vehicle. the answer was always the same: "No. we'll get there when we get there." The same can be applied with these novels. I will get to them when i get to them.

Recently however i came across a novel at the library by a author by the name of Chuck Palahnkiuk (yes the same author i went and saw) the novels name was "Rant," or more formally known as: "Rant: An Oral Biography of Buster Casey."

Certainly an interesting tale, and an interesting style that the novel was written in. What i did enjoy was the subject of how the stories that people told of there fellow characters and history itself often contradicted with someone else’s. That is a lot like life. A neo-nazi's views on the Holocaust would certainly be very different then that of a Jewish person, or anyone who was affected by the slaughter of World War II. But this history is less, tragic and more . . . farm town, boring, with a kid who enjoys getting bitten by coyotes, badgers, pit vipers, rattlesnakes, and black widow spiders (among the many animals that he uses to get high). Certainly no other junkie in this world could ever be stranger.

But this novel is not in the genre of just another low life junkie getting high (in a rather unique and original way). But instead this little redneck small town boy, finds himself, in a dystopian future. A dystopian future where two groups of people exist, but are cut in two by a curfew. A curfew of day and night. “Daytimers”: are the respected -- rather they are the normal people of society who actually keep it working. As well as the “Nighttimers”, the very disgusted underbelly of this dystopian future.

One of the most interesting part of this novel thought, is that it shows different perspectives of people, based on the opinions and perceptions of a person. A good case would be Buster "Rant," Casey's parents. His mother calls him "Buddy," who his father calls him "Buster." Through out the novel though there are many examples of the different perceptions of the characters from the opinions of others characters.

Rant (Buster Casey) finds himself swept up in the deep dark underbelly of this future dystopian world. But he also starts some other problems with his own addiction, and soon all hell (which is bound to happen) breaks loose, and soon a firm and radical stance of oppression is forced to come.

However this novel is about Rant (Buster Casey) who never makes a real appearance in a speaking part so to speak, but rather lets others perceptions form a rather interesting and character for us to see. The question is: who is the real Rant (Buster Casey)? A question i doubt that will be answered but dear Mr. Chuck Palahniuk makes an interesting observation of showing us, how the different views of people can often show a different character that another may view.

Though the ending is slightly . . . . strange and probably the least enjoyable part (for me that is) of the entire tale, i did find it interesting, and some interesting idea's where offered for me to chew on. Though i am sure there for more entertaining purposes that something to be taken seriously. Kind of like those crazy conspiracy theorists.

A good novel overall. some people may find the style not as amusing as i did, while others will jump for joy at it. Some may find the characters unlikable. While others may enjoy them. the point is this novel will be one to like or to hate. I personally liked it.

if you decide to pick up this novel and read it i hope you enjoy it as well.

Take Care Gentle Reader
Thank-you for reading
and stay well read

Morose-Mary