Design Faults of Human Nature

This collection of short stories published in 2005 by Penguin marks the 70th anniversary of Pocket Penguin line of books---"intelligent books at low price" as the founder Allen Lane described it. This book by Will Self (Penguin sees him as the bad boy of English literature) is one of the 70 books highlighting the best of the short story genre since 1935.

The compilation itself is composed of two independent stories but tackles the same theme or topic. Though initial phase of reading wont show it, you have to finish the whole book first but don't worry, the book is just 55 pages in total. The first story (the title carrier of the book) is titled "Design Faults in the Volvo 760 Turbo: A Manual" and the second is titled "A Story of Europe."

Both stories are complete on their own and the plots are well-executed, hinting some snippets of postmodern technique in literature. Present day readers will surely find this book relevant since it showcases the present sport in the popular media---"snogging," as the first story's main character Bill Bywater proudly calls it. Adulterous activities depicted were highlighted by Will Self's usage of industrial/political puns and erotic  word plays like "Park up a Volvo--and grab a vulva," "Serena used to be an 'it' girl--now she's 'that' woman," and "A socialite - she went to a finishing school in Switzerland where they taught her to fellate." What's not to like? You can ask Cornholio for he's the only one who knows how to properly use the TP!

The second story is an interesting depiction on how nature defeats man through age, and how the youthful stage is the best stage in life. I thought I saw magic, but later I could only sense minute traces of surrealism and now it's better to identify them wholly as pure irony and sarcasm instead. Maybe, there really is no magic in this book, only basic techniques of postmodern narrative but you cannot blame the author, not even human nature for we are all designed with unavoidable faults.


Genre: Postmodern Fiction, Short Fiction
Rating: 3 cathartic orgasms out of 5  

A Ball-busting Detour on August 19

Strictly for mature readers only!
PUP Sta Mesa - August 19, 2011

Exception to the Rule

I know, this blog is all about books. But when folks over flippers ask what my current guilty pleasure is, the answer is very much easy. My guilty pleasure right now is Valerie Weigmann--featured in this April edition of Rogue Magazine. This first ever sports edition is the best issue so far, with articles on the current Azkals fever, the unsung Pinoy Rugby Team, Pacific Rims author Rafe Bartholomew and his love affair with Pinoy Basketball, the late Big C--Joe Cantada, the slow death of PBA, and the Top 10 Coolest Pinoy Athletes.

But what the heck, I just bought it because of the cover. And it's now resting like a plaque in my book shelf.

Feed thy fantasy.

Book Fetish # 6 : Chicks reading Comics

NICOLE ASENSIO (courtesy of Juice.ph) 

If you're the lead vocalist of an All-Female Rock Band who happens to love reading bourgeois comics, you're always welcome here in book tripper's blog.
Seriously.

Loony for General Luna

Book Fetish # 5: Lisbeth Salander

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

       She did not in fact have an eating disorder, Armansky was sure of that. On the contrary, she seemed to consume every kind of junk food. She had simply been born thin, with slender bones that made her look girlish and fine-limbed with small hands, narrow wrists, and childlike breasts. She was twenty-four, but she sometimes looked fourteen.
       She had a wide mouth, a small nose, and high cheekbones that gave her an almost Asian look. Her movements were quick and spidery, and when she was working at the computer her fingers flew over the keys. Her extreme slenderness would have made a career in modelling impossible, but with the right make-up her face could have put her on any billboard in the world. Sometimes she wore black lipstick, and in spite of the tattoos and pierced nose and eyebrows she was...well...attractive. It was inexplicable.

---The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson, p.41

Lisbeth Salander Debe Vivir  ©Fernando de Vicente 2009

Noomi Rapace as Lisbeth

Book Fetish # 4 : Library Chicks

LIBRARY : THE BEST PLACE TO STUDY

Dianna Agron need not feel bad about her photo shoot with fellow Glee cast for GQ Magazine especially when doing it in the library. We book freaks and book retards just plainly love it!

Missing Death (Book Fetish # 3)

I know.
Sandman rules the Dreamworld but still, I dream of his sister Death.
Endlessly.

Book Fetish # 2

Reading a book alone is OK, but reading a book with a hot friend is much, much better (especially if she looked exactly like Kate Winslet). =P

Book Fetish # 1

The cover says it all. I love Eowyn.



"The woman turned and went slowly into the house. As she passed the doors she turned and looked back. Grave and thoughtful was her glance, as she looked on the king with cool pity in her eyes. Very fair was her face, and her long hair was like a river of gold. Slender and tall she was in her white robe girt with silver; but strong she seemed and stern as steel, a daughter of kings..."