Review XP The Road by Cormac McCarthy

A word of advice.

If you are ever feeling a bit dodgey, don't read The Road. Like, do anything but that. Because it is as depressing as shit.

And I knew this. I watched the movie, sort of, between my fingers 'cause it was scary. And it inspired my prepper/SHTF obsession wherein I shored up my pantry and put together several bug-out bags (which are still in the trunk of my car, full of MREs and nylon rope) TYVM.

I find it difficult of late to really get lost in a story. I'm drawn to examine and acknowledge writing style, word choice, typos, if any, and appreciate or depreciate plot lines. And on that note, Cormac McCarthy seems to have something against full sentences and punctuation, which the editor in me would argue are necessary for clarity, but in effect, really aren't.  I actually like that he breaks so many rules. Cormac you rebel, you.

Anywho, what I was working toward is DO NOT read this if you are already feeling down. This book is as immersive and mood altering as alcohol, and just as compelling. Excuse the spoiler, but her suicide really shocked me. It did in the film as well. As a mother, you think, "How could she?" But upon further reflection, as a mother, you think, "How could she not?" McCarthy didn't go into depth on this subject but for a few paragraphs from the man's POV, but it was enough to spark my internal dialogue. Is life really worth living when you are suffering so much? I always thought suicide was a selfish act, but not in this case. What would you do in the same situation? Would you keep living for your childrens' sake? Would you want them to keep living or would you be able to pull the trigger when mercy predicated existence?

Of course, I'm not yet finished with the book, but I know the ending or at least think I do.

I was feeling a deep sense of isolation after reading for a few hours last night, even in my own home, surrounded by my own family. It was quiet, and I wondered if there really was anyone outside. Or was the town empty? The Earth? It was that quiet.

I did eventually snap out of it (I think). Ice cream helps.

More later. I'm struggling.

J. L. Dodd