I must confess right at the outset that I haven't finished reading this book yet. With an Anatomy/Physiology Exam this week, I've had some major studying to do for another class. I'll finish it this weekend.
I'm up to Chapter 10, over halfway, and thus far this book seems to provide a remarkable glimpse into the world of abnormal mental health. Ryan, the main character, seems to suffer from a mild case of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (http://www.bing.com/health/article/mayo-MADS00189/Obsessive-compulsive-disorder-OCD?q=obsessive-compulsive+disorder&qpvt=obsessive+compulsive+disorder), combined with a deep loneliness and odd moments of blackout. His preference for Airworld and it's quick, superficial moments of human contact is very telling, as is his obsession for a mysterious agency, his frequent flier miles, and his youngest sister.
This is a man that I would consider a ticking time bomb.
His younger sister seems to also have her share of mental disturbances, and one could only imagine the hair-pulling the older sister must be enduring to keep her own sanity.
I have to wonder, at this point in the story, if Ryan had the mental disorders prior to his job in the cold, vanilla world of bureaucratic business, or did he pick them up as time went on? There are vague references to past traumas, so I would imagine that he was cracked going in, and Airworld has widened the cracks.
I'm not a big fan of Kirn's writing style. I can't really put my finger on the why, however. It just seems like he writes a whole paragraph of fluff, and then hides a vitally important sentence deep within, so if you miss it, you might not understand some other detail later. Unfortunately, the fluff gets old, so the reader starts skimming...which, of course, forces the reader to miss the important stuff...
Ryan really seems to be a small sparrow with a broken wing chasing an uncatchable dream in a heartless environment. I can't imagine how it ends yet, but somehow I think the sparrow is going to be sucked into one of the jet's engines...
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Hi James,
ReplyDeleteI also have not finished this book. It has been a challenge for me to stay focused while reading due to the fact that there is nothing too interesting going on. I also, see Ryan Bingham as a person who suffers from some sort of mental disturbance but I can't put my finger on what exactly it is. I enjoyed your post and analogies with the sparrow and the jet engine. It was humorous. By the way I'm taking an A&P class too this semester. Trying to study in between reading and writing has been a challenge for me too. Good luck with your exam.
Thanks
Lauren
I do not want to spoil the ending. So I’ll give you a hint, Ryan’s actions will make sense on the last page. Talk about a suspenseful, climax building novel. Every chapter leading up to the finale, has you wondering if Ryan is losing his mind. For a while I thought he was a paranoid, schizophrenic individual. Then as the pieces fall into place, you feel horrible that you assumed that and gain sympathy from him. I may have said too much, but I think you feel a sense of conclusion and understanding with the ending.
ReplyDeleteAs for his sister Julie, she has an eating disorder and maybe an attachment issue (on her third husband). The cause of this seems unknown. Ryan speaks so positively of his father, but does cast blame on his mother. She “believed in stages of development. Under her system, keyed to crucial birthdays, teddy bears disappeared” (Kirn, 57). Ryan also hinted at Kara, the youngest, being the favorite. I am sure these traumatic actions caused some harm to her children, but why Julie suffers the most is unclear to me.
There are a lot of personal issues and quirks presented in this book. However, I think it keep the characters realistic and relatable. We all know someone like Ryan or like Julie.
I found your post thorough and honest. I enjoyed your speculating as to whether or not his insanity had been partially present before. It seemed so, though it wasn't perfectly clear. Good job as always, James.
ReplyDeleteJames,
ReplyDeleteI am also taking Anatomy/Physiology and can relate to the challenge there. The good news is only one more exam/practical remains. Kirn’s style of writing is completely scattered and is not compatible with my thought processes. You really hit the nail on the head describing the important elements embedded in the fluff. I did not intentionally skim, but I did frequently zone out due to a lack of captivation. However, when I went back and reread, often times I found very little I had missed. I also interpreted Airworld as superficial, even artificial in some regards. Bingham is a ticking time bomb, no doubt. The odd moments of blackout allude to his fate, but I won’t spoil the ending for you. Great post.
-Aaron
James,
ReplyDeleteYour post was very honest. I, too, feel the same way about Kirn's writing style. I skimmed most of the book because I couldn't focus on each individual word. Normally I get really into the book that I'm reading, but for some reason I just could not get into this one. His writing is scattered and goes off topic in my opinion.
Great honesty in your post.
-Taylor
James,
ReplyDeleteGood job on your post. Your links where very good also. I liked how you showed that Ryan had a disorder. Personnally I did not see that at all. Now that I have read your response I can see it a little more. I think that Kirn's writing was very good. I really enjoyed the book. Good job on your response, and good luck in the rest of the class!
Brettney Stults