Generation X

[Cathy]

Having come back to this book that I haven't read in ages , its interesting to realise the thing I thought was just the coolest when I was about 17 is maybe not as cool any more! (oh so true for lots of things!)

I like the 'vibe' of the book, I generally sympathise with the feelings it encapsulates and the desire to just chuck it all in and run away to the desert (or camping near Loch Lomond or wherever...) and not to be a blind consumer. But coming back to it, the stories they tell to each other seem a bit cheesy.

Having said that, I'm not reading 'Life after God' by the same author, its very similar (the same sort of idea, but plus relationship and child, so far) but I much prefer Generation X.

I suppose I'm not in generation X anyway, I don't know what we are now...what do you reckon? Post generation X...

[megustaleer]

Having said that, I'm not reading 'Life after God' by the same author,. Oops, that's a confusing typo, Cathy.

[Lizzy Siddal]

I haven't read Coupland's early work having made his acquaintance, so to speak, with "Hey Nostradamus", which btw is brilliant. I intend to read his entire oeuvre next year.

[Cathy]

Oops, that's a confusing typo, Cathy.

Doh! Blame upstairs neighbours: Neighbour moan (http://www.bookgrouponline.com/forum/showthread.html?t=1567)

I liked 'Hey Nostradamus' a lot, maybe I should start another thread!

[Grammath]

I'm square in the middle of "Generation X", which I read when it was first published in paperback - I must have been 21 or thereabouts. Like Cathy, I loved it at the time but I guess I probably wouldn't feel the same way if I was to read it again today.

I've continued to read Coupland and although "Gen X" made his name and reputation I think he's written better since. I'd pick out "Microserfs" and "Girlfriend in a Coma" as two favourites.

[Cathy]

What do you think is his position on religion? Especially in Girlfriend in a Coma did you think the protagonists duty to make the world come alive again was saying America has a 'special role' religiously? Or was he commenting on those who do hold that belief? I find it really hard to tell!

It bugged me on re-reading Generation X that these characters were working in bars etc. but had a bungalow each with a pool! But overall I still think it moght be one of those books that will be considered a classic one day.

No suggestions for a name for the post-generation X generation yet...?

[Grammath]

Sorry, Cathy, I can't remember!

What do you think is his position on religion?
I think Coupland really just regards religion as a commodity that is becoming increasingly marginalised in people's lives and being replaced by consumer goods and trivia, but a commodity all the same.
It bugged me on re-reading Generation X that these characters were working in bars etc. but had a bungalow each with a pool!
Real estate and rental accomodation is cheaper in the USA than here, but I agree, I'm not sure McJob holders could normally afford this kind of thing.
But overall I still think it moght be one of those books that will be considered a classic one day.
I suppose "Gen X" will be looked back on as a document of its times, whether it is a classic novel is another matter.
No suggestions for a name for the post-generation X generation yet...?
Would Generation Y be too obvious?

[Cathy]

I suppose "Gen X" will be looked back on as a document of its times, whether it is a classic novel is another matter.

Would Generation Y be too obvious?

Y would that be, Grammath? :rolleyes:

Maybe you're right on Generation X there, I liked it so much because I could relate to it a lot. No I'm in the middle of McJobbing (but without the completely carefree attitude, maybe that's my problem!) it does seem relevant maybe its just too close for comfort... time will tell... Have you read Life After God? I've just finished it, will start a thread soon!