For me, this and Joseph Heller’s “Catch-22” are the indispensable post-Twain American novels. Always felt “Sometimes…” is a grossly under appreciated masterpiece. I also find it astonishing that Kesey never wrote (or released) anything worth reading after this 1964 book.
I read this my junior year of high school. I had to read at least a 1,000 pages for my English class. When I was in a math class, I noticed that the teacher had a stack of books on a wall. I told him I needed to read a book for my English class, so out of all the books on the shelf, he gave me Sometimes a Great Notion. I read it, and its writing style has greatly influenced me very deeply. I was reading this book when I was starting out on writing my own book series, The Absolutely Fine Series, which also changes Pov a lot in mid-chapter. In my opinion, Ken Kesey is an underrated author who wrote an underrated book. I don't really see a lot of writers inspired by him, but I'm one of them.
Yeah the change in perspective is masterful in this book. One of my faves, character study to the tenth power. I absolutely loved having the same scene from two different characters minds…. Sailor Song is good also but not on the same level as the Stamper saga. Take care
It takes me about ten years to re-read this book again - but I have done so at least four times since 1973 - and like it better each time. I also dislike Cuckoo’s Nest. Like Kesey - I have also have a lot of mystical experience - some like him with drugs (LSD - mushrooms) - so the ending is as real to me as the rest of the book. What really makes the book great is the virtues of the main characters and not their flaws. All humans have flaws - and most I think - are not represented of their inner character - it is cultural and time and place. At least every decade our culture shifts noticeably - and people who believed one thing a decade earlier are usually very different than they once were. This is certainly true in regards of race beliefs, views on homosexuality, pre-martial sex, and use of drugs and alcohol. I doubt if any of the “racist” characters in this book would be so in 2023 - though stubborn - they were ultimately good people who were smart and adaptable.
Yeah such a good point! Honestly I don't think there were any characters I disliked because Kesey wrote each one so well and I felt like I could understand each of them and their reasons. So I loved how there was no antagonist to the story. And very true about how the world changes in its views with each passing decade. Do you have any thoughts on the very end? Like did Henry come to life or what happened do you think??
@@WhytheBookWins I still do not know why you have not read any Jane Austen - you are so much like her heroines - and express yourself much like she does in her letters. I have a feeling you would be even more "a kindred spirit" to her than even Anne Shirley.
yeah I find that's a problem with a lot of the older books. When I was in HS for English class we read Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck (which from what I remember is a good book). The problem was this was in a Special education (disabled students) class so coming across the R word in the book was really offensive and our teacher had to explain why that was in the book. Since we read the book aloud to encourage our reading skills our teacher gave us the option of whether we wanted to say the word or just put "r word" or "N word" etc.
Finished the first chapter tonight. I am confused why everyone in Oregon speaks as if they are from the south. Not a fan thus far but I am going to keep at it. I read One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest twice. You might like to know that when I searched "sometimes a great notion" on RUclips this is the first book review that displayed.
My first time reading it took me a few chapters to really get into it. I hope haven't hyped it up too much for you! And thanks for letting me know! That's awesome 😁
There are a whole lot of folks here who one could confuse for people from the south or the Ozarks or whatever. It’s pretty true to the people and vibe.
Loved the film too, but the book is so much better - fleshes it all out with masterful writing. Take your time with it. It takes awhile to get the hang of it.
@@WhytheBookWins I havnt gotten a book like that but a few records have cime with suprise signatures and its always neat. I love trying to compare it to other signatures by the artist to guess if its real or not
With regards to racist language or behaviour in this or any other historical novel, can it not be seen as a reflection of the time in which it is set? It is still wrong and unacceptable but if people behaved differently then it is reflection of history.
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For me, this and Joseph Heller’s “Catch-22” are the indispensable post-Twain American novels. Always felt “Sometimes…” is a grossly under appreciated masterpiece. I also find it astonishing that Kesey never wrote (or released) anything worth reading after this 1964 book.
Definitely! Everyone associates him with Cuckoo's Nest and Sometimes doesn't get nearly as much praise as it should.
I read this my junior year of high school. I had to read at least a 1,000 pages for my English class. When I was in a math class, I noticed that the teacher had a stack of books on a wall. I told him I needed to read a book for my English class, so out of all the books on the shelf, he gave me Sometimes a Great Notion. I read it, and its writing style has greatly influenced me very deeply. I was reading this book when I was starting out on writing my own book series, The Absolutely Fine Series, which also changes Pov a lot in mid-chapter. In my opinion, Ken Kesey is an underrated author who wrote an underrated book. I don't really see a lot of writers inspired by him, but I'm one of them.
That's awesome! Thanks for sharing 😊 I agree he is underrated and this book in particular should be talked about more!
As someone who grew up in coastal Oregon and took all the good and bad from the experience, Kesey NAILS the people and the place.
Thanks for sharing! He paints such a vivid picture!
Yeah the change in perspective is masterful in this book. One of my faves, character study to the tenth power. I absolutely loved having the same scene from two different characters minds…. Sailor Song is good also but not on the same level as the Stamper saga. Take care
It takes me about ten years to re-read this book again - but I have done so at least four times since 1973 - and like it better each time. I also dislike Cuckoo’s Nest. Like Kesey - I have also have a lot of mystical experience - some like him with drugs (LSD - mushrooms) - so the ending is as real to me as the rest of the book. What really makes the book great is the virtues of the main characters and not their flaws. All humans have flaws - and most I think - are not represented of their inner character - it is cultural and time and place. At least every decade our culture shifts noticeably - and people who believed one thing a decade earlier are usually very different than they once were. This is certainly true in regards of race beliefs, views on homosexuality, pre-martial sex, and use of drugs and alcohol. I doubt if any of the “racist” characters in this book would be so in 2023 - though stubborn - they were ultimately good people who were smart and adaptable.
Yeah such a good point! Honestly I don't think there were any characters I disliked because Kesey wrote each one so well and I felt like I could understand each of them and their reasons. So I loved how there was no antagonist to the story. And very true about how the world changes in its views with each passing decade.
Do you have any thoughts on the very end? Like did Henry come to life or what happened do you think??
@@WhytheBookWins I still do not know why you have not read any Jane Austen - you are so much like her heroines - and express yourself much like she does in her letters. I have a feeling you would be even more "a kindred spirit" to her than even Anne Shirley.
yeah I find that's a problem with a lot of the older books. When I was in HS for English class we read Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck (which from what I remember is a good book). The problem was this was in a Special education (disabled students) class so coming across the R word in the book was really offensive and our teacher had to explain why that was in the book. Since we read the book aloud to encourage our reading skills our teacher gave us the option of whether we wanted to say the word or just put "r word" or "N word" etc.
Yeah that makes sense.
Ooh - my all time favorite ! I've read it at least 3 times, but not for several years.
Btw - I think I love you ! 🤣✌️❤️
It's an amazing book!
I’m feeling like I should read this just to figure out the meaning of the way it ended. I love trying to figure things out.
Yeah I do love books like that too! If you read this one let me know what you think!
@@WhytheBookWins I value your book recommendations so guess what? I ordered it! Thanks! 😊
@The Grape Jelly Library awesome! 😁
Finished the first chapter tonight. I am confused why everyone in Oregon speaks as if they are from the south. Not a fan thus far but I am going to keep at it. I read One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest twice. You might like to know that when I searched "sometimes a great notion" on RUclips this is the first book review that displayed.
My first time reading it took me a few chapters to really get into it. I hope haven't hyped it up too much for you!
And thanks for letting me know! That's awesome 😁
There are a whole lot of folks here who one could confuse for people from the south or the Ozarks or whatever. It’s pretty true to the people and vibe.
I’m currently reading this. If I hadn’t watched the movie first I’d be totally lost. The random jumping all over style is tough for me.
Yeah my first time reading it, I definitely took a while adjusting to that style.
The only book that has been harder for me to read was “Last of the Mohicans”.
Excellent film but i need to read this. Just stumbled on the movie and its great.
Yeah I love the movie!
@@WhytheBookWins I'm a big Henry Fonda fan and he was great in this. Phenomenal actor. But they were all good in this.
Loved the film too, but the book is so much better - fleshes it all out with masterful writing. Take your time with it. It takes awhile to get the hang of it.
Might check this book out Laura.
I have never heard of this book before I might check it out I love saga books
Glad I got you interested! If you read it let me know what you think
awesome book pickup! did you know it was signed when purchased or was that a happy suprise?
I bought it knowing it was signed!
(I do love when it's a happy surprise though! I've had that happen with at least one book in the past)
@@WhytheBookWins I havnt gotten a book like that but a few records have cime with suprise signatures and its always neat. I love trying to compare it to other signatures by the artist to guess if its real or not
New subscriber here. Great review! I will find this book
Thanks! How you'll like the book!
With regards to racist language or behaviour in this or any other historical novel, can it not be seen as a reflection of the time in which it is set? It is still wrong and unacceptable but if people behaved differently then it is reflection of history.
Yeah I definitely see it as that- an accurate depiction of the time.
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