101 Books to Read Before You Die discussion

Well I have finished reading the book and though it was my second time reading it, I had completely forgotten the events that occurred in this final part of the book.

I think that I enjoyed this book much more than I did the first time around. There are so many poignant moments in this book and overall, it is touching, humorous and profoundly disturbing all at the same time.

I know that I indicated in the thread topic that there would be spoilers but I don't want to give anything away because I know that many of you are just starting to reading the book now.

I'm on the last few pages and wow.... such a strange mix of emotions. Don't know how much to feel for some of the men who aren't so much crazy as just "different" and how much to feel about the ones that truly do need to be receiving some series ongoing care. Obviously, the system has improved much since then, but how much more does it need to change? How much of "crazy" is just how our society views it? In some societies, the crazy man who sees things is considered holy, in tune with the universe. In others, he's in desperate need of help. But who can say definitively what kind of help he needs?

Also, I'm trying to decide if this is one I actually want to watch on film or not, tho I do wonder how they compare. The movie was filmed in the 70s, no? I wonder how a remake would look at the situation today.

Alana, I saw the movie and yes it was made in the 1970s and starred Jack Nicholson. He was very well cast for the part. I personally enjoyed the film but found the book to be superior to the movie. I loved this book. I had originally read it in HS and read it again for this group and the book had a profound impact on me.

Well, I finished it and loved it. I wonder if this is really about the risks of freedom verses the cost of security. Prior to McMurphy's arrival, no one seems upset with their situation. Sure, Billy and Harding and the others know that they are in a restricted environment. But, as McMurphy says at an early breakfast, the food is good, best he has had in a long time. And, as one of the guys says to McMurphy when they are waiting their chest x-ray, they are their voluntarily because they are safer there, no one to taunt them as on the outside. McMurphy with the fishing trip, the gambling losses, the drunken party, opens them up to laughter, to the emotional highs of new experiences and anticipation and to risk. For Harding and the Chief, they find their voice and freedom. But, for Charles and Billy, the costs were too high. They could not handle the consequences of their acctions and committed suicide. And, both McMurphy and Rachid end up destroyed; dead in different ways. Is the cost of freedom worth it? Life is the biggest gamble of it all. A person can play it safe, turn over responsibility for their life to some other authority, and be protected. Or one can risk it all, maybe lose it all or maybe win big.

Well said, Irene, I think that's a very important theme. I thought about myself but you put it into words much better than I did.

Has anyone seen the movie? I am wondering how faithful it is to the book.

Podcast about the book and the movie:

http://www.studio360.org/story/americ...