The Canadian Book Challenge Eh? - British Columbia
When I decided to do this challenge I had decided I would make this a cross country trip…via books (such a trip by car is not possible when you live in Korea) and the trip will start in British Columbia and go accross the provinces and make my way back through the territories. Ready to hop on and begin the journey with Shampoo Planet by Douglas Coupland.
I’m a huget Coupland fan and knew immediately that he would be my B.C. author. I was dissapointed by my last Coupland novel (All Families are Psychotic) which was about the Drummond family and their quirky behaviour while on a trip to Florida to see their daughter/sister off to outerspace. Shampoo Planet had a better story and a character that really liked from the beginning.
Tyler, son of ex-hippie Jasmine is in his early twenties when his “french friend” Stephanie comes to Lancaster to see him. Tyler didn’t bother to tell his girlfriend about his encounters with Stephanie while on his trip to Europe or when he got back. While we wait for this encouter Tyler tells us about his experiences with his girlfriend and his trip to Europe and what happens after.
Tyler is completely engrossed in popular culture which makes him a very interesting character. One the more interesting aspects of the story is when Tyler and Stephanie go back and meet his father on the comune he once lived. Before they head off to L.A. to make it big.
The characters and development are wonderful in typical Coupland style. Of all the books I’ve read by Coupland (one of my favorite authers) this rates near the top. The other books I’ve read by Coupland are;
All Families are Psychotic
jPod ~This one has got to be my favorite and has been made into a tv series by the CBC~
Miss Wyoming
Hey Nostradamus!
Eleanor Rigby
Life After God
I also have a few books sitting on my bookshelf waiting to be read. He has some non-fiction out there but I’ve yet to read any of that, I’m really drawn to his sense of timeing and quick wit as well as any genX material he throws at you thoughout his many novels. I’m most interested in reading his latest novel The Gum Theif but as of yet I’m unable to locate it in Korea. When is it coming…I want to read that book!!!! Once I have a copy of that in my hands I’ll be a very happy boy
Well, it’s time to hope in the car make my to Alberta where Will Ferguson’s Generica is awaiting my read.
