Thursday, August 26, 2010

The Road

Do you ever have that book or movie that just upsets you to where you can't erase the visions in your head?  I read The Road a while back, before I started this blog.  The only reason I picked it up was because it won The Pulitzer Prize for fiction back in 2007.  I tend to do this...pick up books that I've never heard of if they've won a prize or been a best-seller. 

The story is an epic journey that a man and his young son take trying to survive in a post-apocalyptic world.  There are a lot of redeeming qualities that you see between both the man and boy.  I really think this book is supposed to make you think about the quality of person you'd be if placed in this same situation because there are a lot of awful things the two see.  Cannibalism is the main threat.  And the details are horrific.  Be prepared if you intend to read this book.

The reason I'm bringing this up is that the book was converted into a movie last year.  I just noticed it recently on video and after some hesitation decided to order it through Netflix. 

And I watched it this weekend.

And I was just as upset after watching the movie as I was after I finished the book. 

There are certain aspects that are brought to life on the silver screen that are just...I don't even know how to describe it.  Other than the fact that it's upsetting.  There were a couple scenes that stayed with me for a day or two that I couldn't shake.

I've thought before that I wouldn't recommend this book.  But, in all actuality, it is probably a book some people should read if to just consider what kind of person you want to be in the face of impending danger and death.  It really does make you sit down and think about it and hope and pray that you would make the right decision(s) in a situation like that. 

So, on that note...I would say you might want to read this or see the movie if you've mentally prepared for it and want to know what I'm talking about.  Otherwise, it might not be such a good idea.  I can definitely say, this is not a book/movie that I will reread/rewatch.  It was too emotionally disturbing to me.

4 comments:

  1. This book looks and reads like PG-13 compared to Precious. For real, that book was insane and horrific. Natalie and I read it

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  2. I completely internalize everything...so I am very hesitant about reading or watching it.

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  3. I know what you mean about the images staying with you. It is a very graphic book and movie. I was prepared for this book, although I didn't know just how disturbing it would be. I would steer clear of Precious, like Nicole mentioned. It is 10 times worse than this book.

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  4. I recently saw this documentary called The Lottery, and I couldn't stop thinking about it. A girl was sobbing hysterically as she left the movie theater. So totally get what you mean about the images hitting you. I'm not sure I need another dramatic movie or even book for the next few day, though. ;-)

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