Miss Wyoming - Douglas Coupland

Another classic Coupland. This one meanders without ever really grabbing hold of a theme besides disenchanted former celebrities looking for the meaning of life in only the way disenchanted former celebrities can. Always a few interesting things to note along the way but like life itself sometimes, the meaning wasn't any clearer by the end.

February 2015
4.5

Hey Nostradamus! - Douglas Coupland

Not exactly a feel good subject written in the obvious wake of columbine Coupland exhibits his prowess yet again in putting relatable characters into odd situations and pulling it off. A touch of otherworldly and religion covered some interesting ground while the entire story stayed grounded. Mind you the mid novel twist certainly was and set up an odd second last section with desperation meeting voodoo and greed. Maybe not the favourite Coupland it was still a strong piece and a worthwhile, quick read.

6.5

August 2013

Shampoo Planet - Douglas Coupland

Despite the story not really having a beginning, middle or end, Shampoo Planet carried itself as Coupland has proven his stories can. Basically popping into the life of an ambitious young small-city American guy with a hard bent for everything hot and modern it had ample opportunity to reflect on life and growing up (and even some love and relationships). Not relying on any gimmicks that Coupland has employed otherwise, besides the long lists of modern conveniences and fascination with human-made items, it was a fairly straightforward novel.

It did include this marvelous quote:
She is like a cheetah in the zoo, which has lived a comfortable life but has never run fast like nature intended her to. Okay, the cheetah is alive, but, so what?

September/October 2012
6