July 17, 2024, Wed — Same Bed Different Dreams. Do you love this title, or what? I’m reading it right now and wow, I really like this book. About a Korean American writer who wrote one famous book, then quit writing, but is still very much in the Asian literati circle. And therein, in that circle of writers and creatives, the intrigue begins. Intrigue which has not yet been revealed, but I love the writing, the wild ride, the suspense, the not knowing exactly, and the non-sequiturs, that really are sequiturs, and the “imagined” history of Korea, which the book claims is not to be confused with real history. But which I hope and assume it might be at least in essence.

Same Bed Different Dreams by Ed Park

It was shortlisted for the Pulitzer this year. And a million awards in addition to that. Most compelling book I’ve read in awhile, and that’s really saying something because I read about a book a week, and always the top books that are winning the Booker, or the Pulitzer, or shortlisted for same, or other big awards, or the author won these prizes with a different book, and I read everything he she they wrote.

“They” as a singular. When the word “they” is plural. Why? They, their, them, all mean at least two people. Why fuck up the most precise language on earth when you can just make up a brand new word? One of the Greek letters maybe. Or what happened to zee (with derivative zer and zim)? “Zee is on zer way; once zee arrives you can give this to zim.” That was such a great idea. So easy and intuitive. I think it would’ve taken off if use persisted, like Ms did. As in, it’s none of your damn business if I’m married or not! Course now we need a new one of those. Maybe just M. Because it’s none of your damn business if I’m male, female, both, neither, fluid, or fried.

Call me Earthling, your very own pain in the neck

Anyway, I digressed hugely!! Please don’t sic the dogs on me. I was talking about books. I love reading and the way I read is like watching the finals in basketball, tennis, or the Superbowl. There are so many choices, it’s how I handle the traffic.

Same bed different dreams. I’ve never had a television my entire adult life. And in childhood, only from grade 8-12. “You’re weird and you don’t even know it.” One of my favorite biographical quotes. The arrival of TV in 8th grade netted a huge and obvious downgrade in our family’s lifestyle. Before TV, we actually played and interacted; we laughed, we were loud. After TV we sat quietly and separately and watched someone else’s play. In a dream. That’s when I decided to have a different dream.

Now some words from our sponsors: Samsung Frame TV, LG Art TV, Costco Televisions, too tired to think, need Starbucks!! Peets Coffee. Okay, goodnight. As usual please browse my originals gallery, browse prints, and sign up for my monthly newsletter.