Bingo Square: Alabama Pink
I have to say I struggled with selecting a novel for this square. There were a few novels, like The Shack that caused an immediate “absolutely not” reaction, but nothing stood out as, “I really want to read that now.” I probably should have gone with Enchanted but I have never seen a single Audrey Hepburn movie even though I am aware of all the iconic images and pictures of her. I’m sure if we had a list of Alabama Pink’s favorite books, it would be very different from these eleven, which are simply a snapshot of her reading (and her views as a reader) for a specific period of time.
I ended up choosing this one, despite my fear I might not like it that much, because she described it as having several hilarious moments, and at least it was short. There certainly were some diatribes that were relatable, about how many of us are wasting our lives at meaningless jobs and descriptions of the day to day soul-sucking grind, and yet, I had a hard time being amused be many of the “funnier” scenes, instead feeling put off by them. I may have liked it more ten years ago but now, I prefer more optimism as a reader, some type of solution to face cynicism and negativity. I can find enough apathy and cynicism in reality, I want my characters to find solutions and overcome circumstances.
Shane, the narrator, is a bit of drifter, spending time in one city after another until he decides to move on. This particular go around, he somehow finds himself in a relationship with a woman who works at an insurance company and gets him a temp position. He doesn’t actually like this woman or the job but goes along with it. He also ends up in a sexual arrangement with his landlord’s wife, which leads to a reduced rate on rent for him, and spends a large amount of time at his dentist’s office despite never paying his bills.
The police bring him in as a suspect in the death of the dental assistant whom he has become friends with, or as much as he ever becomes friends with anyone. The novel basically explores his life in this unnamed city, how he became a murder suspect and how he might be able to clear himself. It’s a very cynical and futile look at life, and I’m not sure if it’s a novel that never would have been “in my wheelhouse” or if an earlier version of me might have enjoyed. Certainly, the same issues about work still exist, but I also feel like I don’t need to read about someone raging against being a corporate drone whose only solution is to not commit to anything or anyone.
Bingo Square: Alabama Pink
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