One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
This classic book is the narrative of a man whose life changes, along with his fellow inmates at a psychiatric hospital, when a charismatic new admit joins the group. Randle McMurphy quickly sees the manipulation tactics being used by the staff in order to keep the patients in line and doesn’t take kindly to it. Thus the protagonists journey begins to show his new associates they aren’t as crazy as they all think and to show nurse Ratched she isn’t as powerful as she thinks. Who will win in this battle of the wills? Pick up this well-known novel to find out.
I have flip-flopped back and forth as to how much I liked this book. I thought it was very inspiring; especially when I remembered this was written in the 60’s when these types of hospitals were under the microscope and there was a movement towards deinstitutionalization. I also enjoyed watching the characters develop and gain confidence because of their friendship with McMurphy. It was interesting to see the patients get more help developmentally from this new arrival than they did from years of staying in the hospital. I think this would be a fantastic book club selection as I would love to discuss the ideas of the human mind and the behavior of individuals and groups. What I didn’t like about the book was the unrealistic components. Unless things were wildly different in the 60’s, I thought it was quite improbable for mentally ill patients to be given day passes to go fishing and for attendants to be so lacks as to let parties happen at night within the building. Maybe I’m wrong, I can’t say I lived through that time OR have ever been hosted as a mental patient….but I have a sinking feeling these shenanigans wouldn’t happen.
Overall I say the book was a solid “meh.” Interesting, but not one I’ll be recommending to just anyone. I will say, however, that John C. Reilly as a narrator for the audiobook couldn’t have been any better. He brought the spoken words to life just like Jack Nicholson brought the character of McMurphy to life on the big screen.
Malia's Pizza Rating
The slice you sneak and eat under the covers after everyone has gone to bed. Don’t judge me, you’re guilty of it too if you’re any kind of pizza lover.