Sex, drugs, and dinos

I always find it difficult during the semester to fit in time for recreational reading. With all of the reading and preparation I have to do in order to successfully pass my classes, at the end of the day the last thing I want to do is open a book. However, when the most recent collection of essays from Chuck Klosterman, author of “Fargo Rock City” and “Sex, Drugs and Cocoa Puffs,” came out last semester I made the time to read it. “Eating the Dinosaur,” which is Klosterman’s sixth book, is not only hilarious, but also easy to read in between classes, while waiting for the tram or on the commode.
Klosterman is well known as a cultural critic who used to have a regular column in Spin Magazine and now contributes as a columnist to various magazines such as Esquire and GQ. On top of his extensive knowledge in various topics such as heavy metal, football and obscure cultural phenomena, he has a gingery complexion, black- rimmed glasses and a particular nerdy appeal that has gained him reverence from hipsters everywhere.
“Eating the Dinosaur” follows a similar format to that of “Sex, Drugs and Cocoa Puffs.” The book does not have an underlying theme or plot, but it is a collection of essays that discuss different topics. In the book, Klosterman delves into a deep discourse on time travel and compares Kurt Cobain to a famous cult leader. He even brings up Garth Brooks’ easily forgotten alter ego Chris Gaines.
Klosterman’s style of writing is smart and funny but the subject matter is silly and often far-fetched. Even when he is discussing something I know nothing about or don’t find that particularly interesting, Klosterman’s way of describing things is so funny that it kept me reading. He has an attention to detail and is able to easily fill the reader in on a topic quickly without being boring. It is also clear within his writing that he knows what he is talking about and has done his homework.
It would be unfair to call this collection of essays a mere commentary of pop culture. “Eating the Dinosaur” is definitely worth picking up and reading. It is hilarious and intelligent and is easy to read whenever you have the time.