A. Keyser
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  • Home
  • Resume
  • Writing
    • Food Blog
    • Book Reviews >
      • Portland Book Review
      • Red City Review
    • Literature Blog
    • Journalism
  • Marketing Plans
    • Revive Coffee
    • Asian White Coffee
    • Far From My Home Never To Return
  • Social Media
  • Photography
  • References
  • Contact Me
  • Blog
  • Short Stories
    • Short Story Links
A. Keyser

judgement and james patterson

10/29/2015

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I recently had the pleasure of reading my first James Patterson novel, Along Came a Spider. I had been too young to read his work when I lived at the library, and once I’d reached college my literary friends had nothing positive to say about genre writing.

In the hopes of developing my own writing I signed up for an online course taught by James Patterson. In the course he references his own books heavily, and finally I had to see what it was he was talking about. Along Came a Spider happened to be a Kindle Daily Deal so I figured I could gamble on $1.99. I didn’t sleep the first night, I was up late reading; I made it through about half the book. I finished reading the next day.

I remembered James talking about a movie version of Along Came a Spider starring Morgan Freeman so I rented it on Amazon to see how similar the two were.  Much to my surprise the stories had nearly nothing in common with one another. The major similarities in both were the character of Alex Cross, a kidnapping from a private school, and a double cross by a friendly female agent. Everything else had been changed.

As a literary purist, normally this change would have bothered me and I’d gripe to whoever would listen (usually no one). But, the movie was too enjoyable to complain. I may be committing heresy, but it was one of those rare times when a movie version is better for not sticking to the book. I think the story flowed better (for the screen) and the action was tightened up. I liked both of these pieces equally and separately.

This all made me wonder if many of the despised book-to-movie adaptations are terrible, or if we’ve made our favorite books into something they’re not; something a movie could never live up to. Perhaps many of us lack the clarity to differentiate between book and film enough to see each as its own work.
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I benefited from reading the book in two sittings, and turning around to watch the film immediately. I could accurately compare the two and see them both as valuable pieces of work. Perhaps we could all use a little perspective before we make snap judgements.  
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Identity, Preconceptions, and David FOster Wallace

10/21/2015

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In college, Infinite Jest was one of those books English Lit majors read to feel superior to those of us in “lesser” degrees. They hauled it around like a badge of honor, “look what I’m reading” they seemed to say. As someone who despises pretension and arrogance more than nearly everything else I avoided David Foster Wallace because I didn’t want to be viewed as I viewed others.

This preconception of David Foster Wallace left me devoid of his work for many years. After viewing the film The End of the Tour with Jason Segal and Jesse Eisenberg my opinion of the man changed instantly. No longer were he and his work pretentious by association. He was a flawed, lonely man seeking acceptance and identity in spite of himself and his celebrity.

Having recently made big life changes like marriage, moving to a new city, and changing careers, I understand Wallace’s sense of being lost and seeking something to ground him. As someone who has also struggled with feelings of belonging my entire life, I was disappointed to have waited so long to discover a companion in the work, and the man, of David Foster Wallace.

I recently picked up a copy of Infinite Jest and have begun reading. It’s a dense book, certainly not an easy read like some of my favorite authors. But I’m excited to have my preconceptions defrauded and look forward to being proven wrong about other stereotypes I’ve held as a shield against the world. I encourage all of you to not let preconceptions of others taint your view of the world. You'll be surprised at what you find.
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WELCOME

10/18/2015

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My name is Andrew (Andy) Keyser and I'm a Pacific Northwest native. I've had the good fortune in life to travel to 18 different countries, work in some great careers, and meet amazing people.

all these experiences have instilled in me a thirst for adventure and sharing stories. So check back often for my thoughts and stories about life, culture, writing, marketing, food, photography, and everything else.

​Welcome, and enjoy!
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    You can find my musings on life, culture, writing, marketing, food, photography, and everything else.

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