Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs by Chuck Klosterman

"Countless writers and artists have spoken for a generation, but no one has done it quite like Chuck Klosterman. With an exhaustive knowledge of popular culture and an almost effortless ability to spin brilliant prose out of unlikely subject matter, Klosterman attacks the entire spectrum of postmodern America: reality TV, Internet porn, Pamela Anderson, literary Jesus freaks, and the real difference between apples and oranges (of which there is none). And don't even get him started on his love life and the whole Harry-Met-Sally situation. 

Whether deconstructing Saved by the Bell episodes or the artistic legacy of Billy Joel, the symbolic importance of The Empire Strikes Back or the Celtics/Lakers rivalry, Chuck will make you think, he'll make you laugh, and he'll drive you insane -- usually all at once. Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs is ostensibly about art, entertainment, infotainment, sports, politics, and kittens, but -- really -- it's about us. All of us. As Klosterman realizes late at night, in the moment before he falls asleep, "In and of itself, nothing really matters. What matters is that nothing is ever 'in and of itself.' "

I started this a LONG time ago, but never finished it for whatever reason. As I was organizing this weekend, I came across it again and decided to finish it since I hate having unfinished books on my shelf. I love pop-culture,and I personally really enjoyed this book because it discussed it seriously. The book is organized in a short essay fashion that goes from talking about soccer to how John Cusack ruined the authors love life.. What I liked a lot was that Klosterman always had a witty take on his viewpoints. Though now outdated, the topics offer a bit of insight to people during a particular point in time. As pop culture rapidly changes, it's interesting to see how viewpoints have changed from as little as five or six years ago.

If you're looking for some deep intellectual dissection on different topics, this book isn't it. You'll either love or hate it. Klosterman's writing does come off as him trying to seem "cool" at times, but it's in a style that is easily relatable. It's definitely one of those books I would've enjoyed more during college. However, if you're someone who can read viewpoints and still appreciate them for a laugh or just to make you think, then it's an enjoyable read.