White Noise

White Noise: (Classics Deluxe Edition) (Penguin Classics Deluxe Editio)
$16.00
At least I think so. I read White Noise for a couple of reasons. Reason one being that it's on just about every 100 Best list in existence. So it must be a great novel, right? Reason two, I am more than a little curious about Underworld, and after reading Falling Man which I didn't like but didn't hate either, I wanted a little more of DeLillo under my belt before I attempted it. Going on the advice of some of the reviewers of Underworld, I figured I'd read White Noise first, and if I didn't like it, I would stop there.

I don't know what I think of this book. In case you can't tell already, this isn't a plot summary review. I don't feel another one of those is needed. I think the writing is excellent. Most of the jokes and humor go right over my head. I appreciate the quirkiness, the absolute nothingness of the dialog. I enjoyed the characters, the mysterious Airbourne Toxic Event, the randomness of the conversation between the family members. I was amused by the many, many divorces and the play on the modern family unit, whose complexities were probably just coming into play back in 1985 when the novel was published. I will admit that I skimmed the last 50 pages or so because I became impatient. Is it still worth reading? Yes. Will I go on to Underworld? Probably. Is this one of those books that will be loved by all? No. I admire DeLillo. I love his random lists and painstaking attention to detail (see the description of the station wagons on the first page). I give the book four stars because I'm sure many of his readers even get his jokes.

Marpac Dual-Speed Sound Machine - 980A
$50.00
I am very satisfied with my sound machine. My wife and I love it we wish we would have known about these years ago. Way better than a fan. We will soon have one for the kids.

White Noise: A Pop-up Book for Children of All Ages
$22.99
In the final installment of his color series of pop-up books, David A. Carter treats us to new and familiar examples of his amazing paper engineering. From the front cover to the last page, White Noise is filled with an explosion of startling shapes and colors. The sounds are much subtler, though. Take your time as you turn each page and listen carefully. The quietest environment will yield the most satisfying results.

Children and adults will marvel at the bold designs that dare to be touched. But be careful, the paper pop-ups are extremely delicate and are easily damaged from misuse and overuse. White Noise--like the other books in this series--is not for wee one's fingers; it won't endure the abuse. Remarkably, each book has to be assembled by hand, making every one a singular creation.

One of the most clever things about this series is discovering elements of the previous books hidden discretely somewhere within each new title. White Noise is no different. Did you discover One Red Dot? Wondering where the Blue 2 is based? Did you single out 600 Blacks Spots? Will you yahoo when you recognize Yellow Square?

Enjoy the journey, White Noise is where in ends.

Marpac Sound Screen 980A Electro-Mechanical Sound Conditioner
$56.95
While this is a well-made product which does exactly what it is advertised to do, I could not get used to it. A few other reviewers said it would take time adjust. However, I could not fall asleep with it on. Having been used to the low hum of my smallish box fan for a year, the sound was too high-pitched for me. Having said that, it is a great product - wish it had worked for me.