The Corrections

The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
I thought I could never read another “Generational Family Drama.” My skepticism wasn’t helped by the first plot Franzen advances: older white male professor bonking a hippie, disillusioned undergrad. Then you learn about said professor’s family through a carnival of errors, but I assure you, without the mawkish hugsy kissies. At one point, a guy hides an entire salmon filet in his pants. A great treatment of a bisexual coming out story in the character of Denise, prof’s sister. Aging parents subplot doesn’t get too sappy. Laughed out loud a few times. Couldn’t put it down until I was finished. Franzen dredges the clogged and syrupy lake of family drama and refills it with a little cynical humor and a return to the idea of how goofy and weird humans are, but also fun, and strangely endearing. The family setting is secondary.

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beyond XX/XY

The Riddle of Gender: Science, Activism, and Transgender Rights is a supremely interesting collection of essays. I picked it up at the UNCG library, whose HQ section does not disappoint. It’s been hard to put it down. The history of what we now refer to as transsexual identity has a very compelling one.

For instance, I learned in one of the essays that the reason sexual reassignment surgery was against the law for so long had to do with an English law from the 16th century. This law, adopted by the States and existing into the 20th century, was called a ‘mayhem’ statute. It prevented doctors from lawfully amputating anything from a man that might disallow him from becoming a soldier if drafted. The wicked irony there speaks for itself. Especially in the gorgeous form of ex-G.I. Christine Jorgensen, who had to have her SRS done in Denmark partly due to this law. The military is so trans-friendly, don’t ya know.

Anyway, y’all should read this. My one issue is that it could have included more transman writers, but overall it provides a comprehensive look at the strange constructions we call male and female.