I chose to read this collection of essays after being in the same room while a friend read it. Every few minutes my friend would suddenly laugh. I was so intrigued that I read the book as soon as he stopped. While I did not have quite the same reaction, I will admit that there were moments when I, too, laughed audibly. I think that perhaps some of the potential humor was lost on me, simply because I either did not understand certain pop culture references, or did not care about them. (For instance, I’ve barely seen an episode of Saved by the Bell, and I had previously been unaware of a Celtics-Lakers rivalry.)
That said this book would likely appeal most to someone in their late 20’s or 30’s. The writing is witty and self-deprecating, and will also be appreciated by those who enjoy (80’s-90’s) popular culture and a more ironic type of humor. In other words, it is exactly the type of work that one might expect from a “Gen-Xer”, and would probably be enjoyed by the same sort of person.
While the facts may or may not be accurate, that is almost irrelevant. True, it causes some of the conclusions Chuck Klosterman draws to lose some legitimacy, but the value of his arguments do not lie in their validity. Klosterman’s points are more about shock-value and witty entertainment than actually proving things like the idea that soccer is a terrible sport. While I’m sure that Klosterman would love for his readers to detest soccer, he is far more successful at amusing than persuading.
Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs was very interesting, but can be rambling and disconnected at times. However, I would still recommend it as an interesting read.
