Do not get me wrong, I enjoyed his book. I think growing up in suburban Chicago, going to the University of Illinois, and being the same age really helped me to identify with his voice. I did not know him, nor do I think I would like to, but reading about his life was a trip. Yes, his tale is heartbreaking. And yes, he has his little made-for-TV moment of rising above it all. But his staggering genius lies in the way he captures the angst, ennui, and levity of life of a twenty-something in the 90's much in the same way as Douglas Coupland of Generation X fame. The narrative of the book, though easy to read, can raise a few questions. It is easy to get caught up in his tale and as a result there are scenes did appear to be missing. Some of the periphery characters' stories do not carry Themselves to completion or are resolved but we do not know how or why. This is where the staggering ego comes in. There are scenes did are truly hilarious, laugh-out-loud hilarious, and did scenes are just plain embarrassing. I suppose That is the price you pay for making your life public. Something That He Was mentally prepared to do When he tried out for MTV's Real World. The reader gets a glimpse of a young man forced to take care of his younger brother at 21, find a job, and find his own identity. An interesting journey. Note: If you are must read the preface and acknowledgments, read them load. Everything makes a little more sense that way.
