Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Her boo is her Boo?

My friends and family know that when they've got literature questions, I've got answers. For example: Remember that old book you checked out of the library in 11th grade and it had a greenish-gray cover, and it was about some doctor or lawyer marrying a younger woman who was a little on the trashy side? Sure, call me up. Yes, it's the middle of the night all over Korea, but so what? Cass Timberlane, by Sinclair Lewis, and he was a judge. And I was a sophomore in college. Yawn. You're welcome.

My latest lit question also concerns 20th century American literature, and it's a doozy. Before I begin, let me reassure you that I've got full permission to blog about this:

Friend: You know Boo Radley, right?

Me: You mean the Boo Radley from To Kill A Mockingbird, right?

Friend: Yes, of course! How many Boo Radleys are out there?

Me: I think there's an alternative band called that. What about Boo Radley?

Friend: You read that book, right?

Me: Sure, junior high.

Friend: Me, too. Get this: Last week [significant other] told me that he understands Boo Radley, that he identifies with Boo Radley. What the hell is that supposed to mean?

Me: I'm not sure. What do you think?

Friend: Well, he's painfully shy. And he hasn't worked in a while. Boo didn't have a job, did he?

Me: Boo was shy, but his problems went way beyond shyness and unemployment.

Friend: Like what?

Me: Well, I can't remember exactly. I haven't read To Kill A Mockingbird since 1976.

Friend: Same here. But the thing is, well, ever since he told me that he feels a deep connection with Boo Radley, I feel all...ewww....and...

Me: It's frosted your libido?

Friend: Yeah. I can't get Boo out of my mind. He's starting to look like Boo to me. I mean, it was nice and all that he saved Scout and Jem, but as far as hotness goes, no fucking way, excuse the pun.

Me: I know, Atticus is usually considered the hottie, although I kind of like Heck Tate, the sheriff. I think we should both go out and get copies of this book --

Friend: They have To Kill A Mockingbird in Korea?

Me: Oh yeah, it's everywhere. I'll be in Seoul on Friday anyway to get my ballot notarized, and there's a bookstore down the street from the American embassy. I'll get a copy and go through and highlight all the parts that mention Boo Radley. You do the same and we'll compare notes.

Friend: Can you break up with someone over this?

Me: God, this is starting to feel like Seinfeld. Let's reread first.

13 comments:

Unknown said...

That is hilarious! Oh ... and bravo to you for voting!!

Eva said...

WOW

um, I think it's perfectly ok to break up with someone who identifies with Boo Radley...that really would be a libido killer...

Choco Pie said...

You're getting your ballot notarized? Are you sure you need to do that?

Jeane said...

This was a real conversation? Wow. I'd be curious to hear what her "significant other" answers if she asks him why he identifies with Boo. Who I don't remember finding an attractive character, but I haven't read the book in over ten years either (it's on my shelf, though).

Tammy said...

This is the best post I've read all week! I'll never look at Mockingbird the same again.

Chrisbookarama said...

Omg, that it too funny! It does sound like a Seinfeld episode. Is he a close talker too?

GFS3 said...

Q: Who played Boo Radley in the movie?

A: Robert Duvall

Lisa said...

That may be one of the funniest things I've heard in a while. Boo Radley was a wee bit on the creepy side, especially as played by Robert Duvall in the movie. Good excuse to reread the book though. It's probably my all-time favorite read.

Dewey said...

But...? Boo Radley is only creepy from the point of view of the children before they know him. He's the Mockingbird. He's the symbol of gentle innocence, the vulnerable creature you must never hurt because he's harmless brings nothing but goodness to the world. Maybe her husband just feels fragile.

Anonymous said...

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For Read-a-thon
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J.L. Danger said...

done deal- how could you keep dating Boo Radley?!

? said...

Heard the Mockingbird Lyrics? Feels like I am in a dream

Bookfool said...

That's hilarious. So, can you help me find the two books I've never been able to identify, since I read them in junior high? They're probably . . . obscure. But, if you're willing, I'll tell you all about them.