No, seriously! If someone found offense please explain why. I just want to understand your view and what about it was offensive? I’m assuming it was the language used? Idk.
I find it kind of sad that, rather than utilizing this amazing resource that Chuck has put together for all of us to learn and grow from, some of us seem to be too intent on using it as a platform to draw attention to ourselves or to impress our values on others. The world can't be expected to cater to our specific wants all the time. That's beyond childish. If a post offends us then we can skip it and wait for the next one. I've personally found this substack to be a very valuable resource, without parallel, to learn from because the content is so unfiltered and raw. I would hate it if, in the future, Chuck held back on posts because there might be a few people out there waiting to spot something they can make noise about.
Being able to communicate with you through this substack, Chuck, has been great; I hope you’ll return to the comments in your own time (someone has to call out my occasional typos, you no?).
If people are going to use this wonderful resource you’ve created to expand our minds, to express how unwilling they are to expand their minds… no loss. Dump the snowflakes they are not your tribe. Now can we get on and learn some stuff?
Hi Chuck. Sorry to read that you're stepping away from the comment section for awhile, although I get it. I can't see how 'Heartburn' could be construed as offensive and how could you know the short story would be difficult for some people to find? You have to be one of the most involved authors with their fans and that's incredible. Hopefully will see you posting soon. Just think of all of this as crowd seeding...
And who said you weren't supposed to be offended? All literature should offend somebody, somewhere.
And seriously, someone signed up for a writer's forum run by Chuck Palahanuik and was offended by Heartburn? Heartburn? F-ing Heartburn? Further, when someone is teaching us something and uses an example, to illustrate something, that is not an endorsement of everything said by the author and the characters.
Note to CP if you ever read this:. Sorry for trying to regift a prize. I was so happy about the first one that I felt guilty about winning.
Sorry to be a PITA.
Further note:. I took a class at the New School in NYC years ago called the The Symbolism of Evil. I only spoke ONCE in class and it was to reference Fight Club and the scene where Tyler talked about understanding but not fearing that one day you are going to die. Months later, the professor was having a bad day and the class turned on him and was complaining. It went on for a while and in frustration the prof said "If I can have just one student - one student understand and learn something from this class". - as he pointed to me.
Anyway, thanks for what you do and helping push us along. We'll be waiting.
Call me the world's biggest narcissist (and other epithets of your choice) but this is about the third time at least I feel Chuck's posts are directed squarely at me.
I was offended by the sentence on page 134 of Heartburn that mentions killing turtles. I am a very proud former owner of 4 terrapins, and a dedicated protector of every kind of turtle. That sentence was a stab in the heart.
As far as I know, having read at least 8 of his books, Chuck has never killed a turtle. That would offend me probably even more, being a longtime fan of his work.
As for Through the Safety Net not being easily accessible to people outside the US (even in the neighbouring country), it's true. However, me among many others, posted the online link where you can read it for free. And I have ordered the book online and should be receiving it in 7-10 days.
I have been greatly enjoying this blog and have learned a lot. Sorry to everyone who won't get to receive Chuck's comments. That was a very unexpected and unintended consequence on expressing my views.
Anyhow, you should finish Heartburn! It was really good. Don’t judge Nora Ephron for the “killing turtles” comment. A quick google search of “Lillian Hellman” and “killing turtles” and I learned Hellman was known for a story about how her husband Dashiell Hammett tried repeatedly and failed repeatedly to kill a snapping turtle that had injured their dog. The summary I found here: https://www.talkingoffood.com/joomla/read/food-in-literature/331-food-in-literature-part-8.html
BUT if the phrase “killing turtles” upset you I would kindly suggest not clicking that link and delving into the story Nora Ephron/Rachel was referring…
It starts horrible and ends ridiculous but just know that “killing turtles” wasn’t an invented description of Ephron’s on what the dream marriage between a big man and a big woman would be like, but that apparently Lillian Hellman was known for “killing turtles” or at least trying and failing because the turtle in question was such a tough specimen.
Anyhow, if true that it was your comment that inspired Chuck’s apology… wow! I hope I’ve said plenty of how much his generosity impresses me, but I find it sweet that the guy who glories in how many people he’s had pass out hearing “Guts,” wanted you (or whomever inspired the apology) to know he didn’t mean to offend. He cares about his fans. He cares about us. He cares about you. That’s incredibly cool.
I knew you're bright! Greetings fellow turtle family members! I love shells very much! They have rich lives and so much dignity. They provide a lot of entertainment value too.
Thanks a lot, Will! I appreciate that explanation. Snappies are a force to be reckoned with! I did get to the end of Norah and got a pleasant little caress of closure when the ring turned up. I mostly found it well written, but seeing that line all of a sudden, with such a minimal connection to the plot, was like swimming in your favourite lake by the cottage and suddenly have your foot bitten off by a snapping turtle haha The little guys on your fingers are fine (mine were Terry, Trina, Little Willy, Rupert and Crackerjack). I adored the little creatures and still do. They're a lot more intelligent than people give them credit for. Unlike me, it seems ;)
So I guess I should try to evolve beyond being a juvenile rattlesnake or skunk and firing off all my "venom" in one bite.
Maybe we're all here to learn whatever lessons we needed to learn most :)
Rainier was looking pretty cute tonight <3
Magic exists, and anyone who doesn't believe so is seriously missing out on a wondrous life.
Evidently I missed the part where people got upset about the assigned reading.
It’s true. Thank you for all you do Chuck.
If we'd count Leicester's 5000 to one odds Premier League win in 2016 as Magic, then maybe it does exist.
Wtf..how’s the book offensive? Not trying to be mean, seriously, I just like to see both sides of a coin.
No, seriously! If someone found offense please explain why. I just want to understand your view and what about it was offensive? I’m assuming it was the language used? Idk.
Some people must really love key lime pies.
Ah. Makes sense. I’d have been upset had it been the cheesecake.
I find it kind of sad that, rather than utilizing this amazing resource that Chuck has put together for all of us to learn and grow from, some of us seem to be too intent on using it as a platform to draw attention to ourselves or to impress our values on others. The world can't be expected to cater to our specific wants all the time. That's beyond childish. If a post offends us then we can skip it and wait for the next one. I've personally found this substack to be a very valuable resource, without parallel, to learn from because the content is so unfiltered and raw. I would hate it if, in the future, Chuck held back on posts because there might be a few people out there waiting to spot something they can make noise about.
People who are easily offended need to be offended more often. Life is too short to waste energy on such things.
I am learning with every post you make, Chuck, and every text you ask us to read. Thank you for expanding my world.
I found Through the Safety Net on archive dot org
You have a kitchen view to envy!
Being able to communicate with you through this substack, Chuck, has been great; I hope you’ll return to the comments in your own time (someone has to call out my occasional typos, you no?).
Is this an experiential education lesson on thwarting expectations?
Is Chuck trolling? Gaslighting?
I have such cognitive dissonance right now
Chuck, your presence in the comments is the best. I hope your break is to focus on your work-in-progress
Beautiful view! Take care of yourself. 😊
If people are going to use this wonderful resource you’ve created to expand our minds, to express how unwilling they are to expand their minds… no loss. Dump the snowflakes they are not your tribe. Now can we get on and learn some stuff?
Hi Chuck. Sorry to read that you're stepping away from the comment section for awhile, although I get it. I can't see how 'Heartburn' could be construed as offensive and how could you know the short story would be difficult for some people to find? You have to be one of the most involved authors with their fans and that's incredible. Hopefully will see you posting soon. Just think of all of this as crowd seeding...
Chuck, you are wildly appreciated. Your enlightening posts. Your considered comments. Your thoughtful gifts. All of it. Thank you.
Also, still really looking forward to the discussion on Through the Safety Net
I hope you don’t stay away from comments for long. I’m enthused when you reply to stuff.
Offended by Heartburn?
Really?
And who said you weren't supposed to be offended? All literature should offend somebody, somewhere.
And seriously, someone signed up for a writer's forum run by Chuck Palahanuik and was offended by Heartburn? Heartburn? F-ing Heartburn? Further, when someone is teaching us something and uses an example, to illustrate something, that is not an endorsement of everything said by the author and the characters.
Note to CP if you ever read this:. Sorry for trying to regift a prize. I was so happy about the first one that I felt guilty about winning.
Sorry to be a PITA.
Further note:. I took a class at the New School in NYC years ago called the The Symbolism of Evil. I only spoke ONCE in class and it was to reference Fight Club and the scene where Tyler talked about understanding but not fearing that one day you are going to die. Months later, the professor was having a bad day and the class turned on him and was complaining. It went on for a while and in frustration the prof said "If I can have just one student - one student understand and learn something from this class". - as he pointed to me.
Anyway, thanks for what you do and helping push us along. We'll be waiting.
Eric
Exactly. Good stories stay with us because they challenge our view of people.
Question for the offended party: How familiar are you with Chuck's work?
Good thing no one reads the comments any more ;)
Call me the world's biggest narcissist (and other epithets of your choice) but this is about the third time at least I feel Chuck's posts are directed squarely at me.
I was offended by the sentence on page 134 of Heartburn that mentions killing turtles. I am a very proud former owner of 4 terrapins, and a dedicated protector of every kind of turtle. That sentence was a stab in the heart.
As far as I know, having read at least 8 of his books, Chuck has never killed a turtle. That would offend me probably even more, being a longtime fan of his work.
As for Through the Safety Net not being easily accessible to people outside the US (even in the neighbouring country), it's true. However, me among many others, posted the online link where you can read it for free. And I have ordered the book online and should be receiving it in 7-10 days.
I have been greatly enjoying this blog and have learned a lot. Sorry to everyone who won't get to receive Chuck's comments. That was a very unexpected and unintended consequence on expressing my views.
I'll keep my opinions to myself now,
Karen
…
Karen!
Lol. I read your comments!
Anyhow, you should finish Heartburn! It was really good. Don’t judge Nora Ephron for the “killing turtles” comment. A quick google search of “Lillian Hellman” and “killing turtles” and I learned Hellman was known for a story about how her husband Dashiell Hammett tried repeatedly and failed repeatedly to kill a snapping turtle that had injured their dog. The summary I found here: https://www.talkingoffood.com/joomla/read/food-in-literature/331-food-in-literature-part-8.html
BUT if the phrase “killing turtles” upset you I would kindly suggest not clicking that link and delving into the story Nora Ephron/Rachel was referring…
It starts horrible and ends ridiculous but just know that “killing turtles” wasn’t an invented description of Ephron’s on what the dream marriage between a big man and a big woman would be like, but that apparently Lillian Hellman was known for “killing turtles” or at least trying and failing because the turtle in question was such a tough specimen.
Hope that helps.
So, not a glorification of animal cruelty. But a mocking of Hellman?
Anyhow, if true that it was your comment that inspired Chuck’s apology… wow! I hope I’ve said plenty of how much his generosity impresses me, but I find it sweet that the guy who glories in how many people he’s had pass out hearing “Guts,” wanted you (or whomever inspired the apology) to know he didn’t mean to offend. He cares about his fans. He cares about us. He cares about you. That’s incredibly cool.
I used to have a turtle. I named him "Stinky."
:) we named my turtle “Shellton”
I knew you're bright! Greetings fellow turtle family members! I love shells very much! They have rich lives and so much dignity. They provide a lot of entertainment value too.
Have a great day!
Thanks a lot, Will! I appreciate that explanation. Snappies are a force to be reckoned with! I did get to the end of Norah and got a pleasant little caress of closure when the ring turned up. I mostly found it well written, but seeing that line all of a sudden, with such a minimal connection to the plot, was like swimming in your favourite lake by the cottage and suddenly have your foot bitten off by a snapping turtle haha The little guys on your fingers are fine (mine were Terry, Trina, Little Willy, Rupert and Crackerjack). I adored the little creatures and still do. They're a lot more intelligent than people give them credit for. Unlike me, it seems ;)
So I guess I should try to evolve beyond being a juvenile rattlesnake or skunk and firing off all my "venom" in one bite.
Maybe we're all here to learn whatever lessons we needed to learn most :)
Thanks again. Have a great day. Slava Turtles!!
You're the world's biggest narcissist. To make absolutely everything about yourself is kind of delusional.
Well at least he didn't name me this time, unlike the last 2 times.
I think psychotic and sociopath are more my style though. 😉
Did you see many other people his post could have applied to? (People offended by heartburn) It's all public here, so knock yourself out.
But it's true that he didn't reply to my posts on that topic, so you're probably right.
😃
Remind me again, what was it Ken Kesey said about offense?
Was it something like...it takes two people for offense to occur? One has to give offensive and the other has to take offense. Something like that?
Bingo