I find that I especially enjoy books when I know about the surronding history or any facts about the author. It makes the experience more fulfilling and full of more depth. I can't believe that someone could be in a situation and put together a story that incorporates the story and view of the author and the history of the time. When we first started reading 'One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest' we discussed the author. Ken Kesey.
We first discussed the time period, the mid 1950s. And then about Ken Kesey and how he worked with medical personal to test LSD. I was completely surprised by this fact! I didn't know that people tested LSD as a way to treat mental illness during this time period. It was a great way for Kesey to understand his characters. At the time he didn't know the long-term effects so of course if be had known he wouldn't have done. But, because he was on the drugs during the writing of the book it's easy to see the state of mind of a patient suffering from mental illness. I think the book it great because Kesey was able to understand the patients on a level deeper than just someone observing the men. I reall enjoyed the book and would recommend that others read it!
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