Chuck Klosterman is my favorite non-fiction writer (he’s in the middle of the picture above. He has glasses and shaggy bangs). I fell in love with his work several years ago, when I read his debut book Fargo Rock City, which discusses the impact heavy metal had on rural kids (particulary those in Klosterman’s home state of North Dakota). His other works include Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs and Killing Yourself to Live: 85% of a True Story. His insights are always funny and interesting, regardless of whether or not I agree. His latest book is no exception. An anthology of previously published articles and a new novella, Chuck Klosterman IV dishes on Britney Spears, Radiohead, Val Kilmer, and more. One of the most interesting passages in the book is his discussion of the American need to be liked by other countries, and why this notion is patently ridiculous. There’s also an excellent story about an old man, a zoot suit, and the police and a convincing article on why we shouldn’t be afraid of our toasters. Also, many of the articles start with a weird, hypothetical question, such as the one on page 225:

Think of someone who is your friend (do not select yout best friend, but make sure the person is someone you would classify as “considerably more than an acquaintance”).

This friend is going to be attacked by a grizzly bear.

Now, this person will survive this bear attack; that is guaranteed. There is a 100 percent chance that your friend will live. However, the extent of his injuries is unknown; he might receive nothing but a few superficial scratches, but he also might lose a limb (or multiple limbs). He might recover completely in twenty-four hours with nothing but a great story, or he might spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair.

Somehow, you have the ability to stop this attack from happening. You can magically save your friend from the bear. But his (or her) salvation will come at a peculiar price: if you choose to stop the bear, it will always rain. For the rest of your life, wherever you go it will be raining. Sometimes it will pour and sometimes it will drizzle–but it will never not be raining. But it won’t rain over the totality of the earth, nor will the hydrological cycle be disrupted; these storm clouds will be isolated, and they will focus entirely on your specific whereabouts. You will never see the sun again.

Do you stop the bear and accept a lifetime of rain?

Seriously, how can you not love writing like this? I definitely recommend this (well, really all his books), especially if you are in your late twenties/early thirties or have a real interest in popular culture. You’re guaranteed an entertaining read.