August C. Bourré really hates Generation X. Earlier this month, he wrote a blog explaining why he disliked it so much. Though he criticizes Douglas Coupland's use of italics and lists, August focuses on the characters as the book's main problem. I see August's point. Andy, Dag and Claire aren't charming. Frankly, they're bitchy and whiny "middle class brats" (August's words), but they're not supposed to be likable. When I look back on my early twenties, I cringe at the person I was then. I think many people can relate. We don't necessarily like the people we were 5, 10, 20 years ago, but that doesn't mean unlikeable characters are any less truthful.

What do you think of Andy, Dag and Claire? Do you need to like the characters to enjoy a book?

-- Andrea

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Welcome to the discussion blog for Generation X: Tales for an Accelerated Culture by Douglas Coupland. My name is Andrea@CBC and I'm the moderator here. I was very excited when I learn that Roland Pemberton (a.k.a. Cadence Weapon) would be championing Generation X for this year's Canada Reads. First, I'm a big fan of Rollie's music and think he'll be a great panelist. Second, Generation X is my favourite Douglas Coupland novel.

Let's start the discussion by addressing the title of the book: Generation X. Full disclosure: I was born in 1980 and depending on who you ask, I'm not really part of this generation. That said, I really believe that what Douglas has written is applicable to people of all generations. The fact that Rollie was born in 1986 and still connected to the book says a lot. So let's start here: introduce yourself, tell us which generation you're a part of and how you feel about Generation X.

-- Andrea

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