Customer Reviews

Artless: The Odyssey of a Republican Cultural Creative

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I genuinely liked this book, in part, because I immediately connected with the author's voice. He is smart, passionate, and driven, which comes through his writing, and makes me forget that my political beliefs differ from his. I empathized with his struggle with government (no matter what side you identify with), and his struggle to find a place in theater. The structure was well done; I enjoyed his contrast in lifestyles, suit by day and bohemian fringe theater visitor by night (and later by day, too, as he builds his own theater venture). It's almost as though he leads a double life. And while you wouldn't think the left wing political types and the arts even going so well together, his life is proof that they can. Well, somewhat. I just moved to Portland and I enjoyed reading about his life here; some of his experiences differ from what I had heard about the city, and so it was a refreshing take.

I found it got a little sleepy in the middle-end as he bounces back and forth between opening a digital video production company and his life as a Republican. I his take on his own Jewish identity, or lack of, was interesting, and I wish it was a little more flushed out throughout the book, instead of used as a tie in at the end. I would also love to hear more of his thoughts about republicanism and the arts, as a reviewer had listed he went to an author reading and heard Cole talk of such issues. Overall, it was a great book about an interesting person.

Apparently, more than we generally think. Being a Republican in a highly Democrat environment, I can relate to a lot of what the author says. Having said that, I don't think you have to be a Republican to enjoy this book. I think Democrats and Independents would also find this book enjoyable and even enlightening. The author has a very pleasing narrative style. The author's past provides for some very intriguing stories. Lawyers, politicians, and artisans don't frequently interact together, and it's even stranger to find all three of these things in the same person.

I met the author at a talk-book signing in northern Vermont.

The most interesting thing he talked about was the idea that the Republican party should really be the party that supports the arts the best... to him, Republican meant the protection of personality liberty as well as personal responsibility.

Now, of course, the Republican party is more equated with social conservativism... telling people what to do and how to behave... the precise opposite of the personal liberty idea.

I am generally EXTREMELY anti-republican... this book, oddly, made me understand the problems with the party more clearly. If personal liberty and personal responsibility can once again become the main themes of what the party stands for... along with a bit more fiscal conservatism... well, I'd be less worried about republicans in power.

Anyway... good stuff, good issues.

I had intended for this book to be summer reading later this year; instead, I picked it up on a Friday night and dropped everything else until I finished it that weekend. It's a well-written, entertaining, and insightful book, and other Oregonians (like me) will likely enjoy the local references and tales of the arts community. Well done!

Loyalty rewarded with betrayal. That seems simple enough and repeated hundreds of times in stories, yet this book is much more. The exploration of the true, current, and relevant events and themes is told not only as an excellent story but also in thought-provoking consideration of what can be and should be. Without being preachy, Gary presents difficult subjects in a way that is valuable for conservatives and liberals. It is the kind of book all citizens should read because it is about the meeting of culture and politics in the formation of the society we live in. It is the kind of book you want to read because it is an interesting story told exceptionally well.