From an older Gen Y with a Gen X soul...
356188
I really enjoyed this book. No, as a previous review stated, this is not a book about our political opinions or big picture world views. The topics are definitely lighter, with a focus on pop-culture, but still hold personal importance to those who experienced them. I was born in 1984, making me a year older than Lenora, the Gen Y sister. I have no siblings, but all of my cousins are significantly older than me, and I have plenty of friends firmly planted in Gen X, so these essays really speak to me. I have always been pretty fascinated with the study of generations- what defines them, ways we overlap. Beyond the pop-culture compare and contrast essays, this book is truly a love story between these two sisters. That's what makes X vs. Y unique.
2754135
Okay, I have written plenty of prose stuff about the trials and tribulations, political or otherwise, of my generation, the now aging children of the "Generation Of '68. But who will chronicle in song or verse the "not going gently into that good night", as Dylan Thomas would have it, of that generation? Well, I have at least a contender for that position in the songwriting division, Loudon Wainwright III. For those who are unfamiliar with the name Brother Wainwright was something of well known, if secondary, figure on the 1960's folk revival circuit. If that is not enough information then he was once married to Kate McGarrigle, one of the accomplished folk- singing McGarrigle sisters. If that is still not enough then he played, in several episodes at least, the guitar- strumming GI in the television series "MASH". For the younger set, Loudon is Rufus Wainwright's father. There, I think I have touched all the bases.

Why is Brother Wainwright my candidate for the oracle of the swan song of our generation (it appears that he is an almost exact contemporary of mine)? Well, just take a listen to this CD(or read the lyrics)," Last Man On Earth", and you will know. Sure, it is a little light on the need to continue the political struggle that we started in our youth but on the questions of losing parents, reconciling with the lost of parents, reflecting on that fact that some issues between the generations never got resolved (and now never will) and dealing with the inevitable, if sometimes humorous, medical questions, of our own aging process he is right on.

That list of issues further includes the whys and wherefores of a lifetime of frustration about artistic endeavors (or whatever road we traveled), the little question of immortality and the now really big question of how to get through to the next day. It is all there. I want to say that this is a man's CD, and as to subject matter and "feel" it is,  but I think Brother Wainwright has captured many a dilemma that we can all, male and female,  relate to. Hell, Rufus can sing to the kids, Loudon is ours. That is the "skinny" here from one "last man on earth" to another.
1977737
Chelsea...thank you for having the courage to share your story. I needed this ! I have been in many of the same places in my heart as you have and have been  stuck always feeling like i did not fit no matter where i am.  I too have a gypsy spirit..(it was one of the halloween costumes my mom made for me consecutive years..so i blame here.lol) i only got to share a few years of those costumes with her as she died when i was just 8 years old. I treasure those memories..your words have given me an insight and intense curiosity to step back into my heart again and create some od those ideas i have not been supported on.
Thank you ..thank you ..thank you!  You were recommended to me by a dear friend of 30 + plus who knew your story would help bring me back . i am grateful to you both!  You and i will meet one day soon! Healthy wishes to you and your family, trish garron.
1528883
A delight! Yes, I grew up in the generation that came of age in the mid-60s. We were influenced by the existentialists (and phenomenologists) whether we read them directly or not. I have read, or at least started, the key works, including "Being and Time" and Husserl's "Crisis". Hard making sense of Sartre's B&N, for instance, but Bakewell provides the introduction to it and to all of them.
1673614
OK, I 'may be' over 60. But I remember this tune (an instrumental, featuring Piano) (and an Orchestra that I bet inspired some of Brian Wilson's experiments on Pet Sounds!!!) as the purest listening experience of my adolescence. Check it out. Sweet.
4298962
As a card-carrying member of Generation X, I expected to be caught up in waves of nostalgia and an emotionally gripping story.

I was wrong. This story ripped my guts out, made me laugh, made me cry, made me angry (that part is a testament to great writing and compelling characters - I wanted to hug Julian on one page and slap him into next Tuesday on the next), and left me with the strangest sense of hope at the end.

Given how far we've come on LGBTQ rights (though we still have a long way to go), it can be easy to forget the recent past and the struggles that gay men and women faced. This book is a poignant reminder, cleverly weaving those lessons and history into a compelling story and doing so without being preachy - no small feat!

On a personal note, one of my dearest friends from graduate school and one of the first openly gay men I ever met once told me that he was resigned to a life of serial monogamy. That was so heartbreaking and eye-opening. The possibilities that I as a cis straight woman took for granted  marriage/legally and societally sanctioned commitment complete with benefits, public displays of affection that wouldn't result in possible violence, children that couldn't be ripped away from me and my future partner at the whims of judgmental politicians, etc. I think I got a glimpse of what life might have been like for him in Two Natures. I'm pleased and proud that most of my gay friends from that era are now married and/or in committed relationships that have lasted for decades. It's beautiful, it's incredible, and it's definitely worth celebrating and working hard to protect.

I'm so glad this book came my way. It will stick with me for the long haul, I think.
3112486
O.K. I'm letting the world know...I'm 38 years old. And, according to my 8-year old daughter, born when the dinosaurs roamed the earth. Every time I wax nostalgic and spin the ALBUMS (Wow! Those are huge CD's Mom!)I once enjoyed as a youth (remember Supertramp?) my daughter recoils in horror. When I saw this CD, I knew right away that my daughter and I could both enjoy it. Combining the songs I once enjoyed with the fresh new faces of my daughters generation, I took a chance (no pun intended here)! They may not be the original, but the vocals are easy on the ear and strikingly similar! A refreshing change from your typical "bubblegum" fare. Clean lyrics - a must - and quite difficult to find in the days of Christina and Britney. Thanks A*Teens!
2615439
Really liked this one - lot to be said for an 'older' lover with experience!
3045865
As with my title, they will always live in my heart. I grew up with "ALL THE GREATEST MUSIC" any and all Elvis, Motown, Beach Boys, Beatles, Stones, Led Zepplin, Bon Jovi, on and on and on. (some 50's) 60's, 70's, & 80's. I had a brother 5 years older and the exposure was fun. I could never listen to alot of the stuff thats out there today but that's just a difference in taste. With what I lived through is generation after generation of excellent music and I think I'm in great company when it comes to taste.
1331632
Flashback to a time when people were much kinder.  People actually cared for one another--at least more so than they seem to nowadays. Great music, great artists, great 'vibe'. Might be lost somewhat on those under the age of 40 or over 8 years-old, but worth a shot.
3302214
Hey, it's Steely Dan.  If you're from my generation (60 years old), what more needs to be said?
1435308
As a guy from a previous generation...I find the baseline and lyric breaks a welcome flashback with a current twist.  I have watched some interviews with Megan and find her to be very unassuming and genuine.  I hope she continues to have a well rounded career with plenty of success.
993787
With this classic throwback I was able to finally break through my 25 year old who was diagnosed with chronic 90s Nostalgia Disorder that it was 2017 and not 1997. He said it was a "total bummer dude" but "radical" that people still believe in such a prosperous time before the great Cheeto took over.
1334313
An oldie (for Gen X) but greatie with many songs I had just about forgotten, but was happy to be reacquainted with. Unlike some songs, these didn't fade with time and still sound great.
2190427
I was glued  to this beautiful story. I think in this baby boomer stage. ..of my life worries abound us.  I'm not there yet, but the thought is beyond bothersome. Thank you for sharing the knowledge to ""us"" the wonderer's of what may come
1297867
This is an awesome book (which you'd expect from Bob!) based around a concept that we really, really need to hear more of in our world. Not just for Gen Y, like myself, but also for other generations. Younger kids are getting a STALE concept of work/career/education in schools these days. My parents generation are finding themselves out of jobs way before they're ready or old enough to retire. Or finding themselves not making enough even though they should be at the top of their careers. And even yet, finding our grandparents generations retiring, but then running out of money and not being able to make ends meet (the recession hurt a lot of investment funds, I know this personally from my family members.)

Multi-Careering and Blending our lives (not work/life balance), being multi-passionate, possibly being both an employee and having a side business/etc. There are 1000 different options out there! And we all have tons of skills and gifts to use, so lets use them well, for the One who created us to CREATE!

Sorry, really love this book. Format is odd, but it's so, so worth it!
548222
I was taught to hang on to the old midwestern values.  Now at age 70 I find that I am not happy with my present or my past.  My children do not show the same respect to me that I was expected to show older people in my family.  This book is helping to Let Go of so much baggage and expectation of the way my family would show me love in return for all I did for them when they were growing up.