The Visible Man

The Visible Man

The Visible Man is an entertaining and thought provoking book by modern successful writer Chuck Klosterman. I constantly find myself deep in thought between chapters while reading this book. It has such interesting themes and stories and with the way Klosterman writes, he is quickly becoming a favorite writer of mine.

The Visible Man is told from the position of a therapist named Victoria Vick. Victoria finds her entire professional life being turned upside down by a brand new patient named “Y___”. Y___ has an interesting field of study. He believes that people can only be the person they truly are when they are alone. When they don't have to constantly be impressing and acting for the amusement of the people around them. In order to do this, Y___ uses a suit he personally created to break into peoples homes, sit in a corner of a room, and simply observe for hours on end. The way he does this is interesting. Y___ has conditioned his body to survive off around 500 calories a day and he takes constant amphetamines to stay sharp on his observations.

Y___ chose to seek Victoria’s profession for interesting purposes. During their sessions, He specifically requests that she not talk. rather she just sits and listens to these compelling and intimate stories of regular everyday people spending time on their own. The entire book consists of Y___’s monologues, and Victoria’s notes and observations between therapy sessions.

This writing arises some seriously stimulating conversation between me and the people I talk to this book about. In the novel, Y___ explains that not enough people cherish their time alone. They think of it as though it doesn't count. People only consider their time on this earth valid if they’re spending time with other people. I find it interesting because I personally feel alone time is when you really define yourself as an individual. You choose to do things for yourself. Nowadays, a person can choose to build themselves and read an article or play the guitar. Or that same person can just choose to sit there, eat and watch 2 and a half seasons of Arrested Development (Personal Example). Everything about success has to do with personal drive and how badly you want something in life. So find importance in your alone time. It is an important part of who you are.

S: Victoria Vick
O: This story is set in modern time
A: Those interested in therapy, psychology, or human behavior
P: to tell the story of Y___
S: Y___’s expeiriences and memories

Tone: Victoria is constantly interested in everything Y___ is saying. Nothing ever gets old for her.