Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency

As previously stated, I have been teaching a course on the History of the Blues and Race Relations in America and as such have been reading multiple books at once. As such, I have not posted as frequently as I would like because I have slowed down in my reading. However, I intend to write more as much as I can.

I recently finished Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency by Douglas Adams. Adams is one of my favorite authors, having penned TheHitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and its associated five-book trilogy. Just the numbering system for that book series should give some insight into Adams’ style of quirky writing. Reading much like a British sitcom, his works are satirical and often provide interesting insight into the human experience. At other times, it is just absurd. However, this is what often makes me laugh aloud at his writing.

This particular book, while not as funny as Hitchhiker, was a rather good read. It centers on Richard MacDuff, his college tutor Reg from St. Cedd’s College, Dirk Gently, and other equally as quirky characters. Richard is loosely involved in a larger mystery, in which Reg is a key player, and ultimately solicits the help of his long-lost college pal Dirk Gently. They mystery results in misadventures typical of Adams and concludes quickly.

A couple great quotes are found in the book. The first is related to someone sitting on a horse. “It is difficult to be sat on all day, every day, by some other creature, without forming an opinion about them. On the other hand, it is perfectly possible to sit all day, every day, on top of another creature and not have the slightest thought about them whatsoever.” Very great observation.

The other quote that resonated with me dealt with the idea of god and belief. “Capital letters were always the best way of dealing with things you didn’t have a good answer for.”

Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency

The History of the Blues

So, I am probably going to start reading multiple books at once due to the fact that I am teaching an independent study and will still want to read for pleasure. The independent study is the History of the Blues and Race Relations in the United States.

The first book we are reading for the class is The History of the Blues: The Roots, The Music, The People. Thus far, it has proven to be a really interesting look into the historical context that allowed the blues to be created. The author does a great job providing insight into the social, economic, and political conditions of the era.

I am very interested to see where the rest of the book takes us.