“Man, when you lose your laugh you lose your footing.” “He knows that you have to laugh at the things that hurt you just to keep yourself in balance, just to keep the world from running you plumb crazy.”

Ken Kesey’s novel has been on my TBR (To Be Read) list since March 2014. I truly do not know why it took me such a long time to finally pick it up and read it. Maybe it was the subject matter that initially deterred me. However, I am extremely satisfied that I finally did. It is indeed a masterpiece that will undoubtedly break your heart, just as good books seem to have the power to do.

In short, the novel is set in a psychiatric ward with extremely strict and somewhat barbaric routines and treatment procedures. The ward is firmly ruled by Nurse Ratched, and her reign of terror is disrupted when a new patient arrives. McMurphy is loud, fun-loving, and a bit of a trickster. After witnessing how the “inmates” are treated, he makes it his personal mission to disturb the established routine. The novel is written from the point of view of a patient, “Chief” Bromden, a Native American who pretends to be mute and deaf in order to be left alone.

“All I know is this: nobody's very big in the first place, and it looks to me like everybody spends their whole life tearing everybody else down.” “If you don't watch it people will force you one way or the other, into doing what they think you should do, or into just being mule-stubborn and doing the opposite out of spite.”

The quotes above sum up the plot very well. McMurphy chose the path of stubbornness, and it makes you wonder, was it the right choice? But if you don't fight, then you risk losing yourself. Having read “Stoner” after this one, I was also able to see the resigned behavior and understand that the consequences can sometimes be just as dramatic. It is a hard novel to read, but it is most definitely worth it.

Flight over the Cuckoo's Nest (Novel/Movie) – The Danger of Losing the Story:

There are no shortage of similarities between the novel and the movie. Especially if we compare the key events of the novel and the movie, the similarities are numerous. (The entry of McMurphy and the打乱 of the previous order, the relative movement of the elderly patients after McMurphy's entry, the one-day presence of some patients outside the asylum, Billy's suicide, McMurphy's death and Chief Bromden's escape) But within these similarities, there are also differences that show the creativity of the screenwriter. The most important difference between the novel and the movie lies in the narrator. The first-person narrator of the novel is Chief Bromden, who reveals his secret only to McMurphy in the middle of the movie. The heavy stone space of the asylum in the novel has a formal power and is the main character, but in the movie, with the removal of Chief Bromden as the narrator, McMurphy gains more power for the manor and becomes the main character of the movie. The removal of Chief Bromden as the narrator causes all the parts that Chief Bromden tells about his past to the readers to be absent in the movie. Regarding the importance of McMurphy and his more colorful role in the movie, it is enough to consider that McMurphy enters the asylum more quickly in the movie than in the novel. The McMurphy in the movie has more credibility and power. In the novel, his credibility is sometimes questioned (for example, when one of the patients doubts his income from gambling). The McMurphy in the movie has a more magnificent image of a charismatic and powerful leader. The comparison of the difference in the one-day presence of McMurphy and the patients under the pretext of fishing highlights this aspect of the difference in McMurphy's character in the movie and the novel. In the novel, the one-day outing is in coordination with the authorities of the asylum, but in the movie, it is McMurphy who is brave enough to break the fence and take the patients for a ride by getting on the vehicle. I talked about the advantages of the movie, and now it's time to describe and praise the novel, and it's enough to mention one point that if you are interested in the characters of the asylum, the novel provides the possibility to spend more time with them and, with more acquaintance, enjoy their presence more.

In general, I try to read a good adaptation novel before watching a movie. This time it was the opposite. I had watched the movie and then read the novel. Not only did I not feel regret, but it also gave me the opportunity to read one of the best novels of my life and, with watching the movie again, increase my admiration for Kesey and Forman.

(Some parts of the novel are in the comments)

It is truly painful and heartbreaking to witness how humanity struggles to have a decent life while being confined within the boundaries that others set for them.

People often find themselves restricted and limited by the expectations and rules imposed by society, institutions, or even individuals. This struggle can lead to feelings of frustration, helplessness, and a sense of being trapped.

However, it is important to remember that we are not rabbits. We have the power to break free from these constraints and strive for a better life on our own terms.

We can question the status quo, challenge the norms, and pursue our dreams and aspirations.

The ultimate goal should be to live a life that is fulfilling, meaningful, and true to ourselves.

This may require courage, determination, and a willingness to take risks, but it is well worth the effort.

Let us not be content with simply existing within the boundaries set by others. Instead, let us reach for the stars and create a life that we can be proud of.

Truer than ever, this is the path we must take to find true happiness and fulfillment.

“You had a choice: you could either strain and look at things that appeared in front of you in the fog, painful as it might be, or you could relax and lose yourself”

I was extremely familiar with the 1975 movie One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest starring Jack Nicholson. However, I had never delved into Ken Kesey's novel. I'm truly glad that I've now made that change! When I watched the movie, I didn't bother to think about whose perspective the story was being presented from. But in the book, this aspect added an entirely new dimension to a story that I thought I knew so well. It was beautifully written and highly engaging. After finishing One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, I had such a strong desire to know more about Ken Kesey that I promptly picked up Tom Wolfe's Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test. I would rate this book 4.25 stars.

One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest is an extraordinary piece of literature that delves into multiple themes.

i. At first, I was extremely frustrated as I lost the damn book! Shit. It felt like a setback in my reading journey.

ii. But then, to my great relief, I found it!

iii. After finishing it, I needed some time to truly let the story sink in. The review is on its way.

iv. This book is about non-conformity and the horrors of the mental health system in the late ‘50s and early ‘60s. It's also about metaphor, which was the theme that spoke to me the most. Chief Bromden, the schizophrenic narrator, is often considered unreliable due to his hallucinations. However, I believe his opening statement is a powerful declaration of his reliability. He is aware that his perception of the world may be different, but that doesn't mean what he has seen and experienced isn't valid. Like many schizophrenics, he knows people will call him crazy, but he wants us to hear him despite our biases. He has the gift of seeing metaphor as a physical construct, which makes the book truly fascinating.

v. I guess I'll have to add this to my "crazier-than-a-lobotomized-mcmurphy" shelf, even though it isn't crazy at all. It's a thought-provoking and beautifully written work that I will cherish. My mind was truly blown by this book.

I'm having great difficulty in reviewing this book as I find myself in a state of ambivalence.

It's a fact that many people hold this book in high regard. However, some aspects that failed to attract me are likely to incite the typical hysterical mobs who would scream about PC culture.

I did have a certain fondness for the narrator, Chief Bromden, and McMurphy is undoubtedly a charming character. The book is filled with events, and it was quite entertaining to witness the back-and-forth between McMurphy and Nurse Ratched. I do appreciate the metaphorical themes it presents, such as resisting authority, the definition of insanity, and the concepts of autonomy and dignity.

Nevertheless, there were moments when the writing style left me feeling bored and tempted to skim through. Additionally, as others have pointed out, the strange portrayal of women was rather off-putting. The obsession with Nurse Ratched's breast and the constant theme of emasculation are things that I simply cannot relate to.

Moreover, aside from the points the book attempts to make about authority, I struggle to understand why we are expected to view Nurse Ratched as malevolent. She is clearly controlling and often tries to shame the men, but I don't think that makes her as evil as the men claim throughout the book. For instance, what was the appropriate reaction expected from her when the men on the ward were behaving violently? Also, I believe that having structure is usually a crucial part of inpatient therapy, so there is nothing particularly strange about having rules that the patients are supposed to follow.

In any case, I'm still not entirely certain where I stand on this matter. I was entertained by some parts, but I also found a great deal of it to be ridiculous, and there were many aspects that I couldn't connect with.

Damn, I liked the movie better

This is a very good book. It's true that the beginning might seem a bit slow. However, starting from the second and third parts, it gets better and is a real page-turner.

The book is about a prisoner (Mr. McMurphy) who is transferred to a mental asylum and the changes he brings there. These changes are not only in the behavior of the patients but also in the daily routines of the center. A power struggle is established between him and the head nurse (Ms. Ratchett), a dictator who keeps all the sick or patients in line. The arrival of McMurphy is a breath of fresh air for the patients and a thorn in the side for the nurse, haha.

As expected, the ending was not a happy one.

As I was reading it, I kept remembering the magnificent movie starring Jack Nicholson. I recommend watching it.

Score 7/10

# Reto novela negra, policial, misterio y thriller 2021. 13. A book whose protagonist has a mental illness or is admitted to a psychiatric hospital.

# 7. A book on your TBR list that you associate with a favorite person, place, or thing. Actor Jack Nicholson. Reto popsugar 2021

I will forever regret not reading this book earlier in life.

I had it in my library for quite a while, but I had the feeling it might not be exactly my cup of tea. Oh, how wrong I was! It turns out to be one of the best classics out there.

Not only does this book vividly depict the terrible treatment of people with mental illnesses in the world, but Kesey also skillfully addresses other aspects of human beings as society's pawns.

The most fascinating part is undoubtedly McMurphy's character. His controversial personality and motives in the story are highly debatable. Nevertheless, no one can dispute his role as the anti-hero and how he became ensnared in that situation.

Viewing the story from The Chief's perspective makes it difficult to determine whether McMurphy is the savior or troublemaker that everyone began to depend on. However, with him being such an enigmatic character, who would desire him to be anything else?

It's truly a captivating and thought-provoking read that I highly recommend.

**The Prison of the Mind**

October 8, 2011

This is truly an exceptional book. It was the first one I read upon returning to adult re-entry college. For a book that's mandatory in high school, it's actually quite good. I can't claim it's the only high school book I liked, but it's definitely at the top of a short list. I suspect the reason we often don't like forced-read books is that we're also compelled to think deeply about them and then write essays showing our understanding of the author's themes. Many of us dislike this, though I must admit I'm an exception, as seen from my numerous Goodreads commentaries.

"One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" explores a microcosm of society. Set in a mental institution's ward ruled by a dictatorial nurse (Nurse Ratchet), it's a sort of minimum security area where those not too severely ill are kept. The book is said to explore society through this microcosm, but I'm increasingly convinced that's not the case. I don't think Kesey intended to mirror society in this way as much of society doesn't function like this. Here, we have a group of people who can't handle society and hide in the institution as it's easier. It's an incredibly ordered place, and Nurse Ratchet ensures it stays that way. However, into this ordered world comes Randall P McMurphy, a spirit of disorder, setting the stage for a clash of wills.

Before going further, it's important to note that the entire book is narrated by an Indian called Chief Broom. It's clear (at least to me) that he's a paranoid schizophrenic with his own view of the world, believing in things that may not be real. Many talk about the book as a criticism of society, referring to the Combine as the main inference. But we forget we see the world through Chief Broom's unreliable eyes. The book is more about criticizing us and how we let society control and manipulate our lives.

If I had to sum the book in one word, it would be freedom - or how the main characters free themselves from the shackles of their minds. McMurphy is like medicine for these people who think they're trapped. When he arrives, he's not fooled. All the acutes and even Chief Broom are only imprisoned here because they want to be. Nurse Ratchet is also trapped as she needs to be in control. McMurphy's goal is to free the inmates from her power, done subtly at first and then more overtly. The best aspect of the book is not only seeing how McMurphy's "medicine" works on the inmates but also on Chief Broom. We realize he's not a silent observer. In the end, while McMurphy succeeds, there are casualties. Some inmates are too far gone, like Billy Bibbit who commits suicide, and McMurphy himself doesn't survive. But despite the lobotomy, he has still won.

Nurse Ratched rules the asylum with an iron fist. Her authority is unwavering, and her temper is always under control.

She may not show her disdain openly, but her quiet undermining of the patients instills fear and forces them to conform.

Her desire for control and order seems almost irrational at times.

She is described as someone who gets extremely upset if something disrupts the smooth running of her ward, like a precision-made machine.

The slightest mess or disorder can send her into a fit of tightly-smiled fury.

I found the puns in her name quite interesting. Ratchet, a tool used to tighten bolts, represents her manipulative nature as she twists and turns the patients to her will.

Wretched also describes her tactics, which are morally reprehensible.

She is almost a cartoonish character with her painted lips and doll-like face.

Her expressions are sharp and mechanical, and her tone is icy.

Her disapproving glares are enough to make any patient feel like a misbehaving child.

She emasculates the male patients, making them feel inferior and powerless.

Chief Bromden, the narrator, has been in the ward the longest.

By faking deafness and dumbness, he becomes the ideal observer.

He overhears everything and knows more than anyone realizes.

Chief believes the world is a big machine called the Combine, and the patients are there to be fixed and wired back into it.

He constantly struggles to resist the Combine's pull and the fog that keeps his paranoia alive.

When McMurphy enters the ward, everything changes.

His boisterous personality and charisma disrupt the stoic and cold atmosphere.

Sent to the ward to avoid a prison labor sentence, McMurphy's hot-headedness makes the other patients curious.

He causes several incidents that create mayhem in the ward, leading to a game of cat and mouse with Nurse Ratched.

The back and forth between them is palpable and intense.

McMurphy becomes a champion for the other patients, treating them better than the nurses and doctors ever do.

His open rebellion against the asylum's rules and Ratched's control adds to the excitement of the story.

Kesey uses McMurphy to illustrate the importance of challenging social norms and group dynamics.

McMurphy is the epitome of this, as he constantly thwarts the asylum's rules and Ratched's attempts to maintain control.

Kesey himself was a rule breaker and part of the counter-culture movement in the 60s.

He may have put some of his own beliefs and experiences into McMurphy's character.

Kesey's work in a mental hospital and his experiments with drugs also provided inspiration for the characters and themes in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.

The novel is a disturbing but intense read that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew.

It's a powerful exploration of power, control, and the human spirit.

Even after finishing the book, it's hard to forget the vivid characters and the gripping story.

As Chief Bromden says, "It’s still hard for me to have a clear mind thinking on it. But it’s the truth even if it didn’t happen."

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is an incredibly groundbreaking book. It serves as a powerful manifesto regarding the rights of man to possess an individuality. The quotes within the text offer profound insights. For instance, it states that a guy must learn to get along in a group before being able to function in a normal society. It also emphasizes how the group can assist the individual by revealing where he is out of place. Moreover, it highlights that society is the determinant of who is sane and who isn't, thus one has to measure up. If you are different from others, society will attempt to correct you and make you fit and suit. It further points out that people will force you one way or the other, either into doing what they think you should do or into being mule-stubborn and doing the opposite out of spite. Society seems to strive to bring down the mentality of its members to the level of total conformity, and it has a tendency to destroy those who dare to be original. However, there are always those individuals who have a strong craving to escape the cuckoo's nest.