Summer Reading: Notes from the Cafe
By Grace Carballo ‘17
With just three weeks remaining before classes start, you may find yourself with very little free time as you finish your summer internships or jobs and start thinking about and preparing for move-in day at USC. But if you find yourself with time to spare, now might be a good time to check out the summer reading list President Nikias proposed last spring as our beautiful campus once again hosted the Los Angeles Festival of Books.
As he states in his letter none of these works are required readings, but rather interesting ground for discussion. In particular, Notes from the Cafe is sure to provoke some thought and promote dialogues as the author, R. F. Georgy, himself will be on campus this September to discuss his work in Doheny.
Arthur Russell reviewed the book describing it as “an extraordinary piece of literature that dissects us in such a way as to force us to reflect (something we no longer do) on what we have become in the digital age. This book is certain to become a classic- or be completely ignored by an age that prefers instant information, texting, tweeting and fleeting images.”
I can’t ignore the irony of promoting this lecture and novel on our Tumblr page, which is of course linked to our Facebook and Twitter, but even though I regularly consume said “instant information” and even create it, I certainly see the value of reflection on the costs and consequences of our fast-paced society.
In one of the most provocative quotes, the Cafe Dweller questions the high value placed on information and easy access to it:
“We believe that information is an enlightening agent, but I can assure you it is not. We consume information, but we can’t read. We forgot how to sit down and engage the dense layers of a text. We are so busy devouring information that we forgot how to dance with ideas. We confuse linguistic bits of data for knowledge and ideas. I can assure you, gentlemen, they are not the same. Ideas require effort and the kind of sensibility that engages the subtle layers of meaning. What the hell does information require?”
― R.F. Georgy, Notes from the Cafe
Notes from the Cafe is an indictment against so-called “progress” of the information age in the same way that Feyodor Dostoevsky’s existentialist novel of 1864, Notes from the Underground, critiques society through the character, the Underground Man.
Georgy’s Cafe Dweller makes many harsh claims that are sure to resonate with, or at the very least provoke, readers. It’s unsettling to think that so many of us can earn degrees and write theses and conduct research thanks to the plethora of information at our fingertips, but far fewer can truly say they think for themselves.
“Information paints no picture, sings no song, and writes no poem.”
- R.F. Georgy, Notes from the Cafe
If you are interested in reading the book, I highly recommend you do so before the Visions and Voices Event with the author on Wednesday, September 14 when R.F. Georgy will discuss his book, Notes from the Café with USC’s Cinematic Arts professor, Tara McPherson.
Admission is free, but reservations are required. Beginning Thursday, August 11, at 9 a.m. you can RSVP at the following links.
USC Students, Staff, and Faculty: RSVP
USC Alumni: RSVP
General Public: RSVP
And, as always, I highly recommend you check out the other amazing, free Visions and Voices events hosted throughout the semester. I will be attending and definitely posting about an event on September 13 that really interests me, and there are many more at the link below.
http://visionsandvoices.usc.edu/
Have a great last few weeks of your summer!
Read on,
Grace Carballo ‘17
Want more from Trojans 360?
Visit Trojans 360 on Facebook & Twitter to stay up to date with more student content!
You can also Ask A Trojan an anonymous question, and we’ll try to answer it in a future post!
Trojans 360 is USC’s official student-run blog. Content created by students, for students.
