I Wear the Black Hat

Chuck Klosterman seems like that guy you know who can wax philosophical on a range of cultural references--from the superficial to the serious--and make thought-provoking arguments and connections. Klosterman reads like this everyday guy, too, lacking vocal refinement but sounding authentically like who he is--as a down-to-earth Midwesterner who spends a lot of time dissecting culture. He has a casual, enthusiastic manner, and his interest in the subject matter of this collection--villains--is evident. Klosterman posits that villains are those who "know the most and care the least." Some of his choices of villains are surprising, as they're not the traditional cast of characters one might expect. S.E.G. (c) AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine

Starred review from October 15, 2013

Klosterman's (Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs) first work of nonfiction since 2009 focuses on the cultural concept of villainy, but the topic serves only as a loose thread through a typical series of accessible yet insightful essays. The book examines who our culture chooses to hate by examining reputed folk villains like the Eagles, the Oakland Raiders, and Monica Lewinsky. Klosterman narrates this audio edition himself, and his casual performance straddles the line between audiobook and podcast. Still, hearing him read his own words helps lighten and contextualize the book. Klosterman fans will not be disappointed, and die-hards will want this audio edition. VERDICT Strongly recommended.--Mark John Swails, Johnson Cty. Community Coll., Overland Park, KS.

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