Look Past the Title and Reward Yourself

A catchy title will hook you, give you the basis for a snap decision on whether or not to read that book or watch that movie or show. And, let's face it, a title like "Be Like Hitler (Not For Nazis)" will most definitely catch your attention. It may also drive you away. Here's some advice: Don't let it, because if you do, you'll be missing out on a great experience.

The author, William Meeks, shows many sides in this collection of stories, poems and essays. The foreword, which explains the title and defends his position on why he would like to be like Hitler, is in turns funny (Meeks refers to Adolf as "Mr. Mustache") and full of revelation (he compares Hitler's upbringing to his own, showing how parents are the biggest influence on their children).

He's funny in some places, as in the futuristic "Today's the Day," which describes the return of a messianic figure and the ensuing thumb of the nose. Meeks jumps on his soapbox and denounces politics as usual, offering intelligent alternatives to the Electoral College, and even rations some venom towards the commercialization of the holidays in "Canceling Christmas". He touches home with a personal remembrance on the death of his brother, Paul, in "My Brother's House," and only the coldest would come away unmoved.

The musician in him (he leads the group Classic Tragic Hero) comes through in his biography of the Barenaked Ladies and when writing of the influence one-hit-wonder Harvey Danger had on him in "How I Learned To Rock". He's a poet, in which he also turns the critical eye on the world around him, such as reflections on homelessness through the eyes of one who lives it in "Sansom Street".

Looking for a little pop culture analysis? Spend some time with Clark Kent in his many forms. How about a discussion on technology? Meeks brings "Is Technology Hurting Us?" to the table, and admits something any writer may have a hard time facing up to: his addiction to Spell Check. He even throws back the veil of a long-held tradition, explaining the famous Hell Week at Bryn Mawr College.

So, don't let the title cause you to keep moving. Stop, stay a while, be entertained, informed, moved, and even laugh out loud. You'll come away with a new viewpoint, and a new name to call Hitler, two pretty good reasons to do anything in life.