Moby What?

Ladies and Gentleman,

This weekend I will commence a massive literary undertaking: the reading of what some have referred to as "the greatest American Novel ever written", Moby Dick.

Even if you've never read Moby Dick, you probably know a few things about it, assuming that you are a somewhat culturally literate American. You know it has to do with a mysterious white whale and a crazy sea captain. You know there's some dudes out at sea for a long time. You may even know about those famous lines "Call me Ismael". And, you know it's long.
But who is Ishmael? Why are they searching for this whale? And why is it all so important to American Literature?

When mentioned, most people cringe, wince or groan and follow that with "I never could finish that book"! But what I'm realizing, while doing my homework in preparation for this project, is that most people don't get it and can't finish it because they were forced to read it in high school or college when meaningful life experiences are slim and interests are mostly confined to beer and people of the opposite sex. Most people got bored, bought the cliff notes, and then headed out to a party. We are better able to understand and identify with American classics when we have some background knowledge to bring to the table, or this is at least what I am hoping in my 29 years of sage living.

So, here's to being well-read! Here's to being a part of something bigger than the passing fad! Here's to impressing your friends by understanding literary references! Here's to being 30 in 9 months and hopefully having some life experiences to season my read!

It may take me that long to read the book.