December 21, 2019

Four Men Shaking: Some Comments and Notes

Currently, I’m reading Lawrence Shainberg’s memoir Four Men Shaking to review for the next volume of The Mailer Review. I’m about half-way through, and I wish I was more engaged with it. It’s well-written and it’s about subjects that engage me—Zen, neuroscience, literary studies, and Norman Mailer—but I’m not as into it as I thought I’d be. I was really into Buddhism and meditation about a year ago, but I feel I’ve forgotten everything I’ve learned. I think I was a bit more clear-eyed when I was meditating. I’m not sure why I stopped. Surely it’s better than taking anti-depressants. Anyway, I feel a bit unqualified to be reviewing this book. I’m sure it will come together, if I can just sit down and finish the damn book.

His memories of Mailer are colorful—so far revolving around the meals they’ve had together at Michael Shay’s in Provincetown. Shainberg paints Mailer as bigger-then-life—not too surprising—and credits The Armies of the Night]] with inspiring Shainberg’s own interest in journalism.

I think the book revolves around Shainberg and how three other men—his Zen master, Mailer, and Samuel Beckett—have influenced his thinking and approach to life. So far, we’ve seen nothing of Beckett.

To Be Continued. . .