"The Second Coming" by Walker Percy

I borrowed this book, thinking it would be a novel set in the last days.  Ha!  It's actually set in what could have been the last days of two individuals with major life crises.  As an aside, I was pleased to note that I've actually been to the geographical places the book is set in--that's cool!  This kind of book will not have universal appeal, but it has some keen insights on the issues it deals with--depression and delusion--and also how it can often take a lifetime to process a profound childhood experience.  I didn't like the ending too much, though I do agree wholeheartedly that healing is often worked out through human relationships, but nevertheless the book was a good read.

Here's a quick glimpse at the two main characters:

Will

• There is one sure cure for cosmic explorations, grandiose ideas about God, man, death, suicide, and such--and that is nausea.  I defy a man afflicted with nausea to give a single thought to these vast subjects.  A nauseated man is a sober man.  A nauseated man is a disinterested man.

What does a nauseated person care about the Last Days?

Allie

• Is one supposed to do such-and-so with another person in order to be happy?  Must one have a plan for the pursuit of happiness?  If so, is there a place where one looks up what one is supposed to do or is there perhaps an agency which one consults?

Who says?

Who is doing the supposing?

Why not live alone if it is people who bother me?  Why not live in a world of books and brooks but no looks?