You aren’t being weird, you’re dealing with a one-sided emotional expression. I have to deal with the same situation with my mother, who stopped caring for my brother and me when I was 12, but somehow still thinks she’s the best mother in the world.

My situation is complicated. I have a child and a wife, and I have an obligation to keep some semblance of normality for them. My wife knows and can see how narcissistic and fake my mom is, but my son does enjoy his time with his grandma.

I have come up with a placated version to respond with to people whom I must entertain versus those who actually deserve my affection. When I tell my wife or son that I love them, I say fully and wholly, “I love you.” For anyone else, it’s “love ya.” It doesn’t always feel good to say it at all, but at least I know when I’m being sincere versus an obligational pleasantry.

The ol’ Hug of Death has brought the site to a crawl. Dark Lord willing, someone will produce a torrent and link to said torrent.

Thanks!

That’s a novel idea, I’ll give you that. However, I’m not looking for more of the same, if you know what I mean.

Thanks!

Third Pynchon mention. This dude is my guy.

Great reply and questions.

I’ll look into Sharpe. I am not easily offended, and can understand humor within historical context.

I do have a preference for contemporary and current authors, but only because I’m interested in modern/popular culture.

If I had to narrow down what I’m specifically looking for, it would be works that are less fantasy/sci-fi and more “What the fuck did I just read?” To me that’s the appeal of authors like Ryu and Haruki Murakami and Palahniuk: they’re masters of absurdly crazy and impossible scenarios, that somehow still feel plausible. While the Murakamis are more serious, they are more fantastical. Palahniuk is great about keeping things based in reality, but with copious amounts of gross-out moments and ridiculous characters.

Sounds like you might be smelling what I’m cooking.

Oops, wrong God. I’m adding this one to my list. Thank you.

Thanks!

Thanks!

SCP is definitely a fun project. Great recommendation.

You’re the second person to suggest Pynchon. Sounds like I really need to check them out.

Thank you!

Admittedly, I have not read Discworld yet. Thank you for the reminder, adding to my list as we speak.

Thanks, I shant peek!

Hitchhikers Guide is a classic!

No, thank you for the recommendation.

Great recommendations and synopsis, thank you

Thanks!

Classic.