reading review

“The Loneliness of Specific Objects” by Brock Kingsley is a reading that takes you along with the author on his trip to Marfa, Texas. After revealing that he has been feeling depressed, the author uses this to help explain why he decided to go on a seven hour road trip to Marfa. He uses the time on his drive to reflect and think about what he might want to do during his alone time in this very small town. He makes it clear how he has been feeling lonely lately and that loneliness is not just a feeling, it’s a place. It’s a place we all have to go through, and it may be painful, but it is something everyone will experience. Next, he reveals his struggles to formulate ideas in his head for his writings because nothing seems to click for him, so he often finds himself staring at a blank white piece of paper. Later on, the story turns into more of an observational study of the citizens of Marfa. He pays close attention to the townspeople and how they look and act. He explains how the local barista has tattoos and lives in Marfa because she visited friends once and chose to stay. He then sees a pretty woman at dinner walk in with a bicycle helmet, even though he says she doesn’t look like the type to ride. The final citizens he elaborates on are two women at the pool. He describes how they are having fun and playing in the pool and then eventually get out. It is apparent that he often engaged in people watching during his trip and is a great observer. Continuing on, he also takes some time to enjoy the popular tourist sights. He visits the Marfa Lights View Center and watches the lights reflect on the horizon. He also visits the Chinati Foundation, a museum, to appreciate the unique architecture and artwork. The final sight he visits is the swimming hole where the water stays between 72–76 degrees year round. He chooses to submerge himself almost completely underwater and chills. All in all, the authors visit to Marfa exposed him to new surroundings, people, and businesses. He delivered a great writing and kept me hooked on the whole story.