Imalay's response to Tao Lin

Shoplifting from American Apparel by Tao Lin gives insight into the main character's life. It is fatiguing to read the he said/ she said dialogue. Sam is jobless at the beginning of the book. In joining the monotony of a bohemian lifestyle, he lives careless and irresponsibly. He wakes up at 3PM and wants to fall right back to sleep. He spends most of his time on Gmail chat speaking to Luis. It's ironic how they have so much to say over chat but in person don't connect on the same level.  Sam openly expresses his opinion on how " fucked" he is, his suicidal thoughts and lack of appreciation for life.  He appears to be superficial and shallow; always displaying a neutral expression. However inside he is thoughtful and emotional. Sam certainly doesn't know what he wants. He is not sure of his own feelings. Sam is not sure of many things but he is certain that he loves ice coffee and vegan food. 

        This novel is filled with irony, dry humor and failed relationships along with shoplifting.  The book is relatively short and easy to read.  Lin disguised himself as Sam and writes an autobiography of his life.  He got caught shoplifting at American Apparel for a shirt and at New York University's computer store for cheap earphones. Page fifty five describes the second shoplifting incident.  He could of prevented his arrest by simply running but he didn't want to spill his iced coffee.  Ironically he was not able to to drink the iced coffee, the security of the store threw it in the garbage. In prison the author describes the people in the cell with stereotypical attributes.  Punishment for shoplifting was community service.  I found it hilarious how someone said a bag was "heavy as bricks" than it broke and a brick felt out (p.31).  I played that scene in my head, great imagery.  

       Sam has an innate ability of attracting females. However his inability of communicating his genuine feelings ruins things.  The relationship he held with Sheila, Kaitlyn, Paula, Hester and Audrey were silly, awkward, and ended stupidly for no logical reasons. Sam is quite the character, definitely not the typical guy. He refuses to have sex with Paula because he didn't like using protection.  He is very relaxed about things and childish in a sense. For example,  " Sam covered his face with a blanket and rolled over on the bed (p.65) " He was acting childish because he didn't know how to confess to Hester that he really liked her, instead they argued and then he was able to tell her via text.  Sam was a bit crazy but fun at the same time.  The struggles being a poor writer was frustrating to Lin, there's a myriad of emotions in this book. From being an overwhelmed poor writer, to being suicidal to having suppressed dreams of being a marine biologist as a child.  Sam lives a purposeless life, yet he takes pleasure in the little things such as drinking ice coffee and watching live bands. The book is not as bad as I originally condemned it to be.