The majority of Canadian literature goes surprisingly unnoticed. Though, many inspiring novels and classic literature are in fact, Canadian. For a novel to be considered part of The Canon of Canadian Literature each novel should have one underlined quality - the novel should reach you on a personal level. Not only should it be innovating and impeccably/creatively written but it should posses qualities that reach you on an emotional playing field - something that successfully captures your heart.
"Life after God by Douglas Coupland" successfully captures your heart and engages you mind all at once. Coupland "is a true chronicler of the twenty-first century, unsurpassed by his piers. Coupland frequently writes on the rise of corporations (Jpod and Microserfs), the frequency of unconventional familial situations and in this book, how we have lost faith, in faith..." (Taylor). Many readers underestimate the potential of Canadian literature and writers, which could possibility big the greatest mistake a reader could make - especially in regards to Coupland. In todays society the lack of faith in god has become more and more prevalent and for the most part accepted among peers. Coupland successfully reaches out to readers and shows them the importance of god in there lives. The subject of god in novels is a very touchy issue, though Coupland approaches many serious issues in a refreshing and conventional way. Surprisingly enough, he does not attempted to force feed his audience with morals or even try to convince readers there is a particular god you should believe in. The entire point of this novel was to express how lonely he feels without a life of faith, and how he needs to reach out to god to feel worthy and happy with himself. Though this book was printed as “fiction” Coupland has openly admitted that it is at least partially autobiographical. He successful orchestrates his beliefs and feelings by telling a series of short stories with the underlined moral that believing in a higher being enhances you as a person and your life - it essentially makes your life whole along with allowing you to gain substantial meaning to you life. Not only does this allow for a reader to pounder about his/hers own beliefs but it inspires you in a way to search for something more.
An exceptionally written novel should always successfully give the reader new and exciting insight on a serious or common issue and sometimes even allow the reader to gain a new perspective of the world they live in. Not only does Coupland convey a strong message though his writing, but Life After God changes your entire perspective on the way you view religion and in some ways even how you live your day to day life. “My hat is off to Coupland and this amazing work of art - on all the levels that it is art of the deepest level. Coupland has created a masterpiece that will become a classic, which will survive through the ages. (McEvory)”
Douglas Couplands’ Novel, “Life After God” belongs in the Canon of Canadian Literature for one simple reason – we as humans all ask the same question, that’s the meaning of life? We all end up “reaching out beyond ourselves in search of some greater meaning in life” (McEvory). Coupland illustrates the meaning of life from the first short story to the next, and attempts to give his readers a possible answer to one of the biggest questions any human can ask themselves. From his writings about a prostitute with no clear desire to live in “My Hotel Year” to his depressed, yet inspirational character who craves freedom and life without worry or guilt in “Things That Fly. Couplands views of the meaning of life are as stated;
“Now – here is my secret:
I tell it to you with an openness of heart I doubt I shall ever achieve again, so I pray that you are in a quiet room as you hear these words. My secret is that I need God - that I am sick and can no longer make it alone. I need God to help me give, because I no longer seem capable of giving; to help me to be kind, as I no longer seem capable of kindness; to help me love, as I seem beyond able to love” (Coupland).
Not only is it his “secret”, but many readers truly interpret his words to be the true meaning of life – to find God in a modern world that is clearly moving farther and farther away from any religious influences. Also, for the teachings of god to give him the strengthen to live up to the moral standards he has set for himself – standards all humans should posses. That is why Coupland has surpassed his reader’s expectations, and “Life After God” should be in the Canadian Cannon of literature.
Apart from the quotation from Coupland, the only other quotations you use are from other blogs. Are these very authoritative? It's highly doubtful that "The majority of Canadian literature goes surprisingly unnoticed. Though, many inspiring novels and classic literature are in fact, Canadian. For a novel to be considered part of The Canon of Canadian Literature each novel should have one underlined quality - the novel should reach you on a personal level." Is that it? That's the defining Canadian characteristic? You can see where your lack of secondary source research has let you down. While you did make a strong connection to the collection -- and if they are short stories, then it's not a novel, but still fiction -- you haven't fully demonstrated understanding of what Coupland's contribution truly is. There are also a lot of unsubstantiated claims without references. These shortcomings, coupled with an excess of language errors, undermine the effectiveness and credibility of the purpose. There simply is not sufficient substance here.
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