Don't get me wrong, there are obvious reasons why I find the extreme opposites attractive. Fantasy middle earths and far off lazer fights are a nice reason for before bed escape. But there is something to be said about applying absurdity into the logical thinking process of our brains; especially watching or reading about these situations unfolding to a seemingly normal group/single being.
Take Being John Malkovich for example. Craig is our average flatline unemployed puppeteer (I know this strays from "normal," but you get the picture) who just so happens to discover a portal into John Malkovich's inner being. Though he is shocked at first, this becomes a semi normal part of his life and he is able to adapt it its absurdity rather quickly.
Our weekly reading, Anansi Boys, follows somewhat of the same setup in terms of our main subject. Charlie (Fat Charlie) seems to lead a somewhat uninspiring life until this bomb of an "undiscovered brother" is dropped on him, throwing him into a world of an arachnid bloodline.
They both have interactions with being average or a lack of motivation. Though craigs interest in puppetry is quite unique; his average life and relationship with his pet obsessed wife lacks excitement. He basically deals with uncomfortable social situations that end up being most of his life. Charlie on the other hand, is pretty average himself, but has to deal with an overly quirky father who is obsessed with karaoke (and who is also an african spider god).
I feel like it is important to this genre to establish a sense dullness; not to emphasize the jump into abnormality, but to have a flat thought process in the minds of the people who experience these above normal situations with the paranormal/science fantasy types.
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