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What Members Thought
A good little book about a man falling apart in quite humorous fashion. Reminded me quite a bit of Richard Russo's work.
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The main character was a bit of a pud, but that probably only bothered me bc he reminds me of me and every other underemployed former staff writer and editor in my circles. Nice yarn; sensitively drawn.
I'm glad that one of my book groups suggested this book because I had not heard of it and don't think I would have picked it up based on the title or the cover. But read it I did and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is a book about our time during the recession with so many people defaulting on their mortgages and their credit, as well newspapers and struggling businesses failing. I was a little exasperated with the protagonist's bad choices and often raunchy thoughts. But the book just skips along w
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Perhaps not the best of Walter’s stories, but still very well written and entertaining. What’s more, it covers a period of the history of the Great Recession, which not unlike the 9-11 themed story of “Zero�, covers a bit of lived history of major upheaval in America and is interesting by itself. So Walter has kept exploring embedding his stories into the background of major (American) historical changes: “Citizen Vince�: rise of conservatism and right wing policies; “Zero�: War on terror and th
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i was 'introduced' to Jess Walter by one of my favorite authors, Nick Hornby. he wrote a series of reviews for The Believer that were collected into three books: The Polysyllabic Spree, Housekeeping vs the Dirt, and Shakespeare Wrote for Money. in one of these he recommended a book by Jess Walter and i have been a fan ever since. this latest book is another brilliant example of Jess Walter's storytelling. he captures this time of financial insecurity, recession, and unemployment perfectly. added
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Jess Walter lives in Spokane so I'm supporting my local writer. This story is very current with the all the financial things that are occurring. The writing is humorous. This book may appeal more to men than to women. Kurt really thinks it's funny.
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One of the best books you'll ever read about a writer's failed hopes, love, family, relationships, bankers, cops -- oh, and an egotistical newspaper editor. Plus, it's a hell of a read.
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A departure from the type of books that I normally read. I enjoyed the writing and the story kept me engaged. I think I'll give some of his other books a try, especially since others seem to have enjoyed his prior works more.
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Hilarious, as Walter's novels always are. This one didn't seem quite as fresh as CITIZEN VINCE and THE ZERO; it kind of seemed like he was now looking for another "everyman" figure -- this time for the financial crisis. Nevertheless, it was a really fun read!
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Funny, sad, disturbing and far too close to home for many of us struggling in today's economy. Perfect companion piece to Breaking Bad, the excellent AMC show about a high school chemistry teacher who started making crystal meth.
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Hilariously witty and seriously touching take on several contemporary issues... I want to meet the author, he must be a cool cat.. Read this - you will love it (or I have a twisted sense of humor?)
I thought it was great and quite timely considering the economic mess we're in at present, enjoyed it very much; a good read!!!
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Totally captures the zeitgeist in a hilariously sad way.
Sep 29, 2009
Lisa
added it
Oct 01, 2011
Maya Gavi
marked it as to-read
