"Walking into the kitchen, I'd shove my hand into a crumpled bag of kettle-cooked sour cream and chives potato chips. Two fistfuls made breakfast. This seemed only a few steps removed from a healthy plate of hasbrowns like a farmer eats. Next I'd open a 20 oz. Mountain Dew. Coffee-making is a process for which I had no patience ever since one time when we ran out of filters and I thought I could use an old shirt." (HIBAFA- Steve Hely pg 5-6)
This book easily gets a 9/10 from me. It would be a 10, but I'm not sure I would buy it. I would definitely read it again, and I will be recommending it to all my reading buddies. I've read excerpts to Kyle, and it had him laughing too.
This book is all about how Pete Tarslaw decides he is going to write a novel so he can get rich and humiliate his ex-girlfriend at her wedding. He spells out his theory about novelists, and how they are con artists. It's a different view on the career, and entertaining to be in his head. He ultimately, he creates a list of elements successful novels include, and then writes a book while using this checklist. He creates a competition with other famous novelists, and makes fun of college students who are "trying too hard." His quick wit and easy sarcasm makes for a great read.
From page one, the prose is light, and down-right hilarious. I will give this book a PG-13 rating, as there are some characters who have mouths like a sailor, and Pete gets himself into some "intimate" situations.
Overall it's a fun read, and fairly easy. Its a good "on the go book." Though you won't want to, it is possible to set it down and continue other tasks. I've read it in a few days while riding the bus, and on lunch breaks. You won't get lost, and you will be able to pick up right where you left off.
This is the book for you if you are in the mood for a light read with lots of laughs. I would recommend this book to mature readers, those who don't mind some language, or innuendoes.
Read On,
H.
