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asadaniels's review
adventurous
dark
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Man, this was a wild book to say the least. I don't know what I expected from Ferguson, but I don't think it was this.
One of the reviews with the book was quite right in that this book will be able to offend anyone, no matter race, creed, religion, life experience, etc. etc. It's a raunchy, crazy, impossible ride through the lands of the United States, Scotland, and the unconscious human mind. This book delves into some of the deepest affections of love I have read and dives into some of the grossest scenes of human debauchery and darkest depths of human evil.
In doing so, it is something of a religious text, though certainly one of the weirdest ones. It explores truths, lies, redemption, salvation, and goodwill all in jumbled, messy ways. Ferguson does not shy away from the fact that we are flawed, tormented people who fear for what comes next. Death and sin are commonplace subjects in this book and yet are handled carefully and with meaning, developing this book's themes as the plot unravels.
I certainly don't think this book is for everyone. It has a taste to it that is rather gross and needs to be acquired, either already there in a person or from flipping through the pages. It is a bold book, certainly, and such books are not meant to be liked, necessarily. They're meant to be read and then either saved on the shelf or thrown into the garbage.
I think the best way to try and appreciate this book for how wild it is, we need to just accept that the book is the way that it is. We need to accept the impossible, something the book tries to get us to do time and time again. Perhaps most impossibly of all, it tries to get us to forgive ourselves for our transgressions.
One of the reviews with the book was quite right in that this book will be able to offend anyone, no matter race, creed, religion, life experience, etc. etc. It's a raunchy, crazy, impossible ride through the lands of the United States, Scotland, and the unconscious human mind. This book delves into some of the deepest affections of love I have read and dives into some of the grossest scenes of human debauchery and darkest depths of human evil.
In doing so, it is something of a religious text, though certainly one of the weirdest ones. It explores truths, lies, redemption, salvation, and goodwill all in jumbled, messy ways. Ferguson does not shy away from the fact that we are flawed, tormented people who fear for what comes next. Death and sin are commonplace subjects in this book and yet are handled carefully and with meaning, developing this book's themes as the plot unravels.
I certainly don't think this book is for everyone. It has a taste to it that is rather gross and needs to be acquired, either already there in a person or from flipping through the pages. It is a bold book, certainly, and such books are not meant to be liked, necessarily. They're meant to be read and then either saved on the shelf or thrown into the garbage.
I think the best way to try and appreciate this book for how wild it is, we need to just accept that the book is the way that it is. We need to accept the impossible, something the book tries to get us to do time and time again. Perhaps most impossibly of all, it tries to get us to forgive ourselves for our transgressions.
deanna_rigney's review
4.0
This book was surprising and fun despite the dark themes. It was incredibly witty and incisive. One of the things I appreciate about Craig Ferguson on his late show is how straightforward he is, making fun of everything and pointing out the ridiculous. He does the same in his writing, telling the story of four different men whose lives intersect in bizarre ways. It was a sly and irresistible read.
aliciasirois's review
4.0
This book had such a creative use of characters that were somehow connected in one way or another. The use of story telling was surprising, and I liked the way I felt, at times, offended but realized it was the truth. The truth hurts sometimes and this book definitely reminded me of that. A good, funny, entertaining, and educational read.
carbolicious's review
5.0
It's amazing to me that a book filled with the most horrible things could be so happy and uplifting. It's like Kurt Vonnegut, Dave Barry, Jean Paul Sartre, and David Sedaris all had a baby together. It also inspired my imaginary band name: Atomic Oatmeal. Rock on.
hidusty's review
1.0
This book was so disjointed and A.D.D. that I'm amazed I finished it. To say I disliked this book is an understatement. The best part was the period at the end of the last sentence. It may actually be the worst book I've ever read. Normally I'd feel terrible about a review like this but I just can't this time. It sounded like a promising story - It just wasn't.
allymarciewrites's review
5.0
A stunningly original and wacky odyssey that reads like a combination of Hunter S. Thompson and PG Wodehouse.
egumeny's review
4.0
Hilarious and sometimes moving, often at the same time. Ferguson is definitely an author, not just an entertainer trying to be one.
jarrettbrown's review
3.0
While his biggest influence, vonagate, is there, this is where ferguson falls short. He tries and does well in other areas, writing, plot and character development, the fact that he tries to be like a legend and fails terribly.
digs's review
3.0
An enjoyable read. I don't personally see it as a very "deep" philosophical exploration. It looks like more of a personal reckoning on the author's part to settle his views on religion. This is why the work comes off as honest and would probably resonate well with anyone who grew up in a religious environment.
The multilinear story telling and flash-forwards are well used and add a sense of TV pizzazz to the story. The surreal little "miracles" also lend a bit of the author's absurd improvisational touch which reads like a Terry Pratchett novel.
The multilinear story telling and flash-forwards are well used and add a sense of TV pizzazz to the story. The surreal little "miracles" also lend a bit of the author's absurd improvisational touch which reads like a Terry Pratchett novel.