by Jess Walter
What happens when small-time reporter Matthew Prior quits his job to gamble everything on a quixotic notion: a Web site devoted to financial journalism in the form of blank verse? Before long, he wakes up to find himself jobless, hobbled with debt, spying on his wife's online flirtation, and six days away from losing his home...Until one night on a desperate two a.m. run to 7-Eleven, he falls in with some local stoners, and they end up hatching the biggest - and most misbegotten - plan yet. -- from HarperCollins*
When I first got this book, I was a little iffy. For starters, the cover isn't that great (yes, I judge) and the title didn't grab me. Everyone kept saying that it was really funny, but I was still hesitant. They were right. I was laughing out loud quite a bit, which was kind of embarrassing because I was eating lunch by myself in the lounge on campus and I kept laughing. Oops.
While most of this book was really funny, it was also kind of heartbreaking. It seems that Matt Prior cannot catch a break and while his initial venture into the drug-dealing world is hilarious, it takes a turn. Listen, I don't condone drugs, but I really wanted this venture to work out for him! I wanted his family to keep their home, and I wanted Lisa to realize she loved him madly. The idea that someone would do something so drastic to save their home rings true in these tough times is very realistic to me. Unfortunately, it did not look like it would work out. The ending did leave me feeling hopeful though.
As for the amazing author, Jess Walter. I have to read his other books. His writing flowed smoothly and the humor did not seem forced. I loved how he included poems throughout. Some chapters were straight up poems, but it worked and it was funny! I will definitely be lending this book out.
*This book was provided by Harper Perennial
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