Happy Tuesday, everyone! Please take a moment to help me congratulate Tim O'Brien on AMERICA FANTASTICA's book birthday。 It's an absolute triumph and a powerhouse of a novel。The easy synopsis of the novel would be that a snubbed and doxxed journalist robs a bank to exact his revenge against the person behind the doxxing, and the whole plan goes horribly wrong。 While that would be right, it leaves out the nuances, the writing style, the depth of the story, the layers of the story, the subtleties Happy Tuesday, everyone! Please take a moment to help me congratulate Tim O'Brien on AMERICA FANTASTICA's book birthday。 It's an absolute triumph and a powerhouse of a novel。The easy synopsis of the novel would be that a snubbed and doxxed journalist robs a bank to exact his revenge against the person behind the doxxing, and the whole plan goes horribly wrong。 While that would be right, it leaves out the nuances, the writing style, the depth of the story, the layers of the story, the subtleties and dualities of right and wrong, truth and fiction, corruption, greed, lust, love, and more。It's a smart read---highly intellectual and well-wrought but also witty, humorous, and dark, in stark contrast to the more vulnerable and even tragic moments of the novel。 For me, it held up a mirror to the things wrong in the world and shined its refracted light all over the good things that we hold out hope for。If you can't tell, I loved it---adored it, even。 It's stunning。 It made me cry。 It made me laugh。 It made me think and ponder and remorse and weep and laugh again。 It's nearly 500 pages, and instead of lagging like many longer novels tend to do, it keeps turning and surprising you with new bits of information, new things happening, and always something complex to feel。I truly hope you'll check it out。 You won't regret it for a minute。You can read the full book review and exclusive interview with Tim O'Brien here over at Lit Shark Magazine: https://litshark。com/tim-obrien-ameri。。。Thanks again to Mariner Books for sharing an advanced reader copy of AMERICA FANTASTICA with me to conduct this interview over at Lit Shark Magazine。 It's such an honor to be involved in Tim's special day and to have the opportunity to talk with him about this triumph。 。。。more
Marc Laderman,
I received an Advanced Reader's Edition of America Fantastica from Mariner。 I was eagerly anticipating a new Tom O'Brien novel。 Thank you Mariner。Mr。 O'Brien did not disappoint me。 The story was well told and exciting。 But, it wasn't what I was expecting。 I was used to characters from Mr。 O'Brien that I could try to relate to。 The denizens of America Fantastica are way far out there。 I was beginning to think that Mr。 O'Brien was channeling the late, great Elmore Leonard。 Then, a background chara I received an Advanced Reader's Edition of America Fantastica from Mariner。 I was eagerly anticipating a new Tom O'Brien novel。 Thank you Mariner。Mr。 O'Brien did not disappoint me。 The story was well told and exciting。 But, it wasn't what I was expecting。 I was used to characters from Mr。 O'Brien that I could try to relate to。 The denizens of America Fantastica are way far out there。 I was beginning to think that Mr。 O'Brien was channeling the late, great Elmore Leonard。 Then, a background character stepped up and revealed that he was actual named Elmore。 From that point on, I couldn't unthink that I was getting another Shorty。The story sure is topical。 I'm not sure how well it will stand up when America finally emerges from the current political haze and returns to a greater degree of sanity。 。。。more
Maureen,
This book is a wild adventure。 It is the mad mad world of liars。 A humorous satirical tale told about the political and current events of 2019。 We meet Boyd Halverson who decided to rob a bank and take the bank employee as hostage。He takes a trip cross country on the run from the police。 Hold on to your hat as our robber and hostage journey to Mexico, Minnesota and California。 We。meet all kinds of unsavory characters。 This is a captivating, thought provoking story。 The prose is just beautiful。 T This book is a wild adventure。 It is the mad mad world of liars。 A humorous satirical tale told about the political and current events of 2019。 We meet Boyd Halverson who decided to rob a bank and take the bank employee as hostage。He takes a trip cross country on the run from the police。 Hold on to your hat as our robber and hostage journey to Mexico, Minnesota and California。 We。meet all kinds of unsavory characters。 This is a captivating, thought provoking story。 The prose is just beautiful。 The descriptions of the landscape are breathtaking。 It is both humorous and sad at times。 If you like adventures, I think you will like this book。 。。。more
Kim Lockhart,
The author of the blockbuster collection of Vietnam War stories THE THINGS THEY CARRIED, has come out with his first new work in years。 And it's completely different than I expected and gloriously ridiculously fun。 You know it's going to be good, just from the title of Part I: "Cars, Guns, Crime, Casinos, Money, Movies, Skin Care, God, Monopoly, RVs, Talk Radio, Baseball, and Liars in Public Places。" The tone is obvious from the start: farcical, satirical, and very funny。 To compare the writing, The author of the blockbuster collection of Vietnam War stories THE THINGS THEY CARRIED, has come out with his first new work in years。 And it's completely different than I expected and gloriously ridiculously fun。 You know it's going to be good, just from the title of Part I: "Cars, Guns, Crime, Casinos, Money, Movies, Skin Care, God, Monopoly, RVs, Talk Radio, Baseball, and Liars in Public Places。" The tone is obvious from the start: farcical, satirical, and very funny。 To compare the writing, which is smart and super sardonic, I would say it's closest to Percival Everett's work。 O'Brien adopts the same kind of "humor as a vehicle for serious topics" style。 A quick note about the length: this book reads much faster than it looks, mainly because about half the pages are dialogue。 Tim O'Brien skewers America on its own worst trait: the tendency to embrace the most absurd disinformation and claptrap that we know cannot possibly be true, but repeat anyway。 His descriptions of America gone mad are over-the-top: hysterically funny hysteria。 He absolutely nails it。 I knew I was going to love this book from page one。 The narrative begins with the story of a man who tries to get unstuck from his own life, and the young woman who counsels him that there are worse things in life than boredom。 They are ridiculous characters caught in a clown car of the absurd, a slice of American crazy pie。What is it about America that makes the general population so susceptible to delusions, fantasies, and conspiracy theories? O'Brien plumbs the depths of the 21st century American Zeitgeist, via a bevy of hapless hopeless characters。 Throughout the story, the author subtly excavates the allure of lies, why we gravitate to them, why we tell them, what assurances they give, and how they comfort us (especially when we lie to ourselves)。 America Fantastica is a play on words, referring to Pseudologia fantastica (also known as mythomania or pathological lying)。 Since America went kinda nutso this century, the meaning of a lot of words, like *facts* changed, became more slippery and elusive。 The author/narrator explains that even *mythomania* is an example of this; it used to mean somebody who loved legends and mythology, and not, let's say, pathological mendacity。 If we were to reverse this terrible trend of addiction to propagating falsehoods, maybe we could make fabulism fantastic again。 The narrator states that America is so fascinated by lies and lying, that it's our nation's version of addictive porn。 And when you think about it, this country sports a lot of fans of fake things: fake wrestling, faux leather, Cubic Zirconia, fake names, fake piety, counterfeit money, and knockoff brand goods。Of course, to completely represent the good ol' US of A, the author needs at least one crazy character who is prone to disturbing violence, one who is always looking for an opportunity, an excuse, to open a big can of whoop ass。 You don't have to be Florida Man to go to Crazytown in America。 The Theater of the Absurd is open every day, fairness is weakness, guns are freedom, and no one marries into money for happiness。 You can take that to the bank, or from the bank, as the case may be。 All this madcap fun is balanced by some seriousness, a bit of poignancy swimming underneath it all。 Foremost is the sobering conclusion that people are the worst contagion。 Deeper still, is the realization that grief can cause a loss of self。 That kind of grief can drive a soul to take on a quest towards the spectacular destruction they want, or even deserve。 The explosive denouement is both predictable and surprising, though the real heart of the story is all about getting there, and about carving out a future everyone can live with。 O'Brien says that this will be his last book, and what a gift it is to all of us who have admired his writing for decades。 Thank you to NetGalley and to Mariner Books, an imprint of Harper Collins, for an ARC of this novel。 。。。more
Lexi,
Think of the most satire-y satire you’ve ever read, add in a whole slate of the most (purposefully) unlikeable characters you’ve ever encountered, and then crank it all up a couple notches。 The book’s humor is dark and dry, and its reflections on dishonesty and distrust are timely and piercing。 The core of the story is focused on a nationwide “epidemic” of lying and complacency towards violence and prejudice — a highly exaggerated but nonetheless relevant concept for the moment。 I’ve seen this b Think of the most satire-y satire you’ve ever read, add in a whole slate of the most (purposefully) unlikeable characters you’ve ever encountered, and then crank it all up a couple notches。 The book’s humor is dark and dry, and its reflections on dishonesty and distrust are timely and piercing。 The core of the story is focused on a nationwide “epidemic” of lying and complacency towards violence and prejudice — a highly exaggerated but nonetheless relevant concept for the moment。 I’ve seen this book compared to a Tarantino or a Coen brothers film, and that absolutely makes sense to me。 For me personally, it was kind of a lot。 The irony and satire (not to mention the violence, language, and sexual content) was fairly aggressive and could get repetitive for my taste。 But I think folks who are more into the Tarantino/Coen style than I am would end up REALLY enjoying this one! If that’s not really your thing, this particular read might not be your cup of tea。 Thanks to the author, Mariner, and NetGalley for my digital copy。 America Fantastica publishes on TUESDAY (10/24)! 。。。more
Susan,
Really enjoyed reading this book。 Thanks to Goodreads for sending me an advance copy。 Writing was great。 O’Brien has a way with words。 I hope to see the movie made from this novel。 I just hope they get the right screenwriter and a great director to do a good job。 The ending was the only weak spot。
Libriar,
3。5 stars。 This wild tale follows middle aged white man Boyd Halverson just after he robs a bank and takes off with the teller to Mexico。 The high-paced, over-the-top road trip story just keeps going - even the start of the Covid pandemic doesn't slow the pace of the book down。 Readers who love Coen brothers movies will be drawn to this book。 ARC courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley。 3。5 stars。 This wild tale follows middle aged white man Boyd Halverson just after he robs a bank and takes off with the teller to Mexico。 The high-paced, over-the-top road trip story just keeps going - even the start of the Covid pandemic doesn't slow the pace of the book down。 Readers who love Coen brothers movies will be drawn to this book。 ARC courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley。 。。。more
Linda,
What an enjoyable (and biting) read。 Here’s a story entirely made up of truths, partial truths, and lies。 Playing off of this nation’s current fixation of anything said by anyone must be true if it is hurtful, far-fetched, or furthers something we want to believe is true。 The author calls it “mythomania” and it has swept this country and much of the world。 He uses satire very effectively so it delivers a lot of smiles and head shaking when you understand what his actual meaning is。This is also a What an enjoyable (and biting) read。 Here’s a story entirely made up of truths, partial truths, and lies。 Playing off of this nation’s current fixation of anything said by anyone must be true if it is hurtful, far-fetched, or furthers something we want to believe is true。 The author calls it “mythomania” and it has swept this country and much of the world。 He uses satire very effectively so it delivers a lot of smiles and head shaking when you understand what his actual meaning is。This is also a commentary on identity: who think we are, who we want to be, and the lengths we will go to avoid a painful past。 Mixed into the book are lots of gems: a conservative religious girl who doesn’t blink at murder, uber rich moguls who deal in nerve gas, bankers who cheat everyone—even themselves, and the star—a master liar who means no harm。 I enjoyed every page and often found myself reading parts aloud to my husband!Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers for the ARC to read and review。 。。。more
Gail Roberts,
I wanted to love this as much as The Things They Carried, but that book is on such a high pedestal for me, it's probably impossible。 But this is great and funny and well-written。 I just didn't love any of the characters, but it is hard not to at least root for Boyd。 I wanted to love this as much as The Things They Carried, but that book is on such a high pedestal for me, it's probably impossible。 But this is great and funny and well-written。 I just didn't love any of the characters, but it is hard not to at least root for Boyd。 。。。more
Tim Joseph,
A meandering tale following the hapless Boyd Halverson。。。 for the most part, and his comedy of errors and companions after robbing a bank and beating it for parts unknown。 At once a sweeping, scathing criticism for the "mythomania", or compusive lying, that seems to have swept the nation, if not the world, America Fantastica is ultimately about our broken, troubled pasts and how。。。 if we get lucky。。。 we may just be able to find another broken, trouble past that fits with ours to make a whole。My A meandering tale following the hapless Boyd Halverson。。。 for the most part, and his comedy of errors and companions after robbing a bank and beating it for parts unknown。 At once a sweeping, scathing criticism for the "mythomania", or compusive lying, that seems to have swept the nation, if not the world, America Fantastica is ultimately about our broken, troubled pasts and how。。。 if we get lucky。。。 we may just be able to find another broken, trouble past that fits with ours to make a whole。My thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review。 。。。more
Anna,
"One thing about steering with your thumbs, you saved energy for stuff like revenge。" (39)"If God wants to laugh, God laughs。 Who are you to decide what God can't do?" (223) "One thing about steering with your thumbs, you saved energy for stuff like revenge。" (39)"If God wants to laugh, God laughs。 Who are you to decide what God can't do?" (223) 。。。more
Santosh Rashi,
I found myself quoting passages from this book in everyday conversations。 It's that impactful。 I found myself quoting passages from this book in everyday conversations。 It's that impactful。 。。。more
Ira Smith,
DNF at 15%。 After the poorly written and executed first few pages (supposed to be satire), I struggled in trying to continue the story of Boyd Halverson and the bank robbery。 I gave up after I read the second supposed satirical section。 America Fantastica wasn’t so fantastic for me。
Mary Northrup,
O'Brien's newest novel is a mad dash of a book, a road trip story, a crime caper, a fast-paced tale that starts with a bank robbery and then goes on to get weirder and stranger。 Many of the characters and situations are hilarious; just suspend belief and let yourself go。 In addition, there is strong commentary on lies and the telling of untruths/conspiracy theories/wild stories and the increase in such since 2016。 For fans of humorous stories, Carl Hiassen novels, and contemporary fiction。 O'Brien's newest novel is a mad dash of a book, a road trip story, a crime caper, a fast-paced tale that starts with a bank robbery and then goes on to get weirder and stranger。 Many of the characters and situations are hilarious; just suspend belief and let yourself go。 In addition, there is strong commentary on lies and the telling of untruths/conspiracy theories/wild stories and the increase in such since 2016。 For fans of humorous stories, Carl Hiassen novels, and contemporary fiction。 。。。more
emma,
had me at tim o'brien had me at tim o'brien 。。。more
Katie Starling,
Keeping this to read again。 I know why this author was nominated for a Pulitzer。
Abby W,
america fantastica” is a (literal) wild ride following a bank robber, boyd halverson, and his hostage as they travel across the country and back to settle some of boyd’s scores。 set in a post-trump, pre- to early covid landscape, lies and deceit are the through line of this novel。 this was a fun read for the most part; obrien is great at writing idiosyncratic, complex characters who are by most measures terrible people but that you can’t help but care for。 i had the same problem with “america fa america fantastica” is a (literal) wild ride following a bank robber, boyd halverson, and his hostage as they travel across the country and back to settle some of boyd’s scores。 set in a post-trump, pre- to early covid landscape, lies and deceit are the through line of this novel。 this was a fun read for the most part; obrien is great at writing idiosyncratic, complex characters who are by most measures terrible people but that you can’t help but care for。 i had the same problem with “america fantastica” as i did with michael cunningham’s “day” — both use covid as a plot device in ways that i found unsavory and unnecessary。 i also found the overly-political parts & opaque references to donald trump to be too heavy handed and played out。 i just know o’brien isn’t over the 2016 primary in the most reductive way。thank you netgalley and mariner books for the ARC。 。。。more
Jeremy Fee,
America Fantastica is a powerful work of literature。 Despite being written in paragraph form, the text is very poetic。 I could imagine this story being adapted to film by Quentin Tarantino or a director with a similar style。Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me a free ebook ARC to read。 This is my honest review, and I am trying my best to avoid spoilers。 Without revealing much of the plot, I want to celebrate the story of America Fantastica。 The author Time O’Brien magnificen America Fantastica is a powerful work of literature。 Despite being written in paragraph form, the text is very poetic。 I could imagine this story being adapted to film by Quentin Tarantino or a director with a similar style。Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me a free ebook ARC to read。 This is my honest review, and I am trying my best to avoid spoilers。 Without revealing much of the plot, I want to celebrate the story of America Fantastica。 The author Time O’Brien magnificently gives us interesting characters with clashing ideologies, even with so many of them connected to the criminal world。 I like when authors provide gray areas for characters and there is plenty of that in this novel。 The beginning captured me with the bank robbery and twist on the hostage concept。 The potential flirting/love triangle/revenge aspects landed well。 I was quite amused, smiling and delightly laughing along the way with the reveals, especially with the bank owners。I recommend this book to fans of literary fiction, crime fiction, and poetic prose。 Here’s to hoping we get another book from Tim O’Brien soon[er rather than later]! 。。。more
Anne,
Boyd Halverson robs the local bank, kidnaps the teller Angie Bing, and they hit the road on the run from the police they imagine to be hot on their heels。 This road trip takes them across broad swaths of an America readers will readily recognize as being under the alternate facts regime of a previous administration。 Tongue planted firmly in cheek, O’Brien takes swipes at culture, politics, relationships, and more。 This is satire to the max and has been compared by many to the Coen brothers style Boyd Halverson robs the local bank, kidnaps the teller Angie Bing, and they hit the road on the run from the police they imagine to be hot on their heels。 This road trip takes them across broad swaths of an America readers will readily recognize as being under the alternate facts regime of a previous administration。 Tongue planted firmly in cheek, O’Brien takes swipes at culture, politics, relationships, and more。 This is satire to the max and has been compared by many to the Coen brothers style of humor。 The book is rich with word plays, innuendo, and references that occur so rapidly as to almost overwhelm the story, but they don’t。 The story runs along strongly as the foundation upon which all the rest is built。 Tim O’Brien is a very accomplished writer and he is delivering this over-the-top, fantastical portrait of America with bank robbers, stoned CEOs, and one tiny chatterbox。 This is likely not a book for everyone but I quite enjoyed the story that propels us through this book。 。。。more
Amy,
LOVED THIS BOOK!! There's just a whole lot here!Tim O'Brien, one of my most favorite writers, does it again (after we all waited patiently for YEARS for a new novel) with this fun romp through contemporary times of "mythomania" and bank robbers, Boyd and Angie。 The two trek across the country and meet up with some strange and wonderful (well developed) characters。 The story is long and complicated at times, but so enjoyable to read and process。 I am "warmly stunned" by the conclusion and LOVE th LOVED THIS BOOK!! There's just a whole lot here!Tim O'Brien, one of my most favorite writers, does it again (after we all waited patiently for YEARS for a new novel) with this fun romp through contemporary times of "mythomania" and bank robbers, Boyd and Angie。 The two trek across the country and meet up with some strange and wonderful (well developed) characters。 The story is long and complicated at times, but so enjoyable to read and process。 I am "warmly stunned" by the conclusion and LOVE that the story ended the way it did。 Now, I think I understand what led Boyd to perpetually create untruths, and how and why they sustained him。HIGHLY RECOMMEND!Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read and review America Fantastica。 。。。more
Andrew,
Greed, lies, mythomania, and a caper that rivals It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World,America Fantastica offers a rapier metaphor of the USA's current, steady derailment。 Greed, lies, mythomania, and a caper that rivals It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World,America Fantastica offers a rapier metaphor of the USA's current, steady derailment。 。。。more
Martin Maenza,
America Fantastica, the latest from Tim O'Brien, will be published October 24, 2023。 Mariner Books, a Harper Collins imprint, provided an early galley for review。While look through titles for upcoming ordering, the cover of this one jumped right out at me。 Then the description was equally intriguing。 I put it on my list to check out。The story is contemporary with a backdrop of familiar current events at the time of writing。 O'Brien uses the narrative parts to provide a bit of commentary on the s America Fantastica, the latest from Tim O'Brien, will be published October 24, 2023。 Mariner Books, a Harper Collins imprint, provided an early galley for review。While look through titles for upcoming ordering, the cover of this one jumped right out at me。 Then the description was equally intriguing。 I put it on my list to check out。The story is contemporary with a backdrop of familiar current events at the time of writing。 O'Brien uses the narrative parts to provide a bit of commentary on the state of those affairs here in the States as he discusses the grip mythomania (an abnormal or pathological tendency to exaggerate or tell lies) on our nation。 The underlying themes of lies and truth are weaved throughout this novel。The cast of characters, which swells right out of the gate, is varied and highlights the darker, morally questionable approaches to getting by in challenging situations。 We're talking some truly ruthless people for fittingly ruthless time。 On occasion, I found it difficult to keep track of everyone without a score card。 O'Brien's dialogue reminds me of films by the Coen Brothers or Quentin Tarantino - where everyone is snappish and sarcastic。At times, I felt this one didn't work for me but pressed on。 In the end, I'm glad I did。 This is one of those tales that will have you thinking about in the back of your mind long after you've finished the final page。 。。。more
Daniel Ford,
A whirlwind, post-truth crime caper for fans of the movie Fargo, Charles Portis’ Masters of Atlantis, and characters that entertain and frustrate in equal measure。 Set in 2019, America Fantastica takes the absurdism of the Trump era and dials up the absurdity even more, hilariously interrogating how the use of well-calibrated delusion can mask trauma on both a political and personal scale。 Following a compulsive liar named Boyd whose impromptu bank robbery sets off a ripple effect of bumbling cr A whirlwind, post-truth crime caper for fans of the movie Fargo, Charles Portis’ Masters of Atlantis, and characters that entertain and frustrate in equal measure。 Set in 2019, America Fantastica takes the absurdism of the Trump era and dials up the absurdity even more, hilariously interrogating how the use of well-calibrated delusion can mask trauma on both a political and personal scale。 Following a compulsive liar named Boyd whose impromptu bank robbery sets off a ripple effect of bumbling criminal enterprise from a sprawling cast of characters, O’Brien is clearly having a great time here: the snappy back-and-forth dialogue and the truly inspired alternate-reality fake news smack of an author who is so saddened by our country’s current state of affairs that all he can do is laugh。 Though the book sometimes threatens to collapse under the weight of its own house of lies and becomes a little staid at times, it never fully lost its steam and was careful not to let the humanity of its characters get fully lost beneath the ice of their self-perpetuated fictions。 4。5 out of 5 stars。 。。。more
Will,
I won! A copy of this book, that is。 Hopefully soon it will be in my hands。
Ben M。,
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this book for review。"America Fantastica" is a literary gem that takes readers on an extraordinary journey through the heart and soul of the United States。 This thought-provoking and beautifully written book is a captivating exploration of the nation's diverse landscapes, cultures, and stories, offering a profound and intimate look at the American experience。The prose in "America Fantastica" is nothing short of enchanting。 The author's Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this book for review。"America Fantastica" is a literary gem that takes readers on an extraordinary journey through the heart and soul of the United States。 This thought-provoking and beautifully written book is a captivating exploration of the nation's diverse landscapes, cultures, and stories, offering a profound and intimate look at the American experience。The prose in "America Fantastica" is nothing short of enchanting。 The author's mastery of language and vivid descriptions make every page come alive, transporting readers to the breathtaking beauty of the American landscapes。 Whether it's the rugged terrain of the Southwest deserts or the lush tranquility of the Appalachian mountains, the book skillfully paints a vivid picture of the nation's geographical wonders。What truly sets this book apart is its ability to dive deep into the rich tapestry of American life。 It weaves together narratives from all corners of the country, celebrating the diversity of voices, experiences, and dreams that make up the United States。 From the tales of immigrants seeking a new life to the inspiring stories of individuals pursuing their dreams, "America Fantastica" shines a light on the resilience and spirit that define this nation。The author's meticulous research is evident throughout the book, offering a comprehensive and insightful look at the nation's history, culture, and social fabric。 This blend of fact and fiction creates a rich and immersive reading experience, allowing readers to not only appreciate the beauty of America but also gain a deeper understanding of its complexities。Moreover, "America Fantastica" is a thought-provoking exploration of the American identity。 It challenges readers to reflect on what it means to be an American and the values that underpin the nation's identity。 It's a timely and relevant conversation in today's world, making the book not just a captivating read but also a source of introspection and discussion。In conclusion, "America Fantastica" is a literary triumph that should be on the reading list of anyone who appreciates the power of storytelling, rich cultural narratives, and a deep exploration of the American experience。 This book is a testament to the beauty and diversity of the United States, and it leaves readers with a profound sense of appreciation for the nation's history and potential。 It's a literary journey that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page, making it a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper connection to the American spirit。 。。。more
Diane,
I did receive this book in a give away。 I had a love/hate for the characters in this story, never becoming one to cheer any of them on but also hoping for the best for each one。 The story line was never quite believable while at the same time wondering, in real life, the number of people who imagine travelling the same road as in the story。 Definitely a book one would want/need to read for themselves and decide for themselves and not take any reviews as a guideline to whether or not they would r I did receive this book in a give away。 I had a love/hate for the characters in this story, never becoming one to cheer any of them on but also hoping for the best for each one。 The story line was never quite believable while at the same time wondering, in real life, the number of people who imagine travelling the same road as in the story。 Definitely a book one would want/need to read for themselves and decide for themselves and not take any reviews as a guideline to whether or not they would read it。 。。。more
Jen,
Just the right salve for souls wounded by the current state of humanity。 A lively caper packed with biting satire and humorous antics, all culminating in a lying protagonist one can’t help but love。 Definitely on my list of favorite reads this year。**Note: I received a free copy of this novel through the Goodreads giveaways。
Rod Van Alyne,
Received America Fantastica as a Goodreads Giveaway。 Thoroughly enjoyed it! Full of characters reminiscent of those found in Tom Robbins stories。 My only question is are we sure it is fiction?
Marcus Latham,
Out Haissans, Carl Haissan…a commentary on society? media?, America?…sarcasm?, cynicism?…whatever…couldn’t put it down