Okay, there are a few things that you need to know right off the bat about the new novel Lunatics from the wacky minds of Dave Barry and Alan Zweibel:
- When I said “wacky,” I meant it. These two authors must have the oddest creative minds ever, but please know that I mean that in a good way.
- The story is told by the two main characters, Philip Horkman and Jeffrey Peckerman, in alternating chapters.
- One of these two narrators truly lives up to his last name, if you understand slightly vulgar slang.
- Speaking of profanity, it comes naturally to one of these two narrators, and I’ll let you guess which one. The other narrator, though, is as squeaky clean as they come.
- This is perhaps the most absurd and outrageous novel I’ve ever read.
An attempt to sum up the plot could easily become too full of information, thus giving away the multitude of surprise twists and turns to this hilarious story. With minimal details, let’s try this for a summary. The lives of Philip Horkman and Jeffrey Peckerman have never intersected before the fateful day of the under-twelve girls’ soccer championship game that Horkman is refereeing and in which Peckerman’s daughter is playing. One offsides call made by Horkman leaves Peckerman incensed, and the stage is set for what will turn into a series of absolutely unbelievable events that see Horkman and Peckerman seemingly involved in a crime spree, an international terrorist plot, a hijacking scenario, the capture of a ship by Somali pirates, and even more. Honestly, the paths taken by this novel are indescribable and side-splitting funny, at every turn.
The dueling narrators provide two very, very different perspectives on the wild series of events as they are taking place, and it’s clear to us readers that we know much more about Horkman and Peckerman’s situations than they do in the moment. The tone of this writing, though certainly profane in many a place, is sharp and witty, and I couldn’t stop myself from reading passages aloud to my husband. Even though he didn’t have the context of what came before in the story, some individual scenes were too uproarious not to share.
If you’re looking for a bit of raucous reading fun, check out Lunatics and be prepared for a storyline that will go places you never could have foreseen. We have one Advanced Reader’s Copy (pre-published copy of the book) to give away, so leave a comment here to be entered to win and enjoy some laughs! We’ll announce the winner in our regular giveaway slot on 1/25. The giveaway is closed.
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Dawn loves a good read and a good laugh, and she’s thrilled when those two things come together. She tries to share her own laugh-inducing experiences on her blog, my thoughts exactly.
This seems like an amazing idea from two amazing minds…go Dave Barry!
Sounds like a funny read.
Saw this mentioned on Twitter yesterday — sounds funny!
Sounds just up my street. For one terrible moment I thought it was going to be a baseball game as pivotal to the ‘plot’ or some other sport, but soccer is fine.
I think I’ve already said that I want to read this–even more if I could get it for free.
As a side note, a moderately funny story: I wasn’t reading very carefully, so when I saw “One of these two narrators truly lives up to his last name”, I thought you were referring to Zweibel and Barry–and I dashed right off to Urban Dictionary to see which was a slang term. What I found made me think “really?” Then I actually read your bulleted points. Whoops!
We have some ‘crazies’ in our family. This might be good fun 🙂
I would love to read this! It sounds really good!
Thank you!
Sounds like a good book. 🙂
Now THAT’S a review. I would love to read LUNATICS thank you.
This sounds like such fun. Count me in, please.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
Hello 😀
I am new to the site and was looking for a new book to read, this review definitely got me interested.
This sounds like the kind of book that is just up my alley! I love books that make you go “well I didn’t expect that”. The crazier the better 🙂
Dave Barry is one of the funniest authors I’ve read. I’m sure I’d love this book!
someluckydog at gmail dot com
Always enjoy Dave Barry books and am looking forward to this one.
sounds funny and sometimes you need something a little naughty!
Would enjoy reading a good & funny book for a change.
It has been ages since I ready anything by Davey Barry. I’d love to read this one.
I love Dave Barry! This would be a great book to own!
Would like to read this book by Dave Berry.
Sounds like a very fun book to read! I’d enjoy it very much.
Congratulations, Beth, you’re our randomly drawn winner! Please send me your full name and mailing address to pass along to the publisher.
morninglightmama(at)gmail(dot)com
Have not read any of his books yet, but would like to give it a whirl.
This sounds even more over the top than his old columns!
Great book to own, thanks for the chance.
Would like to win this book.
Sounds curious & interesting.
Thanks!
I’d love to read it!
Looks to be very funny.
Would like to read for myself.
Looks like a fun read. Thanks for the review and chance to win!