This week I had a very enjoyable two reads. Two books that
delve into the things that make life so enjoyable (alcohol) but also so
unbearable (the hangover) just a few hour later. People must have thought I was
quite mad laughing to myself on the beach and at work. (Passengers glancing
nervously at me hoping I’m not on their flight) Both books got a well-deserved 5
star.
This book was very funny and will appeal to people who like
Harold and Kumar go to white castle and comedies of this genre. This is the
second of a series, but it stands perfectly on its own. The book is written in
the first person and we never get a mention of his name, but the book is called
the redemption of the unorthodox gentleman. However our narrator is anything
but a gentleman. Dependant on his mother for work and his rent he is hardly a
pillar of the community. Things get from bad to worse; his mother sacks him
when she walks into the laundry room and sees him pleasuring himself, during
work time! Our ‘Hero’ sets out on a quest to find honourable employment. He
finds a job at the public pool as an assistant canteen manager, but his
troubles are far from over. This book has a great cast of characters, each one
more obnoxious and reprehensible than the other. There is Carl, his mother’s sleazy boyfriend
who manages to become a local celebrity due to some fine form in the local lawn
bowling championship. His nemesis; Otis the alcoholic funeral director who owns
the place next to the swimming pool, who is out to destroy the gentleman’s
fledgling career. This book is original, silly and not for the easily offended.
I can’t explain why it’s funny, but trust me, it just is. I recently read a few
books by new Canadian writers (Silas Payton and Nico Laeser) and there is definitely
something in the water that brings forth original thought and creativity. Keep
on writing Canada!
Even though this book is aimed at restoring the handsome man
to his prime, this beautiful lady didn’t take offense but instead learned a few
things. I like that this book is not judgemental. Some of us like to go out,
have few drinks that can turn into too many. This book explains clearly, but
also in a funny and tongue in cheek way, what a hangover is and what are the
best ways to remedy it. I like the section on prevention and learned a few
things that will hopefully reduce the headaches. There are some wonderful recipes
for cocktails, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic and some juices that can be
enjoyed even when not suffering the symptoms of over indulgence. I also liked
that the book is peppered with quotes from well known authors related to
drinking. I believe that at the moment the book is only available on kindle,
but it would be nice to have it sitting in print next to the blender and juicer
for daily reference.
