This is the story about comedian Greg Malone. It’s his life story starting from three generations prior to his birth and leads right up to the minute he enters high school.
He grew up in Newfoundland, Canada and was raised as a Catholic. Other than that, there is nothing I can really say about the story.
I could not for the life of me get into this book. I reread the first 35 pages of the book feeling like I was missing something. There are just so many names and nicknames it’s really hard to keep track. Then I realized that I didn’t need to keep track because it was all irrelevant.
I’m sure I could tell you my history ending with the moment I started high school, but nothing interesting or abnormal happens and I can’t see any need for publishing this. It’s the same for Greg Malone.
He talks about every single person he ever passed in the street. It’s just a bunch of names. Can you imagine reading 300 pages about a boy who hasn’t even turned 12 yet? Just go talk to a ten year old. It’s the same conversation. You’d find out what he learned in school and what he wants for Christmas. Ooh, exciting.
Sorry Mr. Malone, but I really feel you missed the boat. There were some interesting parts. I did enjoy the “Teacher’s Pet” chapter and the “Epilogue” but I think I only liked the Epilogue because it meant the book was over.
Perhaps I did not get into the book because I wasn’t the target audience?
Maybe if I:
A) was a resident in Newfoundland, raised in the 50s, Catholic, and confused about my sexuality
or
B) had a shout out somewhere in the novel,
I’d have found this book interesting?
I will however recommend this book, because I feel that there is always someone out there who might appreciate this sense of style. So if you fall in either of the above groups you may want to pick up this story. Somehow I think group B is significantly larger than group A.
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