ending really upset me at the moment I read it, but then appreciated it--very twisted, but also comical ( )

this was a random “snatch off the endcap at the library” book. i have very spotty luck with this approach. this time, however, i was most pleasantly gratified by the results of my choice.

an engaging blend of strange elements, this novel is amusing and poignant, visually interesting and a tactile treat. i am a great sucker for the heft of a book in the hand, and this one was a winner. the pages are heavy with a sensuous weave. the typeface is not only pleasing to the eye, but has a voice of its own within the tale. moreover text, type, form, and content are all characters in this strange and moving tale. i found myself utterly absorbed and completely entertained.

nominally the first person narrative of an ad-man circa 1960 (Mad Men: The Zeitgeist) it is also social and literary criticism and a work of art. one that is utterly self-conscious, but no less artful for that.

an easy read that was wholly rewarding.

recommended. ( )

As with The Cheese Monkeys, Kidd creates here a whimsical, nostalgic little world which consistently reminds me of Roald Dahl. As with Dahl, some of Kidd's characters and situations are "adult" and "heavy," but the novel doesn't work as a piece of realism, which creates an odd sort of tension. Once I made up my mind to enjoy the moments of insight and clever ideas and ignore that tension, however, I enjoyed this considerably. ( )

Happy moves to New Haven fresh out of college to begin his career in advertising. It's 1961 and Happy is using pen, pencil and brushes to create ads. It really didn't interest me, so I stopped on page 52. I was hoping for a Mad Men-ish read, but it wasn't. ( )

loved the first page - the rest of the book didn't live up but still an entertaining read ( )