Go-Go Girls of the Apocalypse

Posted to my Livejournal in August 2008:

Go-Go Girls of the Apocalypse is hilarious and grim at the same time. It's kind of a satire of our current society, set after an apocalypse (obviously) wipes out most of society. What's left is a chain of strip joints that claim to be able to save the world by developing commerce and fostering the civilization that crops up around it, and they seem to be right. But of course, not everyone is on board, and Mortimer Tate, the "hero", is sent on a mission to foil their enemies. This book has a lot of graphic violence and sex, but its intelligence and black humor and very keen observations on how society works are priceless. I loved it. If you read it, just wait until you get to the part where Tate show more reads the new, post-apocalypse label on a Jack Daniels bottle. The price of the book is worth it just for that. show less

It was my birthday last month and as always I got a gift card for Barnes & Noble which is just about the perfect gift. Also, as always, there were just too many books that I wanted to buy but couldn't afford and narrowing my choices down from a few hundred books to four books was a challenging task. It was a task I took on with vigor and relish though and then I realized that I shouldn't have eaten so much of that relish as it gave me stomach cramps. Anyhow, one of the books I decided upon was 'Go-Go Girls of the Apocalypse'.
The title of this book alone should get some kind of award as it really catches the attention. For me, at least, a good title can do that and it's no coincidence that I have such books as 'X-Rated Bloodsuckers', show more 'Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters', and 'The Cannibals of Candyland' on my current reading list.
A novel requires more than a good title though and it's my pleasure to inform you that GGGOTA is a lot of fun to read. Think of it as a literary roller coaster with more twists and turns than a breakdancer on methamphetamine, with more ups and downs than a hooker's panties at a frat party, with more...well, you get the idea.
What I loved about this book was that I never knew where it was taking me next. It's unpredictable, violent, funny, disturbing, sexual, satirical, farcical, disgusting to name but a few and the sheer manic pace of the story might be enough to give your grandmother a heart attack. Above all though it is a great read. Sure, it's too far out there to win any literary awards but if you wish to read a story with all the energy of a Tarantino/Rodriguez action movie, and I'm thinking 'Planet Terror' (which was an okay movie but nowhere near as good as this novel), then this is the book to read. Highly recommended. show less

Although it may seem like just about everyone is writing a post- apocalyptic tale these days, few have ever done it as well as Gischler. This end-of-the World story is so well written and so easy to read. It hardens back to classic science fiction end of the world stories like Heinlein's Farnham's Freehold or Burroughs' Moon Maid Trilogy. There's even a nod to Anderson's Virgin Planet - an offbeat nod.

It is a story which is often kitschy and irreverently told but works because Gischler's keeps the entire story firmly rooted in his new world. It follows the crazy adventures of a man who knew the end of the world was coming and prepared for it. But after nine years alone in his mountain, he thinks it's time to visit society - or the show more semblance of near anarchy that now passes for society.
Between running from cannibals and Mother Superiors, Mortimer becomes a celebrity at a chain of go-go dancing clubs, Armageddon Joeys, that also double as trading posts and gets involved in a war between the states.

At no point in reading this did I voluntarily put it down. It's just plain great entertainment from beginning to end. This is excellent stuff. show less

I will keep this short and simple.

“[...] whether you’re fleeing violent rape gangs, remembering those lost loved ones, or daydreaming of a future where wild dogs no longer roam the streets, we hope you’ll keep making Jack Daniel’s your preferred beverage.”

If the above quote makes you smile a little, or want to grab a drink, this book is going to be right up your alley.

Victor Gischler really nailed this. The end of the world, gang rivalry juicers, booze drugs cannibals, religious nuts, machine guns, more machine guns, molotovs, piss poor beer…. and strippers.

Well, that’s it. ‘Nuff said.

If anyone wants to borrow my copy, get in line. I think there are five folks in line right now.

--
xpost RawBlurb.com

What a fun read. Squeamish at times but "realistic" of sorts as far as post-apocalyptical books go. The main character was likable enough in that you wanted him to succeed but also considerably flawed making serious mistakes even while he knew better. I also liked the ending which was a good closing of the current story but did leave it open to a sequel is that author is so inclined (I would pick it up and read if he did come through). If you enjoy snarky humor in a grimy horrible world then pick it up - I personally couldn't put it down and was slightly annoyed when it was finished because my ride was over. Solid read.

Author Victor Gischler put together a book that reads like an R-rated Douglas Adams novel complete with Adams' humor, yet at times a bitter accounting of Man's last days on earth. This post-apocalyptic novel has a catchy title for sure, and the hot woman with an assault rifle on the cover would make any red-blooded American want to read this book.

There are so many crazy coincidences and odd happenings that make the world end that you would not fathom it. It breaks the envelope of credulity, for sure. A terrorist nukes Washington and a major earthquake ruptures the west coast and at the same time World War III happens in China, Russia and Europe. Everything goes to hell all at once.

Except for our former insurance salesman and (we think) show more divorced husband who has been holed up for nine years in a well-stocked cave somewhere in Tennessee, a state that still has some sense of normalcy -- if you don't count the Red Stripe gangs and the slaves on bikes.

Interesting society: One side ruled by The Red Czar, who rules with an iron hand has gathered all the gangs into one large gangland. On the other side we have Johnny Armageddon and his Go Go clubs, that are really nothing more than a "titty & bar" show (which Johnny denies of course).

The book makes interesting premise as to the different kinds of society here -- capitalism on Johnny's side and a military dictatorship on the other. Each plans the others' demise and Mortimer is the pawn that both sides attempt to use to wipe out the other.

At times the story is tedious, especially the relationships between Ann, his former wife, and Mortimer. Also the subplot of slavery, with men riding bicycles to generate electricity was kinda silly -- there were solar panels around and someone was starting to refine oil again -- as was the convoluted war between the two factions towards the end of the book.

It's not a bad book by any means and reads rather quickly, if somewhat violently. A bit of graphic sex and lots and lots of drinking and vomiting ensue between plot points, just to warn ya!

Are we heading to a future where the buck rules and the girls are hot? Read the book and find out!

Other Novels by Victor Gischler:

To the Devil, My Regards
Shotgun Opera
The Deputy show less

Author Victor Gischler put together a book that reads like an R-rated Douglas Adams novel complete with Adams' humor, yet at times a bitter accounting of Man's last days on earth. This post-apocalyptic novel has a catchy title for sure, and the hot woman with an assault rifle on the cover would make any red-blooded American want to read this book.

There are so many crazy coincidences and odd happenings that make the world end that you would not fathom it. It breaks the envelope of credulity, for sure. A terrorist nukes Washington and a major earthquake ruptures the west coast and at the same time World War III happens in China, Russia and Europe. Everything goes to hell all at once.

Except for our former insurance salesman and (we think) show more divorced husband who has been holed up for nine years in a well-stocked cave somewhere in Tennessee, a state that still has some sense of normalcy -- if you don't count the Red Stripe gangs and the slaves on bikes.

Interesting society: One side ruled by The Red Czar, who rules with an iron hand has gathered all the gangs into one large gangland. On the other side we have Johnny Armageddon and his Go Go clubs, that are really nothing more than a "titty & bar" show (which Johnny denies of course).

The book makes interesting premise as to the different kinds of society here -- capitalism on Johnny's side and a military dictatorship on the other. Each plans the others' demise and Mortimer is the pawn that both sides attempt to use to wipe out the other.

At times the story is tedious, especially the relationships between Ann, his former wife, and Mortimer. Also the subplot of slavery, with men riding bicycles to generate electricity was kinda silly -- there were solar panels around and someone was starting to refine oil again -- as was the convoluted war between the two factions towards the end of the book.

It's not a bad book by any means and reads rather quickly, if somewhat violently. A bit of graphic sex and lots and lots of drinking and vomiting ensue between plot points, just to warn ya!

Are we heading to a future where the buck rules and the girls are hot? Read the book and find out!

Other Novels by Victor Gischler:

To the Devil, My Regards
Shotgun Opera
The Deputy show less