What happens when a small-time reporter Matthew Prior quits his job to gamble everything on a quixotic notion: a Web site devoted to financial journalism in the form of blank verse? Before long, he wakes up to find himself jobless, hobbled with debt, spying on his wife's online flirtation, and six days away from losing his home...Until, one night on a desperate two a.m. run to 7-Eleven, he falls in with some local stoners, and they end up hatching the biggest-and most misbegotten-plan yet.
My thoughts:
What a hilarious novel! I did not expect to find myself laughing out loud with this book - why would I, with a title that has the word 'Financial' in it - but I did! Walter has created such a wonderful cast of characters and a story that contains every pitfall imaginable, that you can't help but be amazed at his ability to inject a sense of realism within the farcical aspects of the novel. We have a man dealing with: job loss, a dad with dementia, a wife who may or may not be cheating on him and only six days left to save his home - the answer to his problems: drug dealing. Prior is desperate to save his family from financial ruin and must learn the hard way that sometimes our hopes and dreams have to be altered in order to fit within our actual financial means. Let's just say that starting over is sometimes the best course of action to take.
The Financial Lives of The Poets is one of my favorite reads of this year. I just loved the way in which Walter was able to mix humor and darkness so seamlessly within his novel - it truly made for one captivating read. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written, dark and twisty story that makes you laugh out loud. Enjoy!!
P.S. Thanks to Trish for including me in the TLC Book Tour of Jess Walter's, The Financial Lives of The Poets.
12 comments:
"Laughing out loud" and "favorite reads of the year" - what wonderful recommendations those are! I'm thrilled that you enjoyed the book so much. Like you, I wouldn't necessarily have expected that from a book with the word financial in the title. :) Looks like we were both wrong to judge a book by it's title! LOL
Heather J. - Thanks! And I know - I can't believe I judged a book by its cover - yikes! ;)
Why! This is so delightful! I wouldn't have expected to laugh either! I am going to look for it now!
I would never have given a second glance to a book with a title like that. Way to go on stepping outside of the box! I'm glad you enjoyed it so much.
Love the title and premise so I also jumped on the tour this time. Glad to hear that it is laugh out loud funny!
I never thought a title with "financial" in it would be so funny, either! Sounds like a really good read!!
Aths, I think you'll enjoy it!
Kate, thanks! It was definitely a book I wouldn't have normally picked up, so I'm glad I got to read it for TLC. Great read!
Frances, great! I can't wait to read your post on it!
Coffee and a Book Chick, it is a really good read!
Nadia, this just gave me a good idea! thanks for posting.
I agree with you about the title - it doesn't make the book sound very inviting. I just got the book today and I can't wait to read it.
Brenda, glad the post helped :)
bermudaonion, I am looking forward to your thoughts on this book! Hope you enjoy it!
wow Nadia...high praise for this book. on my list it goes. thanks
I see you are reading Swan Thieves! I have that on audio and could not get into it, so I will be excited to see how you liked it! I might have to buy a regular copy :)
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