My proof of that is that I did not pre-order a copy---I did not even BUY a copy... I didn't go to any of the numerous book signings nearby, even though one was the same evening as his Walk of Fame ceremony, which I got up at the crack of dawn and drove 2 hours to see, waiting in line all day to ensure a good spot. (Yes, I dragged my husband, yes he is the best, yes I don't deserve him and yes I got a good spot and yes it was all totally worth it!)
No I did not STEAL a copy....I ---wait for it--- borrowed it from the library...and for your information I was on a waiting list to get it....third in line....I waited patiently who knows how long...and then even after I got it, I didn't devour it in the first minutes, I didn't even read it the first day!! So THERE!! I stand by my assertion that this is a completely unbiased review!
You may ask Why? Why didn't I pre-order it? Well you may have already ascertained that I am cheap..errr, I mean, frugal! 18 bucks for a book I will read in 2 -3 hours is just out of the budget these days. My husband tried to convince me to buy it, but I couldn't be budged!
I also had reservations about it...the title seems stupid (still does) and the cover was ridiculous (yes, I judge books by their cover). And the little bit I had heard about it just seemed unoriginal and kind of silly. Let me try to insert a photo of the cover....
THE ACTUAL REVIEW
So we have determined I hated the name and still do. I have no idea what it refers to and it in no way gives you any insight on what the book is about. And that stupid line about heavenly intervention...it makes it seem, I don't know almost mocking itself.
The basic premise is a depressed dude picks up a self help book...there's a phone number written in pencil in the front cover. He calls it...God answers. Then there's that stupid line on the front which makes it seem like it's going to be a comedy. And it just sounds silly. But it only takes me 2-3 hours to read a book, it's free and I am supposed to be a fan, the least I could do was read it.
I was hooked instantly...there's cursing and sex and his style of writing I found easy to read (my husband has started to read it and disagrees, he can't put his finger on it but doesn't seem to like the sentence structures or just the words Rick uses---says he has a hard time following??).
Instead of numbering chapters he uses different fonts to separate chapters and also because some of it is a back story and even farther back story and some from God's point of view. This didn't bother me at all, but I found it unnecessary. Many authors go back and forth between different characters telling the story and I have never found it hard to keep up, but it's his first novel maybe he just wanted to do things his own way. Since I pretty much read it in one sitting, chapter numbers were irrelevant anyway.
Obviously, I don't want to reveal any spoilers, because I know you are going to run right out and buy a copy (we all know I am the only freak using a library!) and yes I know none of you are running anywhere to buy anything...but you really should!). So I will keep it simple. The story is fresh and very appropriate for what the world is going through right now. It is about so much more than some guy getting spiritual guidance from God, in fact, it isn't about that at all. It is about Earth. How we treat it and how we are ruining it. It also isn't religious, in fact it very well may offend church going types. He somewhat mocks religion but at the same time completely believes in a supreme being. It is a funny book and also has suspense. After a billion years of reading I think I can tell where a book is headed...well, I got nervous because there weren't many pages left and I couldn't see how he was going to tie everything up. I did not see the end coming at all. I love anything that isn't cookie cutter and this definitely fits the bill.
I think it would make a great movie, though please don't cast Rick as the main character, I think people would be more likely to see it, if his name isn't attached to it. He still gets a bad (false rap) as a one hit wonder. Let the book stand on it's own merit, and a movie as well. One reviewer stated “This is not the prose of a rock star who decided to try his hand at novel writing, but of a novelist who just happens to be a rock star.” (Variety magazine) I think that is a perfect summation.
So if you like to read and you are up for something a bit different...I don't even know what genre to call it...it isn't really Sci Fi...or comedy or romantic or a thriller....but it has a bit of each. It is just good storytelling...I really liked it and was really surprised that I did. I don't know why I doubted Rick, he did an amazing job with his Autobiography, Late,Late At Night (which was named by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the 25 greatest rock memoirs of all time!)...I really think it was all pre release press...the book just came across as if it would be hokey, better marketing would have probably made it even more successful. A lot of the press was "What would you do if you had a direct line to God?" but it isn't about that...God didn't connect with him to help him, it's so much more than that. I would have went with "What if God had plans for you and wouldn't fully reveal them..would you blindly follow?" I guess it's kind of touchy about how to hook you without giving away too much. I think it's like movie trailers that only show the funny parts and then you get to the movie and it's actually pretty serious, with a laugh thrown in to lighten the mood. Are you really getting the audience you want?
But, all of that is neither here nor there...luckily I gave the book a chance and I don't regret it. It actually gave me lots to think about which is more than Stephen King and Dean Kootz do.
Just read the damn book and let me know what you think!! I am anxious to see my husband's response when he's done (which will be weeks from now--he just doesn't get into reading like I do!)
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