Wednesday, July 06, 2011

First Wednesday Book Review, THE PACK, Jason Starr












This was fun fast read that is hard to label precisely: part domestic drama, part crime story, part comedy, part horror story. Starr does a good job at keeping it fresh and accessible throughout. Each event follows on the heels of a precipitating one.

Simon Burns suddenly loses his job. Before he can blink, he is bundled up and escorted out the corporate America and turned into a house husband. His wife is okay with this, except when she isn't.

Things have begun to drag for Simon when he meets cute with three similar fathers at the play park. The guys seem happy with their lot in life. They immediately accept Simon, seeming glad to have him in their group, something that's been missing from his life of late. Burns' son likes their sons. Everything is copacetic until things turn strange after a late night party and a strange-tasting beer.

Suddenly Simon is the man he never was. Further plot summary will just dilute the surprises. This was a perfect summer read, which will make you laugh more than once. It is also a timely if light-hearted look at disenfranchised workers and their ill treatment.

For more book reviews, check out Barrie Summy's place.

7 comments:

Scott D. Parker said...

Starr is one of those writers whose name I keep hearing but whose books never find themselves in my hands. Any story that can be boiled down to "part domestic drama, part crime story, part comedy, part horror story" is worth a look.

David Cranmer said...

Scott took my palabras. I will search this out today. Thanks, Patti.

Linda McLaughlin said...

This does sound interesting, Patti. I'll have to check it out.

Barrie said...

Very intriguing! I'm ready for something humorous thi summer! Thanks for reviewing. Drove past "our" restaurant again this a.m.!

pattinase (abbott) said...

Now it's hot so I miss La Jolla again. I love that moderate temperature.

Anonymous said...

Oh how fun! Haven't seen anything like that.

Ellen Booraem said...

This does sound like a hoot--and a perfect summer read. Thanks for the tip!