Source: Goodreads
Length: (Around) 25 pages
My rating: 3 out of 5 stars
First came Everything is wrong with me, Jason Mulgrew’s debut novel that became a New York Times Bestseller, albeit for a few weeks. And, as Jason’s publisher would put it, that qualified Jason (in his own opinion) to write this book and tell all budding authors about how they can make that Bestseller List dream come true. The book itself is around 100 pages, 25 of which pertain to the topic and the rest is a preview to his next, hopefully bestselling book, 236 Pounds of Class Vice President.
My take:
In one word – funny.
Jason Mulgrew definitely has a knack for comedy and this book is proof. Short, catchy and downright hilarious, it’s a book you could read in twenty minutes flat.
Some people of course, may find it insulting – authors or budding authors to be precise. But in spite of being a creative writer myself, I wasn’t offended. I think that the quick read that Jason has spun is actually a sarcastic, humorous take on what people think of when someone says ‘I’m an author’. I’m sure many authors out there, established or otherwise have heard someone remark “Oh that’s an easy job… all you do is write.” Being an author is not all fun and games. It’s about creating new worlds, creating new lives, creating new characters and then, somehow, making sense of it all and presenting it in a way that makes sense to others too. (Go on… try it… it’s not easy! I’m sure Jason agrees… partially at least). This book seems to take a sarcastic twist on that very ideology – that an author’s life is such an easy one – that is so easily associated with the difficult task of writing.
The author may have taken a satirical view of things, but the content is definitely true, albeit to debatable extents. There are actually pearls of wisdom hiding in the murky waters of the humor and the occasional abuse only adds to the light and funny aspect. If you are a struggling author or a mildly established one, you’ll find these pearls very useful!
All in all, this short book is a quick and easy read that is light on the brain and thoroughly enjoyable – perfect as a coffee companion when you’re on your afternoon break.
– Rishika
The Book Review Station 