No, I don’t mean this post.
Although, you kind of have to read this post to know what I mean, don’t you?
Anywho. I’ talking about Peter Wells’ new novel, Living Life Backwards.
It’s great! I just finished reading it and, if you can believe it, it’s better than his blog–but only because it’s like a movie version of his blog.
Here’s the review I put up on Amazon.
Peter Wells cannot be described as merely an accomplished breakout novelist. In his first book, as well as in his very popular blog, he has proven himself to be the most subtle of humorists, a most astute observer of human emotion and behavior, and the kind of philosopher I simply can’t get enough of.
This novel gets inside the minds and hearts of a cadre of characters that you won’t soon forget. Why? Because they are us–real, quirky, flawed, complex, dreamers, well-intended, unsure, conflicted, and presented with difficult situations through which they must navigate. Sound familiar? It should! It’s called life. And it’s messy. Peter captures how these people deal with their challenges in a way that only he can. It’s as if he has special spectacles through which he can see into a person’s (fictional or not) psyche. And he does it with a wit that I, as a humorist, envy.
As a writer, I know it’s best to show not tell. Let me give you a few snippets of Peter’s laser-like wit that cuts to the heart of his characters:
Of Misty, the object of much consternation, he tells us: “Through no fault of her own, she was more than averagely pretty, and this had made her a prize for those not necessarily interested in marriage.”
Of the protagonist’s (Bill’s) wife and mother-in-law complaining about their husbands: “Grumbling at low volume was their normality. Mother and daughter now joyously celebrating a common burden: men with no imagination.”
Of Bill’s (Peter’s) insightfulness: “Secrecy is often the strategy of the socially awkward or shy.” I very much related to that observation!
I could go on, but won’t. I don’t want to give away the many gems in this novel, which is a veritable treasure chest of jewels.
At the heart of it is the basic human dilemma: do you settle for a good enough safe life or do you risk it all for the fantasy dangling before you? Peter takes us on the ride with characters who grapple with the choices they make and the consequences of their choices. And what a ride it is.
Don’t make us wait too long, Peter, for another book. Until then, I remain a loyal follower of your blog on WordPress.
For those of you who don’t already follow Peter, click here. I also did an interview with him a little while ago about the book.
Now I understand what “living life backwards” means. If you want to figure it out, read the book!
On another subject, I’m taking a little vacation.
Not that you’d notice. I’m hardly around here, what with editing my novel and all.
But I just thought I’d let you know that I’m going to be incommunicado for about a week…or more. I’m not going anywhere exotic–just breaking the routine a bit.
Apr 16, 2014 @ 19:41:42
I’ve given up trying to catch up. I can only do so much and that’s all I do!
Apr 16, 2014 @ 14:46:16
😀 I am behind in all my reading. My brain hasn’t processed most reading for sometime. I think I am about there. Where I can read something that takes longer than a few minutes to scroll through.
Apr 16, 2014 @ 14:21:50
I understand. Sometimes reviews sway you one way or the other. Best to form your own opinions first! 🙂
Apr 16, 2014 @ 13:57:28
I’m holding out because I haven’t read his book … then I am gonna read what you wrote about him. 😀
Apr 16, 2014 @ 12:40:11
It really is. Thanks for dropping in, Margie!
Apr 16, 2014 @ 12:39:37
It is!
Apr 16, 2014 @ 12:39:18
I had fun…now it’s back to work on some projects left undone. You know how that goes…
Apr 16, 2014 @ 12:38:35
Thanks!
Apr 16, 2014 @ 12:38:23
Yes, the only way I can get anything done is forcing myself to take time away from blogging! Kind of a shame, but true…
Apr 16, 2014 @ 12:37:20
I agree! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and for the reblog!
Apr 04, 2014 @ 22:44:30
Reblogged this on Vampire Syndrome Blog and commented:
Peter Wells, the King of Characters!
Apr 04, 2014 @ 17:34:27
Fabulous review for Peter Well. You have created a huge curiosity for me. I will pop over to his blog and check out more about where to get his book.
My library is overflowing with summer books I’ll be reading.
Perhaps, blog time off is the answer.
Happy editing – mi Amiga.
XD
Apr 04, 2014 @ 16:42:07
A postive review, indeed!
Enjoy break time.
Apr 04, 2014 @ 11:11:28
You’re a good book-reading friend, Lorna. Hope your time away involves lots of fun!
Apr 03, 2014 @ 16:34:29
Sounds great. Thanks!
Apr 03, 2014 @ 11:37:54
Thanks for telling us about the book and the blog, Lorna. countingducks is a gem, so the book must be too!