Reader Comments
Reader comments are beginning to come in. The most common theme: The book isn't what you'd expect. It's not a book about getting drunk and "barfin' all over your girlfriend's shoes" (The Eagles, "The Greeks Don't Want No Freaks," The Long Run 1979)). It's more about a book about life and philosophy.
I'm guilty as charged. The title of the book is an apt title, but it conveys the wrong message. I kinda like it that way, but I do need to get the word out: This ain't a juvenile yarn. It's intended to be fun, first and foremost, but it's designed to entertain people who are looking for more than Godzilla Meets the Monster Beer. If that sounds arrogant, I would simply point out that I don't claim that I accomplished my goal. I'm merely pointing out what I intended to accomplish. Readers can judge for themselves whether I've written a fun-yet-thoughtful book.
The following is an actual exchange. The reader is a friend of mine, but his comment was unsolicited:
Reader: Ok. I have read 7 chapters and have a few observations. First, very well written. Everything flows and relates well with the next chapter in one way or another. I get the puzzle. Next observation and this isn't a criticisim. Perhaps a compliment depending upon your intent. Heavy topics written about light-heartedly. Joe average reader will have no problem reading it, but it requires them to stop and think about it and make sure they (me included) are getting your message. Maybe that is what you wanted, but I suspect that there is a relatively small segment of the population that has a true appreciation for the significance of the background information that you supply that is key to understanding Roy's character. I think average Joe might miss some of your points. I am not going to flatter myself or pretend that I have knowledge of most of the writings or authors mentioned that are key to understanding Roy or that I get all your points. I get that these are obscure writings and so I infer things about Roy. I assume most will have to make these inferences or assumptions. I want to read it because I know you. I don't know if Joe average person would be intrigued by the unfamiliar. I think high brow thinkers would be all over this and I think it would be good reading for college philosophy or even sociology students. Not sure how this is received by the average mope from a national enquirer society. I don't think you want to advertise in NASCAR WEEKLY, Sporting News, or Field & Stream. This is probably a compliment to you and an insult to society.
My Response: Thanks. I think your criticism is spot on. It's what Marie said, too. I'm hoping that, for readers who pride themselves on their intellectual prowess, they'll welcome the challenge and "feel" themselves up to it. Unfortunately, the book has a title that doesn't appeal to those types, so I've (i) written a book that appeals to a more sophisticated crowd, but (ii) given it a title that turns off the sophisticated crowd. But to quote from George Costanza (getting agitated about his inane "Jerk Store" comeback): "It's smart. It's a smart line, and a smart crowd will appreciate it. (shouting) And I'm not gonna dumb it down for some bonehead mass audience!" I'm just hoping Beer Man isn't as inane as the Jerk Store line.
