A quick and entertaining read, especially if you like to read about disfunction where no one is maimed or dismembered. Giles is a local writer and I have been to his part of the world which makes the book interesting to me. He writes well and spins a interesting yarn. I too, found this book at buck a book, but I read it the first time as a library book. I am tempted to read it a third time, but I don't have the time, alas.

Ok, so I'm trying to think of something snappy to say and all just like a real book reviewer would or whatever...but bottom line is that this is a damn good book. I read it a couple of years ago, then found it remaindered at Buck a Book and picked it up, surprised. The second reading was even better than the first. I'm a bit biased, I suppose, because I grew up in a house not far from the Blue House in New Hartford, NY and later attended college near Providence, as the author did. "Wicked good!"

Anyway, Giles' family is an absolute riot and he describes their inadequacies, faults and occasional good points with a loving, humorous tone that had me heaving with laughter. His profanity-spewing mother is especially well-portrayed.

Also hilarious are the author's recollections of teenagedom--playing in a band (well sort of a band) with a three-song repertoire, sailing lessons, and being a closet Barry Manlow fan.

This is all superficial, of course...the heart of the story/novel/memoir is about a rough family life and conflict betwen loved ones. It still makes some excellent serious points about familial relationships without bogging down in pop-psychology.

A great fun quick read. I almost want to send Giles the 19 bucks I saved by buying his book for a buck.

One of my favorite books of all time

As a huge football fan with ties to the CFL and Canada I found this book to be entertaining. Jeff Giles pulls very few punches in this book. The way he views Canada and the CFL is very interesting! I have well over one hundred books on football in my collection and this one is a fine addition!