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Welcome to Scranton
It's a wild ride through Scranton in this darkly funny and touching story about friends in their twenties trying to figure out life in their hometown. The boundaries of friendship are tested as one of them hits rock bottom.
Welcome to Scranton paints a portrait of a small town that includes political corruption, a disgraced teacher, and the hilarious antics of young men.
Welcome to Scranton paints a portrait of a small town that includes political corruption, a disgraced teacher, and the hilarious antics of young men.
- GenresFictionContemporary
153 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2010
19 people are currently reading
439 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
December 18, 2011
Do you like dark humor? I thought this was amazing! Somehow even with loads of foul language, disparaging remarks about women, and you name it this book has it, I think this book is great. The foul language and racial slurs are all necessary to depict the characters in the book.
The two main characters that 'Welcome to Scranton' revolves around are Henry and Ed. It is all written in first person from the viewpoint of Henry. He hates his name so you don't even know that right off. Henry has a group of male friends that he has known from way back, Jake, Mike and Ed. But the real main characters are Henry, Ed and the town of Scranton. If you look at the cover of the book, you will see a collage of the important parts of the story but you can’t figure it out just by looking at the cover.
The story is told by Henry in first person. First he tells about Ed waking up him up in the middle of the night. Ed has an apartment in the same complex and he bangs on the door at three in the morning. Ed asks him for some smokes and mentions that he took a whole bottle of pills. Henry gives him the smokes, Ed leaves and then he goes back to sleep. Then he wakes up again. He thinks about the bottle of pills that Ed took. What should he do? Take Ed to the hospital. Then he hesitates. Why, that you will learn!
There are two more parts of the story, a journey back into the past with meetings in bars with his friends, a road trip to Atlantic City and we really get to know Henry, Ed and Scranton and the rest of the group. Then we are back to the present. Henry has to make an important decision.
From the first sentence of the book with Ed banging on Henry’s door, I did not want to put ‘Welcome to Scranton” down’. The whole book is a wild ride through the past and through Scranton. I have seen some complaints in reviews that there is no plot. But there is definitely conflict. That conflict resides in Henry and he has to make a very important decision. This book is so skillfully written that all you have to do is read and you will be carried along by the story at break neck speed.
There is a trailer for this book at:
http://www.welcometoscranton.com/
I think that it would be better to see the trailer after you read the book, unless of course, you are already familiar with Scranton. The music to the trailer is perfect; it expresses the dark humor in this book to a T. The title of this book is very important because, Scranton is a main character in this book. You get to know Scranton in this book, the seamy side, the funny side and quirky side.
I recommend this book to all who love dark humor.
The two main characters that 'Welcome to Scranton' revolves around are Henry and Ed. It is all written in first person from the viewpoint of Henry. He hates his name so you don't even know that right off. Henry has a group of male friends that he has known from way back, Jake, Mike and Ed. But the real main characters are Henry, Ed and the town of Scranton. If you look at the cover of the book, you will see a collage of the important parts of the story but you can’t figure it out just by looking at the cover.
The story is told by Henry in first person. First he tells about Ed waking up him up in the middle of the night. Ed has an apartment in the same complex and he bangs on the door at three in the morning. Ed asks him for some smokes and mentions that he took a whole bottle of pills. Henry gives him the smokes, Ed leaves and then he goes back to sleep. Then he wakes up again. He thinks about the bottle of pills that Ed took. What should he do? Take Ed to the hospital. Then he hesitates. Why, that you will learn!
There are two more parts of the story, a journey back into the past with meetings in bars with his friends, a road trip to Atlantic City and we really get to know Henry, Ed and Scranton and the rest of the group. Then we are back to the present. Henry has to make an important decision.
From the first sentence of the book with Ed banging on Henry’s door, I did not want to put ‘Welcome to Scranton” down’. The whole book is a wild ride through the past and through Scranton. I have seen some complaints in reviews that there is no plot. But there is definitely conflict. That conflict resides in Henry and he has to make a very important decision. This book is so skillfully written that all you have to do is read and you will be carried along by the story at break neck speed.
There is a trailer for this book at:
http://www.welcometoscranton.com/
I think that it would be better to see the trailer after you read the book, unless of course, you are already familiar with Scranton. The music to the trailer is perfect; it expresses the dark humor in this book to a T. The title of this book is very important because, Scranton is a main character in this book. You get to know Scranton in this book, the seamy side, the funny side and quirky side.
I recommend this book to all who love dark humor.
March 24, 2011
I won this book from the Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
Let me begin by saying, typos bother me. After I noticed several right together, I started highlighting them. There are at least four really obvious ones in less than 30 pages:
p38: "I don't know what the fuck I what I was thinking."
p44: Opening quotation marks are missing before "I don't get the name."
p63: "I made an espresso for him and listened to [him] go on about Tom and Jerry."
p64: "boydriends['] boxers"
There may be more that I skipped over before I started marking them. Having a book self-published is no excuse for poor editing. If anything, you should try harder to make sure it's perfect before sending it to print if you ever want it to be published by a real company. Otherwise, what's the point? Books from major publishing houses occasionally have one typo - any more than that is annoying to the reader and makes everyone involved in the writing/editing/publishing look lazy.
I agree with some of the earlier reviewers that it's hard to tell what the book is about. First person narratives are almost always about the speaker, the "I" telling the story. However, here we get more characterization and information about Ed than anyone else, including the speaker Hank. The novel, or maybe novella is more appropriate, is very short, and I think more could be added to better develop the other characters. Right now, everything that happens seems to involve Ed or be caused by him. He is also the only one who really changes as a person, following his suicide attempt and intervention.
While the story seems mostly to be about Ed and the consequences of his actions, the novel also appeared to me to serve a second purpose. If I could give the book a subtitle, as many novels written in the 1800s had, it would be "The Author Expresses his Worldview." Much of what we do learn about Hank seems to fall into the category of how he sees the world. I'm not sure what the purpose of that is other than maybe Greg Halpin using the novel as a vehicle to get his opinions out into the world. Most recent novels, especially those written by men about twenty-something men don't include opinions on racist and ethnic prejudice and the exploitation of women.
I did enjoy reading the story, but I was left a bit confused, and I think it could be better if it had more meat on its bones.
Let me begin by saying, typos bother me. After I noticed several right together, I started highlighting them. There are at least four really obvious ones in less than 30 pages:
p38: "I don't know what the fuck I what I was thinking."
p44: Opening quotation marks are missing before "I don't get the name."
p63: "I made an espresso for him and listened to [him] go on about Tom and Jerry."
p64: "boydriends['] boxers"
There may be more that I skipped over before I started marking them. Having a book self-published is no excuse for poor editing. If anything, you should try harder to make sure it's perfect before sending it to print if you ever want it to be published by a real company. Otherwise, what's the point? Books from major publishing houses occasionally have one typo - any more than that is annoying to the reader and makes everyone involved in the writing/editing/publishing look lazy.
I agree with some of the earlier reviewers that it's hard to tell what the book is about. First person narratives are almost always about the speaker, the "I" telling the story. However, here we get more characterization and information about Ed than anyone else, including the speaker Hank. The novel, or maybe novella is more appropriate, is very short, and I think more could be added to better develop the other characters. Right now, everything that happens seems to involve Ed or be caused by him. He is also the only one who really changes as a person, following his suicide attempt and intervention.
While the story seems mostly to be about Ed and the consequences of his actions, the novel also appeared to me to serve a second purpose. If I could give the book a subtitle, as many novels written in the 1800s had, it would be "The Author Expresses his Worldview." Much of what we do learn about Hank seems to fall into the category of how he sees the world. I'm not sure what the purpose of that is other than maybe Greg Halpin using the novel as a vehicle to get his opinions out into the world. Most recent novels, especially those written by men about twenty-something men don't include opinions on racist and ethnic prejudice and the exploitation of women.
I did enjoy reading the story, but I was left a bit confused, and I think it could be better if it had more meat on its bones.
February 16, 2011
I was very confused about this book. I'm not sure if I missed something, but I kept waiting for a plot to appear.I felt that the story with Ed was so-so. It felt very unreal. I wasn't very sure about what was what. I also felt that character development was extremely lacking, which makes sense because the book was so short. I think the book could definitely be expanded upon and I would like it more. There were a few grammatical errors/typos but that's okay. Overall, it was definitely not the worst book I've ever read.
March 15, 2011
First couple of chapters are available on GoodReads. political corruption, a disgraced teacher, and the antics of young men, in Scranton, PA. Used Wordle to create his book cover (one of those fun projects that can be a pain to create a good one). I like his webpage for the book, it shows a lot of pictures around Scranton.
Sensitive Readers:
Sensitive Readers:
December 12, 2011
Just found out I won a copy!! yay, thank you for choosing me. Cannot wait to read it!
So, this book is a very fast read. Not a lot of big words or hard to understand plot twists, but the characters are well enough developed that you could start to relate to them, well, most of the time.
I enjoyed this book, however, like some other poeple have pointed out, there were many typos. I understand this is an advance reader copy, but ACK!!
So, this book is a very fast read. Not a lot of big words or hard to understand plot twists, but the characters are well enough developed that you could start to relate to them, well, most of the time.
I enjoyed this book, however, like some other poeple have pointed out, there were many typos. I understand this is an advance reader copy, but ACK!!
February 12, 2011
This first reads book by Greg Halpin was an interesting story offering a glimpse into the lives of 20-something guys in their hometown. The question, "Do you stay friends with someone because you've always been friends," made for a good, quick read.
I'd definitely be willing to read more about Scranton and its inhabitants.
I'd definitely be willing to read more about Scranton and its inhabitants.
December 4, 2011
The best part of this book were the characters. They were real and engaging. I appreciated aspects of the story but for the most part I felt like it was a little flat. The ending seemed abrupt and the resolution seemed too easy, especially since the challenge didn't even seem established yet. However, this was a enjoyable read
January 21, 2011
I enjoyed reading about Scranton and the lives of the characters in this book. It was an easy read and was written in a way that you would sympathize or not like a character. I look forward to reading more stories from this talented author! Great job!
March 26, 2011
I won this as a First Reads book! Yay!
I also agree about the typos, they began to get annoying. However, I enjoyed reading the book. It was quick and easy to get through. I won't be putting it on an all time favorites list, but I will look for more from the same author in the future.
I also agree about the typos, they began to get annoying. However, I enjoyed reading the book. It was quick and easy to get through. I won't be putting it on an all time favorites list, but I will look for more from the same author in the future.
April 7, 2011
I own this book. I will write a review later. This is a 5 star book; a very good read.
October 29, 2011
Not what I would normally read but nicely structured, amusing read with strong characters and some memorable scenes. Very well-handled dialogue and a strong sense of plavce.
January 7, 2017
Very sparse on plot. An easy read that I did not really take a lot from.
September 23, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. I was born and raised in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and was also in my 20's during the time period this story was set. I found Greg's description of the landmarks, establishments, and the people who frequented them to be totally on the mark (made me laugh out loud at how true the statements actually were). I found the story of Ed to be a good one. I related to how one can be torn between loyalty to a childhood friend and realizing that what once drew you together no longer existed. As nice as it would be to stay "friends forever"; we all inevitably grow up and follow different paths, unfortunately, some destructive. Again, I truly enjoyed this novella, and would recommend it to anyone who who stayed in their hometown after college and tried to make it in a town that was clearly on the verge of change. Also, a great quick read for any "Scrantonians" out there who were able to escape the mighty pull of the Electric City. I look forward to reading more of Greg's work.
September 8, 2012
As much as I wanted to like this book I just couldn't. In it's defense the characters seemed very honest to Scranton. I should know I grew up there. That being said that's all this book was, a character study of a few people from Scranton. The book has no plot, no direction and the only thing it achieved was to make my feel like I was back home in a bar having a go no where conversation. It did bring back memories such as Jack's Draft House, but that could have been done on facebook and faster than reading this book. I really feels like a test manuscript for a publisher to get a feel on whether or not they would like to publish a story with these characters and setting, that is if a story would be possible to ferret out and add. I'm sorry to be harsh but this book is only worth it if you left Scranton and are feeling nostalgic or you you still live there and feel stuck there. Wish I could have been more positive, but the only thing about this book (if you could call it that) is the characters and rendition of Scranton felt honest.
December 23, 2011
I once read an article by a screenwriter once wherein he describes his first attempt to write screenplay for a romantic comedy based on a relationship he'd had in college. When he finished, his friends from college all loved it but anyone who wasn't already familiar with the events on which it was based thought it was awful. His point was that sometimes you really have to have been there for a story to be any good and a successful writer needs to know when a story is funny and when a story is funny to himself. Welcome to Scranton feels to me like the latter variety. It was ok but I found just couldn't relate with it on any level. I kept thinking it would have been better if I'd been there, if I knew the characters, if it had happened to me. It wasn't bad, per se, it just didn't manage to entertain me.
January 4, 2013
Completely not what I expected. The writing was poor at best, very disjointed. The author overuses the word "said" - as if there is no other word to show dialog, but maybe that is an editorial problem. Regardless, I found myself confused as to the action of the plot, what was happening vs. what had already happened. For a short book, it took me a very long time to finish it because I was sidetracked by more interesting, well written books. The only saving grace is I grew up in NE PA and having been a resident of Scranton for five years, I got a kick of references to places and ideology that I was familiar with.
January 24, 2013
It was alright. It wasn't anything extraordinary, but I did quite like this novel. It seemed to me that it had no point, no main goal or problem here though. I guess, if anything, the whole purpose was getting used to your surroundings no matter how much you hate it. And it taught me that you can't blame your problems on your setting… you just have to accept where you are and whatever it is you're dealing with.
I may read again just so I can get maybe a better perception of it, but overall, it wasn't too bad.
I may read again just so I can get maybe a better perception of it, but overall, it wasn't too bad.
May 14, 2013
So glad to finally have read this book. Even happier that I found it for free for my kindle.
Ok, now to the book. At first reading this, I wasn't really sure where the book was taking me. I had read the summary months prior and did not reread it before I began. About 3/4 through the book, the events leading to the climax starting taking place and it starting getting interesting.I have had family members with alcohol addictions and I was thankful that they got to this guy before it was too late. Not everyone is as fortunate.
Ok, now to the book. At first reading this, I wasn't really sure where the book was taking me. I had read the summary months prior and did not reread it before I began. About 3/4 through the book, the events leading to the climax starting taking place and it starting getting interesting.I have had family members with alcohol addictions and I was thankful that they got to this guy before it was too late. Not everyone is as fortunate.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2011
I wasn't sure how much I'd like this when I first started reading it, but as you get into it you see how well the characters really complement each other and the language and story together gets to be quite funny and appealing. Great read that you don't want to put down :)
Thank you also for having this in the first-reads giveaway program and giving me a chance to win and read this. Thank you Greg :)
Thank you also for having this in the first-reads giveaway program and giving me a chance to win and read this. Thank you Greg :)
September 22, 2012
Pretty good book. May have liked it more because I'm familiar with Scranton. I also pictured Ted Mosby from one of my favorite shows (How I Met Your Mother) as the main character.
Light, easy reading about some guys in their 20s from Scranton. Fast paced, realistic. Seemed to end kind of abruptly. Overall, not much to it. A 20-something journaling a pretty routine 20-something life and relationship with one stressful event thrown in.
Light, easy reading about some guys in their 20s from Scranton. Fast paced, realistic. Seemed to end kind of abruptly. Overall, not much to it. A 20-something journaling a pretty routine 20-something life and relationship with one stressful event thrown in.
October 22, 2012
I read this book (in one sitting) only because I had lived in Scranton for a few years and attended Marywood, the women's college featured in the story. For me, the plot and character development was thin, but it was fun revisiting this town that continues to struggle economically after the depletion of its main resource, coal. The language and mindset are not in sync with my own seasoned citizen status but may appeal to a younger reader.
September 1, 2012
I picked this book at random because I liked the cover. The first chapter I found hilarious. The characters are likeable and realistic and nobody has the perfect life. I thought it was refreshing and more than once thought it would even make a funny Tv series on HBO or Showtime. I do enjoy dark humor because life is full of it, but I genuinely appreciated this read.
October 30, 2018
It was an okay read about the lives of people in Scranton NJ. If that's a subject that interests you, then you will really enjoy this book. It was free which had to have been why I got it. Scranton is not a subject that I was chomping at the bit to read about. I finished the book so it wasn't an awful book.
February 8, 2016
I downloaded this because the setting was a town about 90 min from where I live and thought I would feel a connection. Glad I didn't pay for it or would have been extremely disappointed. The characters were not likable, and while I can curse and swear like the best, I found the constant use of the 'f' word ridiculous! Couldn't get to the end even though I realized this was a short story.
September 1, 2012
Not exactly great literature, but a quick easy read for a Saturday.
September 3, 2012
this was a fun and quick read. A group of guys going through life changes. Not so good events with a feel good ending.
September 4, 2012
I highly recommend this book for anyone
FTC: I received a free copy of this book and was not reimbursed in any other way.
FTC: I received a free copy of this book and was not reimbursed in any other way.
September 10, 2012
Read this lived in Scranton. So bad, it's embarrassing.
September 12, 2012
I picked this up because I attended college in Scranton and loved the city. The story is like one of those train wrecks you can't help watching, but I enjoyed the local color.
September 25, 2012
I'm surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. Quick fun read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews