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Freaks
Kann Musik die Welt verbessern? Verhilft ein neuer Sound zu neuem Sinn? Das wohl nicht höchstens den Musikern. Vor allem wenn es sich um fünf Außenseiter in einer gottverlassenen Kleinstadt handelt, mit denen niemand etwas zu tun haben will. Aber wenn sie Musik machen, setzen sie ihre eigenen Macken unter Strom und verwandeln sie in den Sound ihrer Befreiung. Eine Tragikomödie mit mehr als einem Ende.
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
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521 people want to read
About the author
Joey Goebel
15 books169 followersAdam Joseph "Joey" Goebel III (born September 2, 1980) is an American author whose work centers around the peculiarities of culture in Middle America. He was raised in Henderson, Kentucky, a small town on the Ohio River across from Evansville, Indiana. His parents, Adam Goebel of Louisville, and Nancy Bingemer Goebel of Henderson, were both social workers and met in Frankfort, Kentucky. His older sister CeCe is also a social worker.
Goebel's books have been published in over ten languages and have found their largest audience in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Goebel's books have been published in over ten languages and have found their largest audience in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
March 1, 2019
This was my first read by *Joey Goebel*, a young novelist from Kentucky.....
When I started this slim kooky novel, I thought Goebel was from Germany.... where he’s found his largest audience. Nope- all American.
I was hoping to find a new ‘comic-tragic’ - ( mostly funny) - author - similar to *Erlend Loe*, from Denmark, or Jonathan Trooper, from the states.....
“Anomalies”, was as much of a mixed-bag for me, as are the characters we come to know. I felt it to be a little slap silly at the start... but this book grew on me - with some deeper thinking going on. It’s definitely not perfect - but I’d consider reading the author again.
A very odd configuration of friends (perhaps ‘friends’ is stretching it), come together in the heart of middle-America ...
Henderson, Kentucky to form a rock band.
Meet the group:
....Lester: the 24 year old boy genius is the leader.
....Opal: The oldest - 80 years of age.
She’s running away from family members who want to place her in an old folks home. Opal is a sex-crazed party granny!
....Ember: the youngest - coming in at 8 years old age. Never mind that it’s past her bedtime...she brought her babysitter who is also in the band. Ha.. Ember is doing most of the babysitting for her sitter.
This child has mouth on her with angry outbursts.
....Aurora: beautiful blond babysitter - wheelchair bound satanist.
....Ray: Iraqi Gay immigrant.
These bizarre mix of characters are rebel’s, angry and disenchanted by society.
They are ‘supposedly’ representing diversity in America with their cultural and racial differences. They want to show the ‘humanoids’ in the real world that it’s their insincerity and ignorance that fuels them out of a dead end town.
The rest of the world is pathetic to them - at the same time - we’re not so clear they are any happier with themselves.
My favorite parts of the dialogue is when it’s a balance of sad reality and defensive aloofness.
Aurora ( wheelchair bound)...
says:
“Does anyone ever look at me and feel guilty for having legs that work? Do they count their blessings? Do they pity me? Or do they curse the fact that I’d make a lousy whore and I’m a useless waste of ass?”
Besides the rock band themselves- we meet wives, boyfriends, fathers, a cop, a therapist, family and friends, and hear the customers take on the band players.
These folks help us see deeper into each of the individuals in the rock band. .. and our problems in the world at large.
Some looking back thoughts....( when thinking about Ember the child in the band):
Aurora says:
“I’d give anything to be a kid again, before breasts, drugs, jobs, boyfriends, death and those nagging thoughts that make you constantly question everything around you and inside you. I didn’t know how good I had it as a kid”.
Aurora’s epiphany for the day:
“When you’re a kid, you’re as close to perfect as you’re ever gonna be”.
This is ‘mostly’ a great first novel. We feel the loneliness- the grief - the unhappiness - and the absurdities.
“Anomalies” highlights the peculiarities of life though emotions and behaviors....
And
Sometimes like this:
Lester comes on stage and screams into his microphone:
“It is Anomalies! The Anomalies!
I see a lot of good looking widows, orphans, introverts, extroverts, latchkey kids, amputees, and Jewish Carpenter’s out there tonight! My name is Lester Johnson, and I’m doing well!
I am not going to ask you all how you are doing, because I am sure you would just reply by yelling, Wooo”.
It’s a strange little book - no question about it... yet weirdly engaging.
3.5 stars.
When I started this slim kooky novel, I thought Goebel was from Germany.... where he’s found his largest audience. Nope- all American.
I was hoping to find a new ‘comic-tragic’ - ( mostly funny) - author - similar to *Erlend Loe*, from Denmark, or Jonathan Trooper, from the states.....
“Anomalies”, was as much of a mixed-bag for me, as are the characters we come to know. I felt it to be a little slap silly at the start... but this book grew on me - with some deeper thinking going on. It’s definitely not perfect - but I’d consider reading the author again.
A very odd configuration of friends (perhaps ‘friends’ is stretching it), come together in the heart of middle-America ...
Henderson, Kentucky to form a rock band.
Meet the group:
....Lester: the 24 year old boy genius is the leader.
....Opal: The oldest - 80 years of age.
She’s running away from family members who want to place her in an old folks home. Opal is a sex-crazed party granny!
....Ember: the youngest - coming in at 8 years old age. Never mind that it’s past her bedtime...she brought her babysitter who is also in the band. Ha.. Ember is doing most of the babysitting for her sitter.
This child has mouth on her with angry outbursts.
....Aurora: beautiful blond babysitter - wheelchair bound satanist.
....Ray: Iraqi Gay immigrant.
These bizarre mix of characters are rebel’s, angry and disenchanted by society.
They are ‘supposedly’ representing diversity in America with their cultural and racial differences. They want to show the ‘humanoids’ in the real world that it’s their insincerity and ignorance that fuels them out of a dead end town.
The rest of the world is pathetic to them - at the same time - we’re not so clear they are any happier with themselves.
My favorite parts of the dialogue is when it’s a balance of sad reality and defensive aloofness.
Aurora ( wheelchair bound)...
says:
“Does anyone ever look at me and feel guilty for having legs that work? Do they count their blessings? Do they pity me? Or do they curse the fact that I’d make a lousy whore and I’m a useless waste of ass?”
Besides the rock band themselves- we meet wives, boyfriends, fathers, a cop, a therapist, family and friends, and hear the customers take on the band players.
These folks help us see deeper into each of the individuals in the rock band. .. and our problems in the world at large.
Some looking back thoughts....( when thinking about Ember the child in the band):
Aurora says:
“I’d give anything to be a kid again, before breasts, drugs, jobs, boyfriends, death and those nagging thoughts that make you constantly question everything around you and inside you. I didn’t know how good I had it as a kid”.
Aurora’s epiphany for the day:
“When you’re a kid, you’re as close to perfect as you’re ever gonna be”.
This is ‘mostly’ a great first novel. We feel the loneliness- the grief - the unhappiness - and the absurdities.
“Anomalies” highlights the peculiarities of life though emotions and behaviors....
And
Sometimes like this:
Lester comes on stage and screams into his microphone:
“It is Anomalies! The Anomalies!
I see a lot of good looking widows, orphans, introverts, extroverts, latchkey kids, amputees, and Jewish Carpenter’s out there tonight! My name is Lester Johnson, and I’m doing well!
I am not going to ask you all how you are doing, because I am sure you would just reply by yelling, Wooo”.
It’s a strange little book - no question about it... yet weirdly engaging.
3.5 stars.
July 6, 2022
"Spune-i ca suntem o trupa power-pop new wave heavy metal punk-rock, care face rock imposibil la puterea a 5-a."
Daca doriti sa cititi o carte "iesita din tipare" la propriu si la figurat trebuie neaparat sa luati "Anomalii" a lui Joey Goebel. Este nonconformista, teribilista, delicios de onesta, amuzanta si fara perdea. M-a trimis cu gandul la "Bantuitii" a lui Chuck Palahniuk.
De la acest autor am mai citit link: "Torturati-l pe artist".
Imaginati-va ca mergeti pe strada si vedeti un afis lipit pe un stalp pe care puteti citi ca vineri, live la Pandemonium, va concerta trupa "The Anomalies". De asemenea mai vedeti ca pe afis se gasesc doi demoni goi si ca membrii trupei sunt urmatorii:
Luster - liderul si solistul formatiei, un afro-american inalt si masiv care scrie versurile cantecelor pline de filosofie ieftina si"profunda". Are 24 de ani si e incarcator-descarcator la cursele de caini. Este diagnosticat cu 'fraierita cronica' si vrea sa ajunga star rock, orator celebru si rege filosof. Vorbeste singur in autobuz si oamenii il cred nebun. Doreste sa se imbogateasca, uraste umanoizii dar in acelasi timp vrea sa fie iubit de ei.
Opal - este chitarista trupei, are 80 de ani, este rockerita infocata, are tricou cu "Sex Pistols" si este
nimfomana. Este bona micutei Ember si o invata pe aceasta sa cante la bas "Innocent exile" de Iron Maiden.
Ember - este basista trupei si are 8 anisori. Arata ca un ingeras blond, adora rockul si nu poarta chilotei. Este fascinata de cutite, foc, violenta, mutilare si distrugere. Il uraste pe Mos Craciun. De asemenea detesta sa mearga la scoala. Uraste TOT si vrea sa dea foc lumii intregi. Are parinti bogati si nepasatori asa ca e lasata in grija lui Opal. Este cel mai viu si reusit personaj al cartii.
Aurora - baterista trupei este o frumusete foarte sexy, fosta stripteuza care se preface ca este invalida. Vorbeste soptit si moale, senzual ca Marilyn Monroe. Toata lumea o doreste si o priveste oriunde s-ar duce. Crede ca barbatul ideal este cel care nu doreste sex oral de la ea. Cauta un partener care sa o respecte si sa nu o vada ca pe un obiect sexual. In ciuda aparentei provocatoare este timida si virgina.
Ray - ultimul membru al trupei canta la clape. Acesta este un irakian intre 2 varste, durduliu, cu mustata neagra, efeminat si caruia ii plac barbatii musculosi. E insurat si are un fiu adolescent rebel si rapper. S-a mutat in America pentru ca a luptat in Razboiul din Golf si a impuscat un american caruia vrea sa-i ceara scuze.
Iata asadar un concert precum este si cartea de fata - de neratat!
Va recomand sa cititi aceasta poveste amuzanta si nebuna ce aduce laolalta acesti oameni neobisnuiti si neadaptati, asa zisii ciudati ai societatii, care impreuna prin muzica incearca sa faca ceva memorabil si sa schimbe lumea. Ca orice gest de asemenea anvergura iese prost la final. Am ras cu lacrimi de-a lungul cartii si mi-a parut rau doar cand s-a terminat. Putea sa fie mai lunga. Va recomand de asemenea sa incercati si celalalt roman al autorului, "Torturati-l pe artist".
Iata cateva citate care mi-au ramas in minte:
"Cel mai inalt ideal la care putem spera e sa vedem lumea asa cum apare ea in visele unui orb."
"O sa fie cea mai buna carte din toate timpurile, bazata pe povestea vietii mele, mai acida decat ziarele de scandal si mai sexy decat Biblia. Lui Oprah o sa-i placa."
"Omul asta, umanoidul asta oribil de mediocru, ma obliga sa fiu maret."
"Muzica , muzica. Muza, muza dementa. Muza dementa care o sa ne ajute sa cumparam un apartament pe Luna."
"Niciodata n-o sa te apropii de perfectiune mai mult decat in copilarie."
"Cred sincer ca unicitatea mea imputita e o virtute care in final imi va permite sa gasesc undeva o portita prin care sa ajung la faima, bogatiile si femeia visurilor, care altora le scapa pe vecie."
P.S. Posterul este facut de mine asa cum mi-am imaginat ca ar arata in realitate. :)
Daca doriti sa cititi o carte "iesita din tipare" la propriu si la figurat trebuie neaparat sa luati "Anomalii" a lui Joey Goebel. Este nonconformista, teribilista, delicios de onesta, amuzanta si fara perdea. M-a trimis cu gandul la "Bantuitii" a lui Chuck Palahniuk.
De la acest autor am mai citit link: "Torturati-l pe artist".
Imaginati-va ca mergeti pe strada si vedeti un afis lipit pe un stalp pe care puteti citi ca vineri, live la Pandemonium, va concerta trupa "The Anomalies". De asemenea mai vedeti ca pe afis se gasesc doi demoni goi si ca membrii trupei sunt urmatorii:
Luster - liderul si solistul formatiei, un afro-american inalt si masiv care scrie versurile cantecelor pline de filosofie ieftina si"profunda". Are 24 de ani si e incarcator-descarcator la cursele de caini. Este diagnosticat cu 'fraierita cronica' si vrea sa ajunga star rock, orator celebru si rege filosof. Vorbeste singur in autobuz si oamenii il cred nebun. Doreste sa se imbogateasca, uraste umanoizii dar in acelasi timp vrea sa fie iubit de ei.
Opal - este chitarista trupei, are 80 de ani, este rockerita infocata, are tricou cu "Sex Pistols" si este
nimfomana. Este bona micutei Ember si o invata pe aceasta sa cante la bas "Innocent exile" de Iron Maiden.
Ember - este basista trupei si are 8 anisori. Arata ca un ingeras blond, adora rockul si nu poarta chilotei. Este fascinata de cutite, foc, violenta, mutilare si distrugere. Il uraste pe Mos Craciun. De asemenea detesta sa mearga la scoala. Uraste TOT si vrea sa dea foc lumii intregi. Are parinti bogati si nepasatori asa ca e lasata in grija lui Opal. Este cel mai viu si reusit personaj al cartii.
Aurora - baterista trupei este o frumusete foarte sexy, fosta stripteuza care se preface ca este invalida. Vorbeste soptit si moale, senzual ca Marilyn Monroe. Toata lumea o doreste si o priveste oriunde s-ar duce. Crede ca barbatul ideal este cel care nu doreste sex oral de la ea. Cauta un partener care sa o respecte si sa nu o vada ca pe un obiect sexual. In ciuda aparentei provocatoare este timida si virgina.
Ray - ultimul membru al trupei canta la clape. Acesta este un irakian intre 2 varste, durduliu, cu mustata neagra, efeminat si caruia ii plac barbatii musculosi. E insurat si are un fiu adolescent rebel si rapper. S-a mutat in America pentru ca a luptat in Razboiul din Golf si a impuscat un american caruia vrea sa-i ceara scuze.
Iata asadar un concert precum este si cartea de fata - de neratat!
Va recomand sa cititi aceasta poveste amuzanta si nebuna ce aduce laolalta acesti oameni neobisnuiti si neadaptati, asa zisii ciudati ai societatii, care impreuna prin muzica incearca sa faca ceva memorabil si sa schimbe lumea. Ca orice gest de asemenea anvergura iese prost la final. Am ras cu lacrimi de-a lungul cartii si mi-a parut rau doar cand s-a terminat. Putea sa fie mai lunga. Va recomand de asemenea sa incercati si celalalt roman al autorului, "Torturati-l pe artist".
Iata cateva citate care mi-au ramas in minte:
"Cel mai inalt ideal la care putem spera e sa vedem lumea asa cum apare ea in visele unui orb."
"O sa fie cea mai buna carte din toate timpurile, bazata pe povestea vietii mele, mai acida decat ziarele de scandal si mai sexy decat Biblia. Lui Oprah o sa-i placa."
"Omul asta, umanoidul asta oribil de mediocru, ma obliga sa fiu maret."
"Muzica , muzica. Muza, muza dementa. Muza dementa care o sa ne ajute sa cumparam un apartament pe Luna."
"Niciodata n-o sa te apropii de perfectiune mai mult decat in copilarie."
"Cred sincer ca unicitatea mea imputita e o virtute care in final imi va permite sa gasesc undeva o portita prin care sa ajung la faima, bogatiile si femeia visurilor, care altora le scapa pe vecie."
P.S. Posterul este facut de mine asa cum mi-am imaginat ca ar arata in realitate. :)
September 1, 2024
Foate amuzanta, cu personaje extrem de simpatice si un final dulce-amarui. 😊
May 3, 2024
Passender Soundtrack: „Freaks“ von Surf Cours
November 4, 2025
wild! wie immer bei Goebel hatte ich den Spaß meines Lebens und alles ist so liebenswert-bissig-obszön-klischeegeladen das man es am Stück durchlesen muss :)
July 12, 2008
http://therealjohnhood.com/bookem/roc...
Rock This
"One half of me is a proud escapee from the science of life. I cut loose from the George Strait jacket. I am physically incapable of blushing. I am not subject to linear thought. I think in poetry. I prefer the backseat to shotgun. I apologize to insects before I kill their asses. I cannot swim, nor do I feel the need to learn.
The Other half of me falls victim to the typical urges, hopes, and dreams of the humanoids. I want to be rich. I want to be big and famous. And above all, I want to love and be loved. In these ways I am a slave like all the rest. I want to rock it like a slut with bad shoes. I want to be thigh-high in Ted Nugent nostalgia.
Like most men, I think about sex every six seconds. But unlike most men, every seventh second I think about how the girl would look wearing the burlap pantsuit that my show business money afforded her."
Thus rants Luster, the jerri-curled gotta-be who fronts new jack Joey Goebel's The Anomalies (MacAdam/Cage $22), a book - and a band - that's literally off-the-hook. I quote him at length for two very good reasons: 1) he's a gas, as trippy and flippy as a helium kiss, & 2) it's the best way for you, dear reader, to get a bead on the book - and the band - that he fronts.
Let's meet The Anomalies.
Backing-up Luster but in every way his equals are Opal, an 80-year-old (sic) sex-crazed rocker chick who'll go out of her way to say what she means and to say it mean; Ember, the 8-year-old (siccer) good fun of a bad seed with "a crudload of potential"; Aurora, the knockout daughter-of-a-preacher-man and constant phase-shifter (stripper, Satanist, invalid); and Ray, an Iraqi may-be gay blade in short-shorts who won't be truly satisfied until he apologizes in person to the soldier he shot during Desert Storm.
Hence Kentucky.
And hence The Anomalies.
Alone, they'd be easy targets for the prejudiced and pea-brained; together they're a thicket of kindling just asking - no, daring - for a match. 'Cause once they go up, all those prejudices go out in flames.
Burn, baby, burn.
Rare is the arsonist who's got regeneration on his mind. Then Goebel is the rare arsonist, a fire starter who knows some things need to be torched before we can begin to build. That his conflagration comes in the form of a rollicking, rocking (sorry), rags-to-war story only shows how bright a torch he wields.
The story's simple - elegantly simple. Five ultra-sane crazies from the wrong side of nowhere collide to rock the wild world. If the wild world happens to fall into enlightenment, so much the better. To say their smearing of multi-culti lines and crossing of generation gaps is boldly going where no band has gone before could very well be the understatement of this scary new century. Consider it said. Then consider how much courage it takes to be an Anomaly.
Told from the (disad)vantage point of friend and foe alike, it's as if Goebel really, truly wants to get into - and under - the dirty skin of all character. Every angle gets a word in edgewise, and few angles are right. Kinda just like how it is. But fret not, The Anomalies is the kinda quick-witted fix that puts the mend to what's broken. Then breaks it up all over again.
Misconception.
Misperception.
Ignorance and apathy.
Ambivalence and duplicity.
Broken into a million little pieces.
And exposed by The Anomalies.
Just goes to show: Like minds need not always look - or think - alike. They need just to have mutual dislikes.
And a wise guy to give 'em voice.
But don't think for a minute that Goebel's all positive and light. He knows better. There's only so far ahead ("the future is what's for dinner") and only so much honesty ("you are what you pretend to be"), and we'll not even mention fellow humans ("you give people the benefit of the doubt, and they disappoint you every time"). He also knows you gotta go out and try anyway.
What's the worst thing that could happen?
Nothing.
Indeed.
Screw the stalwarts, damn the tuxedos, and take your hate and shove it. If there's something to look forward to in this backwards-sighted world it's a time when The Anomalies make it on - and win - American Idol, and young guns like Joey Goebel get to hit the bestseller lists.
By the way, what's for dinner?
Rock This
"One half of me is a proud escapee from the science of life. I cut loose from the George Strait jacket. I am physically incapable of blushing. I am not subject to linear thought. I think in poetry. I prefer the backseat to shotgun. I apologize to insects before I kill their asses. I cannot swim, nor do I feel the need to learn.
The Other half of me falls victim to the typical urges, hopes, and dreams of the humanoids. I want to be rich. I want to be big and famous. And above all, I want to love and be loved. In these ways I am a slave like all the rest. I want to rock it like a slut with bad shoes. I want to be thigh-high in Ted Nugent nostalgia.
Like most men, I think about sex every six seconds. But unlike most men, every seventh second I think about how the girl would look wearing the burlap pantsuit that my show business money afforded her."
Thus rants Luster, the jerri-curled gotta-be who fronts new jack Joey Goebel's The Anomalies (MacAdam/Cage $22), a book - and a band - that's literally off-the-hook. I quote him at length for two very good reasons: 1) he's a gas, as trippy and flippy as a helium kiss, & 2) it's the best way for you, dear reader, to get a bead on the book - and the band - that he fronts.
Let's meet The Anomalies.
Backing-up Luster but in every way his equals are Opal, an 80-year-old (sic) sex-crazed rocker chick who'll go out of her way to say what she means and to say it mean; Ember, the 8-year-old (siccer) good fun of a bad seed with "a crudload of potential"; Aurora, the knockout daughter-of-a-preacher-man and constant phase-shifter (stripper, Satanist, invalid); and Ray, an Iraqi may-be gay blade in short-shorts who won't be truly satisfied until he apologizes in person to the soldier he shot during Desert Storm.
Hence Kentucky.
And hence The Anomalies.
Alone, they'd be easy targets for the prejudiced and pea-brained; together they're a thicket of kindling just asking - no, daring - for a match. 'Cause once they go up, all those prejudices go out in flames.
Burn, baby, burn.
Rare is the arsonist who's got regeneration on his mind. Then Goebel is the rare arsonist, a fire starter who knows some things need to be torched before we can begin to build. That his conflagration comes in the form of a rollicking, rocking (sorry), rags-to-war story only shows how bright a torch he wields.
The story's simple - elegantly simple. Five ultra-sane crazies from the wrong side of nowhere collide to rock the wild world. If the wild world happens to fall into enlightenment, so much the better. To say their smearing of multi-culti lines and crossing of generation gaps is boldly going where no band has gone before could very well be the understatement of this scary new century. Consider it said. Then consider how much courage it takes to be an Anomaly.
Told from the (disad)vantage point of friend and foe alike, it's as if Goebel really, truly wants to get into - and under - the dirty skin of all character. Every angle gets a word in edgewise, and few angles are right. Kinda just like how it is. But fret not, The Anomalies is the kinda quick-witted fix that puts the mend to what's broken. Then breaks it up all over again.
Misconception.
Misperception.
Ignorance and apathy.
Ambivalence and duplicity.
Broken into a million little pieces.
And exposed by The Anomalies.
Just goes to show: Like minds need not always look - or think - alike. They need just to have mutual dislikes.
And a wise guy to give 'em voice.
But don't think for a minute that Goebel's all positive and light. He knows better. There's only so far ahead ("the future is what's for dinner") and only so much honesty ("you are what you pretend to be"), and we'll not even mention fellow humans ("you give people the benefit of the doubt, and they disappoint you every time"). He also knows you gotta go out and try anyway.
What's the worst thing that could happen?
Nothing.
Indeed.
Screw the stalwarts, damn the tuxedos, and take your hate and shove it. If there's something to look forward to in this backwards-sighted world it's a time when The Anomalies make it on - and win - American Idol, and young guns like Joey Goebel get to hit the bestseller lists.
By the way, what's for dinner?
March 14, 2011
Unterschiedlicher könnten sie kaum sein, und dennoch haben sie eine große Gemeinsamkeit: sie sind besonders, aber ausgelacht und verachtet von den normalen Menschen um sie herum.
Die 80jährige Oma im Sex Pistols-T-Shirt mit regem Sexleben, das 8jährige Mädchen, das alles und jeden hasst, die hübsche satanistische Stripperin im Rollstuhl, der Iraki, der den Amerikaner sucht, den er im ersten Irakkrieg angeschossen hat, um sich bei ihm zu entschuldigen und der Afroamerikaner mit der abartigen Frisur, dessen intellektuelle Genialität mit Drogenrausch verwechselt wird - sie sind beste Freunde und gründen eine Band namens The Freaks.
Joey Goebel erzählt die Geschichte der Freaks in seinem zweiten Roman nicht nur aus der Perspektive der einzelnen Bandmitglieder, sondern auch der Menschen um sie herum. So ertappt man sich teilweise dabei, auf der Seite der "Humanoiden", wie sie vom genialen, ständig in Selbstgespräche versunkenen, Sänger der Freaks genannt werden, zu sein, obwohl die fünf für ihr Verhalten durchaus logische und nachvollziehbare Gründe haben. Eigentlich sogar verständlicher als die "normalen" Verhaltensmuster. Dieser Spiegel, der einem vorgehalten wird, ist dabei aber in einer so komischen, skurrilen und witzigen Geschichte verpackt, dass er fern jeglichen erhobenen Zeigefingers ist.
Obwohl Freaks aber ein sehr gelungenes, ebenso unterhaltsames wie dann doch nachdenkliches Buch ist, gibt es im Vergleich zu Joey Goebels anderen Romanen, "Heartland" und vor allem "Vincent" doch eine leichte Einschränkung. So wirkt der Roman teilweise drehbuchartig, was wohl daher kommt, dass die Geschichte tatsächlich zuerst als Drehbuch gedacht war. Dieser Stil stört ein bisschen den gewohnten Lesefluss. Dies könnte in einem Buch über Menschen, die sich dem Normalen verschliessen, natürlich auch Programm sein. Wer weiß ..?
Doch auch wenn Freaks das drittbeste der drei Romane von Joey Goebel ist: eine Empfehlung ist dieser besondere Roman in jedem Fall wert.
Die 80jährige Oma im Sex Pistols-T-Shirt mit regem Sexleben, das 8jährige Mädchen, das alles und jeden hasst, die hübsche satanistische Stripperin im Rollstuhl, der Iraki, der den Amerikaner sucht, den er im ersten Irakkrieg angeschossen hat, um sich bei ihm zu entschuldigen und der Afroamerikaner mit der abartigen Frisur, dessen intellektuelle Genialität mit Drogenrausch verwechselt wird - sie sind beste Freunde und gründen eine Band namens The Freaks.
Joey Goebel erzählt die Geschichte der Freaks in seinem zweiten Roman nicht nur aus der Perspektive der einzelnen Bandmitglieder, sondern auch der Menschen um sie herum. So ertappt man sich teilweise dabei, auf der Seite der "Humanoiden", wie sie vom genialen, ständig in Selbstgespräche versunkenen, Sänger der Freaks genannt werden, zu sein, obwohl die fünf für ihr Verhalten durchaus logische und nachvollziehbare Gründe haben. Eigentlich sogar verständlicher als die "normalen" Verhaltensmuster. Dieser Spiegel, der einem vorgehalten wird, ist dabei aber in einer so komischen, skurrilen und witzigen Geschichte verpackt, dass er fern jeglichen erhobenen Zeigefingers ist.
Obwohl Freaks aber ein sehr gelungenes, ebenso unterhaltsames wie dann doch nachdenkliches Buch ist, gibt es im Vergleich zu Joey Goebels anderen Romanen, "Heartland" und vor allem "Vincent" doch eine leichte Einschränkung. So wirkt der Roman teilweise drehbuchartig, was wohl daher kommt, dass die Geschichte tatsächlich zuerst als Drehbuch gedacht war. Dieser Stil stört ein bisschen den gewohnten Lesefluss. Dies könnte in einem Buch über Menschen, die sich dem Normalen verschliessen, natürlich auch Programm sein. Wer weiß ..?
Doch auch wenn Freaks das drittbeste der drei Romane von Joey Goebel ist: eine Empfehlung ist dieser besondere Roman in jedem Fall wert.
January 3, 2014
This has got to be the biggest piece of shit book I've ever read in my entire life. I feel like I've gained nothing from reading this book, I wasn't even distracted enough as to justify my wasted time. I kept asking myself "Why in the world am I reading this piece of shit" but, by the time I've lost all hope that I might gain something from this, it was too late, I've already read the whole god damn piece of shit book.
It does however have a redeeming quality, it's a very easy piece of shit book to read.
It does however have a redeeming quality, it's a very easy piece of shit book to read.
June 9, 2012
The Anomalies is one of those books that most people overlook because they have not heard of it. This book has and will continue to be one of my favorites of all time, and I think this is greatly because of how different these characters are, yet their coming together symbolizes the idea that even through our differences, we might come together and cause the cracks in the road to push apart and show that humans are original, unique, and should be seen this way, and accepted as such.
August 12, 2010
This book was very, very strange and bizarre. I expected nothing less from favorite author of mine Joey Goebel. I didn't like it as much as I LOVED Torture the Artist, but I loved the style the book was written it - divided between the main characters and told from each of their individual points of view. A wacky, crazy book, but I liked it.
November 24, 2008
loved the changing points of view, it made the book very interesting because the reader gets more glimpses inside the heads of the characters than is customary. funny and Luster and Opal especially were fantastic characters!
August 16, 2007
Get up. Time to rock it like a honeysuckle metermaid. Time to face the nitemare day. A lot of assholes depend on you.
This is my favorite line from any book ever.
This is my favorite line from any book ever.
November 6, 2008
Poate ar fi mai potrivit un 2.5 pentru cum ma simt eu in legatura cu cartea asta. Nu pot nici sa zic ca mi-a placut, nici sa zic ca nu si s-o plasez la OK-uri.
oh, well. nu conteaza. random notes coming
1)Nu mi-a placut la Anomalii, din start, inca din ce am citit de pe coperta, descrierea obsesiva a celor cinci care formeaza grupul de power-pop new-wave heavy-metal punk-rock. Ma enerveaza individualizarea lor excesiva. Bine, inteleg ca ideea (singura) pe care Goebel incearca s-o sustina aici e neobisnuitul din oameni si nevoia societatii de a invata sa-i accepte (in carte nu-i atit de cliseic propus cum o fac eu, garantat) dar izul puternic de teribilism pe care nu poate sa nu-l aiba o carte ai carei protagonisti sint rebeli & ciudati declarati ce considera restul omenirii umanoizi robotei obsedati de rutina lor zilnica mi-a atras atentia si m-a agasat teribil si ca l-am observat, si ca era acolo.
Evident, nu o sa urmez tiparul unei recenzii spunindu-va cite ceva despre fiecare anomal in parte. Doar ca negrul filozof si fetita furioasa sint deja fumati pentru oricine a vazut niscaiva filme in ultimii ani. Asa ca ei mi s-au parut automat nu-atit-de-individuals-cum-se-cred. :)
2)Felul cum s-a gindit sa prezinte totul, plimbind perspectiva narativa de la un actant la altul, pastrind-o totusi, la persoana I, a facut, cred, totul suportabil. Altfel nu stiu cum as fi inghitit o carte scrisa in intregime din perspect. lui Opal. Sau a oricarui altul. Si asa, dupa citeva pagini cu acelasi personaj, asteptam schimbarea cu nerabdare. Parca mai aierisea putin (desi cartea e scurta, cu caractere mari si toate alea).
OBS:Tot aici, mi s-a parut foaaarte ciudat cind unul dintre personaje povesteste o intimplare din trecut, chiar daca in cuvinte putine. Dupa cum am perceput eu, fiecare sectiune e ceea ce gindeste resp. personaj in resp. moment. Asa ca mi-a parut improbabil ca ei sa se gindeasca la povesti paralele. Desi, daca ma gindesc mai bine, probabil Goebel incearca sa includa perceptii -deci, si cum judeca un om dupa hainele celuilalt, frustrarile pe care nu le rostesti nici in gind, dar le simti si amintirile care-ti trec fulgerator - evident, toate astea nu pot fi puse tot asa si intr-o carte. Pasajul asta, de ex: "Trebuie sa recunosc ca aceasta "rebeliune creativa" a lui Rory s-ar putea sa fie o alternativa fericita la rebeliunea surorii ei mai mari. Stacy a avut grija sa ramina insarcinata. Apoi a renuntat la liceu si s-a multat impreuna cu un barbat mai in virsta decit ea (care probabil nu era tatal copilului). Chad a parasit-o la scurt timp si pe urma eu i-am cumparat o casa in California, unde a esuat ca actrita, si-a dat examenele de absolvire a liceului, s-a dus la facultate si a devenit atee. In orice caz, ma asigura ca, desi nu e o persoana religioasa e totusi interesata de latura spirituala.[..]" - gindurile tatalui in mijlocul unei conversatii destul de vioaie?! Pai, mi s-a parut ca a cam stricat ritmul.
3)Daca stilul lui Goebel seamana cu al lui Palahniuk, vreau neaparat sa incerc P... Sint convinsa ca el scrie mai bine de atit, dar oricum.. ideea e mi-a placut la G. felul direct in care spune lucrurile, ritmul alert si mai ales!!! ultimul capitol in care apare 'autorul'(m degraba naratorul dar fie, asa se numeste el, autor) - capitol ce mi se pare cel mai pretios din carte: foarte inteligenta concluzia lui si scurta analiza a umanoizilor - si mai ales, scris fara inflorituri inutile, dar cu cuvinte tari, mentinind atitudinea personajelor vie. AH, si ultima propozitie! mi-a placut ideea de revers.
4)Cei 5: isi cauta scaparea in muzica si fiecare in ceilalti 4. Mi-a placut cit de bine se simteau impreuna si libertatea lor de exprimare in orele alea.
: incearca sa scape de mediocritate [si mi s-a parut buna ideea cu firele ce ii leaga pe toti de uriasul Creier al Mediocritatii faurit de om (nu de Dumnezeu!) ce planeaza in stratosfera.].
CL:Ideea pe care mi-am luat-o eu *incadrata de alte mici idei, inspirate din opiniile lor, dar pentru asta am luat citate*:
Ar trebui sa existe in fiecare din noi o doza din anormalul lor, sa ne taiem firele ce ne leaga de Creierul Mediocritatii. However, daca mergi prea departe cu ideea ca ceilalti sint mediocri si mergi si mai departe si ajungi sa iti umpli viata cu furie, cuvinte grele si depresii inutile, incepi sa dai intr-un teribilism usor ridicol. Bineinteles ca furia impotriva creierului comun e indreptatita dar esti liber sa-ti tai firele, plus ca trebuie sa te tii tare de visele marete si sa ai grija cum le setezi.
oh, well. nu conteaza. random notes coming
1)Nu mi-a placut la Anomalii, din start, inca din ce am citit de pe coperta, descrierea obsesiva a celor cinci care formeaza grupul de power-pop new-wave heavy-metal punk-rock. Ma enerveaza individualizarea lor excesiva. Bine, inteleg ca ideea (singura) pe care Goebel incearca s-o sustina aici e neobisnuitul din oameni si nevoia societatii de a invata sa-i accepte (in carte nu-i atit de cliseic propus cum o fac eu, garantat) dar izul puternic de teribilism pe care nu poate sa nu-l aiba o carte ai carei protagonisti sint rebeli & ciudati declarati ce considera restul omenirii umanoizi robotei obsedati de rutina lor zilnica mi-a atras atentia si m-a agasat teribil si ca l-am observat, si ca era acolo.
Evident, nu o sa urmez tiparul unei recenzii spunindu-va cite ceva despre fiecare anomal in parte. Doar ca negrul filozof si fetita furioasa sint deja fumati pentru oricine a vazut niscaiva filme in ultimii ani. Asa ca ei mi s-au parut automat nu-atit-de-individuals-cum-se-cred. :)
2)Felul cum s-a gindit sa prezinte totul, plimbind perspectiva narativa de la un actant la altul, pastrind-o totusi, la persoana I, a facut, cred, totul suportabil. Altfel nu stiu cum as fi inghitit o carte scrisa in intregime din perspect. lui Opal. Sau a oricarui altul. Si asa, dupa citeva pagini cu acelasi personaj, asteptam schimbarea cu nerabdare. Parca mai aierisea putin (desi cartea e scurta, cu caractere mari si toate alea).
OBS:Tot aici, mi s-a parut foaaarte ciudat cind unul dintre personaje povesteste o intimplare din trecut, chiar daca in cuvinte putine. Dupa cum am perceput eu, fiecare sectiune e ceea ce gindeste resp. personaj in resp. moment. Asa ca mi-a parut improbabil ca ei sa se gindeasca la povesti paralele. Desi, daca ma gindesc mai bine, probabil Goebel incearca sa includa perceptii -deci, si cum judeca un om dupa hainele celuilalt, frustrarile pe care nu le rostesti nici in gind, dar le simti si amintirile care-ti trec fulgerator - evident, toate astea nu pot fi puse tot asa si intr-o carte. Pasajul asta, de ex: "Trebuie sa recunosc ca aceasta "rebeliune creativa" a lui Rory s-ar putea sa fie o alternativa fericita la rebeliunea surorii ei mai mari. Stacy a avut grija sa ramina insarcinata. Apoi a renuntat la liceu si s-a multat impreuna cu un barbat mai in virsta decit ea (care probabil nu era tatal copilului). Chad a parasit-o la scurt timp si pe urma eu i-am cumparat o casa in California, unde a esuat ca actrita, si-a dat examenele de absolvire a liceului, s-a dus la facultate si a devenit atee. In orice caz, ma asigura ca, desi nu e o persoana religioasa e totusi interesata de latura spirituala.[..]" - gindurile tatalui in mijlocul unei conversatii destul de vioaie?! Pai, mi s-a parut ca a cam stricat ritmul.
3)Daca stilul lui Goebel seamana cu al lui Palahniuk, vreau neaparat sa incerc P... Sint convinsa ca el scrie mai bine de atit, dar oricum.. ideea e mi-a placut la G. felul direct in care spune lucrurile, ritmul alert si mai ales!!! ultimul capitol in care apare 'autorul'(m degraba naratorul dar fie, asa se numeste el, autor) - capitol ce mi se pare cel mai pretios din carte: foarte inteligenta concluzia lui si scurta analiza a umanoizilor - si mai ales, scris fara inflorituri inutile, dar cu cuvinte tari, mentinind atitudinea personajelor vie. AH, si ultima propozitie! mi-a placut ideea de revers.
4)Cei 5: isi cauta scaparea in muzica si fiecare in ceilalti 4. Mi-a placut cit de bine se simteau impreuna si libertatea lor de exprimare in orele alea.
: incearca sa scape de mediocritate [si mi s-a parut buna ideea cu firele ce ii leaga pe toti de uriasul Creier al Mediocritatii faurit de om (nu de Dumnezeu!) ce planeaza in stratosfera.].
CL:Ideea pe care mi-am luat-o eu *incadrata de alte mici idei, inspirate din opiniile lor, dar pentru asta am luat citate*:
Ar trebui sa existe in fiecare din noi o doza din anormalul lor, sa ne taiem firele ce ne leaga de Creierul Mediocritatii. However, daca mergi prea departe cu ideea ca ceilalti sint mediocri si mergi si mai departe si ajungi sa iti umpli viata cu furie, cuvinte grele si depresii inutile, incepi sa dai intr-un teribilism usor ridicol. Bineinteles ca furia impotriva creierului comun e indreptatita dar esti liber sa-ti tai firele, plus ca trebuie sa te tii tare de visele marete si sa ai grija cum le setezi.
November 29, 2019
Fünf rockt
Mit über 70 sollte Opal die ideale Babysitterin sein. Ob das die Eltern von Ember sagen würden, wenn sie wüßten, was die alte Dame und das kleine Mädchen so unternehmen, muss man mal dahingestellt sein lassen. Luster führt gern Selbstgespräche und hasst seinen Job schon seit zehn Jahren. Ray kam aus dem Irak, um den Man um Verzeihung zu bitten, den er im Krieg angeschossen hat. Aurora, die nuttige Schönheit, fährt mit ihrem Rollstuhl durch die Gegend. Gemeinsam machen sie Musik und gehen gelegentlich in den örtlichen Hähnchengrill-Imbiss.
Fünf schräge Typen und Typinnen, die überall anecken und die vielleicht gerade deshalb zusammengefunden haben. Sie sind laut und schrill und irgendwie lieb. Alle haben sie ihre Probleme. Ihre Nichten wollen Opal ins Pflegeheim stecken. Aurora hadert mit ihrer Herkunft als Pfarrerstochter. Ember ist so anstrengend, dass ihre Eltern lieber in Urlaub fahren als sich um sie zu kümmern. Luster ist ein Mittlerer unter zwölf Brüdern, wobei die anderen alle mit Drogen zu tun haben. Und Rays Frau ist alles andere als einverstanden, in diesem komischen amerikanischen Land zu sein. Doch gemeinsam halten sie es aus und suchen im amerikanischen Middle of Nowhere nach einem Probenraum für ihre Musik.
Zu Beginn fragt man sich, wie man solch schräge Typen leiden können soll. Und bevor man zu Ende gedacht hat, tut man es schon. Die Fünf sind einfach herzzerreißend schräg. Sie wecken Mitgefühl, aber nicht allzu sehr. Schließlich packen sie es an, wenn die anderen nicht zu ihnen halten, halten sie eben zueinander. Sie rocken ihre Welt und haben es nicht leicht. Und wenn sich der Polizist die Welt so zurechtbiegt, wie sie in sein Weltbild passt, dann ist es einfach tragisch und komisch und bitter. Dieses Buch nimmt Anlauf und schwupp hat man seine Protagonisten im Herzen und möchte sie nicht mehr loslassen. Unbedingt lesen!
Mit über 70 sollte Opal die ideale Babysitterin sein. Ob das die Eltern von Ember sagen würden, wenn sie wüßten, was die alte Dame und das kleine Mädchen so unternehmen, muss man mal dahingestellt sein lassen. Luster führt gern Selbstgespräche und hasst seinen Job schon seit zehn Jahren. Ray kam aus dem Irak, um den Man um Verzeihung zu bitten, den er im Krieg angeschossen hat. Aurora, die nuttige Schönheit, fährt mit ihrem Rollstuhl durch die Gegend. Gemeinsam machen sie Musik und gehen gelegentlich in den örtlichen Hähnchengrill-Imbiss.
Fünf schräge Typen und Typinnen, die überall anecken und die vielleicht gerade deshalb zusammengefunden haben. Sie sind laut und schrill und irgendwie lieb. Alle haben sie ihre Probleme. Ihre Nichten wollen Opal ins Pflegeheim stecken. Aurora hadert mit ihrer Herkunft als Pfarrerstochter. Ember ist so anstrengend, dass ihre Eltern lieber in Urlaub fahren als sich um sie zu kümmern. Luster ist ein Mittlerer unter zwölf Brüdern, wobei die anderen alle mit Drogen zu tun haben. Und Rays Frau ist alles andere als einverstanden, in diesem komischen amerikanischen Land zu sein. Doch gemeinsam halten sie es aus und suchen im amerikanischen Middle of Nowhere nach einem Probenraum für ihre Musik.
Zu Beginn fragt man sich, wie man solch schräge Typen leiden können soll. Und bevor man zu Ende gedacht hat, tut man es schon. Die Fünf sind einfach herzzerreißend schräg. Sie wecken Mitgefühl, aber nicht allzu sehr. Schließlich packen sie es an, wenn die anderen nicht zu ihnen halten, halten sie eben zueinander. Sie rocken ihre Welt und haben es nicht leicht. Und wenn sich der Polizist die Welt so zurechtbiegt, wie sie in sein Weltbild passt, dann ist es einfach tragisch und komisch und bitter. Dieses Buch nimmt Anlauf und schwupp hat man seine Protagonisten im Herzen und möchte sie nicht mehr loslassen. Unbedingt lesen!
July 13, 2023
An sich ein gut geschriebenes Buch mit vielen schönen Ideen. Ich mochte die Perspektivwechsel und fand auch die Message ganz schön. Was mich gestört hat sind die Slurs und Stereotypisierungen. Klar, das Buch ist 20 Jahre alt, aber dafür dass das Buch eigentlich eine süße Ode an das Anderssein ist, find ich das schon ein bisschen out of place. Das hat es hin und wieder schwierig gemacht einfach weiter zu lesen.
November 22, 2012
It's onfusing, fairly short, and very strange. An interesting look at humanity, from the people nobody ever sees as being human - an 80 year old slut, an Iraqi who fought against America, a black guy with drug dealer brothers, an 8 year old and a chaste, but incredibly attractive teenager. They're in a new wave punk rock band. They hate people. The only way to understand is to read!
August 29, 2019
My favorite little book for summer reading. It's all about the members of a crazy new genre of rock that are all incredible alone and together.
The fact that made me love it was that i didn't bought this book : I bought 2 books and one more was given free. The only book that I liked and loved (and always love) is the one free haha. What an anomaly too, Luster would sigh hard at all my jokes.
The fact that made me love it was that i didn't bought this book : I bought 2 books and one more was given free. The only book that I liked and loved (and always love) is the one free haha. What an anomaly too, Luster would sigh hard at all my jokes.
February 13, 2008
SO, SO GOOD! This is the first book I've actually read in a day. I stayed up late because I had to finish this page-turner. First and only time that's happened.
March 3, 2022
Bisher Goebels schwächstes Buch, wenn auch wieder sehr abgefahren und immerhin erzähltechnisch interessant, da sich viele interessante Perspektiven eröffnen. Fünf Außenseiter*innen vom Kindes- bis zum Seniorenalter finden sich, geeint von ihrer Liebe zur Musik, zusammen und gründen eine Band, die sie "Freaks" nennen. Bald steht ihr erstes öffentliches Konzert bevor...
Goebels Figuren sind wie so oft wieder Gegenläufer und Zerrbilder des American Dream und bewegen sich in einer Gesellschaft, in der Äußerlichkeiten als Urteil dienen, wie "fickbar", wie verrückt, wie linientreu oder wie drogenaffin man ist. Kulisse und Szenerie sind wieder die Leute am Rande der Gesellschaft oder die Basis der Arbeiterklasse, verrückte Vögel, die krumme Geschäfte drehen oder einer Therapie bedürfen. Es ist klar, dass das in keinem kitschigen Happy End auslaufen wird, aber die Schrägheit und die Karikierung geht dieses Mal mehrheitlich so weit, dass es anstrengend wird.
Goebels Figuren sind wie so oft wieder Gegenläufer und Zerrbilder des American Dream und bewegen sich in einer Gesellschaft, in der Äußerlichkeiten als Urteil dienen, wie "fickbar", wie verrückt, wie linientreu oder wie drogenaffin man ist. Kulisse und Szenerie sind wieder die Leute am Rande der Gesellschaft oder die Basis der Arbeiterklasse, verrückte Vögel, die krumme Geschäfte drehen oder einer Therapie bedürfen. Es ist klar, dass das in keinem kitschigen Happy End auslaufen wird, aber die Schrägheit und die Karikierung geht dieses Mal mehrheitlich so weit, dass es anstrengend wird.
April 18, 2025
In einer Kleinstadt im US-Bundesstaat Kentucky gründen fünf Außenseiter eine Band. Verschiedener und ungewöhnlicher könnten sie nicht sein. Eine Oma, welche ein Sex Pistole Shirt trägt, ein sehr reifes Mädchen, ein Schwarzer, der immer den Anschein erweckt drauf zu sein, ein irakischer ex-Soldat und eine wunderschöne Frau, die im Rollstuhl sitzt. Gemeinsam bilden sie die Rebellion gegen die Gesellschaft, ihre Normen und Erwartungen.
Joey Goeble erschafft , in seinem Roman Freaks glaubwürdige und einzigartige Figuren, die schwer zu vergessen sind. Außerdem spricht er in seinem Roman wichtige Probleme unserer Gesellschaft an. Wie sich auferlegte Normen auf Menschen auswirken können, die sich ihnen nicht anpassen können. Darüberhinaus zeigt er auch wie die Gesellschaft damit umgeht. In der Tragikomödie wird das dem Leser überspitzt, komisch ironisch dargestellt.
Dieses Buch lässt seine Leser nachdenken und über sein eigenes Verhalten in der Gesellschaft nachdenken. Gleichzeitig inspiriert es doch anders zu handeln als man es vielleicht vorgesehen hat. Trotzdem hat man während dem Lesens immer mal wieder was zu lachen. I recommend
Joey Goeble erschafft , in seinem Roman Freaks glaubwürdige und einzigartige Figuren, die schwer zu vergessen sind. Außerdem spricht er in seinem Roman wichtige Probleme unserer Gesellschaft an. Wie sich auferlegte Normen auf Menschen auswirken können, die sich ihnen nicht anpassen können. Darüberhinaus zeigt er auch wie die Gesellschaft damit umgeht. In der Tragikomödie wird das dem Leser überspitzt, komisch ironisch dargestellt.
Dieses Buch lässt seine Leser nachdenken und über sein eigenes Verhalten in der Gesellschaft nachdenken. Gleichzeitig inspiriert es doch anders zu handeln als man es vielleicht vorgesehen hat. Trotzdem hat man während dem Lesens immer mal wieder was zu lachen. I recommend
March 17, 2024
Hm. Gute Geschichte und Charaktere, aber nicht wirklich gut geschrieben. Kein Fan von diesem schnellen Schreibstil, der nicht wirklich in die Tiefe geht. Alles sehr oberflächlich angekratzt. Gut für zwischendurch tho. Würde ich in ner Bahn oder im Bus dabeihaben, wenn ich sonen misterious student wär, weil man sich nicht wirklich konzentrieren muss, während man es liest.
July 31, 2025
Total schräge, jeder auf seine Art verkorkste Charaktere, tolle Sprachwechsel, verrückte Garagenbandstory als roter Faden, aber fragte mich manchmal, ob das einzig sympathische an den Figuren ihr Außenseitertum ist. Hmmm...
April 28, 2018
An interesting Story about 5 People, that are different. But when you read that Book you soon Realise that we all are a Bit like them.
February 26, 2023
Der Schreibstil ist sehr toll, musste auch ab und zu lachen, aber Ansicht an, finde ich die Story nicht so angenehm! Es ist was einzigartiges, aber persönlich, konnte ich mich nicht dazu bringen , es ,weiter zu lesen. Trotzdem toll geschrieben Goebel!
February 27, 2022
Over the years I really enjoyed the books by Joey Goebel and so adored his way of writing and framing his characters. Having started with more recent books this earlier one - The anomelies - was always left as some kind of reserve. It cheered my mind that there is always one Goebel book left I could read and enjoy.
For various reasons I now digged into this reserve and finally filled the gap. Well and maybe over the years I've been expecting too much from this book. Making it too special somehow and connected it to closely with the writer as he is right now and now how he was back then. So to no big surprise it somehow came as a slight disappointment for me. I couldn't really connect with the characters and the story was a little too far off and too far fetched for me. To me this is certainly his weaked book, but don't be mistaken. It's still a Joey Goebel and it has thsi unique way to tell a story. The plot is driven from various perspectives. So you learn not only by the 5 main characters what'S gpoing on - but also get a perception on how they are seen from like randomly people. This is catchy and a very nice twist.
The story is again a very American one - which makes the miracle of Joey Goebel even bigger. Even though he reflects on pure rural or smalltown American stories he's among the most successfull authors in Germany and rather unknown in the US. Which gives you folks across the Atlantic an even bigger universe to explore. But maybe just don't start with this one.... :)
For various reasons I now digged into this reserve and finally filled the gap. Well and maybe over the years I've been expecting too much from this book. Making it too special somehow and connected it to closely with the writer as he is right now and now how he was back then. So to no big surprise it somehow came as a slight disappointment for me. I couldn't really connect with the characters and the story was a little too far off and too far fetched for me. To me this is certainly his weaked book, but don't be mistaken. It's still a Joey Goebel and it has thsi unique way to tell a story. The plot is driven from various perspectives. So you learn not only by the 5 main characters what'S gpoing on - but also get a perception on how they are seen from like randomly people. This is catchy and a very nice twist.
The story is again a very American one - which makes the miracle of Joey Goebel even bigger. Even though he reflects on pure rural or smalltown American stories he's among the most successfull authors in Germany and rather unknown in the US. Which gives you folks across the Atlantic an even bigger universe to explore. But maybe just don't start with this one.... :)
June 23, 2013
This is a great second novel about a group of friends who have an urge to practice more in a rock band in a small suburb of Kentucky. At first, each individual member sound rather extreme and unbelievable in how they would ever socialise together but what Goebel does is seriously enact certain possibilities and ties that would clearly unite such a set of clear social misfits who are definitely prejudiced against every day. There's the angry, almost Black Panther, literary quote spouting black guy with an afro with twelve drug dealing brothers call Jerome; the sexy goth girl drummer in a wheelchair, the axe wielding 80yr old nymphomaniac female pensioner and the 8yr female old bass player she babysits for and not forgetting Ray Fuquay, who really holds this excellent story together, an effeminate Iraqi keyboard player on the hunt for the American soldier he shot in the first Gulf War. It's witty, it's poignant, its relevant, it's intelligent. It's pretty damn excellent and made me want to read Torture the Artist straight away.
May 1, 2010
A quick, entertaining read with some great characters with hilarious quotes! Not quite as polished or well-developed as Commonwealth.
September 3, 2011
Awesome ! J'aime les narrations à plusieurs voix, pour le coup j'ai été servie ! J'avais déjà beaucoup aimé "Torture the artist", celui-ci est top aussi.
December 31, 2011
Joey Goebel ist 1980 geboren und ein brillanter, junger Schriftsteller.
October 7, 2013
UYARI: Normallerin ulaşamayacağı raflarda saklayınız.
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