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To Live #1
To Live and Drink in L.A.
If David Sedaris, Chelsea Handler, and Charles Bukowski had ever consummated a threesome, the result would most likely be Shawn Michals, the protagonist of TO LIVE AND DRINK IN L.A. This series of semi-autobiographical stories follows Shawn as he moves from the Midwest to Los Angeles, and deals with topics such as his stubborn refusal to own either a car or a cellphone, his use of pro wrestling to deal with his manic-depressive mother’s suicide, finding meaning in menial jobs, and many other adventures. Like Shawn often does, readers of this work may find themselves in uncharted territory, while at the same time discovering how one can learn lessons and experience growth in the most unlikely of places, even in a city many people believe to be shallower than a puddle. If a phone call from a telemarketer can lead to spearheading a march on the Pentagon, as it does for Shawn, anything is possible in the City of Angels. Cheers. “Ben Peller has a fine eye and a wonderful ear, but most of all and best of all, he writes with his heart.” - Bob Greene, best-selling author of BE TRUE TO YOUR SCHOOL
352 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2011
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3760 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews
February 22, 2014
Let me give you a sample of mister Peller’s prose:
“But to this day I feel maybe because when he made this confession to me and I actually seemed to listen is the reason he put me down as someone to contact in the case of an emergency.”
Did the author put this phrase in the mouth of a harebrained, grammatically challenged character? No, we are still in the Preface, this is Ben Peller speaking.
A few pages further on, we find this:
“[…], and my army of empty 1.75 liter bottles of Smirnoff bottles on the floor, all stacked up like good soldiers.”
Obviously no editor has come within smelling distance of this piece of work.
And the storytelling is on the level you would expect after these verbal pyrotechnics: flat, predictable, sappy.
How this got published is a mystery to me, although it looks very much like a self-published effort, set as it is in huge hideous Courier-style type.
How this got a 4.45 score on Goodreads (and how Peller’s latest offering scores a perfect 5 after 34 ratings!) is easier to explain: family and friends of young Ben, shame on you!!!
“But to this day I feel maybe because when he made this confession to me and I actually seemed to listen is the reason he put me down as someone to contact in the case of an emergency.”
Did the author put this phrase in the mouth of a harebrained, grammatically challenged character? No, we are still in the Preface, this is Ben Peller speaking.
A few pages further on, we find this:
“[…], and my army of empty 1.75 liter bottles of Smirnoff bottles on the floor, all stacked up like good soldiers.”
Obviously no editor has come within smelling distance of this piece of work.
And the storytelling is on the level you would expect after these verbal pyrotechnics: flat, predictable, sappy.
How this got published is a mystery to me, although it looks very much like a self-published effort, set as it is in huge hideous Courier-style type.
How this got a 4.45 score on Goodreads (and how Peller’s latest offering scores a perfect 5 after 34 ratings!) is easier to explain: family and friends of young Ben, shame on you!!!
May 27, 2012
Freaking amazing, even greater than "To Live and Drink!!!" Keep it going, Peller, or I'll kill you. (J.K.(Maybe))
February 6, 2013
This book was a bit strange. Some people seem to love it, and others apparently hate it. Though I didn't hate it, I didn't enjoy it as much as I did the sequel, "To Live and Love In L.A." It starts and ends strong, but in the middle tends a bit toward the bizarre. But a lot of the stories are touching. A quick example from one of them, "Strange Love," which deals with his bipolar mother's suicide....
"The year before I was set to graduate high school she had gone off lithium completely. She seemed to grow more and more agitated. Perhaps she was impatient. Her rages, tantrums, and threats of suicide became commonplace enough for me to simply reply, 'Yes, dear,' whenever she bellowed them.
Then came the night I’d always been preparing for but wasn’t quite ready to handle. It was a Tuesday night in June, just a few weeks after my high school graduation, when I got a phone call from someone who identified herself as Officer Harlow. She told me there had been a bad accident and could I get over to the hospital right away.
Maybe it was the somber tone of the woman’s voice, or a certain feeling that mixed dread and relief, as though a spiritual umbilical cord had just been snapped. 'She’s dead, isn’t she?' I asked.
'I’m very sorry,' was the reply.
I told myself I wasn’t."
The best writing in the world? I'm not qualified to judge. But it does seem to come from the heart, and sums up this book isn't just about drinking but about the curveballs life can throw at us. Overall I enjoyed it thoroughly enough to recommend.
Now onto Janet Fitch's "Paint It Black..." Happy reading everyone!
"The year before I was set to graduate high school she had gone off lithium completely. She seemed to grow more and more agitated. Perhaps she was impatient. Her rages, tantrums, and threats of suicide became commonplace enough for me to simply reply, 'Yes, dear,' whenever she bellowed them.
Then came the night I’d always been preparing for but wasn’t quite ready to handle. It was a Tuesday night in June, just a few weeks after my high school graduation, when I got a phone call from someone who identified herself as Officer Harlow. She told me there had been a bad accident and could I get over to the hospital right away.
Maybe it was the somber tone of the woman’s voice, or a certain feeling that mixed dread and relief, as though a spiritual umbilical cord had just been snapped. 'She’s dead, isn’t she?' I asked.
'I’m very sorry,' was the reply.
I told myself I wasn’t."
The best writing in the world? I'm not qualified to judge. But it does seem to come from the heart, and sums up this book isn't just about drinking but about the curveballs life can throw at us. Overall I enjoyed it thoroughly enough to recommend.
Now onto Janet Fitch's "Paint It Black..." Happy reading everyone!
January 30, 2013
I don't really understand why this book has such a good rating, I guess it's just not for me. As I said, it was an easy read and not very entertaining, nothing significant happened... It was like reading a book about an ordinary man, with a drinking problem who is a writer and who jumped around from job to job. It was funny in some parts but that's not enough for a book as it would be for a movie. To me, a book needs to enrapture you... I wanted more character build up, I wanted more stories rather than hearing the voices inside of his head. Unfortunately I bought To Live and Love in LA and am reading that now, hopefully it's better.
1/30/13 Update: Thinking about it now, I believe that I expected this book to be somewhere along the lines of the outlandish behavior from I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell. If that’s the case, I understand why I didn’t like this book all that much but at the same time… There was still nothing significant or profound about it either.
1/30/13 Update: Thinking about it now, I believe that I expected this book to be somewhere along the lines of the outlandish behavior from I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell. If that’s the case, I understand why I didn’t like this book all that much but at the same time… There was still nothing significant or profound about it either.
November 22, 2013
The "To Live" trilogy keeps getting better. I enjoyed this installment better than the first one, if only because Peller seems to be taking life more seriously. His alter ego, Shawn Michals, loves and unleashes himself on the romantic scene of Los Angeles. Made me think of a male West-Coast Carrie Bradshaw. (I've seen some of the episodes, but still have to read the book - on my to read list). This book approaches love, sex, betrayal, and heartache with humor and care. Not sure where this trilogy's going, but I'll be along for the ride. Ben Peller
May 24, 2014
Ben Peller seems to inspire intense emotions in readers, some pro and some con. Count me into the former group. This book exceeded my expectations. Thought it was going to be a wild drunken romp through L.A., and it was that, and MUCH MORE. A young man, Shawn, comes out to the West Coast from the Midwest and encounters criminals, people of questionable sexuality, revolutionaries, and most importantly, himself. A very funny and very thoughtful book that was an easy read. Apparently it's the first in the "To Live" trilogy. Am now going to the final installment - "TO LIVE AND DIE IN fantasyLAnd." Can't wait to see what I'm going to find.
August 18, 2014
I thought i had written a review for this...so thats kind of irritating, anyways...i liked it, its a quick read and psychologically i sympathized w the main characters state of mind throughout his journey. It was entertaining and humorous at times. I also connected with the fact of it being set in Los Angeles...sorry trying to recall all my original thoughts but cant right now, but if youre looking for some quick entertainment, there ya go
June 5, 2012
Never thought a writer could blend Los Angeles and Love so well. Peller did it, once again finding hints of humanity in a city so many consider shallow. This book made me laugh, and also cry. Most of all, it made me feel. Loved it.Ben Peller
April 11, 2019
Good book with interesting stories but the stories were a bit repetitive.
January 23, 2013
so far, bored to tears. Just trying to get through it & understand why it got such good reviews. Maybe the fact that its a biography of a pro wrestler should have been my first clue to not place this on me "want to read now" shelf. A slight oversight. BUT, I do appreciate the very candid tales & biography Mr. Peller has offered, & am stunned by the mother's treatment/abuse of Shawn, the main character. Plus, the stories are pretty funny, & well written. They just don't take me anywhere emotionally which is why I am so drawn to memoirs....but I'm only half way, so we will see!.......update: never got better.
August 29, 2012
A sequel to "To Live and Drink In L.A.," this book trails Shawn Michals through further wild and crazy times in life in Los Angeles. Also, more importantly, it digs deeper into his psyche and displays a longing and passion not often seen. Shawn is obviously a wounded soul, and is hesitant to entrust his heart to love. These stories about his travels across the landscape of love and lust in Los Angeles made me both cry and laugh. Very passionate, funny, but overall, touching. Shawn Michals/Ben Peller is the kind of person I could see myself falling in love with, and both embracing and regretting that decision. In all, a work worth reading, and a love worth experiencing. Have fun!
September 26, 2012
Being a closet pro wrestling fan, I thoroughly enjoyed Ben Peller's "Living the Gimmick." Then I heard that "To Live and Drink In L.A." was along the lines of Chelsea Handler and Mindy Kaling, so naturally I had to read it. I blown away! This book is great. It charts Shawn Michals' path from the Midwest to Los Angeles. It has a lot of partying, but also plenty of heartfelt moments. Peller obviously cares about his characters. I especially liked that he was unflinching in his depiction of his protagonist. Am very curious as to exactly what is fiction and what actually happened. Definitely recommended.
March 6, 2013
I liked this book, though not quite as much as I thought I might. (Then again, my expectations were pretty high). Mr. Peller takes us into the world of Shawn Michals, a young man from the Midwest who moves to Los Angeles and gets into one crazy adventure after another. Some are better worded than others, but above all they are funny, with a definite nod to David Sedaris' style. Overall, I enjoyed the ride enough to continue on with "To Live and Love In L.A." Also, for whatever it's worth, the story "STRANGE LOVE" is definitely a gem. If you don't want the whole book, my recommendation would be to grab that Kindle for 99 cents.
July 24, 2014
I don't know...maybe I missed something?
Comparing this to Handler, Bukowski, Sedaris, Max, etc kind of set this up to be a disappointment to anyone who has read those authors first, in my opinion.
I expected it to be funnier. I expected it to be less long-winded. I expected it to be a bit more raunchy. I ended up skimming through the last 2-3 stories because the first half had been a letdown.
At the end of the day, it was a collection of stories, some with morals, some funny, some dreadfully boring, some pointless, some borderline inappropriate.
But it was nothing groundbreaking.
Comparing this to Handler, Bukowski, Sedaris, Max, etc kind of set this up to be a disappointment to anyone who has read those authors first, in my opinion.
I expected it to be funnier. I expected it to be less long-winded. I expected it to be a bit more raunchy. I ended up skimming through the last 2-3 stories because the first half had been a letdown.
At the end of the day, it was a collection of stories, some with morals, some funny, some dreadfully boring, some pointless, some borderline inappropriate.
But it was nothing groundbreaking.
December 30, 2011
This is a terrific tome of a midwestern young man's search for identity in a city where everyone is looking for one. Shawn Michals encounters L.A.'s most colorful characters and enjoys every minute. From losing his leather pants to discriminating boys from girls he meets in bar after bar; it is less a book about drinking than it is about the journey to self-discovery in a place that is mythic for false identities. In a town known for its shallowness, Shawn manages to find depth and love and all the good things possible in L.A. A definite toast to the good life. Cheers!
February 24, 2012
Enticing stuff. This is a great tale about a pretty damaged young man who comes to, of all places, Los Angeles to try and find himself. Amazingly, the city offers him the promises for growth and healing that he needs. Not to mention Peller writes with humor, looking at the devastation of his past and the uncertainty of his future with a smile. Very inspiring! After finishing it a couple days ago, I read it again right away. It's the kind of book I have a feeling I'll be reading every other month or so, just so I can find new insights.
February 26, 2012
Cool stories that are a lot deeper than I thought they'd be. Ben Peller delves into himself and the craziness that he finds in Los Angeles. He's an excellent writer, very funny, irreverent, and also surprisingly touching. These tales weren't all about drinking. They ran the gamut from dealing with bipolar relatives to overcoming his homophobia to trying to discover how he could really find happiness in a "La la land" that offers so many promises. Definitely worth a read (I've actually reread it several times since I finished it a couple weeks ago).
May 18, 2012
This sequel to “To Live and Drink in LA” is incredible! I read this in just a matter of days; actually couldn’t put it down and as a native Angeleno, I even recognized some of these characters! Just proves what a keen observer Peller is of the human condition, in what is really a small town, cloaked in the guise of a big city. I would definitely recommend this to anyone living in Tinseltown or any other town. Hilarious and thoughtful, a true journey of self-discovery. What other stories does Mr. Peller have up his sleeve? I for one can’t wait to read ‘em.
August 28, 2012
Loved Ben Peller's "To Live and Drink In L.A." I didn't know the sequel would be even better! This book follows our protagonist Shawn Michals as he wades through the waters of love in Los Angeles. There is so much that goes on in this book, as these stories really dig deep into not only love but the process of being human. Of living. Yes, Shawn/Ben, you did it right. Reading this book put me more in touch with my emotions, and I will always be grateful for you having the courage to write it. Keep writing! And I'll keep reading...
September 8, 2012
Fantastic book. I read Peller's "Living the Gimmick" and was impressed enough to Kindle "To Live and Drink In L.A." This book blew me away. It tells the story of Shawn Michals, a young man from the Midwest who comes out to Los Angeles and gets into all kinds of adventures. Kind of like if David Sedaris found himself in a "Catcher In the Rye" situation in L.A. He gets involved with people from all walks of life, and in the end is ready to take the next step with his life. Recommended indeed! Can't wait to read its sequel, "To Live and Love In L.A."
September 11, 2012
Great book! Ben Peller keeps serving up fastballs. I enjoyed this book even more than its prequel "To Live and Drink In L.A." This tale tracks Shawn Michals through his adventures in Los Angeles and through an even more treacherous land: that of love. Seriously, this book manages to capture the trials of a damaged, scared human being as he searches for love in a wild landscape. Not overly erotic, but very heartfelt. The ending provides a twist that has me salivating for the next book chronicling Shawn Michals' life.
February 23, 2014
A remarkable work. After reading "To Live and Drink In L.A.," I couldn't wait to delve into this book. I wasn't disappointed. The protagonist, Shawn Michals, winds his way through the craziness that is romance in Los Angeles. He goes to crazy parties, is betrayed by lovers, and experiences both true love and heartbreak. Throughout, Ben Peller makes himself known as both an author and guide. The ending has a twist that has me anxiously awaiting the next book in what has become a serious and wonderful series reading experience.
October 6, 2012
A great book that treats both its male and female characters with respect. Shawn Michals is the protagonist, but all the women he comes into contact with are equally defined. Very well written, and one of the most romantic books I've ever read. One of the stories, "How To Trap a Cougar vs. How to Trap a Cub" flirts with sheer hilarious brilliance. Now I've got to read the prequel "To Live and Drink In L.A." If it's anywhere near as good as this book, I'll be well sated as far as reading goes for the coming week.
December 2, 2012
Read "Strange Love: How Pro Wrestling Taught Me to Relax and Love My Mom." Enjoyed it thoroughly, so I had to download this book (it was one of the stories). And I was pleasantly surprised to find a complete collection of stories with a great character arc. Reminded me of a cross between Janet Fitch and Charles Bukowski. And Peller also DEFINITELY brings the funny. Enjoy!To Live and Drink in L.A.
February 26, 2013
This was a book I wasn't expecting to like as much as I did. Mr. Peller has done a wonderful job of describing the adventures of Shawn Michals (a Doppelganger of Mr. Peller's), a young man from the Midwest who comes to Los Angeles with stars in his eyes. He instead finds reality, deals with his bipolar mother's suicide, overcomes homophobia, marches on the Pentagon (?!), and in the end completes the first part of a character arc that definitely made me want to read what happens next. And yes, I've read "To Live and Love In L.A.," and it's just as weird and intriguing.
February 28, 2013
Another solid tale in the Shawn Michals saga, courtesy of Ben Peller. This book seemed a bit more serious than "To Live and Drink In L.A.," but I was still held fast to not only the humor but the heartache. Especially the chapter of being a "Lovaholic," to which I can certainly relate. Shawn himself seems to be coming a bit more grounded as a character, as Peller seems to be becoming more precise as an author. Had its faults, dragged a bit in places, but there was certainly enough about it that was entertaining enough to make want to pick up the next installment the ending seems to promise.
April 8, 2013
When a friend of mine recommended this to me, I thought "oh great, another Bukowski wannabe." But just twenty pages in realized I'd been wrong. This book is a great coming of age book that tracks Shawn Michals, a young man from the Midwest on his journey to Los Angeles (and beyond). His spiritual growth is well chronicled with humor and depth. Some may say this book glamorizes consumption of alcohol, but I disagree. It glamorizes consumption of life. Highly recommended. And I can't wait to consume "To Live and Love In L.A."
April 17, 2013
To be honest, an ex of mine spoke so vehemently against this book that I found his rabid anger ignited in me a desire to read it and see what all the fuss was about. I was pleasantly surprised to find this collection of tales isn't just about "drinking," but more like a boozy "Catcher In the Rye." (Shoot, I just remembered I have to add that book to my "My Books" page). Anyway, I enjoyed this book, I liked the writing, I even liked the bizarre font. Shawn Michals is a protagonist worth following.
April 30, 2013
After reading Ben Peller's To Live and Drink In L.A., I had high hopes for this book. And it was even better than I expected. Shawn Michals is like a West Coast cross between Chelsea Handler and Holden Caufield. An amazing book, and judging from the twist thrown it at the end, I expect Shawn's saga will continue. I can't wait!!!
BTW, I did see Ben at the L.A. Festival of Books. But he was with a beautiful woman, and I didn't want to take too many liberties. So I gave him a very restrained peck on the cheek. And he returned the favor. A great event!
BTW, I did see Ben at the L.A. Festival of Books. But he was with a beautiful woman, and I didn't want to take too many liberties. So I gave him a very restrained peck on the cheek. And he returned the favor. A great event!
May 2, 2013
I really enjoyed Ben Peller's "To live and Drink in L.a." and I think this book is actually even better. If I could give it four and a half stars I would. The font is still a little weird, but the writing is great. Shawn Michals, our protagonist, deals with love, sex, and drama with a lot of style. One page you're laughing, the other you're ready to cry. Kind of like a crazed love (or series of love stories) set in a Disneyworld of L.A. Overall, a quick and good read, and yeah, the ending is very cool. I await the return of (SPOILER) Shawn Michals/Ben Peller.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews