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Lost at the Con
Lost at the Con tells the tale of a drunken political journalist and his dangerous assignment to a sci-fi/fantasy convention. It’s a blend of fictional Gonzo journalism and geek culture in a way that is sure to please audiences inside and outside the geek community.
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First published May 18, 2011
11 people are currently reading
287 people want to read
About the author
Bryan Young
119 books156 followersBryan Young (he/they) works across many different media. His work as a writer and producer has been called "filmmaking gold" by The New York Times. He's also published comic books with Slave Labor Graphics and Image Comics. He's been a regular contributor for the Huffington Post, StarWars.com, Star Wars Insider magazine, SYFY, /Film, and was the founder and editor in chief of the geek news and review site Big Shiny Robot! In 2014, he wrote the critically acclaimed history book, A Children’s Illustrated History of Presidential Assassination. He co-authored Robotech: The Macross Saga RPG and has written five books in the BattleTech Universe: Honor's Gauntlet, A Question of Survival, Fox Tales, Without Question, and the forthcoming VoidBreaker. His latest non-fiction tie-in book, The Big Bang Theory Book of Lists is a #1 Bestseller on Amazon. His work has won two Diamond Quill awards and in 2023 he was named Writer of the Year by the League of Utah Writers. He teaches writing for Writer’s Digest, Script Magazine, and at the University of Utah. Follow him across social media @swankmotron or visit swankmotron.com.
Support Bryan on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/swankmotron
Support Bryan on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/swankmotron
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
January 18, 2014
I found out after I read this book that it was an homage to Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. And it really is Fear and Loathing at DragonCon - er, GriffinCon. Those readers who are familiar with DragonCon will recognize its fictional counterpart instantly. I loved all the little in jokes. But those who have never been to a Con, let alone this Con, will not be lost. Though the book has lots of familiar sites for those who know, they are subtle and don't overshadow the story, which is that of an outsider's complete scorn for Cons and Con-goers. Until he realizes that he's not so different than they are.
It was a little hard for me to have the main character be such a (self-proclaimed) jerk - but it is nice to see the character learn something from his experience at the 11th hour. There was one scene that I thought undercut this growth and made the main character no better than the people he stands up to, but since I've learned that it is part of the Fear and Loathing homage, I can understand why it is there.
And entertaining read with clever prose. Also, Space Lincoln FTW.
It was a little hard for me to have the main character be such a (self-proclaimed) jerk - but it is nice to see the character learn something from his experience at the 11th hour. There was one scene that I thought undercut this growth and made the main character no better than the people he stands up to, but since I've learned that it is part of the Fear and Loathing homage, I can understand why it is there.
And entertaining read with clever prose. Also, Space Lincoln FTW.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2017
I got this book a while ago after I first got a Kindle. A friend had told me about it around last year's Dragon*Con and I put it on my Wish List. So I figured that I'd read it during Dragon*Con this year.
It sucked. The only thing that saved this book a little was how I knew EXACTLY where he was talking about a lot of the time and that was cool to me. And Sylvester was kind of awesome. But I hated Cobb. I didn't care about him and wanted him to diaf already. So there's that. I don't recommend this one to anyone. Ever.
It sucked. The only thing that saved this book a little was how I knew EXACTLY where he was talking about a lot of the time and that was cool to me. And Sylvester was kind of awesome. But I hated Cobb. I didn't care about him and wanted him to diaf already. So there's that. I don't recommend this one to anyone. Ever.
April 15, 2020
2.5 stars
Hmm. An unlikable protagonist with a shitty reporting job and a horrible sounding cheating girlfriend, gets sent to cover a sci-fi con full of more mostly unlikable people and one really cool homeless dude. Still not sure how such a weird pervy character can also be so righteous and heroic-ish, but anyway, he reported on this con he knew nothing about and learned about himself whilst doing so. I maybe slightly giggled twice at most. It was just not my thing.
Hmm. An unlikable protagonist with a shitty reporting job and a horrible sounding cheating girlfriend, gets sent to cover a sci-fi con full of more mostly unlikable people and one really cool homeless dude. Still not sure how such a weird pervy character can also be so righteous and heroic-ish, but anyway, he reported on this con he knew nothing about and learned about himself whilst doing so. I maybe slightly giggled twice at most. It was just not my thing.
June 16, 2011
Lost at the Con: What Every Geek Will Want For Their Birthday, IF They Don't Already Have It
Have you ever stayed up late reading a book, only to dream about the book, wake up early and properly slack off so you can finish it? THAT is a 7/8 Sleepless Hours book. Or in book terms: Lost at the Con by Bryan Young. In short, one of the funniest books I've read since Chris Moore's Stupidest Angel with the geek cred of the zombie jamboree in space, Death Troopers. If you have ever been to ComicCon or Dragon*Con, you need to read this romp of a book, just for the geekster eggs.
About The Author:
Bryan Young is a geek with some major cred, and a very cool human being. He is the editor of the nerd blog and news site, BIG SHINY ROBOT (which is quite big and quite shiny) and has attended his share of conventions, ranging from small cons to San Diego Comic Con to the Star Wars Celebrations. (Cue Napoleon Dyanamite, "Lucky!") He also writes science fiction and is also releasing a book of 17 of his best short stories, Man Against The Future. I haven't read it, but it is now on the required summer reading list.
Premise:
A jaded, alcholic political reporter finds himself out of his mind and out of his depth when he is sent to report on the geek Mardi Gras, Griffin*Con. While there, he must deal with processing the sights, sounds and, you betcha, smells of the hordes of costumed fans on their yearly pilgrimage to the con.
The Best and The Worst:
Geeks will love piecing together their favorite characters from comics, movies, anime and manga from the detailed and gonzo-esque internal monologue of the unreliable narrator, Cobb. I love that though this was touted as "Hunter S. Thompson went on a bender at Dragon*Con", Young has his own style. Cobb maintains his own voice as a character, even when he's slurring through the Harry Potter Slash-Fic panel. This is a quick and delightful summer read that you will want to share with your friends. I honestly was a bit surprised by the ending, but I can't say more without spoilers!
Overall Rating:
7/8 sleepless hours for memorable and enjoyable characters, appealing to my inner (and jumping up and down outer) geek, accurate portrayal of attending a huge convention and biting satire on the economy of geekdom in the form of Cobb's articles he sends to his editor. Oh, and actually coding his book for the kindle correctly.
http://girlpluggedn.blogspot.com/p/st...
Have you ever stayed up late reading a book, only to dream about the book, wake up early and properly slack off so you can finish it? THAT is a 7/8 Sleepless Hours book. Or in book terms: Lost at the Con by Bryan Young. In short, one of the funniest books I've read since Chris Moore's Stupidest Angel with the geek cred of the zombie jamboree in space, Death Troopers. If you have ever been to ComicCon or Dragon*Con, you need to read this romp of a book, just for the geekster eggs.
About The Author:
Bryan Young is a geek with some major cred, and a very cool human being. He is the editor of the nerd blog and news site, BIG SHINY ROBOT (which is quite big and quite shiny) and has attended his share of conventions, ranging from small cons to San Diego Comic Con to the Star Wars Celebrations. (Cue Napoleon Dyanamite, "Lucky!") He also writes science fiction and is also releasing a book of 17 of his best short stories, Man Against The Future. I haven't read it, but it is now on the required summer reading list.
Premise:
A jaded, alcholic political reporter finds himself out of his mind and out of his depth when he is sent to report on the geek Mardi Gras, Griffin*Con. While there, he must deal with processing the sights, sounds and, you betcha, smells of the hordes of costumed fans on their yearly pilgrimage to the con.
The Best and The Worst:
Geeks will love piecing together their favorite characters from comics, movies, anime and manga from the detailed and gonzo-esque internal monologue of the unreliable narrator, Cobb. I love that though this was touted as "Hunter S. Thompson went on a bender at Dragon*Con", Young has his own style. Cobb maintains his own voice as a character, even when he's slurring through the Harry Potter Slash-Fic panel. This is a quick and delightful summer read that you will want to share with your friends. I honestly was a bit surprised by the ending, but I can't say more without spoilers!
Overall Rating:
7/8 sleepless hours for memorable and enjoyable characters, appealing to my inner (and jumping up and down outer) geek, accurate portrayal of attending a huge convention and biting satire on the economy of geekdom in the form of Cobb's articles he sends to his editor. Oh, and actually coding his book for the kindle correctly.
http://girlpluggedn.blogspot.com/p/st...
August 28, 2011
Cobb is a jerk, a completely unlikeable self-proclaimed asshole, yet he did odd things that kept me guessing about him. Full of priceless scenes and numerous geek-specific references, Bryan Young nonetheless presents a believable 'noob' of the whole sci-fi/fantasy/cosplay convention phenomenon.
Cons (no pun intended) were a few formatting issues when the character submitted his 'reports' and a couple of typos, but nothing to truly jerk one out of the reader experience. The last half somewhat chugs along initially (but you are rewarded with a very fun culmination of a sub-plot) and there are repeated incidences (lines everywhere) but I attribute this to the author's inclination towards thorough environmental description.
A fun ride, even for non-geeks. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a book to have you laughing out loud for real. Bryan Young is a very skilled writer with wonderful character development skills, a bonus in my book. I look forward to his future releases.
Cons (no pun intended) were a few formatting issues when the character submitted his 'reports' and a couple of typos, but nothing to truly jerk one out of the reader experience. The last half somewhat chugs along initially (but you are rewarded with a very fun culmination of a sub-plot) and there are repeated incidences (lines everywhere) but I attribute this to the author's inclination towards thorough environmental description.
A fun ride, even for non-geeks. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a book to have you laughing out loud for real. Bryan Young is a very skilled writer with wonderful character development skills, a bonus in my book. I look forward to his future releases.
June 13, 2011
To sum up in the first sentence, there were times I was laughing so hard I literally had tears rolling down my cheeks & people around me thought I'd lost my marbles (was reading on a plane).
Imagine, if you will, a political reporter, who knows absolutely nothing about the fandom world, assigned to cover an event like Comic Con or Dragon*Con... really, imagine it - because I think you'll then know why I was laughing so hard.
Young's wit at portraying Cobb (our reporter) is sly too - what appears on the surface as a jaded, self-loathing, drunk, is actually a carefully crafted, soulful character who just wants to be loved, respected, and accepted... much like most of the people who attend Sci-Fi/Fantasy conventions. Watching Cobb's character arc, as he changed from a jerk to a, well, still a jerk, but a jerk who who cares, was wonderful and satisfying.
In short, I can't wait to read it again!
Imagine, if you will, a political reporter, who knows absolutely nothing about the fandom world, assigned to cover an event like Comic Con or Dragon*Con... really, imagine it - because I think you'll then know why I was laughing so hard.
Young's wit at portraying Cobb (our reporter) is sly too - what appears on the surface as a jaded, self-loathing, drunk, is actually a carefully crafted, soulful character who just wants to be loved, respected, and accepted... much like most of the people who attend Sci-Fi/Fantasy conventions. Watching Cobb's character arc, as he changed from a jerk to a, well, still a jerk, but a jerk who who cares, was wonderful and satisfying.
In short, I can't wait to read it again!
August 24, 2011
Hilarious. Lost at the Con is about a drunk political journalist who's sent to cover a sci-fi convention. Something he's totally clueless about. An easy, humorous, read for anyone! But especially for those involved in con community.
June 20, 2012
Plot:
A political journalist gets an out-of-left-field assignment: cover a sci-fi convention for his employer, a trashy web tabloid. Under protest, he packs his bags for "GriffinCon" (DragonCon minus the potential for trademark infringement). The main character is a drunk, a raging jerk, and mostly unfamiliar with geek culture. He's got some preconceptions about his fellow attendees: male, overweight, hygiene-challenged, and an axe to grind. As he goes about the convention, judging, belittling, and getting into altercations, the con and its denizens challenge his preconceptions.
He runs into a couple of young women who find his belligerent confusion charming and invite him to a room party. He ends up fall-down drunk and high on E, being stalked by a steampunk Abraham Lincoln. Maybe it's the euphoria of the drugs, but he finds himself actually *liking* the convention, and the story goes into redemption arc mode.
Review:
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. If you're a fan of cons, and don't mind that the narrator/main character starts out thoroughly dislikable, you'll most likely enjoy this book. If you're unfamiliar with geek culture or con culture and looking to understand it better, this might be a good introduction.
In the beginning, I love to hate the main character, and enjoy watching him suffer. I was going to say that, as he begins to grasp con culture, he's revealed to be a more complex character, but honestly he starts out pretty complex. Professionally, he's torn between idealism and cynicism, and angry at how useless and uninspirational his work feels. He's got ideas for other projects he'd like to try his hand at, including writing a novel. He's in love with a woman who seems to be falling out of love with him. His brain is imaginative, and perhaps even prone to hallucinations. You learn early on that he's got some social phobias.
But he still starts out thoroughly dislikable, destructively alcoholic, and is constantly being punished for his own poor choices. As he starts to "get" the con, and more of his character is revealed, his partial redemption makes sense. There's a somewhat contrived bit at the end, with him stumbling into just the panel he needed to be at. Others have criticized the ending, saying it was unfinished or that it seemed too much of a sequel-opening cliffhanger. I didn't take it that way. Sure, one plot point seems unresolved, but you know that it's about to be resolved in one direction or the other, and whichever way it swerves, he's going to be okay.
I docked it one star because I don't think the prose is where it needs to be, but that didn't detract from my enjoyment.
A political journalist gets an out-of-left-field assignment: cover a sci-fi convention for his employer, a trashy web tabloid. Under protest, he packs his bags for "GriffinCon" (DragonCon minus the potential for trademark infringement). The main character is a drunk, a raging jerk, and mostly unfamiliar with geek culture. He's got some preconceptions about his fellow attendees: male, overweight, hygiene-challenged, and an axe to grind. As he goes about the convention, judging, belittling, and getting into altercations, the con and its denizens challenge his preconceptions.
He runs into a couple of young women who find his belligerent confusion charming and invite him to a room party. He ends up fall-down drunk and high on E, being stalked by a steampunk Abraham Lincoln. Maybe it's the euphoria of the drugs, but he finds himself actually *liking* the convention, and the story goes into redemption arc mode.
Review:
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. If you're a fan of cons, and don't mind that the narrator/main character starts out thoroughly dislikable, you'll most likely enjoy this book. If you're unfamiliar with geek culture or con culture and looking to understand it better, this might be a good introduction.
In the beginning, I love to hate the main character, and enjoy watching him suffer. I was going to say that, as he begins to grasp con culture, he's revealed to be a more complex character, but honestly he starts out pretty complex. Professionally, he's torn between idealism and cynicism, and angry at how useless and uninspirational his work feels. He's got ideas for other projects he'd like to try his hand at, including writing a novel. He's in love with a woman who seems to be falling out of love with him. His brain is imaginative, and perhaps even prone to hallucinations. You learn early on that he's got some social phobias.
But he still starts out thoroughly dislikable, destructively alcoholic, and is constantly being punished for his own poor choices. As he starts to "get" the con, and more of his character is revealed, his partial redemption makes sense. There's a somewhat contrived bit at the end, with him stumbling into just the panel he needed to be at. Others have criticized the ending, saying it was unfinished or that it seemed too much of a sequel-opening cliffhanger. I didn't take it that way. Sure, one plot point seems unresolved, but you know that it's about to be resolved in one direction or the other, and whichever way it swerves, he's going to be okay.
I docked it one star because I don't think the prose is where it needs to be, but that didn't detract from my enjoyment.
July 23, 2011
When this was offered as a GoodReads giveaway I had to enter. I've attended a few cons and, written with a lot of wit, a book about cons could be very funny. I didn't win but I got it for my Kindle.
Cobb calls himself a political journalist. He writes for an online news site. He hates his life having to work for an idiot just to get a paycheck. He needs more time to write his own great American novel.
Between time spent at his stupid job, and time spent drinking, he just doesn't have the time, nor sadly, the ambition. He floats through life. He knows his live-in girlfriend brings home men while he sits at the bar. He just doesn't have the strength to confront her.
Cobb is furious when his next assignment is to cover a science fiction/fantasy convention. This is where the title of the book comes in to play. He's lost - he doesn't know a damn thing about sci fi/fantasy these days. When he gets to the hotel he's lost - in the hallways of adjoining hotels that are hosting the con.
And, of course, he's lost - in a drunken stupor as he wanders the halls and wonders what the fuck he is going to write about these fucking morons wandering around in stupid fucking costumes. It's like "Lost Weekend" in costume. Truly, the first 25% of the book was drunken ramblings. Very disappointing.
As Cobb moves from meeting room to meeting room he encounters various folk - with varying levels of success. My favorite by far was, as Cobb called him, Space Lincoln. Steampunk Lincoln sports bionic arms and a mechanical backpack that Cobb comes to believe keeps the dead president animated. In his drunken stupor Cobb introduces himself as Jeff Davis. Then, as he descends almost into drunken madness, he convinces himself that Lincoln is now out to get him and finally barricades himself inside his hotel room. Thus ends Cobb's first night at the con.
His remaining time there is spent in various adventures, more ramblings, and locating the bars so he can get more scotch. There were a few places where I got a chuckle out of his take on some fellow attendees. Unfortunately they were few and far between.
It's a shame Cobb wasn't sober. He might have been a little more witty.
Cobb calls himself a political journalist. He writes for an online news site. He hates his life having to work for an idiot just to get a paycheck. He needs more time to write his own great American novel.
Between time spent at his stupid job, and time spent drinking, he just doesn't have the time, nor sadly, the ambition. He floats through life. He knows his live-in girlfriend brings home men while he sits at the bar. He just doesn't have the strength to confront her.
Cobb is furious when his next assignment is to cover a science fiction/fantasy convention. This is where the title of the book comes in to play. He's lost - he doesn't know a damn thing about sci fi/fantasy these days. When he gets to the hotel he's lost - in the hallways of adjoining hotels that are hosting the con.
And, of course, he's lost - in a drunken stupor as he wanders the halls and wonders what the fuck he is going to write about these fucking morons wandering around in stupid fucking costumes. It's like "Lost Weekend" in costume. Truly, the first 25% of the book was drunken ramblings. Very disappointing.
As Cobb moves from meeting room to meeting room he encounters various folk - with varying levels of success. My favorite by far was, as Cobb called him, Space Lincoln. Steampunk Lincoln sports bionic arms and a mechanical backpack that Cobb comes to believe keeps the dead president animated. In his drunken stupor Cobb introduces himself as Jeff Davis. Then, as he descends almost into drunken madness, he convinces himself that Lincoln is now out to get him and finally barricades himself inside his hotel room. Thus ends Cobb's first night at the con.
His remaining time there is spent in various adventures, more ramblings, and locating the bars so he can get more scotch. There were a few places where I got a chuckle out of his take on some fellow attendees. Unfortunately they were few and far between.
It's a shame Cobb wasn't sober. He might have been a little more witty.
July 31, 2015
I didn't enjoy reading this so much as I enjoy that fact that I read it. I also can't say that I think it was especially good, but it certainly made me think which is probably more valuable. It's an homage to Hunter S. Thompson, and the narrator certainly has his fears and loathings and is for the most part loathsome. Set at a massive sf-media convention amidst a continuous haze of alcoholic mis-adventures, a journalist with no knowledge of fandom has been assigned to cover the event. At first he has no patience for or understanding of the fans he observes, but is partially transformed by the end to realize that the people are simply doing what they enjoy and that's okay so long as they don't hurt anyone else. Unfortunately, along the way, several people are hurt, and that seems to be okay, and he never seems to develop much of an empathy for the other attendees. The most important sympathetic character is a homeless man he hires off the street, not a member of the current fannish community at all, and there's a character named Space Lincoln that I never figured out at all. The story is by turns feminist and exploitive, kind and cruel, humorous and disgusting... sometimes in the same paragraph. The narrative is occasionally quite awkward, but I couldn't decide it if that was an intentional parody of Uncle Duke or not. There are occasional references to fannish trivia that I don't believe the political journalist would make (Marion Crane, for example), and I'll never believe that vomiting on someone is an amusing and acceptable way to express your displeasure with their work. Anyway.... I hope that Cobb and Laurie got married, had adorable twins named Abe and Sylvester, went back to the con together in years to come where he publicized his successful science fiction adventure novels, and that they all lived very, very happily ever after... but I doubt it.
May 16, 2013
Lost at the Con by Bryan Young is a wild romp through the world of a science fiction convention. It is the story of Cobb, a political journalist who has sold out on his ideals for a steady pay check. Disgusted with his personal and professional life, he is given an assignment he could care less about - covering the science fiction convention Griffin*Con (based on the real life Dragon*Con) in Atlanta. Armed with a pen, a press badge, and a glass of scotch (or any other alcohol handy), Cobb sets off in search of stories.
Upon reaching Atlanta, Cobb is confused and lost almost his entire stay. He wanders his way through the hoards of convention-goers, dressed to the max in geeky costumes from comics, movies, and history. What he expects to find is a mass of "basement dwelling mouth-breathers," but instead he finds everything from the socially awkward young adult male to sexy girls in school girl costumes. Though he searches for the seedy underbelly of geek life, he can't help but be swept up in the hero's journey that is so beloved by fans of fantasy and science fiction.
I don't really want to spoil the fun details of story, but if "slashfic," "nerds vs. jocks," or "Cybernetic Space Lincoln" pique your interest, this book is a must read. And I mean, really, how could Cybernetic Space Lincoln not pique your interest? The book has the feel of a modern-day epic quest in an alien world (well, alien at least to the main character). It is for anyone who is a fan of the sci-fi/fantasy genre, or anyone who has been to a science fiction convention (willingly or otherwise). I found this book to be hilarious and fun, and I highly recommend it.
Upon reaching Atlanta, Cobb is confused and lost almost his entire stay. He wanders his way through the hoards of convention-goers, dressed to the max in geeky costumes from comics, movies, and history. What he expects to find is a mass of "basement dwelling mouth-breathers," but instead he finds everything from the socially awkward young adult male to sexy girls in school girl costumes. Though he searches for the seedy underbelly of geek life, he can't help but be swept up in the hero's journey that is so beloved by fans of fantasy and science fiction.
I don't really want to spoil the fun details of story, but if "slashfic," "nerds vs. jocks," or "Cybernetic Space Lincoln" pique your interest, this book is a must read. And I mean, really, how could Cybernetic Space Lincoln not pique your interest? The book has the feel of a modern-day epic quest in an alien world (well, alien at least to the main character). It is for anyone who is a fan of the sci-fi/fantasy genre, or anyone who has been to a science fiction convention (willingly or otherwise). I found this book to be hilarious and fun, and I highly recommend it.
December 24, 2012
[Full disclosure: I know Bryan Young personally.]
Lost at the Con is, in many ways, a geek homage to Thompson's _Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas_. So I should probably start by saying that I thought that _Fear and Loathing..._ was, at best, okay.
The main problem I have with this book is the same problem I had with Thompson's : I didn't like the protagonist. They aren't people I choose to be around - and would probably be people I'd actively avoid, if at all possible. However, I liked this book quite a bit more than _Fear and Loathing..._. Despite the protagonist's jerk attitude, Bryan is clearly both familiar with (and a sympathetic friend to) the con-goers portrayed in the book. And unlike Thompson's work, Young's protagonist actually does start growing and redeeming himself (a little bit in the second act, more in the third).
And really, that's my only problem with the book at all. It's a significant problem for me as a reader because of my own personal tastes. If unpleasant protagonists don't bother you, then Bryan's writing skill and sense of humor make this a great pick for you. If an unpleasant protagonist turns you off, Bryan's writing skill and sense of humor will need to carry you through at least a third of the book. It's worth nothing that the author's skill did carry me through that first bit... but I noticed.
Read the preview parts, and see what you think (especially knowing there's some redemption later), and you'll probably have a good idea if this book is right for you.
Lost at the Con is, in many ways, a geek homage to Thompson's _Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas_. So I should probably start by saying that I thought that _Fear and Loathing..._ was, at best, okay.
The main problem I have with this book is the same problem I had with Thompson's : I didn't like the protagonist. They aren't people I choose to be around - and would probably be people I'd actively avoid, if at all possible. However, I liked this book quite a bit more than _Fear and Loathing..._. Despite the protagonist's jerk attitude, Bryan is clearly both familiar with (and a sympathetic friend to) the con-goers portrayed in the book. And unlike Thompson's work, Young's protagonist actually does start growing and redeeming himself (a little bit in the second act, more in the third).
And really, that's my only problem with the book at all. It's a significant problem for me as a reader because of my own personal tastes. If unpleasant protagonists don't bother you, then Bryan's writing skill and sense of humor make this a great pick for you. If an unpleasant protagonist turns you off, Bryan's writing skill and sense of humor will need to carry you through at least a third of the book. It's worth nothing that the author's skill did carry me through that first bit... but I noticed.
Read the preview parts, and see what you think (especially knowing there's some redemption later), and you'll probably have a good idea if this book is right for you.
August 18, 2011
Bryan Young’s Lost at the Con is a remarkable novel that tells the exploits of Micheal Cobb, a political journalist who is sent to Griffin Con, a sci-fi geek convention filled with characters from our past and new ones from the present. The only thing that can make this weekend bearable for Cobb is the constant stream of alcohol at nearly every corner. From pedophiliac Harry Potter writers, being chased by Space Lincoln and rescuing damsels in distress, he will have bitten off more than he can chew by the time his assignment is finished.
Having never been to a convention myself, it was interesting to see it through Cobb’s virgin eyes. The wild costumes, strange booths and merchandise Young describes throughout, made me feel as though I was there walking amongst my fellow geeks and nerds. And who could not love Space Lincoln in all his bionic glory? Cobb’s opinions on the convention goers and what transpired inside had me on the floor rolling with laughter. Anyone who’s anyone should pick up Lost at the Con and read it cover to cover immediately.
Having never been to a convention myself, it was interesting to see it through Cobb’s virgin eyes. The wild costumes, strange booths and merchandise Young describes throughout, made me feel as though I was there walking amongst my fellow geeks and nerds. And who could not love Space Lincoln in all his bionic glory? Cobb’s opinions on the convention goers and what transpired inside had me on the floor rolling with laughter. Anyone who’s anyone should pick up Lost at the Con and read it cover to cover immediately.
November 24, 2012
I picked this up a couple of weeks ago, after realizing that I'd had - but not read - it for months.
That was my mistake.
Lost at the Con is a great story about Michael Cobb, a man who is plunged into a world far removed from anything he's ever known. The story spends most of its time following him over four days as he walks, stumbles, and backs into one bizarre situation after another, while covering a convention for his publication.
Bryan Young has done a wonderful job of bringing his protagonist's anxieties and fears and foibles to very relatable life. And, even when he did something that many might find "questionable," at best, I found myself laughing at his inner monologues... and a few of his outer diatribes.]
This was a pretty fast and very fun read. It is also one that I highly recommend.
That was my mistake.
Lost at the Con is a great story about Michael Cobb, a man who is plunged into a world far removed from anything he's ever known. The story spends most of its time following him over four days as he walks, stumbles, and backs into one bizarre situation after another, while covering a convention for his publication.
Bryan Young has done a wonderful job of bringing his protagonist's anxieties and fears and foibles to very relatable life. And, even when he did something that many might find "questionable," at best, I found myself laughing at his inner monologues... and a few of his outer diatribes.]
This was a pretty fast and very fun read. It is also one that I highly recommend.
July 3, 2012
Cobb travels to Griffin Con in Atlanta, complaining bitterly inside his head that his journalistic skills are too good for a fantasy/comic book type convention and so is he. Free floating hostility and free flowing alcohol, together with a sense of superiority define Mr. Cobb, pre-Con. Then the Con happens to Cobb, and he will never be the same again. At a Harry Potter slashfic panel, he drunkenly threatens to bring down all the "pederasts." Two pretty girls adopt him and give him a better drug to party on, and that's just the beginning. Heroics break out by the end.
I liked it. It's a challenge to stereotypes and an entertaining look at the Con world.
I liked it. It's a challenge to stereotypes and an entertaining look at the Con world.
June 27, 2011
This story made me laugh out loud. As someone who has attended Dragon*con (the obvious inspiration for the setting) for many years, I easily related to the situations that Cobb found himself in.
His lack of knowledge of fandom and the passion that geeks display makes this tale easily accessible to non-geeks, but those in the know will get all the various pop culture references.
I plan on reading it again. It's hilarious.
Fans of Star Wars, Star Trek, Harry Potter . . . EVERYONE should read Lost at the Con.
His lack of knowledge of fandom and the passion that geeks display makes this tale easily accessible to non-geeks, but those in the know will get all the various pop culture references.
I plan on reading it again. It's hilarious.
Fans of Star Wars, Star Trek, Harry Potter . . . EVERYONE should read Lost at the Con.
November 5, 2012
This book reads in a style reminiscent of stream of consciousness, following the author/main character's flow of thoughts. The story flowed extremely well, and I found myself constantly empathizing with the main character, a political columnist forced to cover a geek convention against his will. The book follows his journey through the convention, including the columns he submits to his spiteful editor.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys conventions, stories of self-discovery and redemption, or the freedom to be themselves without conforming to the ideals of others.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys conventions, stories of self-discovery and redemption, or the freedom to be themselves without conforming to the ideals of others.
January 27, 2013
Hunter S. Thompson would be proud after reading this masterpiece. A well written journey into the world of "cons" where ppl dressing as their favorite superhero is the norm and child hood hero's can be met. (if you have enough money that is.) the book centers around Cobb a drunken, negative, journalist who didn't want to be bothered with such a lame gig as covering GriffinCon but after a few drinks a few rails of x and a cyber 16th president of the United states his mind will change forever. give this book a read if you have ever been to a con or just want a good story. bravo Mr. Young.
June 29, 2011
i thought this book was excellent. poor michael cobb is lost literally and figuratively, but eventually finds his way and himself. i was kinda disappointed when it ended; i want more. my only issue is the book wasn't well proofread. typographical and grammatical errors are here and there, but not so excessive to obscure the story. if you're looking for a quick, summer read involving drunks and nerds, this is a must :)
June 28, 2014
Wow. This book has a lot of adverbs.
And it is immature. And preachy. As if a teenage neck-beard in training was laying out his fantasy of telling off all the plebs who dared annoy him with their presence. We all know the type, the “I’m such a tortured intellectual and no one gets me.” That was this book. But maybe he can redeem himself with the ending…Nope! Last chapter, though the shortest, might've been the most pretentious of all!
And it is immature. And preachy. As if a teenage neck-beard in training was laying out his fantasy of telling off all the plebs who dared annoy him with their presence. We all know the type, the “I’m such a tortured intellectual and no one gets me.” That was this book. But maybe he can redeem himself with the ending…Nope! Last chapter, though the shortest, might've been the most pretentious of all!
August 22, 2011
If you haven't read it yet... what are you waiting for? This is the perfect book for any fun-loving geek. Even if you're not a geek, it's a great read. It's funny and smart and by the end, you are left hopeful because if someone like Cobb can come to the conclusions he comes to at the end, then anyone can. Get now!
February 18, 2012
this stuck me as basic 3-star quality, but in the end I had to give 4 based on the enjoyment factor - I couldn't put this one down. The lead character reminds me a limitless more of Warren Ellis's Spider Jerusalem from Transmetropolitan than Hunter Thompson whom is mentioned in many other reviews. of course, Spider is based in Hunter and Young's Cobb is unique in his own
February 2, 2012
Thank you, Mediocre Show. I heard about this on their show, that it was being given away as a free promo on the kindle & snagged it before that offer expired. And just started reading it. It's a story on Griffin Con in Atlanta and a drunk Reporter sent to cover it as punishment by his editor.
I found it a funny read in a Gonzo-journalist way.
I found it a funny read in a Gonzo-journalist way.
June 19, 2012
A look in the introspective and phobia of what a "normal" person into immersion of geekdom in their own environment. Here's my full review of what I thought of it at my blog. But if you want the short of it, it was pretty damn good.
June 26, 2014
This was the First Book by Bryan Young that I read, and I loved it. The writing style made me feel like I was following someone around a con in Atlanta, at a time in the characters life where that is exactly what he needed, to go do something out of there comfort zone and reflect on life. Two days after I finished this book I bought tickets for my first comic convention.
September 21, 2016
Lost at the Con is a great read, and a fun romp into the world of fandom at conventions. While I've never attended the con on which fictional Griffin Con is based, I am a veteran of quite a few comic and pop culture cons, and this book captures the feel well - I've met some of these characters. Read and enjoy and share!
November 24, 2011
I was looking forward to a fun book about an outsider going to a "Con."
Instead I got a character was not only unlikable but nasty to almost everyone he meets. All while talking down to the crowd he is writing about.
Why alienate your core audience??
Instead I got a character was not only unlikable but nasty to almost everyone he meets. All while talking down to the crowd he is writing about.
Why alienate your core audience??
April 9, 2014
I got this book from my penpal and it was something I never thought that I would read. It started off very odd but as I continued reading I couldn't put it down. Was such a good book would recommend it to anyone. Specially for those going through somewhat of a hole in life.
March 12, 2015
It's hard to like a book where the protagonist is so incredibly unlikable and preachy, even if he grows. However, the con setting is a lot of fun, it has some good laughs, the preaching makes good points, and Space Lincoln is awesome.
March 6, 2012
Strange book, angry, drunken protagonist. Okay for some but not my thing.
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