The Sweep of the Second Hand

by Dean Monti

Malcolm Cicchio, a manager of a failing foreign film movie theater, leads a very uneventful life in which his ex-girlfriend is marrying a doctor, he cannot sleep because there are yellowjackets in his bedroom, and he meets Darlene, a punk rock singer. A first novel. Reprint.

336 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published March 22, 2001

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book devolved as it went on. It started with an interesting premise and what appeared to be an interesting character. And there were some funny lines, especially in the beginning. But as it went on, the book made less and less sense. The plot didn't make sense. The main character was so idiotic he became unbelievable. And ultimately, I didn't like the messages about women. I'd rate this 1 1/2 stars if I could.

[Siobhan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like if I were a dude I would have really liked this book. Don't get me wrong I enjoyed the pure craziness of Malcolm, the main character. Sadly, if I were guy I think I would behave similarly to him. It was an enjoyable read, well written, and memorable just not my favorite.

[Clare · Rating 2 out of 5]

I usually like unusual fiction, but this book was too bizarre for me. I felt no empathy for the characters at all.

[Emz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh, there wasn't anything wrong with it, just wasn't anything really right with it either. For all its attempts at interesting and crazy characters, I thought it was a little boring.

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

You won't need many sweeps of the hour hand to get through this book. It's affable, mildly amusing, with some quirky characters and a few awkward scenes that will leave you snickering and shaking your head. Nothing is really developed in satisfying detail, though. For instance, the premise of the book is that the main character is losing a minute of sleep a night, causing him to pass out at unfortunate times and places. Then at the end, that idea never really goes anywhere. Same thing with the yellow jackets that live in the guy's walls. They're disruptive and annoying, they may be imaginary, and that's it. I wish the author had woven these little threads of detail into a more satisfying conclusion.

[Karschtl · Rating 3 out of 5]

On the cover it says that this might be a good movie starring John Cusack. I have to agree, I think he would be quite perfect for this role.
I needed some time to get into the novel, but then I kinda liked to read about the days of nothingsness in Malcolms life.
Although it's a pity that the idea of sleeplessness and him losing a minute of sleep from night to night is not followed more closely in the second part of the book.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can see why some would bill Second Hand as Hornsby-esqe. But Malcom is a little too off kilter to pass as a Hornsby hero. (Rule of thumb: Could Hugh Grant play him?)

Still, it's an amusing look at a bumbling life.

[Helen Claycomb]

I hated this book.