Axel Hooley's Death Watch List

by Scotty-Miguel Sandoe

Axel Hooley’s past and present are on a rapid collision course – a battle transpiring not only within his weakening body, but with the very forces of fate, nature, destiny, and personal choice that haunt us all. A tale of hope, friendship, and the cosmos destined to collide in Los Angeles, Axel Hooley’s Death Watch List is a hilarious love call to anybody who’s ever navigated the unpredictable labyrinth of life threatening illness or rallied allies for day-to-day survival.

#funny in sickness, #handling illness journey, #oprah should read

Genres: Fiction, Humor

182 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2012

Reviews

[Marjorie Newson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Axel Hooley's Death Watch List (Paperback) http://www.amazon.co.uk/Axel-Hooleys-...
by Scotty-Miguel Sandoe

When my friend told me about this book and said that the heart of the story was about carers and friends of someone suffering from cancer. I thought, "that really sounds a bit dire, if it's not carefully handled it would be a train wreck." Then I saw the cover of the and its subtle subtitle, "A Sick Comedy", made me laugh. I thought what the h*** I've laughed at the first joke, and that IS the perfect subtitle for a black comedy about cancer; so I ordered a copy of it. I am so glad I did.

I am not going to divulge any spoilers, that would be unfair to anyone considering reading this story. You must let it unfold its surprising plot to enjoy it best.

The character portraits are uniquely easy to visualise and care about.

In another review I read the author was "annoyed" about the episodic quality of the chapters, moving between present and past. I did not find "contrived"; I thought the story flowed well between past and present. I remember on a couple of occasions finishing a section thinking "I wonder why that was?" Then the first sentence of the next paragraph was the beginning of the answer to that question.

You are reading this review because you are wondering if you would like this book and I would recommend it in these ways:
1. Practicality factor---this is a great sized-book for a plane or train journey
2. Relaxation factor---Axel Hooley's Death Watch List is an "easy read" in that the structure and plot are simply stated, the language is comfortable and the story moves steadily.
3. Style factor---the style of this story reminds me of a luscious dish with hints of Neil Gaiman infused in a smidgeon of Katherine Dunn with a side of slowly smoked David Sedaris.

The only negative thing for me was that it was just too short!

[Lisadelzompo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Axel Hooley's Death Watch List synthesizes many life themes: friends as family, humor as armor, as well as the fight for love, friendship, and connection in this world and on other life planes. I stayed up into the wee hours to imbibe, inhale, enjoy this lovely, funny, wistful and finally cleansing and uplifting novel. A joy and a blessing to have come across AXEL HOOLEY'S DEATHWATCH LIST at the right time in my life, fighting a totally different battle but realizing that the same weapons will win the day: inner strength coupled with friends who replenish us on many planes from the physical and emotional to the metaphorical/spiritual. An uplifting life-raft in stormy times, punctuated by laugh-out-loud humor! Must read!

[Tjpayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book a couple of days ago, and I have to say that it's easily one of the best books I have read in a really long time. Holy Smokes was it good!

It's one of those books that's going to stay with me for a long time. I'll keep thinking of it randomly throughout the day while I'm doing other things -- still processing the story.

I guess you could say if I have a 'trigger' (for lack of a better word) while reading, cancer would be the main one right now -- there has just been a lot of it in my family in the last 5 years. So I don't think I would have read this book if I had known there was such a focus on cancer. But I'm so glad I didn't know. I can't imagine having missed out on reading this story.

I seriously don't remember the last time (if ever) that I was literally laughing and crying at the same time throughout most of the book. I had to stop reading at one point because I became so emotional.

I also can't remember the last time I was surprised so much by a storyline. Every time I thought I knew where it was going, it swerved in another direction. I NEVER would have guessed where it ended up -- so refreshing to read a story that wasn't completely predictable.

Another thing I need to mention is that the writing itself is superb! It was just so well written. I got so immersed in the story, I couldn't put the book down. I would get irrationally upset throughout the day when something pulled me away from reading.

So needless to say, I recommend that EVERYONE read this book. It was outstanding, extremely well-written, and completely one of a kind.

[Chase Hackett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really brilliant, funny novel. It sounds stupid, but -- I laughed; I cried. You should read this book.

[Catherine Pelonero · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to read this book because I'm a big fan of a play by this author called "Texanna Rearranges the Planets and Saves Her Family From the Gates of Hell." I saw a production of it years ago and I remember it to this day as one of the funniest plays I have ever seen. When I found that Scotty-Miguel Sandoe had written a novel referred to as "a sick comedy," I couldn't resist. I bought a copy of Axel Hooley's Death Watch List and read it in a single weekend.

I'm glad to see Sandoe hasn't lost his touch as a writer who is both daring and screamingly funny! This book isn't just about laughs and dark humor, though. It's also a very moving narrative that left me thinking about it for days afterward. Briefly, it's a story about a man named Axel Hooley, a freewheeling dude with a mysterious past (so mysterious that even he doesn't know the half of it), whose life takes yet another abrupt detour when he has a bout with cancer. Despite the sober specter of a cancer diagnosis, there is not a melodramatic word to be found in this amazingly fresh and original book. We follow Axel and his colorful, well-meaning friends on a journey through present dilemma and past traumas, and the effect is nothing short of captivating. Never predictable and thoroughly engaging, each chapter makes you want to keep reading to find out what could possibly happen next. This is not the pat, tearjerker stuff of a Hallmark movie, but nor is it without pathos and genuine emotion. Axel Hooley is a great read and a book you'll think back on long after you finish it.

[Alisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Axel Hooley's Death Watch List is part coming-of-age tale, part look into the more insane and often hilarious (YES I said hilarious) aspects of dealing with the complete loss of elegance or dignity that come with an awful illness, part magic realism/fantasy where the physical and spiritual world decide to travel on the same plane and it's really not that odd. There were several places I laughed out loud. There were other places that hit a little close to my own experiences and I had to put the book down and go have a good weep about what I'd read. The author has given us a wonderful gift -- a glimpse into the truly healing power of unconditional friendships, and the delightful and unexpected ways those heros enter our lives.

[Candi Sary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite kind of book for so many reasons. It has quirky, memorable characters, an offbeat story, deep relationships that go beyond clichéd sentimentality, and it even offers a touch of mysticism. "Axel Hooley’s Death Watch List" is a profound and touching look at one man’s battle with cancer. Axel doesn’t have family, so his friends come together to form an unconventional—and at times hilarious—family that is a beautiful example of what it really means to love each other. The story is a most imaginative look at life, death, love and spirituality. Scotty-Miguel Sandoe’s powerful and original novel truly is in a category of its own.

[LindaW · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. It's no fun facing cancer and the various treatments involved at any time, alone, or surrounded by friends and family. This book faces that fact head on and takes an honest but humorous look into the darkness. Axel Hooley's diverse group of friends, his death watch list, rush to his side when he finally asks for their help to get through his chemotherapy periods. I loved this quirky group! This was a great little book about the origins of life, the importance of family and friends, and the inevitability of death. Oh, and throw in myths, magical realism, and a little dash of male strippers! What a trip!

[Grena Porto · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting journey

I was captivated by this semi-autobiographical account of this man's experience with cancer, chemotherapy and brush with death. As a nurse who has cared for many cancer patients, I always suspected that we understood little of what patients experience in their minds as they struggle to balance the will to survive with the temptation to surrender. The author deals with these grim issues with humor and grace. And his collection of friends that help him through this are a delight.

[Kimberley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a witty, artfully written, thought-provoking book. At first the somewhat sombre sounding content made me reluctant to just pick it up and read, but once I got going I found it hard to stop. The episodic quality of the early chapters give you little pieces of a puzzle that leave you eager to see the bigger picture, something which it made it all the more of an enjoyable read. If you love a dark comedy, a crazy story, having your expectations destroyed or even just a really well-written book then look no further!

[Laura Stenzel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved portions of this book so much it was almost painful. The relationships between the characters and the characters themselves are beautiful and brilliantly written. But, my overall experience with the story was unsettling and in the end unsatisfying. I will read this again in hopes that my overall experience is better.

[Kay Kudukis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This guy is a terrific writer, storyteller and is hilarious to boot. Try not to be judgy about the subject matter, it is handled with so much humor and zero self-pity. You gotta read it. Can't recommend it enough.

[Philip Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reading.

[Dennis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well-written: 5
Accessible: 5
Must Read: 3
Important: 1
Kept Attention: 5

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the weirdest books I've ever read, but I say that in the nicest way because I enjoyed most of the book. The relationships between the people was intriguing.

[Matevž · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very interesting twist towards the end of the book that completely changes how you expect the book to end.
Not very dynamic reading but still interesting how the story proceeds.

[Elizabeth Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid, if a bit jumpy. The fantasy elements came off as a little silly to me.

[John Bateman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining... unique story concept.