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Petty
Welcome to Wonderments Family Fun Park!
The ultimate summer home to roller coasters, water slides, and spend-happy tourists from all over the world. Oh, and one small-time thief with a mission.
Sell a few pieces of fake merchandise. Skim a coin at a time from every distracted shopper. Repeat until there's enough money to disappear.
If only new coworkers weren't so distracting....
* * *
Petty is the result of long hours of daydreaming while working retail - an incredibly un-exciting job - in one of the most exciting amusement parks in the world.
The characters and setting are fictional, but if you've ever spent the summer working at an amusement park, you've met these people before, and Wonderments Family Fun Park will feel like a second home.
The ultimate summer home to roller coasters, water slides, and spend-happy tourists from all over the world. Oh, and one small-time thief with a mission.
Sell a few pieces of fake merchandise. Skim a coin at a time from every distracted shopper. Repeat until there's enough money to disappear.
If only new coworkers weren't so distracting....
* * *
Petty is the result of long hours of daydreaming while working retail - an incredibly un-exciting job - in one of the most exciting amusement parks in the world.
The characters and setting are fictional, but if you've ever spent the summer working at an amusement park, you've met these people before, and Wonderments Family Fun Park will feel like a second home.
296 pages, Paperback
First published November 14, 2014
2 people are currently reading
918 people want to read
About the author
Isaac Jourden
2 books30 followersI'm a 33-year-old American living in Canada with my wife Stéphanie, son Simon, and cats Darth Kitty and Cooler.
My interests include poker, board and card games of all kinds, a fledgling collection of Ultima computer games, Korean pop music,
and watching Doctor Who.
I spent a lot of time as a kid in and around amusement parks. I also spent a lot of time daydreaming of creative ways to make extra money. These memories intersected to form the basis for my novel, Petty.
My interests include poker, board and card games of all kinds, a fledgling collection of Ultima computer games, Korean pop music,
and watching Doctor Who.
I spent a lot of time as a kid in and around amusement parks. I also spent a lot of time daydreaming of creative ways to make extra money. These memories intersected to form the basis for my novel, Petty.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 17, 2016
Thanks to Goodreads and the author for a free, signed copy of this novel.
This book came included with a bookmark that has a saying on it. A saying that starts with “Everyone is an asshole”. I knew, right then, that the author and I would get along famously as clearly we share some of the same ideals.
“Petty” is the self-published work of author Isaac Jourden. In this novel, our nameless main character (nameless because he self-narrates the novel and also, when his name is given it is not his real name) starts work at Wonderments theme park. His intention is to lie, cheat and steal from patrons until he has enough money to make it to Sao Paulo, Brazil where he can live off the grid for six months before moving on. However, while working at the theme park, he starts to form relationships with co-workers that inevitably put his goal of petty thievery on the back burner.
Jourden is witty and satirical. His novel is most definitely for adults, not because it is overly sexual or inappropriate but because it tells things like it is. There is no sugar coating and “happily ever afters” in Jourden’s novels. No “passionate romances” and “lifelong friendships”. Essentially it is the story of one man who is trying to make a life for himself that is nothing like his parents life, and trying not to fall prey to the fake friendships people are trying to form around him.
This novel is set in a theme park, which of course is nothing new. The main character works in a retail store within the theme park, where Jourden’s hatred for all things retail shine through in hilarious ways.
Jourden’s writing is creative and sharp, and surprisingly acerbic. Although there are no happy endings and no overly sappy romances with couples holding hands or walking on the beach, this story will make you laugh and make you think. It is definitely an “adult life story” that anyone over the age of 25 will completely relate to. Definitely a surprising treat.
This book came included with a bookmark that has a saying on it. A saying that starts with “Everyone is an asshole”. I knew, right then, that the author and I would get along famously as clearly we share some of the same ideals.
“Petty” is the self-published work of author Isaac Jourden. In this novel, our nameless main character (nameless because he self-narrates the novel and also, when his name is given it is not his real name) starts work at Wonderments theme park. His intention is to lie, cheat and steal from patrons until he has enough money to make it to Sao Paulo, Brazil where he can live off the grid for six months before moving on. However, while working at the theme park, he starts to form relationships with co-workers that inevitably put his goal of petty thievery on the back burner.
Jourden is witty and satirical. His novel is most definitely for adults, not because it is overly sexual or inappropriate but because it tells things like it is. There is no sugar coating and “happily ever afters” in Jourden’s novels. No “passionate romances” and “lifelong friendships”. Essentially it is the story of one man who is trying to make a life for himself that is nothing like his parents life, and trying not to fall prey to the fake friendships people are trying to form around him.
This novel is set in a theme park, which of course is nothing new. The main character works in a retail store within the theme park, where Jourden’s hatred for all things retail shine through in hilarious ways.
Jourden’s writing is creative and sharp, and surprisingly acerbic. Although there are no happy endings and no overly sappy romances with couples holding hands or walking on the beach, this story will make you laugh and make you think. It is definitely an “adult life story” that anyone over the age of 25 will completely relate to. Definitely a surprising treat.
September 25, 2015
This was a fascinating, cynical piece of contemporary fiction, which was skillfully written with great (if sometimes detestable!) characters. For my full review, check out my youtube video:
https://youtu.be/FozpYDj3NTE
https://youtu.be/FozpYDj3NTE
March 16, 2015
Holy shit.
The way the blurb read, I expected a book about a twenty-something working a menial job for menial money. I expected him to skim some cash, maybe run some cons. I expected there to be a girl that caught his eye. But everything else- the real book beneath the basic plot- I didn't see coming at all.
I give Nathan credit- he has a goal. Get through the summer, working one of the worst jobs ever- and make enough money to get the hell out of dodge and to Sao Palo. No real reason. He just doesn't want to be stuck; stuck like his parents working all their lives for middle class. Stuck like all the people that filter through the gift shop he works at. And I get that. I really do. His methods may be less than honest- skimming change from customers a quarter at a time, pretending to run a raffle for Make a Wish- but at least he works for what he wants.
When Nicole comes into the picture, I thought to myself, "Here it comes. The love interest/redemption arc. I've read this story before". But it didn't happen. And then Margaret appeared, and I thought maybe that was the twist- that the girl I thought he wanted wasn't actually the girl he gets. But Margaret didn't happen, either. And I was so sucked in, loving the idea that maybe, just maybe, there WASN'T redemption for our anti-hero. That the book would end with the summer over, and Nathan on some street in Sao Paolo, struggling his way through a sentence in Portuguese. And as Nicole took a bigger role, I could see her there with him, laughing at how ridiculous is was. Maybe there was no redemption for Nathan because Nicole was the same.
Then Nathan's money is stolen, and I had no more guesses as to the conclusion. I expected the book to end maybe with an exchange of phone numbers, or a kiss, and then the return of our characters to their respective lives. I never thought that Nicole's parents would be wealthy, or that Nathan would see an opportunity and take it, using Nicole's trust and interest in him to grab some random jewellery (I admire him for that, seeing as how I doubt he knows the first thing about hocking jewellery). I knew Nicole would confront him. I knew
I'm sure Nathan knew, as well. His plan wasn't exactly masterminded. But instead of taking his last chance at heroism, he simply returned the one thing Nicole cared about. He didn't have to. He had a chance to get rid of it somehow. But I think he really does care for her, in some way, and so he gives her back her lucky charm, and when we last see Nathan, he's on his way to Nashville.
This book was amazing. It was surprising, and original, and any number of positive adjectives any other reviewer would put here. More than that, it was real. It was sometimes harsh, very often awkward, and so believably real. Thanks, Isaac :)
The way the blurb read, I expected a book about a twenty-something working a menial job for menial money. I expected him to skim some cash, maybe run some cons. I expected there to be a girl that caught his eye. But everything else- the real book beneath the basic plot- I didn't see coming at all.
I give Nathan credit- he has a goal. Get through the summer, working one of the worst jobs ever- and make enough money to get the hell out of dodge and to Sao Palo. No real reason. He just doesn't want to be stuck; stuck like his parents working all their lives for middle class. Stuck like all the people that filter through the gift shop he works at. And I get that. I really do. His methods may be less than honest- skimming change from customers a quarter at a time, pretending to run a raffle for Make a Wish- but at least he works for what he wants.
When Nicole comes into the picture, I thought to myself, "Here it comes. The love interest/redemption arc. I've read this story before". But it didn't happen. And then Margaret appeared, and I thought maybe that was the twist- that the girl I thought he wanted wasn't actually the girl he gets. But Margaret didn't happen, either. And I was so sucked in, loving the idea that maybe, just maybe, there WASN'T redemption for our anti-hero. That the book would end with the summer over, and Nathan on some street in Sao Paolo, struggling his way through a sentence in Portuguese. And as Nicole took a bigger role, I could see her there with him, laughing at how ridiculous is was. Maybe there was no redemption for Nathan because Nicole was the same.
Then Nathan's money is stolen, and I had no more guesses as to the conclusion. I expected the book to end maybe with an exchange of phone numbers, or a kiss, and then the return of our characters to their respective lives. I never thought that Nicole's parents would be wealthy, or that Nathan would see an opportunity and take it, using Nicole's trust and interest in him to grab some random jewellery (I admire him for that, seeing as how I doubt he knows the first thing about hocking jewellery). I knew Nicole would confront him. I knew
I'm sure Nathan knew, as well. His plan wasn't exactly masterminded. But instead of taking his last chance at heroism, he simply returned the one thing Nicole cared about. He didn't have to. He had a chance to get rid of it somehow. But I think he really does care for her, in some way, and so he gives her back her lucky charm, and when we last see Nathan, he's on his way to Nashville.
This book was amazing. It was surprising, and original, and any number of positive adjectives any other reviewer would put here. More than that, it was real. It was sometimes harsh, very often awkward, and so believably real. Thanks, Isaac :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2015
4.5 stars
This book is loaded with twenty-something cynicism, which normally I find a bit too much after a while, but here it really works. The main character, who is the only perspective the author uses, reads people so well that this book feels like commentary on the contemporary world. Very few characters in this book are likable - even the main character is a thief and liar from the get-go - but you kind of care about them even in their idiocy. As the main character points out, all people are assholes and it's only in understanding this that dealing with each other is navigable.
As for the setting, it's clear that the author's observational skills stretch beyond believable characterization. The depth of detail that the author uses to give us a picture of the world behind the scenes of amusements parks is delightful. Several little quirks of amusement parks make complete sense, but you get the sense that Jourden has seen it all firsthand, which adds a lot to the story.
Really, the thing I liked most about this book was how it felt like commentary on this type of girl, that type of guy, and the general approach of this generation towards smart phones and actual human interaction. "Petty" is a perfect title because the story is equally about the main character's thievery and the ways these people act in relation to each other. All the while, the main character's secret theft laces the story with a bit of tension, although there's no real plot other than the day-to-day drudgery in the amusement park trenches. All the drinking and drama and talk about sex gets a little old, but again...twenty-somethings. It all works, even if you want to throttle them. The fact that the main character is as fed up as I was made me root for him even more.
As for the writing, it's very clever, simple, and well done. I found very few goofs, all completely forgivable. The story perhaps dragged in terms of pacing here or there, but it's supposed to feel like these awful work days are repetitive and never-ending, so even that works to the story's benefit.
Definitely worth a read if you're a sarcastic, observational smart-ass. I enjoyed it greatly.
This book is loaded with twenty-something cynicism, which normally I find a bit too much after a while, but here it really works. The main character, who is the only perspective the author uses, reads people so well that this book feels like commentary on the contemporary world. Very few characters in this book are likable - even the main character is a thief and liar from the get-go - but you kind of care about them even in their idiocy. As the main character points out, all people are assholes and it's only in understanding this that dealing with each other is navigable.
As for the setting, it's clear that the author's observational skills stretch beyond believable characterization. The depth of detail that the author uses to give us a picture of the world behind the scenes of amusements parks is delightful. Several little quirks of amusement parks make complete sense, but you get the sense that Jourden has seen it all firsthand, which adds a lot to the story.
Really, the thing I liked most about this book was how it felt like commentary on this type of girl, that type of guy, and the general approach of this generation towards smart phones and actual human interaction. "Petty" is a perfect title because the story is equally about the main character's thievery and the ways these people act in relation to each other. All the while, the main character's secret theft laces the story with a bit of tension, although there's no real plot other than the day-to-day drudgery in the amusement park trenches. All the drinking and drama and talk about sex gets a little old, but again...twenty-somethings. It all works, even if you want to throttle them. The fact that the main character is as fed up as I was made me root for him even more.
As for the writing, it's very clever, simple, and well done. I found very few goofs, all completely forgivable. The story perhaps dragged in terms of pacing here or there, but it's supposed to feel like these awful work days are repetitive and never-ending, so even that works to the story's benefit.
Definitely worth a read if you're a sarcastic, observational smart-ass. I enjoyed it greatly.
June 6, 2015
I had a feeling this might be a "guy on a mission, gets distracted by girl, runs away and lives happily ever after" type novel, but was pleasantly surprised when everyone turned out to truly be a jackass.
It took me a while to get into the book and granted I'm not a big reader, but I stuck to it and ended up loving the last 100 pages. When Nathan's money was stolen, my heart sank. I had no idea where the story would go. I disliked Nicole in the beginning, she then became acceptable, but as the story progressed, I started to get a bitter look on my face at every mention of her. I'm kind of disappointed I can't punch her in the boob (and that no one else did!). Such and obnoxious, self-entitled character. Ugh. I don't know why Nathan put up with her crap or even gave her the necklace back. I guess to save his ass.
I'm rambling. Haven't written a review before and needed somewhere to complain about Nicole.
On the actual writing of the book, I can't comment too much because of my lack of experience. Though I do want to say I was very comfortable with the length of the chapters and always appreciate the ***s to further section the chapters. The writing style was easy to understand and I do like that in a book if I'm reading for the story.
Over all, I'm giving the book a high 3-4 stars because of the middle being slightly lacking, but the end definitely made up for it and I enjoyed Petty very much.
Thank you, Isaac!
It took me a while to get into the book and granted I'm not a big reader, but I stuck to it and ended up loving the last 100 pages. When Nathan's money was stolen, my heart sank. I had no idea where the story would go. I disliked Nicole in the beginning, she then became acceptable, but as the story progressed, I started to get a bitter look on my face at every mention of her. I'm kind of disappointed I can't punch her in the boob (and that no one else did!). Such and obnoxious, self-entitled character. Ugh. I don't know why Nathan put up with her crap or even gave her the necklace back. I guess to save his ass.
I'm rambling. Haven't written a review before and needed somewhere to complain about Nicole.
On the actual writing of the book, I can't comment too much because of my lack of experience. Though I do want to say I was very comfortable with the length of the chapters and always appreciate the ***s to further section the chapters. The writing style was easy to understand and I do like that in a book if I'm reading for the story.
Over all, I'm giving the book a high 3-4 stars because of the middle being slightly lacking, but the end definitely made up for it and I enjoyed Petty very much.
Thank you, Isaac!
June 4, 2017
A GREAT NOVEL, SOMETIMES CYNICAL BUT ALWAYS FULL OF HEART
I love this novel about a socially awkward, twenty-something con man navigating his way through his working summer, spent in a retail outlet in an amusement park. The protagonist wants money to go to Brazil, but he also wants a different life from that of his parents, two blue collar, hard working Americans who never had enough money to be truly comfortable. But it's not easy for him, especially as his co-workers are at times juvenile, selfish, grumpy and especially petty; not easy when he starts having feelings for gorgeous girl.
The novel is full of details about amusement park lore and absurd working practices, and many wonderful observations about working in retail. It is funny, brilliantly written, crazy, weird, depressing. It's also about dreams, attaining them or not, whether one should even have big dreams to begin with. This novel takes you right into this world; and even though the protagonist is not always likeable, he is always real, and his style of narration is highly enjoyable, and the novel itself has a lot of heart. I like a cynical and snarky main character, they are always fun to watch as they negotiate the world of 'regular' people. Anyway, all the characters in the book are real and convincing. A testament to the writing, which, as mentioned, is superb.
Frankly, if you're on the look out for a cool contemporary novel that is well-written and stocked with real three dimensional characters, that is funny, intelligent, and entertaining, then you should go ahead and read Petty.
I will definitely read the author's next book.
I love this novel about a socially awkward, twenty-something con man navigating his way through his working summer, spent in a retail outlet in an amusement park. The protagonist wants money to go to Brazil, but he also wants a different life from that of his parents, two blue collar, hard working Americans who never had enough money to be truly comfortable. But it's not easy for him, especially as his co-workers are at times juvenile, selfish, grumpy and especially petty; not easy when he starts having feelings for gorgeous girl.
The novel is full of details about amusement park lore and absurd working practices, and many wonderful observations about working in retail. It is funny, brilliantly written, crazy, weird, depressing. It's also about dreams, attaining them or not, whether one should even have big dreams to begin with. This novel takes you right into this world; and even though the protagonist is not always likeable, he is always real, and his style of narration is highly enjoyable, and the novel itself has a lot of heart. I like a cynical and snarky main character, they are always fun to watch as they negotiate the world of 'regular' people. Anyway, all the characters in the book are real and convincing. A testament to the writing, which, as mentioned, is superb.
Frankly, if you're on the look out for a cool contemporary novel that is well-written and stocked with real three dimensional characters, that is funny, intelligent, and entertaining, then you should go ahead and read Petty.
I will definitely read the author's next book.
February 27, 2017
I didn't really know what to expect with this book - it was a Goodreads Giveaway. But I got hooked right away - the main character was incredibly likeable considering he was a thief. His read on his work colleagues was insightful and entertaining. I expected a different ending somehow, but for the most part, I wasn't even sure what the book was about. What was the hook that kept me reading? I have no idea... it almost felt like Seinfeld - it was a book about nothing. But it was really good and I enjoyed it.
November 8, 2018
This wasn't a bad read, and I found the characters engaging. My biggest issue was a lot of little editing errors that pulled me out of the story. Things like Nicole's name appearing in a dialogue tag when a few paragraphs early she was clearly not in the scene; the word petty appearing once when the author meant pretty; a sentence with grammatical disagreement (most likely because part of it was rewritten); the types of little things a more eagle-eyed editor should have caught. I also felt there were a few parts where the exposition writing could have been tighter or done away with (as an example, explaining what the '52 diner was every time it was mentioned; trust your reader to remember the background from earlier in the book, no need to write it all out again). But again, this isn't necessarily bad writing, but rather something an editor should have pointed out.
September 5, 2015
3 To 3.5 Stars
The Author is in a mutual Facebook Group (Adult Nerdfighters), and is a good guy.
The story here is good and keeps your attention. The characters are all believable and interesting. The only issue I have is that they all seem rather self absorbed. I don't know if this is the intention and plays into the title. It also describes the sliver of universe in the story which again is believable. I have never worked retail, but it sounds like this covers it pretty well.
It's a fun read, profits go to water.org and the author is good and should do more.
The Author is in a mutual Facebook Group (Adult Nerdfighters), and is a good guy.
The story here is good and keeps your attention. The characters are all believable and interesting. The only issue I have is that they all seem rather self absorbed. I don't know if this is the intention and plays into the title. It also describes the sliver of universe in the story which again is believable. I have never worked retail, but it sounds like this covers it pretty well.
It's a fun read, profits go to water.org and the author is good and should do more.
July 18, 2016
This is my '' Goodreads giveaways '' review of Petty by Isaac Jourden:
Well written, Fun characters and situations where i totally recognize myself but......
Why do i feel like if i'd just finished the second book of a trilogy...without having a clue of what happened in the first one and knowing there would never be a third.
I want to know why the principal character is who he is, what happened before and what will happen after.
Although i'd needed more '' meat '' around the story i really enjoyed it.
Well written, Fun characters and situations where i totally recognize myself but......
Why do i feel like if i'd just finished the second book of a trilogy...without having a clue of what happened in the first one and knowing there would never be a third.
I want to know why the principal character is who he is, what happened before and what will happen after.
Although i'd needed more '' meat '' around the story i really enjoyed it.
February 20, 2019
Flew right through this book. Very believable and memorable characters. I don't usually root for the "bad guy" but even though the main character was "up to something" I found myself hoping he gets away with it. Nice twist at the end also.
August 1, 2020
The protag is thoroughly unlikeable but you really aren't meant to like him. I think it isn't until page 222 that the reader learns his name which is interesting especially as I didn't realise that I didn't know his name until that point! There isn't really anything gained by not learning his name sooner which feels like a missed opportunity.
There were a lot of things about this book that troubled me but the biggest one by far is that characters get incredibly drunk and then it is painted as a bad that other characters did not have sex with them. It is good that this book does not include sex between people that are too drunk to consent but there are very rape-y vibes through multiple characters saying "well, why didn't you?"
Despite its flaws, this book was surprisingly easy to read and I would read more from Jourden.
There were a lot of things about this book that troubled me but the biggest one by far is that characters get incredibly drunk and then it is painted as a bad that other characters did not have sex with them. It is good that this book does not include sex between people that are too drunk to consent but there are very rape-y vibes through multiple characters saying "well, why didn't you?"
Despite its flaws, this book was surprisingly easy to read and I would read more from Jourden.
May 15, 2017
I bought this book when I read a post online that the author wrote. I read several positive reviews for this book on Amazon so I jumped on the discount sale. Honestly, the story was fantastic and I wish the novel was longer. Petty is one of those stories that start slow but by the end you are wishing for more pages.
I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a grey area criminal or a person that's just trying to get by and out of their life.
I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a grey area criminal or a person that's just trying to get by and out of their life.
July 31, 2016
I received a copy through Goodreads first reads.
I was really excited when I won Petty because it looked pretty interesting. However, I was a little bit disappointed. That being said, the book isn’t bad, just not what I expected. The book starts with first day at the amusement park but the author doesn’t give much away about the main character, no kind of description until a little bit into the story. I also thought it there might be more excitement since it’s about a character running scams in an amusement park, but everyone just seemed to complain. The characters were really selfish and it seemed hard to place their ages. The plot wasn’t bad but just seemed to drag a bit. Over all it’s an interesting story and good start for the author. If you like amusement park stories with scam artist and dramatic co-workers, you will probably enjoy Petty.
I was really excited when I won Petty because it looked pretty interesting. However, I was a little bit disappointed. That being said, the book isn’t bad, just not what I expected. The book starts with first day at the amusement park but the author doesn’t give much away about the main character, no kind of description until a little bit into the story. I also thought it there might be more excitement since it’s about a character running scams in an amusement park, but everyone just seemed to complain. The characters were really selfish and it seemed hard to place their ages. The plot wasn’t bad but just seemed to drag a bit. Over all it’s an interesting story and good start for the author. If you like amusement park stories with scam artist and dramatic co-workers, you will probably enjoy Petty.
September 4, 2016
I received this book through Goodreads Giveaways, thank you very much Goodreads and Isaac Jourden.
My signed book came with two bookmarks and as my granddaughters ages 9 and 11 were visiting I gave them each one, without reading it, the 11 years old pointed out the word "asshole" right away, needless to say the author and I did not start out on very good terms.
This is an adult book with lots of explicate profanity which is plausibly used most of the time.
I found this book captivating right from the beginning, and the characters although not your model young adults very likable. I don't know anyone in their late teens or 20's, but the characters seemed believable as did the work environment.
The book was entertaining and fun to read.
My signed book came with two bookmarks and as my granddaughters ages 9 and 11 were visiting I gave them each one, without reading it, the 11 years old pointed out the word "asshole" right away, needless to say the author and I did not start out on very good terms.
This is an adult book with lots of explicate profanity which is plausibly used most of the time.
I found this book captivating right from the beginning, and the characters although not your model young adults very likable. I don't know anyone in their late teens or 20's, but the characters seemed believable as did the work environment.
The book was entertaining and fun to read.
November 7, 2015
I won this book from Goodreads giveaways.
I was disappointed with this book. The story was unique, a guy spends his summer working at an amusement park and steaks money so he can move away from home. However, it really didn't go anywhere. About 250 pages of a socially challenged guy hanging out with other people at a bar and at work. There was no real plot. Nothing exciting happened until the last 20 pages or so, and even then it wasn't much. I read the whole book, waiting for two things to happen. They happened, but it was very anticlimactic.
I was disappointed with this book. The story was unique, a guy spends his summer working at an amusement park and steaks money so he can move away from home. However, it really didn't go anywhere. About 250 pages of a socially challenged guy hanging out with other people at a bar and at work. There was no real plot. Nothing exciting happened until the last 20 pages or so, and even then it wasn't much. I read the whole book, waiting for two things to happen. They happened, but it was very anticlimactic.
August 23, 2016
I was sent a copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway.
I really enjoyed this novel. I was captivated by the first few pages. Interesting characters spending their summer working in a retail store in an amusement park. All with attitude, one with a mission to skim enough money to go to Sao Paulo. A very enjoyable read.
I really enjoyed this novel. I was captivated by the first few pages. Interesting characters spending their summer working in a retail store in an amusement park. All with attitude, one with a mission to skim enough money to go to Sao Paulo. A very enjoyable read.
June 13, 2017
A real page-turner. It's the story of a working-class loner who is trying to scrounge up cash for a trip to Brazil by working a summer job at an amusement park. He's a cynical rogue, and is constantly coming up with new ways to scam money (fake raffles, short-changing customers) while internalising his angsty attractions to various coworkers. A surprisingly compelling read.
March 20, 2015
This one feels real at every step of the way and is never predictable. Definitely worth a read.
December 20, 2016
I won this book through Goodreads. I enjoyed this quirky, frustrating story. It was a lot of fun and very tempting. I would definitely read more by this author.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews