Not For Public Consumption

by Frank P. Lipton

Not for Public Consumption tells the story about life on the edge. Satirical, twisted, and filled with psychological intrigue, it seeks to unravel the mystery of just where it is that normalcy ends and madness begins.

Come and see the world through the eyes of those who have "opted-out." Embedded within the Bizarro-World of San Francisco's Underground, the book follows the life of Murray Y. Bardos, a man who has a lot of secrets (including his penchant for incessant toilet plunging in the middle of the night). Does he have something to hide, or is he truly crazy? And, if he is crazy, was it by choice?

Genres: Fiction

287 pages, Paperback

First published February 18, 2007

Reviews

[Sy Kadella · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great, hidden gem! It is a little bit dark, very funny, and a book I highly recommend. The structure of the story is very clever.

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frank P. Lipton’s “Not for Public Consumption” is an intriguing novel that explores and questions societal norms through humor and satire. As the story unfolds around Murray Bardos, it becomes clear that all is not what it seems. Lipton’s complex storytelling read like a psychological thriller, keeping me engaged to the end. An intriguing dynamic, a play within this story reveals the mystery behind Murray and society’s Underground. “Not for Public Consumption” will be a book that’s hard to put down! Great storytelling and intriguing characters make this an excellent read for any fan of satires or psychological genres.

[Jackie Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has become for me a real revelation. This is absolutely unique. Frank P. Lipton, as if he took the best from "Fight Club", "1984", mixed, improved, added unique ideas, very peculiar plot, excellent humor and satire, unique characters and ... voila! - the best of the best - "Not For Public Consumption" was born.

I immediately realized that Murray Bardos is as mad as every one of us). Not more. But he's a great actor). The society starts to think of people who can ask uncomfortable questions that they are mad. It's convenient. And Murrey's entire life is a protest against the foundations of the consumer society and attempts to find oneself and the meaning of life.

I recommend Not For Public Consumption by Frank P. Lipton reading to anyone who is looking for something unusual and new in the literature. This book is a breath of fresh air! I am delighted!

[Caterina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not impressed. Proper review to follow.

[Amy Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dramatically intriguing

Lipton's book Not for Public Consumption was indeed very compelling and dramatic. There is a great build up as the characters are introduced, as their world is introduced to the reader. I found there was a mix of thrilling intrigue as well as satirical humor. This story has a plot driven depth to the story, and brings it together on different levels. Gritty and raw, slightly dark, and bringing light to a society that is definitely not part of what anyone would call normal, which is what makes this story so compelling to read. Couldn't put it down until the end.

[Tfalcone · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Net Galley for the free ARC.
This is a hard book to review, I want to say it is a thoughtful novel about those living on the underside of society - whether by choice or by illness. The protagonist, who goes by the name of Murray and definitely has had a different past, seemingly spins in and out of paranoia. The play within the book takes a more literal look at outcasts from society.

[Nupur Govila · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wonder! I am surprised it is not mentioned more because it is absolutely brilliant. The paradox of our reality being an illusion so dependent on individual perceptions and experiences is brought out beautifully. It is also a reaffirmation that it is ok to not fit in, to not care about public opinion, to be essentially free. Five stars and more !!

[Cristie Underwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. The author wrote a story that was interesting and moved at a pace that kept me engaged. The characters were easy to invest in.

[J.D. DeHart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not for Public Consumption is intelligent writing, artfully arranged. In the end, we wind up looking into the hearts and minds of everyday life.

[Dora Okeyo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just like the title, this book is not for public consumption because of how well it captures our perception of what's real and what's not. How we value identity and what happens to us along the way in our quest for the perfect life. I struggled with the first three chapters and somewhere in between, it struck me that my approach to reading the book was flawed and I had to start from the beginning. Thank you Netgalley for the eARC.