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Call Me Pomeroy
Pomeroy, a street musician on parole, is out of the clink for the upteenth time and wants to become another Bob Dylan. But Pomeroy plays by his own set of rules. He may be on the dole, but he’ll tip his breakfast waitress $20 just for being nice to him, even if it means he has to sit an extra hour on the street corner to make ends meet. He’s a skirmish-loving, dumpster-diving, ego-starved crazy who thinks that he can sing and that all women are in love with him—or should be. His parole officer, an Hispanic woman who tells Pomeroy he’s off-base and he 1) won’t become a rock star, 2) needs to find a decent job, and 3) would be better off if he stayed out of trouble, is totally exasperated by him. But Pomeroy is his own man, takes no advice, and has more wisdom that we’d like to admit. You may find yourself laughing when you shouldn’t. (“A good strong piss is better than sex. Lasts longer too.”) May find his egocentric opinions politically incorrect. ("There ain't a dyke alive ol' Pomeroy can't turn straight.") But don’t blame yourself if you start rooting for this anti-hero, you’ll have a lot of company. (Note: Adult language and situations.)
- GenresFiction
135 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2015
73 people are currently reading
747 people want to read
About the author
James Hanna
41 books72 followersIndependent Press Awards gave A Second Less Capable Head and Other Rogue Stories a Distinguished Favorite Award. Electronic copies of A Second, Less Capable Head, The Siege, and Call Me Pomeroy are available to select readers interested in posting a review.
James Hanna wandered Australia for seven years before settling on a career in criminal justice. He spent twenty years as a counselor in the Indiana Department of Corrections and has recently retired from the San Francisco Probation Department, where he was assigned to a domestic violence and stalking unit.
James’ short stories have appeared in Old Crow Review, Sandhills Review, Edge City Review, Fault Zone, Eclipse, The Literary Review, Red Savina Review, The California Writers Club Literary Review, Zymbol, The Sand Hill Review, and Empty Sink Publishing, which has serialized some of the Pomeroy stories. Three of James’ stories were nominated for the Pushcart Prize.
James first published novel, The Siege, depicts a hostage standoff in a penal facility. It is available on Amazon in both print and Kindle versions. Call Me Pomeroy is James’ second published book.
James Hanna wandered Australia for seven years before settling on a career in criminal justice. He spent twenty years as a counselor in the Indiana Department of Corrections and has recently retired from the San Francisco Probation Department, where he was assigned to a domestic violence and stalking unit.
James’ short stories have appeared in Old Crow Review, Sandhills Review, Edge City Review, Fault Zone, Eclipse, The Literary Review, Red Savina Review, The California Writers Club Literary Review, Zymbol, The Sand Hill Review, and Empty Sink Publishing, which has serialized some of the Pomeroy stories. Three of James’ stories were nominated for the Pushcart Prize.
James first published novel, The Siege, depicts a hostage standoff in a penal facility. It is available on Amazon in both print and Kindle versions. Call Me Pomeroy is James’ second published book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
October 19, 2017
The endless drivel gave me a headache.
January 7, 2020
Call Me Pomeroy: A Novel of Satire and Political Dissent by James Hanna is a humorous, fictional novel about a man named Eddie Beasley who calls himself Pomeroy. Pomeroy is a narcissistic and delusional parolee in his late fifties who dreams of becoming a famous musician. The story is told from Pomeroy's point of view. His musical quest begins when he is released from San Quentin after being jailed for statutory rape. Upon reading about the Occupy movement demonstrations in Oakland, he entertains his musical delusion and decides to travel to the city in order to obtain exposure and a record deal.
However, in Oakland, he encounters a horde of intriguing but radical people and unwittingly gets involved with their protest. As a result, he is temporarily placed in jail after an altercation with the police. Throughout the story, all Pomeroy wants to do is play his music and become a star. Yet, he keeps meeting more revolutionaries who get him into trouble with the authorities. Regardless, nothing deters him from his dream to become famous with his song, "Ants in My Pants".
This is an extremely entertaining story. I am not a fan of crass and vulgar language which is used throughout the book; however, in this case, I believe it serves a two-fold purpose: to immerse the reader into the story setting and to communicate the inner workings of Pomeroy’s narcissistic and delusional mind. Without this style of language, I do not think Pomeroy’s fixations would be believable. This book captured my interest due to the shocking fantasy world in Pomeroy’s mind. As I continued reading, the language no longer irked me, and I was able to enjoy the story.
What I liked most was the intricate character development of Pomeroy. James Hanna created a character that set me on an emotional journey. In the beginning, Pomeroy angered me due to his unwavering belief that all women are lusting for him. However, in the middle of the story, I felt sorry for him because of this delusion. And finally, in the end, I rooted for him because, despite his fantasy about women, he has a persevering nature that is admirable as he strives to fulfill his dream. What I disliked most was the slow pace in the middle of the book. This was quite noticeable since the story takes off at such a fast speed in the beginning. However, this did not last long, and the story quickly regained momentum through to the end.
I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. I see no reason to give it less than the highest rating. The story and characters were so engaging and amusing that I laughed out loud while reading. The book was very well edited which was quite impressive since the author uses so much slang dialogue. I recommend this book for an adult audience due to the language and subject matter.
However, in Oakland, he encounters a horde of intriguing but radical people and unwittingly gets involved with their protest. As a result, he is temporarily placed in jail after an altercation with the police. Throughout the story, all Pomeroy wants to do is play his music and become a star. Yet, he keeps meeting more revolutionaries who get him into trouble with the authorities. Regardless, nothing deters him from his dream to become famous with his song, "Ants in My Pants".
This is an extremely entertaining story. I am not a fan of crass and vulgar language which is used throughout the book; however, in this case, I believe it serves a two-fold purpose: to immerse the reader into the story setting and to communicate the inner workings of Pomeroy’s narcissistic and delusional mind. Without this style of language, I do not think Pomeroy’s fixations would be believable. This book captured my interest due to the shocking fantasy world in Pomeroy’s mind. As I continued reading, the language no longer irked me, and I was able to enjoy the story.
What I liked most was the intricate character development of Pomeroy. James Hanna created a character that set me on an emotional journey. In the beginning, Pomeroy angered me due to his unwavering belief that all women are lusting for him. However, in the middle of the story, I felt sorry for him because of this delusion. And finally, in the end, I rooted for him because, despite his fantasy about women, he has a persevering nature that is admirable as he strives to fulfill his dream. What I disliked most was the slow pace in the middle of the book. This was quite noticeable since the story takes off at such a fast speed in the beginning. However, this did not last long, and the story quickly regained momentum through to the end.
I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. I see no reason to give it less than the highest rating. The story and characters were so engaging and amusing that I laughed out loud while reading. The book was very well edited which was quite impressive since the author uses so much slang dialogue. I recommend this book for an adult audience due to the language and subject matter.
September 5, 2016
So conflicted in how to rate this or what to put for a review.
I'll start off by quoting another Goodread's member who reviewed this book...
"To create an anti-hero is a good skill for an author to have. To create one as bad (or good) as Pomeroy is quite an achievement." - John Naylor.
Pomeroy is the guy you can't stop watching because he is the perfect example of a living, walking, talking special kind of train wreck. You love to hate him, and hate that, for some reason, you love him just as much.
The book was well written with an interesting concept that could have gone bad fast. It takes a considerable talent to pull off what Mr. Hanna did.
Solely in my opinion - The character isn't one we are supposed to necessarily like, respect, or even relate to. It's a character that is just a reflection of the many facets of a human being. To be able to see his view point doesn't make what he says or does "good" but rather allows us to understand something that we may never let ourselves think or do.
How many times has anybody said, "Why are they acting like that?" "I have no clue what he/she was thinking." "Seriously? WHY? Why would they do/say that?"
Now, I'm not saying this book provides all the answers to every action or word we might have thought bordered or crossed over to the something something crazy side, BUT I think that reading this allowed me a better understanding of what is illogical is just illogical. Sit back and enjoy the ride. Either way, you'll find yourself amused well enough.
With that said...despite all the above, I can't say I "loved" this or even greatly liked it. Despite a pretty decent flow in the story, there were moments that just dragged. Then again, when it is hard to relate to a character, sometimes that immersion into the story just isn't there.
It's not something I'd re-read or really recommend unless I knew the person I was recommending it to liked this type of thing.
Now if I were rating this solely for writing, concept, character creation, and the balls to take something like this on (and to do it so well) - I'd have given this a 5 star in a heartbeat. But unfortunately, I didn't really enjoy the story itself so this will be getting stuck with a 2 star. :(
I'll start off by quoting another Goodread's member who reviewed this book...
"To create an anti-hero is a good skill for an author to have. To create one as bad (or good) as Pomeroy is quite an achievement." - John Naylor.
Pomeroy is the guy you can't stop watching because he is the perfect example of a living, walking, talking special kind of train wreck. You love to hate him, and hate that, for some reason, you love him just as much.
The book was well written with an interesting concept that could have gone bad fast. It takes a considerable talent to pull off what Mr. Hanna did.
Solely in my opinion - The character isn't one we are supposed to necessarily like, respect, or even relate to. It's a character that is just a reflection of the many facets of a human being. To be able to see his view point doesn't make what he says or does "good" but rather allows us to understand something that we may never let ourselves think or do.
How many times has anybody said, "Why are they acting like that?" "I have no clue what he/she was thinking." "Seriously? WHY? Why would they do/say that?"
Now, I'm not saying this book provides all the answers to every action or word we might have thought bordered or crossed over to the something something crazy side, BUT I think that reading this allowed me a better understanding of what is illogical is just illogical. Sit back and enjoy the ride. Either way, you'll find yourself amused well enough.
With that said...despite all the above, I can't say I "loved" this or even greatly liked it. Despite a pretty decent flow in the story, there were moments that just dragged. Then again, when it is hard to relate to a character, sometimes that immersion into the story just isn't there.
It's not something I'd re-read or really recommend unless I knew the person I was recommending it to liked this type of thing.
Now if I were rating this solely for writing, concept, character creation, and the balls to take something like this on (and to do it so well) - I'd have given this a 5 star in a heartbeat. But unfortunately, I didn't really enjoy the story itself so this will be getting stuck with a 2 star. :(
November 22, 2017
Call Me Pomeroy: A Novel of Satire and Political Dissent is a satirical novel written by James Hanna. In this novel, we read about a man named Edward Beasley who wants to be a musician star. Edward is so-called “rock star.’’ He believes that he is “the man’’; he believes in his abilities, whether those included his singing or the fact that he is a “God’s gift to women.’’ Anyway, what the author wanted to write here is satire. Did the author succeed in doing that? Before we answer on that question there is something that I believe it needs to be said about satire. First, satire is a genre that is not easy at all to write. There are several very important segments that every satire should have. From what I have seen in this novel, I could say that Call me Pomeroy is “mostly’’ satire. The other part of the novel is… well I do not know how to explain it and where to put it. Let’s say the main protagonist’s “nickname’’ – Pomeroy. Why does he want to be called Pomeroy? I cannot really say and there is no clear answer about that. Overall, Call Me Pomeroy is a decent try of writing good satirical novel. The novel could be great if certain things were given more attention. I give it 4 out of five because of the effort and because writing great satire is not an easy task.
July 22, 2015
I received this book for free via Goodreads First Reads.
To create an anti-hero is a good skill for an author to have. To create one as bad (or good) as Pomeroy is quite an achievement. He is a foul and sexist character who writes bad songs and ends up with either arrested or with arrest warrants in 4 different countries. Yet, you have to root for him.
His delusions of adequacy go throughout the book and make it an entertaining and great read. It is definitely a book for adults only. I think the tone and the character are not for everyone but I personally loved the book and I would love to see a sequel or a spin-off.
To create an anti-hero is a good skill for an author to have. To create one as bad (or good) as Pomeroy is quite an achievement. He is a foul and sexist character who writes bad songs and ends up with either arrested or with arrest warrants in 4 different countries. Yet, you have to root for him.
His delusions of adequacy go throughout the book and make it an entertaining and great read. It is definitely a book for adults only. I think the tone and the character are not for everyone but I personally loved the book and I would love to see a sequel or a spin-off.
February 27, 2018
Fell in a hilarious state of love for this deluded jerk of a guy. He's wise and wonderful and completely insane. Pomeroy drives his parole officer crazy, picks up with the Occupy Movement, steals a boat, romps through England with a bunch of anarchists and always thinks women can hardly wait to have him. Alas, he looks like Queequeg, is totally politically incorrect, but not without a peculiar wisdom. Call Me Pomeroy is a hoot.
March 13, 2015
I have to admit to having a soft spot for flawed characters and they don't come any more flawed than Edward! Few books leave me genuinely laughing out loud but this one hit the mark. Some memorable one liners I have since shared to mixed reception but highly entertaining.
July 19, 2019
Not for me
This is a story about a homeless musician who is preoccupied with sex and bitches. At least that’s what he calls them. He goes from protest to protest even making it all the way across the pond to Germany and France. Not to mention he is in and out of jail and when we meet him he is in for statutory rape. I think this is what immediately turned me off aboutPomaroy who’s real name is Eddie Beasley. He said he threw the DO on the girl so good that when she turned 18 she came to visit him in jail. This kind of humor isn’t funny to me… At all. Had he been in jail for visiting prostitutes and gave it to them so good they bailed him out that I would’ve thought it was funny, but in no way shape or form is sex with minors hilarious or at the very least makes me giggle. Anyway he is in an out of jail at protest at the protest and the whole time his parole officer Jessica Humanas is there to bail him out. He thinks he is found a fool in Miss Humanez. She even gets him out of a French jail even though he was being visited by another girl named Oksana the whole time. Because he is having a personal relationship with Miss Humanas as well.
Set tire is a very hard genre to do. Although I have read other books by this author especially his short story collection another head another story something like that? I forget the name of it, that was hilarious. I love that book and have read it more than once. This one however I will not read again. Pomroy is a good book to read in such things as a homophobia, racism and sex with minors or things that do not bother you. If severe Val Garrity is your cuppa tea read this book. He has a lot to offer the literary world “Call Me Pomeroy” is not a good offering. Wait here and I will go and find out the name of the book he wrote that is hilarious and worth reading. It’s called A Second Less Capable Head And Other Short Stories by. James Hanna, now that is a book Mr. Hannah can be proud of. I am sure he is proud of this one, but to each his own. It wasn’t my cup of tea.
This is a story about a homeless musician who is preoccupied with sex and bitches. At least that’s what he calls them. He goes from protest to protest even making it all the way across the pond to Germany and France. Not to mention he is in and out of jail and when we meet him he is in for statutory rape. I think this is what immediately turned me off aboutPomaroy who’s real name is Eddie Beasley. He said he threw the DO on the girl so good that when she turned 18 she came to visit him in jail. This kind of humor isn’t funny to me… At all. Had he been in jail for visiting prostitutes and gave it to them so good they bailed him out that I would’ve thought it was funny, but in no way shape or form is sex with minors hilarious or at the very least makes me giggle. Anyway he is in an out of jail at protest at the protest and the whole time his parole officer Jessica Humanas is there to bail him out. He thinks he is found a fool in Miss Humanez. She even gets him out of a French jail even though he was being visited by another girl named Oksana the whole time. Because he is having a personal relationship with Miss Humanas as well.
Set tire is a very hard genre to do. Although I have read other books by this author especially his short story collection another head another story something like that? I forget the name of it, that was hilarious. I love that book and have read it more than once. This one however I will not read again. Pomroy is a good book to read in such things as a homophobia, racism and sex with minors or things that do not bother you. If severe Val Garrity is your cuppa tea read this book. He has a lot to offer the literary world “Call Me Pomeroy” is not a good offering. Wait here and I will go and find out the name of the book he wrote that is hilarious and worth reading. It’s called A Second Less Capable Head And Other Short Stories by. James Hanna, now that is a book Mr. Hannah can be proud of. I am sure he is proud of this one, but to each his own. It wasn’t my cup of tea.
May 16, 2017
I love ol' Pomeroy. I'm crazy about "Ants in my pants" and I just love the way he changes those lyrics to suit the situation s he manages to unwittingly stumble into. James Hanna created a very quirky guy here, one who is so innocent and at the same time a narcissist of epic proportions - with a good heart if one counts all the rescues he takes care of ...I'm giggling just thinking about it.
Please don't read this book if you are going to be offended by Pomeroy's brain. There are basically two things on there - sex and fame. Neither of which he really has any luck with as yet. I can't actually figure out whether he is trying or merely hoping...
Pomeroy is somehow that eternal youth inside all of us, the one who looks for fame and love in all the wrong places. Sit back, relax and go on a magical music tour with some really good songs (I'm talking about Bob Dylan), various protests, transvestites and always remember: never pee on a castle in Ireland...I really hope there's more Pomeroy to come?
I was sent this ebook by the author and since I review all the books I read, here goes. Five stars for this one Mr Hanna.
Please don't read this book if you are going to be offended by Pomeroy's brain. There are basically two things on there - sex and fame. Neither of which he really has any luck with as yet. I can't actually figure out whether he is trying or merely hoping...
Pomeroy is somehow that eternal youth inside all of us, the one who looks for fame and love in all the wrong places. Sit back, relax and go on a magical music tour with some really good songs (I'm talking about Bob Dylan), various protests, transvestites and always remember: never pee on a castle in Ireland...I really hope there's more Pomeroy to come?
I was sent this ebook by the author and since I review all the books I read, here goes. Five stars for this one Mr Hanna.
August 26, 2017
Interesting and worthwhile read.
Call Me Pomeroy is basically a story of a narcissistic self proclaimed sex god who dreams of being a star but lands himself in and out of jail at every turn. Pomeroy lands himself into so many problems you almost have to laugh at his unfortunate luck. He travels around the globe in a vain attempt to become a rock star, only to end up becoming an international convict due to his repeated questionable behaviors.
James Hanna did a brilliant job of creating Pomeroys character and staying true to his questionable mental disorders, and built on his personality throughout the book. Personally I hate when characters speak of themselves as a third person but in this case it really seemed to add to the story and take Pomeroys character to a whole other level. Overall, I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed reading Call Me Pomeroy. It was easy reading and kept me entertained for a few hours. I’d recommend the book and I’m curious to see what else James Hanna has to offer.
Call Me Pomeroy is basically a story of a narcissistic self proclaimed sex god who dreams of being a star but lands himself in and out of jail at every turn. Pomeroy lands himself into so many problems you almost have to laugh at his unfortunate luck. He travels around the globe in a vain attempt to become a rock star, only to end up becoming an international convict due to his repeated questionable behaviors.
James Hanna did a brilliant job of creating Pomeroys character and staying true to his questionable mental disorders, and built on his personality throughout the book. Personally I hate when characters speak of themselves as a third person but in this case it really seemed to add to the story and take Pomeroys character to a whole other level. Overall, I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed reading Call Me Pomeroy. It was easy reading and kept me entertained for a few hours. I’d recommend the book and I’m curious to see what else James Hanna has to offer.
September 1, 2017
This novel by James Hanna tells of a street musician named Pomeroy who is currently on parole. Pomeroy travels around to various places hoping to become a big music star. However, as his music starts to become more popular his arrogance becomes more evident and he starts to become extremely egotistical.
Hanna developed Pomeroy’s character very well. Because of this, Pomeroy’s personality and arrogance makes this an interesting read as well as comical. It puts him into situations where he expresses himself in ways that aren’t always appropriate. This novel is about 163 pages which is a reasonable length for a book although it might be a little long for some. However, you should keep in mind that it does contain a lot of adult situations and language. This could make some people a little uncomfortable. If you don’t mind that though and are looking for a unique read, you should definitely consider this novel.
Hanna developed Pomeroy’s character very well. Because of this, Pomeroy’s personality and arrogance makes this an interesting read as well as comical. It puts him into situations where he expresses himself in ways that aren’t always appropriate. This novel is about 163 pages which is a reasonable length for a book although it might be a little long for some. However, you should keep in mind that it does contain a lot of adult situations and language. This could make some people a little uncomfortable. If you don’t mind that though and are looking for a unique read, you should definitely consider this novel.
November 27, 2017
Pomeroy is a low-life petty thief, sometime radical and less-time rock star with a huge chip on his shoulder called his Head. No surprise that Jessica, the lovely probation officer who is always coming to his rescue, calls him, with her Hispanic inflection, “Headward”. If you are sick of Breaking News, try Jim Hanna’s Call Me Pomeroy, a version of how to beat back all those so-called facts and come out swinging. Hanna’s anti-hero of major proportions is Edward Beasley, better known "worldwide" as Pomeroy. Pomeroy has an inflated vision of his magnetism, his talent and his dick. You don’t laugh with Pomeroy, you laugh at him, but you are on his side because all the while you are encouraged to laugh at the world that keeps him pumped. It’s a great ride, much needed in these times! Highly recommended for political groupies of either the right or the left.
August 24, 2017
Very fast paced exciting world of Pomeroy
This is a very fast and furious read about Pomeroy who is a legend in his own mind. The main character is a over zealous narcissist who thinks he is the greatest thing since sliced bread. A wanna be rockstar who believe all women want to be with him and he strives to achieve this cosmic greatness. Pomeroy has a parole officer and a questionable talent that he strives to make great. He is a rude straight forward call it like it is antihero who will do anything to reach his dream of being a rockstar. Well written and great development. I really enjoyed this one. Would reccomed to anyone who enjoys crude call it like you see it type of story lines.
This is a very fast and furious read about Pomeroy who is a legend in his own mind. The main character is a over zealous narcissist who thinks he is the greatest thing since sliced bread. A wanna be rockstar who believe all women want to be with him and he strives to achieve this cosmic greatness. Pomeroy has a parole officer and a questionable talent that he strives to make great. He is a rude straight forward call it like it is antihero who will do anything to reach his dream of being a rockstar. Well written and great development. I really enjoyed this one. Would reccomed to anyone who enjoys crude call it like you see it type of story lines.
June 26, 2025
It isn't a typical novel, but recommended
Call Me Pomeroy is completely outlandish, and that's what makes it unforgettable. James Hanna gives us a character so full of himself, so offbeat, and so politically incorrect that you can’t help but laugh. Pomeroy is chaotic, delusional, and oddly endearing. While his antics at Occupy Oakland are ridiculous, they’re also smartly laced with satire. I found myself cringing one minute and cheering him on the next. The humor isn’t for everyone (it's blunt and raw) but it serves the story well. Underneath the madness, there’s a biting critique of fame, politics, and self-delusion. This isn’t your typical novel, it’s more like a punch in the gut followed by a slapstick wink. Bold, brash, and weirdly brilliant.
Call Me Pomeroy is completely outlandish, and that's what makes it unforgettable. James Hanna gives us a character so full of himself, so offbeat, and so politically incorrect that you can’t help but laugh. Pomeroy is chaotic, delusional, and oddly endearing. While his antics at Occupy Oakland are ridiculous, they’re also smartly laced with satire. I found myself cringing one minute and cheering him on the next. The humor isn’t for everyone (it's blunt and raw) but it serves the story well. Underneath the madness, there’s a biting critique of fame, politics, and self-delusion. This isn’t your typical novel, it’s more like a punch in the gut followed by a slapstick wink. Bold, brash, and weirdly brilliant.
June 24, 2025
A book like no other
I’ve never met a character like Pomeroy, and honestly, I’m still not sure how I feel about him. But that’s the genius of this book. James Hanna has created a satire that’s absurd and oddly revealing. Pomeroy is offensive, no doubt, but he also voices the thoughts people avoid admitting. I was laughing, then pausing to think. The writing is sharp, bold, and full of personality. You’ll either be entertained or appalled, or both at the same time. The story has a unique rhythm, with moments of total chaos followed by unexpected moments of clarity. This book pushes boundaries in a clever way, and for readers who like satire with bite, it’s a crazy and clever ride.
I’ve never met a character like Pomeroy, and honestly, I’m still not sure how I feel about him. But that’s the genius of this book. James Hanna has created a satire that’s absurd and oddly revealing. Pomeroy is offensive, no doubt, but he also voices the thoughts people avoid admitting. I was laughing, then pausing to think. The writing is sharp, bold, and full of personality. You’ll either be entertained or appalled, or both at the same time. The story has a unique rhythm, with moments of total chaos followed by unexpected moments of clarity. This book pushes boundaries in a clever way, and for readers who like satire with bite, it’s a crazy and clever ride.
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July 23, 2025Liked it
This novel is like a political cartoon come to life—loud, wild, and unapologetically satirical. Pomeroy is one of the strangest protagonists I’ve ever read, but also one of the most entertaining. He’s crude and delusional, but also weirdly insightful in a twisted way. I wasn’t sure I’d like the book at first, but it grew on me. James Hanna clearly has a gift for crafting anti-heroes you want to shake and hug at the same time. The humor is dark, the tone is fearless, and the narrative doesn’t hold back. It’s not for sensitive readers, but it’s definitely for those who enjoy edgy fiction with something to say. Expect laughs, gasps, and a lot of uncomfortable truths.
This novel is like a political cartoon come to life—loud, wild, and unapologetically satirical. Pomeroy is one of the strangest protagonists I’ve ever read, but also one of the most entertaining. He’s crude and delusional, but also weirdly insightful in a twisted way. I wasn’t sure I’d like the book at first, but it grew on me. James Hanna clearly has a gift for crafting anti-heroes you want to shake and hug at the same time. The humor is dark, the tone is fearless, and the narrative doesn’t hold back. It’s not for sensitive readers, but it’s definitely for those who enjoy edgy fiction with something to say. Expect laughs, gasps, and a lot of uncomfortable truths.
November 2, 2017
I'm struggling to understand what the fuss is all about? This is a book about a sexually charged bum who goes on adventures. It's not really that funny and quite predictable that, yep, you guessed it - all things come back to sex - which would be fine if it were more thought-provoking or comical. It's not. I gave it three stars because, as a writer, it sucks getting less. But hey, at least it's short.
September 18, 2017
Wow....when you read how Pomeroy explain his reality you either love him or hate him, there's nothing in between. Political incorrect, bad mouth and worse behaviour, Pomeroy show us life as it is, telling us the truth no one want to acknowledge. Very funny and hilarious.
I received a free copy of this book but reviewed it voluntarily
I received a free copy of this book but reviewed it voluntarily
March 9, 2019
Rip roaring, laugh-out-loud, ol’ wisecracking, studly Pomeroy will have you rolling in the aisles with his killer one-liners in this hilarious caper. A whole lotta PC-be-damned chestnuts buried among Head-ward's ribald streams of consciousness. Highly memorable. James Hanna has done a masterful job.
July 9, 2024
Women readers: don’t bother! Readers with sense: don’t bother. Rednecks: you’ll love it.
Ridiculous jerk whose take on society sees women as drooling for his own sexual magnificence. It’s just too much bs to take with a felon with similar ideas in the news.
Awful. But the spelling and word usage is surprisingly good.
Ridiculous jerk whose take on society sees women as drooling for his own sexual magnificence. It’s just too much bs to take with a felon with similar ideas in the news.
Awful. But the spelling and word usage is surprisingly good.
June 10, 2018
Crazy book
A collection of the most vulgar descriptions of male anatomy l have ever seen A story with no structure or redeeming grace..but still i liked the darn thing and it actually had an ending.
A collection of the most vulgar descriptions of male anatomy l have ever seen A story with no structure or redeeming grace..but still i liked the darn thing and it actually had an ending.
April 6, 2018
Funny all the way
Brilliant satire on America and the world. From the eyes of a Vietnam veteran simpleton who Just wants to sing limericks and has the sex drive of a rabbit.
Brilliant satire on America and the world. From the eyes of a Vietnam veteran simpleton who Just wants to sing limericks and has the sex drive of a rabbit.
March 21, 2020
Mind numbing repetition. It could have ended with chapter 2, the remaining added nothing to the story.
November 1, 2021
There could absolutely of been a real book here. Instead it was nothing but an imbecile spouting cock jokes. What could of been, became nothing. 1 star !!
February 17, 2015
Call Me Pomeroy flows like lava.
It possesses such an irresistible voice that when you look back you don’t remember if he has a real name: Edward Beasly. Pomeroy, he calls himself. The Pomeroy’s voice of a manchild booms and resonates like the voice of Huckleberry Finn, the voice of Narcissus who is phallus obssessed, who wraps himself in his self-delusion, self-glorification. He is the bad, bad Leroy Brown, except Pomeroy doesn’t like fancy clothes or waves his diamond rings. A parolee from a statutory rape, he’s homeless. He owns nothing but a guitar. Another thing: he’s physically endowed with a six-foot-six frame, broad-shouldered, with thighs like a stallion. And true to his own admission, he has class, style, and strut. And he reads. A learned man who loves to recite poetry, strum his guitar, and sing ditties he makes up, like Ants in My Pants, which shocks the daylight out of him when it eventually plays everywhere: home and Europe, on rock stations, on classical music stations, on government stations that “don’t air nothin’ but wheat reports.”
But deep down Pomeroy is soft hearted, who lives off his General Assistance checks twice a month, tips a breakfast waitress $10, and then goes to Market Street to panhandle. His romantic soul loves culture for what it is, and mocks the rest for their phoniness. Yet a victim of this imposture, he lets himself kiss the Blarney Stone in a deep-ass pit in Blarney Castle. Then he runs into an old geezer who’s laughing like a banshee at the tourists: “Oh my,” the old geezer says. “Me lad, me lad. Locals pee on that stone, you know?”
Wherever and whatever Pomeroy happens to be, or throws his gaze at, he sees things that none of us see. When he sees in Louvre the statue of Venus, the goddess of love, a thought strikes him: “This armless chick can’t give no hand jobs.” In an airplane when some passengers thank him for his military service—old Pomeroy served two tours in Vietnam—he says, “That’s like thankin’ a hooker for spreadin’ the clap.” That’s true, when he was in Nam, he says he didn’t free nothing but his Willie. “But it don’t hurt a veteran to raise the ol’ flag now and then,” he admits. When he’s swept into the street demonstration, he’s not one of them, those who shout, “Socialism now!” “Banks got bailed out—we got sold out!” Not when they are all wearing expensive Air Jordan Nikes, eating too much red meat, overweight and smelly. Old Pomeroy says, “I saw real revolutionaries in Nam—skinny little dudes who could march fifty miles on a cup of rice.”
It possesses such an irresistible voice that when you look back you don’t remember if he has a real name: Edward Beasly. Pomeroy, he calls himself. The Pomeroy’s voice of a manchild booms and resonates like the voice of Huckleberry Finn, the voice of Narcissus who is phallus obssessed, who wraps himself in his self-delusion, self-glorification. He is the bad, bad Leroy Brown, except Pomeroy doesn’t like fancy clothes or waves his diamond rings. A parolee from a statutory rape, he’s homeless. He owns nothing but a guitar. Another thing: he’s physically endowed with a six-foot-six frame, broad-shouldered, with thighs like a stallion. And true to his own admission, he has class, style, and strut. And he reads. A learned man who loves to recite poetry, strum his guitar, and sing ditties he makes up, like Ants in My Pants, which shocks the daylight out of him when it eventually plays everywhere: home and Europe, on rock stations, on classical music stations, on government stations that “don’t air nothin’ but wheat reports.”
But deep down Pomeroy is soft hearted, who lives off his General Assistance checks twice a month, tips a breakfast waitress $10, and then goes to Market Street to panhandle. His romantic soul loves culture for what it is, and mocks the rest for their phoniness. Yet a victim of this imposture, he lets himself kiss the Blarney Stone in a deep-ass pit in Blarney Castle. Then he runs into an old geezer who’s laughing like a banshee at the tourists: “Oh my,” the old geezer says. “Me lad, me lad. Locals pee on that stone, you know?”
Wherever and whatever Pomeroy happens to be, or throws his gaze at, he sees things that none of us see. When he sees in Louvre the statue of Venus, the goddess of love, a thought strikes him: “This armless chick can’t give no hand jobs.” In an airplane when some passengers thank him for his military service—old Pomeroy served two tours in Vietnam—he says, “That’s like thankin’ a hooker for spreadin’ the clap.” That’s true, when he was in Nam, he says he didn’t free nothing but his Willie. “But it don’t hurt a veteran to raise the ol’ flag now and then,” he admits. When he’s swept into the street demonstration, he’s not one of them, those who shout, “Socialism now!” “Banks got bailed out—we got sold out!” Not when they are all wearing expensive Air Jordan Nikes, eating too much red meat, overweight and smelly. Old Pomeroy says, “I saw real revolutionaries in Nam—skinny little dudes who could march fifty miles on a cup of rice.”
Call him a cynic, because he reminds us of Holden Caulfield in The Catcher in the Rye, who sees hypocrisy in everything admired and worshipped. Twice a month, Pomeroy goes to the General Assistance Office to collect his $230 check. He cashes it and then looks at the bills. “There’s Jackson, an Indian murderer. There’s Jefferson, a slave owner. There’s Grant, a drunk and a butcher for the cotton guilds. And that goddamn Lincoln was the worst of them all. Killed himself half a million people just so he could keep the cotton tariffs jacked up.” Every month, before spending all his general-assitance money, Old Pomeroy must have had a ball when he studies these historical faces on the treasury bills. Faces of the one-percenters. “Steal a little and they’ll throw you in jail. Steal a lot and you’ll get your face put on money.” Historical rhetoric doesn’t cling like static to him. How about: “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.” What a steaming pile of crap. Kennedy, Jesse Jackson, Bill Clinton!
Characters like Pomeroy brings to mind the anarchists such as Cormac McCarthy’s Suttree whose associates are mostly criminals and demimonde, who are estranged, as Stanley Booth puts it, “from what might be called normal society.”
Happy in his own world of delusion, he fancies himself getting a contract with Apple Records for his love of music. Yet in his narcissistic daydreams, he has a soft spot for his parole officer. A hot-blooded Latina with smoldering eyes and a husky accent, she says to him, “Mr. Beasley, must everything be a fantasy to you?”
But who is Pomeroy?
Here, from the book:
“The bitch cocks her head like a parrot and shrugs. ‘Is that what they call you?’
“Pomeroy tells her, ‘I’m the man of the people.’
“The bitch just shakes her head. ‘Really, luv? Is that what you are? You do seem more manchild than man.’”
February 18, 2017
A Modern Day "Don Quixote-esque" Character with a Perpetual "Sword" in His Pants
Words...I have to find words for this most entertaining, enlightening and "novel" work of literature. Reading this as a woman, I sometimes felt like a bucket of cold water was just dumped on my head. But I survived and read on! Pomeroy is one for the books. He is deluded, narcissistic, dangerous, educated more than your average "loon" on the fringe of society that you will eventually love getting to know. He is certain the "spinners" out there are holding their breath for "Ole Pomeroy" to come around and bless them with his 10. The man finds himself in jail quite a lot and wrapped up in any number of social causes...sort of caught up in the crowd on a tide.
He writes a catchy and vulgar tune that becomes a sensational anthem again claimed by anarchists, "femen" terrorists, "the occupy" movement and even lesser causes. Given the political climate of today, I was almost nostalgic about this recent past This was purely a feeling elicited by the writing not any statement I am making. He is a sensationalized figure on the internet because he swings his guitar or "the jawbone of an ass" and assaults police personnel from Oakland, CA through Europe.
The writing of this novel was actually lush with Pomeroy's stream of conscious allusions to great works of literature he spends hours reading...his certainty of his sexual prowess and desirability...his plans and certainty that he is going to be a multimillionaire rock star with a need for a manager of his sex life and his career.
He travels across the pond. Some of the best laugh out loud writing was what happens in France. It all is really funny but what happens in France "superb".
The one constant in his life is his parole officer, Jessica. Their interactions are most entertaining and surprising in the end.
While reading this, one is aware that a great deal of " license" is exercised in describing the events of the time, it makes it funny in a cerebral sort of fashion. However, other feelings are conjured in the heart and thoughts in the mind because what is described in exaggeration is true in a simpler form. Are we where we are now as a nation , as a world, because of what the adventures of Pomeroy has shown us?
For a twisted cerebral, bawdy, hysterical read, this is a perfect taste of satire.
Words...I have to find words for this most entertaining, enlightening and "novel" work of literature. Reading this as a woman, I sometimes felt like a bucket of cold water was just dumped on my head. But I survived and read on! Pomeroy is one for the books. He is deluded, narcissistic, dangerous, educated more than your average "loon" on the fringe of society that you will eventually love getting to know. He is certain the "spinners" out there are holding their breath for "Ole Pomeroy" to come around and bless them with his 10. The man finds himself in jail quite a lot and wrapped up in any number of social causes...sort of caught up in the crowd on a tide.
He writes a catchy and vulgar tune that becomes a sensational anthem again claimed by anarchists, "femen" terrorists, "the occupy" movement and even lesser causes. Given the political climate of today, I was almost nostalgic about this recent past This was purely a feeling elicited by the writing not any statement I am making. He is a sensationalized figure on the internet because he swings his guitar or "the jawbone of an ass" and assaults police personnel from Oakland, CA through Europe.
The writing of this novel was actually lush with Pomeroy's stream of conscious allusions to great works of literature he spends hours reading...his certainty of his sexual prowess and desirability...his plans and certainty that he is going to be a multimillionaire rock star with a need for a manager of his sex life and his career.
He travels across the pond. Some of the best laugh out loud writing was what happens in France. It all is really funny but what happens in France "superb".
The one constant in his life is his parole officer, Jessica. Their interactions are most entertaining and surprising in the end.
While reading this, one is aware that a great deal of " license" is exercised in describing the events of the time, it makes it funny in a cerebral sort of fashion. However, other feelings are conjured in the heart and thoughts in the mind because what is described in exaggeration is true in a simpler form. Are we where we are now as a nation , as a world, because of what the adventures of Pomeroy has shown us?
For a twisted cerebral, bawdy, hysterical read, this is a perfect taste of satire.
February 9, 2015
Hillarious, thought-provoking and irreverent, in Call Me Pomeroy James Hanna gives us a collossal character negotiating the rapids of twenty-first century madness on a river meanering towards oblivion.
In the eponymous opening story, we are introduced to Edward Beasley, a vagrant drifter and Vietnam veteran recently released from prison for statutory rape in San Fransisco. He covets fame, and desires to become another 'discovery' of the reality television talent show system with his folk-songs. Wandering the city on his release from jail, he becomes an accidental hero of the anarchist Occupy movement in the Frank Ogawa Plaza by fighting off riot police with his guitar. He becomes the idol of Charlemagne, the pretentious, duplitious, trouble-making British ring-leader of the anarchists who dangles the carrot of a recording contract in front of him, which is one of the various incentives (financial, material and sexual) driving Edward (or 'Pomeroy') forward throughout the series. As a result of his Frank Ogawa Plaza heroics, Pomeroy gains a notoriety that gives his long-suffering parole officer Jessica Jimenez a headache. In the sequel Pomeroy and the Rights of Man, Pomeroy continues to be taken in by Charlemange and is convinced to rendevous with him in San Fransisco to strum his guitar and be a talisman for the revolutionaries again. Pomeroy agrees, and hijacks the boat along with an astute Iraq veteran and fellow ex-inmate. After successfully shielding Pomeroy from serious legal repurcussions, Jessica orders Pomeroy to stay out of trouble but our protagonist heads to the UK in the third installment Pomeroy and the New World Order and it is not long before he is on the radar of UK authorities for his transgressions (which include urinating on a Blarney Stone). In Pomeroy and the Last Supper, we find our protagonist evading the authorities in Paris by taking refuge with a group of buxom Ukranian agitprop street-performers who urinate on portraits of Vladimir Putin and fight chauvanist facists in every utterance. Finally, Pomeroy is lured to the Eiffel Tower by his treacherous patron Charlemagne with the promise of a recording contract, where he is arrested by French police and confined to a forbidding, high-security jail.
Many things make Pomeroy exceptional as a narrator: his coarse and profane vernacular is not only hillarious, but often incredibly profound. When he isn't fantasizing about penile satisfaction and the trappings of fame, he comments on the greed, hypocrisy and evil of a corrupt controlling elite who constantly change goalposts and load the dice in their favour with a brevity and wisdom of a well-read ex-convict. "Steal a little, and they'll throw you in jail. Steal a lot, and they'll put your face on money", he tells the reader in Call Me Pomeroy. His caustic commentary on the pretensions of anti-capitalist anarchists is just as memorable.
Pomeroy's songs are a significant medium of his message. His dirty, didactic ditties are like Brechtian interludes.
Like Celine's Ferdinand a century earlier, Pomeroy sketches the contradictions and quirks of modern life and leaves us roaring with laughter in the process.
In the eponymous opening story, we are introduced to Edward Beasley, a vagrant drifter and Vietnam veteran recently released from prison for statutory rape in San Fransisco. He covets fame, and desires to become another 'discovery' of the reality television talent show system with his folk-songs. Wandering the city on his release from jail, he becomes an accidental hero of the anarchist Occupy movement in the Frank Ogawa Plaza by fighting off riot police with his guitar. He becomes the idol of Charlemagne, the pretentious, duplitious, trouble-making British ring-leader of the anarchists who dangles the carrot of a recording contract in front of him, which is one of the various incentives (financial, material and sexual) driving Edward (or 'Pomeroy') forward throughout the series. As a result of his Frank Ogawa Plaza heroics, Pomeroy gains a notoriety that gives his long-suffering parole officer Jessica Jimenez a headache. In the sequel Pomeroy and the Rights of Man, Pomeroy continues to be taken in by Charlemange and is convinced to rendevous with him in San Fransisco to strum his guitar and be a talisman for the revolutionaries again. Pomeroy agrees, and hijacks the boat along with an astute Iraq veteran and fellow ex-inmate. After successfully shielding Pomeroy from serious legal repurcussions, Jessica orders Pomeroy to stay out of trouble but our protagonist heads to the UK in the third installment Pomeroy and the New World Order and it is not long before he is on the radar of UK authorities for his transgressions (which include urinating on a Blarney Stone). In Pomeroy and the Last Supper, we find our protagonist evading the authorities in Paris by taking refuge with a group of buxom Ukranian agitprop street-performers who urinate on portraits of Vladimir Putin and fight chauvanist facists in every utterance. Finally, Pomeroy is lured to the Eiffel Tower by his treacherous patron Charlemagne with the promise of a recording contract, where he is arrested by French police and confined to a forbidding, high-security jail.
Many things make Pomeroy exceptional as a narrator: his coarse and profane vernacular is not only hillarious, but often incredibly profound. When he isn't fantasizing about penile satisfaction and the trappings of fame, he comments on the greed, hypocrisy and evil of a corrupt controlling elite who constantly change goalposts and load the dice in their favour with a brevity and wisdom of a well-read ex-convict. "Steal a little, and they'll throw you in jail. Steal a lot, and they'll put your face on money", he tells the reader in Call Me Pomeroy. His caustic commentary on the pretensions of anti-capitalist anarchists is just as memorable.
Pomeroy's songs are a significant medium of his message. His dirty, didactic ditties are like Brechtian interludes.
Like Celine's Ferdinand a century earlier, Pomeroy sketches the contradictions and quirks of modern life and leaves us roaring with laughter in the process.
February 21, 2017
I was given this book for free in exchange for an impartial review.
This book was amazing. James Hanna's take on politics and the world in general .... it just... so hard to explain. .. just made you FEEL, made you THINK. My goodness the garbage we put up with from the people from whom we the people have elected to serve us as a nation. Then, hey, what the heck, let's honor them and put then on currency. What the heck are we doing here?? Great job Mr. Hanna, I applaud you, entertaining, provocative and a history lesson...lol
This book was amazing. James Hanna's take on politics and the world in general .... it just... so hard to explain. .. just made you FEEL, made you THINK. My goodness the garbage we put up with from the people from whom we the people have elected to serve us as a nation. Then, hey, what the heck, let's honor them and put then on currency. What the heck are we doing here?? Great job Mr. Hanna, I applaud you, entertaining, provocative and a history lesson...lol
July 12, 2015
According to the cover, this is a novel of satire and political dissent. The protagonist is Edward Beasley, who wants to be called Pomeroy. (Don't ask why.) He is coarse, vulgar, extremely deluded, toilet challenged, and is obsessed with sex (although there is little evidence that he gets any) and becoming a rock star. The language and many acts are most definitely not for sensitive souls. Is it satirical? Satire involves vices, follies, various shortcomings exaggerated and held up to ridicule with the aim of shaming some other part of society into changing. Well, there is plenty of vice and folly here, but what is the target? Councils for the shortage of public toilets? The only obvious target is the protest movement, but that is obscure because who cares? Satire should be rich in irony, but I guess I might be missing something as I saw very little here. Political dissent? Yes, in amongst the rants there are flaws in modern society pointed out, but strangely enough, not satirically, except possibly for the prison system, which continually lets Pomeroy out of jail. However, apart from acquisitioning a boat, the worst he does is hit some policemen with a guitar. His crimes, like Pomeroy himself, are really somewhat pathetic. They are also very repetitive; it is a short book, but very repetitive, apart from change of location. Then, at the end, it sort of fades out, like many modern songs. With Kafka, the fade out was more a sign that the problem would never end; I would hate Pomeroy to be eternal. The character is very well depicted, but even here I had a problem. The political points indicate the time of the book is the present, but Pomeroy claims to be a Viet Nam vet, which case he would be something like in or approaching his seventies, and that is not how he appears in the book. If you like toilet humour, and want a rather pathetic antihero, this could be the book for you. If so, you get a bonus: some poetry that could well make it into the collection of Vogon songs.
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