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The Truth About Andy Bloom
Andy Bloom is a local magazine journalist who always wanted to become a great fiction writer, but he never quite had the courage to follow his dream. One day, he learns from his dying mother that he is the son of the great Salvador Dali, and everything changes for Andy. He writes his fiction, and his dream comes true. But what happens when his paternity comes into question? And what important lesson does Andy learn about his success? Find out what it means to discover the truth about Andy Bloom.
- GenresFiction
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 9, 2017
About the author
Mark Lages
21 books310 followersQuickly...I was born and raised in California, but now live in South Carolina with my wife and our animals. I am neither a liberal nor a conservative. In fact, I despise politics. I think of myself as an artist, and not as a journalist. I've been influenced by Milton Friedman, Frank Lloyd Wright, Hunter S Thompson, Douglas Adams, Salvador Dali, MC Escher, JS Bach, Keith Jarrett, Vincent Price, Tom Waits, and many others. I like to smoke cigars and drink lots of coffee. And I do love to write. Lock me in a room with a box of cigars, a coffee maker, and a computer, and I will do just fine. Click here to leap to my website for more info about me and my books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
April 8, 2017
I received this via Goodreads Giveaways in an exchange for an honest review.. all my opinions are my own :)
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This was a very interesting story about making something of one's self and taking a chance, written in the style of journal/confession of sorts (the ending ties in nicely with everything, that's all I will say). Andy is basically saying "Here's my story, you may not believe me or think I am crazy, but here it is."
(Side note: I actually had a co-worker ask me if this was a biography when he saw the title)
(Side note 2: Andy struck me as an introvert... anyone think this during the story?)
Did Andy actually I won't tell you what I think, and let you draw your own conclusions but I loved how the author let you decide for yourself basically and just presented this as Andy's own truth.
Andy's mother... whether you believe her or not, inspires Andy to take a chance and follow his dream of writing the "Great American Novel" so to speak and I felt proud of him for following his dream, despite some people doubting him and encouraging him otherwise.
His wife Mary was an amazing woman (wait till you read a certain story about the two of them haha). She supported Andy through everything, even though she was dubious at times and just a nice lady to boot.
Andy's sons and Ed, I did like... we don't see as much of them but their presence is still felt.
Andy did strike me as selfish a few times, and while I see where he was coming from, I still wanted to take him aside and talk to him. He didn't do anything mean or maliciously but if I were his family, I would have been very miffed at him, specially with one particular case.
The only part that seemed off to me was
Tom Bloom was an interesting character, I found myself liking him despite everything (what does that say about me? ;-)). He doesn't play much of a big part until later in the story but he still makes an impact on Andy.
Andy describes his novels to us at different points in the telling of his "life story" and I really enjoyed these. The way everything was described and laid out for us, had me wishing these were real books so I could pick them and read them :) (What he did with one idea had me wanting to smack him but probably not for the reason you are thinking)
"Sal", as Andy referred to him in here, was a hoot. His visits to Andy had me smiling and laughing on occasion.
Not sure what to think of Andy's mother... which may have been the author's intention *shrugs* You can tell she really loved her son and wanted the best for him, and she did influence him majorly in his life, even after she passed away.
When certain things come to light, you aren't sure what to think. How that part was handled was well done, and didn't seem that important after all was said and done but I still found myself wanting to know the answer haha.
Would recommend, a good character-based story with an offbeat charm of its own.
----
This was a very interesting story about making something of one's self and taking a chance, written in the style of journal/confession of sorts (the ending ties in nicely with everything, that's all I will say). Andy is basically saying "Here's my story, you may not believe me or think I am crazy, but here it is."
(Side note: I actually had a co-worker ask me if this was a biography when he saw the title)
(Side note 2: Andy struck me as an introvert... anyone think this during the story?)
Did Andy actually I won't tell you what I think, and let you draw your own conclusions but I loved how the author let you decide for yourself basically and just presented this as Andy's own truth.
Andy's mother... whether you believe her or not, inspires Andy to take a chance and follow his dream of writing the "Great American Novel" so to speak and I felt proud of him for following his dream, despite some people doubting him and encouraging him otherwise.
His wife Mary was an amazing woman (wait till you read a certain story about the two of them haha). She supported Andy through everything, even though she was dubious at times and just a nice lady to boot.
Andy's sons and Ed, I did like... we don't see as much of them but their presence is still felt.
Andy did strike me as selfish a few times, and while I see where he was coming from, I still wanted to take him aside and talk to him. He didn't do anything mean or maliciously but if I were his family, I would have been very miffed at him, specially with one particular case.
The only part that seemed off to me was
Tom Bloom was an interesting character, I found myself liking him despite everything (what does that say about me? ;-)). He doesn't play much of a big part until later in the story but he still makes an impact on Andy.
Andy describes his novels to us at different points in the telling of his "life story" and I really enjoyed these. The way everything was described and laid out for us, had me wishing these were real books so I could pick them and read them :) (What he did with one idea had me wanting to smack him but probably not for the reason you are thinking)
"Sal", as Andy referred to him in here, was a hoot. His visits to Andy had me smiling and laughing on occasion.
Not sure what to think of Andy's mother... which may have been the author's intention *shrugs* You can tell she really loved her son and wanted the best for him, and she did influence him majorly in his life, even after she passed away.
When certain things come to light, you aren't sure what to think. How that part was handled was well done, and didn't seem that important after all was said and done but I still found myself wanting to know the answer haha.
Would recommend, a good character-based story with an offbeat charm of its own.
February 28, 2017
This book is so good I wish I could give it more than five stars. It's the story of a man who, when his mother is on her deathbed, she tells him that his biological father was Salvador Dali, and what happens after this revelation. I found this book amazing.
April 12, 2017
I won this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway and was sent the book from the author.
What an interesting story! The Andy Bloom character is a little slow, childlike and difficult to like but the book was written in a way that made you care about his future and his life. I loved the gradual pacing and the smart dialogue. The lessons Sal gave Andy truly were sage and fun to contemplate.
The copy I received was not an ARC, yet I found 2 typos and a run-on sentence. It's hard to classify the author's style as it's simultaneously wise and rudimentary. There were times when Lages hit upon something very true and insightful about human nature, and there are other times when you felt like smacking Andy Bloom in the face because his character was so naive.
Overall, this novel reminded me a lot of The World According to Garp, but lacking in edginess, wittiness and cohesiveness. It was still great fun to read and I found myself laughing out loud at some of the dialogue. Nice work!
What an interesting story! The Andy Bloom character is a little slow, childlike and difficult to like but the book was written in a way that made you care about his future and his life. I loved the gradual pacing and the smart dialogue. The lessons Sal gave Andy truly were sage and fun to contemplate.
The copy I received was not an ARC, yet I found 2 typos and a run-on sentence. It's hard to classify the author's style as it's simultaneously wise and rudimentary. There were times when Lages hit upon something very true and insightful about human nature, and there are other times when you felt like smacking Andy Bloom in the face because his character was so naive.
Overall, this novel reminded me a lot of The World According to Garp, but lacking in edginess, wittiness and cohesiveness. It was still great fun to read and I found myself laughing out loud at some of the dialogue. Nice work!
March 14, 2019
I thoroughly enjoy books by this author, but when I first started this book I was a little disappointed as it was moving a little slowly for me and I had trouble maintaining interest. However, I was enthralled by the half-way point and the ending after that came too quickly. The entirety of the book has many lessons, and not all of them from Salvador Dali, who makes several guest appearances in the story. If all of us had a hidden desire and the talent to be an artist, we would all quit our humdrum jobs after reading this book and pursue our dreams. A great read.
October 10, 2017
Novel received courtesy of Goodreads.com First Reads Giveaway
"The Truth About Andy Bloom" is a unique novel. Mark Lages writes the book from Andy's point of view, as though he is telling the story of his own life. Andy tells his story from childhood into middle age. At first, I had a difficult time staying with the story, but as it went on I became very invested in Andy's story.
Andy wanted to write from a very young age. His mother encouraged him all the way. After college, Andy lands a job at a magazine and begins his "adult" life. On her deathbed, his mother confesses to him that Salvador Dali is actually his father. What follows is the story of Andy trying to connect to someone who was incredibly famous who also happened to father a son he knew nothing about before his death.
This novel is, at heart, the story of a man defining and redefining his family throughout his life.
"The Truth About Andy Bloom" is a unique novel. Mark Lages writes the book from Andy's point of view, as though he is telling the story of his own life. Andy tells his story from childhood into middle age. At first, I had a difficult time staying with the story, but as it went on I became very invested in Andy's story.
Andy wanted to write from a very young age. His mother encouraged him all the way. After college, Andy lands a job at a magazine and begins his "adult" life. On her deathbed, his mother confesses to him that Salvador Dali is actually his father. What follows is the story of Andy trying to connect to someone who was incredibly famous who also happened to father a son he knew nothing about before his death.
This novel is, at heart, the story of a man defining and redefining his family throughout his life.
April 1, 2017
I loved this book. The story line is totally original. What happens to Andy once he discovers who his birth father is will keep the reader entertained.
March 8, 2017
What a clever and unique way to solve the question of who we are and what we can accomplish with our lives. Andy Bloom wants badly to be a writer. But, like many creative people, his desire gets lost in the every day needs of his family for food and shelter and his equal desire to be a good husband and father to his two sons. Transplanted to California from Brooklyn at the age of four after his parents divorce, Andy's childhood is a happy one. His mother remarries a loving man who accepts Andy as his son. Andy falls in love, marries and becomes the father of twin sons. He writes for a local publication and his life is rather extraordinarily normal. That is until his mother reveals her secret to him on her deathbed. She tells him he is actually the son of the great artist Salvador Dali and as such, has the genes and ability to create greatness. With this knowledge in hand and periodic visits from "Sal" as Andy comes to know him, Andy "Blooms". He quits his job and begins writing in earnest. Selling his home to publish his first book, Andy's family is appalled. His book is marvelously successful as is his second book. Andy's named father comes to meet his son and things get complicated. We journey with Andy as he discovers his identity and maybe learn a few of life's lessons along the way. This is the second book I have read by Mr. lages and have truly appreciated his somewhat unusual way to teach us about the human condition.
June 28, 2017
This book started out a little bit slow, and though I hate to say it, a tad bit boring... But by page 100, I was riveted. It was never a particularly exciting story; Andy finds out he's Salvador Dali's son, and then goes not on a quest to save the world, but to improve himself and follow his own dreams right at home. So yes, a mundane story, but I still feel like that's the point of Lages's writings. Not to give you some silly, unrealistic story, but to tell you a tale that you can relate to, and that you can use to improve your own way of thinking, and therefore possibly your own way of life.
With this book, I particularly loved how we never really found out whether or not Andy was Salvador Dali's true son. Sure, Sal said he was, but how do we know Andy actually spoke with Sal, and wasn't crazy? The answer is: We don't. And I don't think it matters. Andy was who he was, and so what if he was crazy? He definitely wasn't a kind of crazy that was hurting anyone; his family's life was improved by his lessons with Sal. Basically, it's another lesson on how perspective can change everything, and is worth reading.
At this exact moment, I'm about halfway through Lages's novel My Remarkable Little Monkey, and reading these two immediately after one another has made me realize that, despite the lack of fantastic, other-worldly excitement in his writings, he's one of my favorite authors, and I'd happily read anything he threw in front of me, all the way to the end. And I'd encourage others to do the same. Go into his books with an open mind, and appreciate all of the thought he's put into them, even if you never think about a word of them after finishing them. There's some really clever stuff in there, and things we that should, but don't, consider in our everyday life everywhere you look. The underlying lesson that seems to be present in all 3.5 of Lages's books that I've read so far is that perspective is everything, but with all of the other interesting ideas present, I can't see any way to argue that reading them is wasted time.
With this book, I particularly loved how we never really found out whether or not Andy was Salvador Dali's true son. Sure, Sal said he was, but how do we know Andy actually spoke with Sal, and wasn't crazy? The answer is: We don't. And I don't think it matters. Andy was who he was, and so what if he was crazy? He definitely wasn't a kind of crazy that was hurting anyone; his family's life was improved by his lessons with Sal. Basically, it's another lesson on how perspective can change everything, and is worth reading.
At this exact moment, I'm about halfway through Lages's novel My Remarkable Little Monkey, and reading these two immediately after one another has made me realize that, despite the lack of fantastic, other-worldly excitement in his writings, he's one of my favorite authors, and I'd happily read anything he threw in front of me, all the way to the end. And I'd encourage others to do the same. Go into his books with an open mind, and appreciate all of the thought he's put into them, even if you never think about a word of them after finishing them. There's some really clever stuff in there, and things we that should, but don't, consider in our everyday life everywhere you look. The underlying lesson that seems to be present in all 3.5 of Lages's books that I've read so far is that perspective is everything, but with all of the other interesting ideas present, I can't see any way to argue that reading them is wasted time.
May 11, 2017
'The Truth About Andy Bloom' by Mark Lages is my kind of book. I could give you several reasons why I read any book but there are really only two if I am being honest, for Non-fiction it is to learn something I don't know or to know more about something I don't know enough about. Fiction books are another story, I simply want to be entertained. In order to be entertained the story has to be good, the subject interesting and must be someone (or thing) I can become invested in. In a good story the narrative has to flow freely and smoothly. The story has to talk to me like regular, every day people talk to me. Speak to me in my language, the vernacular of your readers. In a well written story there is a very close and personal bond between writer and reader. A level of familiarity and even a bit of intimacy is required to bond reader and writer together throughout the journey they travel together.
If I am going to be riding in a car, traveling long distances with someone I want someone who knows how to drive, someone who knows where he is going and not someone who is going to get lost and lose me in the middle of the trip. I want to travel with someone warm and personable, someone honest and genuine. Most of all I want to ride with someone who is not afraid to live it up a little, someone who can and will take chances now and then, nothing too dangerous but someone not afraid to drive a little over the speed limit, someone who is willing to change the route now and then just to make it more interesting, someone who will make you double-check the snugness of your seat belt but also someone who knows when it is time to slow the car down a little. Riding with a driver who doesn't want either of you bored, one who can make you stomp those imaginary brakes on the passenger side floor boards when he is driving a bit wild and careless, but also someone who can make you laugh your ass off about it later.
Earlier today I finished a long trip. I rode shotgun with Mark Lages for 290 miles/pages. I didn't always know where we were going and Mark wouldn't always tell me or even hint at what I was eager to know, "just where in the hell are we going next mister"? We come to a fork in the road and I am guessing which fork we will take, right? or Left? I'll be damned if he didn't drive off road instead. Neither right nor left but the unpaved ground between the two of them. But that's what made this trip so interesting, that and the characters I got to meet, Andy Bloom and his father Tom Bloom, his step-father Ed and his father the great artist Salvador Dali. Andy's step-sisters who never quite grow up and are caught up in a perpetual gossip loop and are okay with it. Andy's wife Mary is the picture of a supporting spouse which every artist and I would imagine every writer needs by his side. Andy and Mary's twin sons X and O and Andy's mother Dianne who on her death bed has a secret she has kept from Andy his entire life, one of the most shocking and off-the-wall secrets of all time! I tried to put myself in Andy's shoes, what would I think if my mother, who has never lied to me before dropped this bomb shell on me mere minutes before her passing away? Tom Bloom is not Andy's dad, but a book signing in 1963 New York city puts Andy's mom and the odd ball genius Salvador Dali together for one night, and now Andy knows the truth, his is the son of a great artist, they share blood and this news inspires Andy Bloom to quit his safe and secure job writing for a local magazine and take the leap, the big, risky leap of living his life-long dream of being a Novelist. Andy will risk everything, giving up his steady, guaranteed paycheck. His wife has to work as a waitress while he stays home and writes, no longer bringing home a paycheck, his family and friends will most surely judge him, question his maturity and accuse him of being self-centered with his feet off of the ground and his head in the clouds.
But Andy is all in, all or nothing time now, he knows his mother would approve of his decision to write full time, and he gets assurance that his real father, Sal, is in his corner as well. With so much at risk, two kids at college and his wife waiting tables, is the risk too great? Maybe not, not if Andy goes all in and has the courage to be judged, the courage to believe in his own abilities as a writer. The courage to heed the advice of a 112 year old essentric genius.
'The Truth About Andy Bloom' written by Mark Lages is simply a great book. It is story telling at its finest and one of my favorite books of the past couple years. This book is the 43 book I have read since the beginning of the year, and I can honestly say it is my favorite of them all. I am not sure how long it has been since I rated a book 5 stars, maybe Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler last year, and I am not saying Lages is another Hammett or another Chandler, he doesn't need to be and I don't want him to be anyone but who he is. Mark Lages with a generous serving of Andy Bloom mixed in for texture.
I highly recommend this book and I can't wait to read more from Mark Lages. I am always on the look out for new writers to put into my regular reading rotation and I am pleased to have found a very good one in the author of 'The Truth About Andy Bloom'. I am a little sad now that I have finished this book, it was nice to have taken that trip and riding shotgun over so many miles with a great story teller is what it's all about anyway, this is why we read books if not for talented writers like Mark Lages, I would be stuck with 999 channels of mindless garbage on the TV to distract me from reality, and like any great trip the fun isn't only at the destination spot itself but in the trip there and back. The long car ride on a hot summer evening, windows rolled down, wind in your face, radio blasting your favorite Neil Young song and good friends in the car with you, all of you singing loud and bad, but having the time of your life and so you won't think about going back home just yet.
If I am going to be riding in a car, traveling long distances with someone I want someone who knows how to drive, someone who knows where he is going and not someone who is going to get lost and lose me in the middle of the trip. I want to travel with someone warm and personable, someone honest and genuine. Most of all I want to ride with someone who is not afraid to live it up a little, someone who can and will take chances now and then, nothing too dangerous but someone not afraid to drive a little over the speed limit, someone who is willing to change the route now and then just to make it more interesting, someone who will make you double-check the snugness of your seat belt but also someone who knows when it is time to slow the car down a little. Riding with a driver who doesn't want either of you bored, one who can make you stomp those imaginary brakes on the passenger side floor boards when he is driving a bit wild and careless, but also someone who can make you laugh your ass off about it later.
Earlier today I finished a long trip. I rode shotgun with Mark Lages for 290 miles/pages. I didn't always know where we were going and Mark wouldn't always tell me or even hint at what I was eager to know, "just where in the hell are we going next mister"? We come to a fork in the road and I am guessing which fork we will take, right? or Left? I'll be damned if he didn't drive off road instead. Neither right nor left but the unpaved ground between the two of them. But that's what made this trip so interesting, that and the characters I got to meet, Andy Bloom and his father Tom Bloom, his step-father Ed and his father the great artist Salvador Dali. Andy's step-sisters who never quite grow up and are caught up in a perpetual gossip loop and are okay with it. Andy's wife Mary is the picture of a supporting spouse which every artist and I would imagine every writer needs by his side. Andy and Mary's twin sons X and O and Andy's mother Dianne who on her death bed has a secret she has kept from Andy his entire life, one of the most shocking and off-the-wall secrets of all time! I tried to put myself in Andy's shoes, what would I think if my mother, who has never lied to me before dropped this bomb shell on me mere minutes before her passing away? Tom Bloom is not Andy's dad, but a book signing in 1963 New York city puts Andy's mom and the odd ball genius Salvador Dali together for one night, and now Andy knows the truth, his is the son of a great artist, they share blood and this news inspires Andy Bloom to quit his safe and secure job writing for a local magazine and take the leap, the big, risky leap of living his life-long dream of being a Novelist. Andy will risk everything, giving up his steady, guaranteed paycheck. His wife has to work as a waitress while he stays home and writes, no longer bringing home a paycheck, his family and friends will most surely judge him, question his maturity and accuse him of being self-centered with his feet off of the ground and his head in the clouds.
But Andy is all in, all or nothing time now, he knows his mother would approve of his decision to write full time, and he gets assurance that his real father, Sal, is in his corner as well. With so much at risk, two kids at college and his wife waiting tables, is the risk too great? Maybe not, not if Andy goes all in and has the courage to be judged, the courage to believe in his own abilities as a writer. The courage to heed the advice of a 112 year old essentric genius.
'The Truth About Andy Bloom' written by Mark Lages is simply a great book. It is story telling at its finest and one of my favorite books of the past couple years. This book is the 43 book I have read since the beginning of the year, and I can honestly say it is my favorite of them all. I am not sure how long it has been since I rated a book 5 stars, maybe Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler last year, and I am not saying Lages is another Hammett or another Chandler, he doesn't need to be and I don't want him to be anyone but who he is. Mark Lages with a generous serving of Andy Bloom mixed in for texture.
I highly recommend this book and I can't wait to read more from Mark Lages. I am always on the look out for new writers to put into my regular reading rotation and I am pleased to have found a very good one in the author of 'The Truth About Andy Bloom'. I am a little sad now that I have finished this book, it was nice to have taken that trip and riding shotgun over so many miles with a great story teller is what it's all about anyway, this is why we read books if not for talented writers like Mark Lages, I would be stuck with 999 channels of mindless garbage on the TV to distract me from reality, and like any great trip the fun isn't only at the destination spot itself but in the trip there and back. The long car ride on a hot summer evening, windows rolled down, wind in your face, radio blasting your favorite Neil Young song and good friends in the car with you, all of you singing loud and bad, but having the time of your life and so you won't think about going back home just yet.
February 12, 2018
A great story that i enjoyed reading. The character learns about himself and he truly has to learn his lesson with what comes from success. Not only that this character faces issues when his paternity comes into play. A must read for any and all book lovers everywhere.
February 10, 2021
At first the story line was slow but it got more
interesting the further I read. Andy Bloom was told by
his mother that his real dad was Salvador Dali. He had to believe her because she reveiling her deathbed. People don't lie on their deathbed, they reveal secrets.
Sal visits Andy throughout the story and helps him in various ways.Upon the advice from Sal, Andy quit his stable job as a journalist to write a book.
Andy's wife gets a job to support their family which was extremely risky.
But she supported his writing 100%. She was his best critic.
think my most favorite line in the book was; "You can tell a lot about a man's capacity for love by the way he treats his wife."
This book is generated towards family and how you define certain relationships within your own life. How did you raise your kids? With what type of values? How is your relationship with your parents? If you were told you only had six months left with a loved on how would you spend those remaining months? Would you cram as much activity and adventures as you possibly can? Or would you squander it?
Life is precious and this book gives you an insight of it.
interesting the further I read. Andy Bloom was told by
his mother that his real dad was Salvador Dali. He had to believe her because she reveiling her deathbed. People don't lie on their deathbed, they reveal secrets.
Sal visits Andy throughout the story and helps him in various ways.Upon the advice from Sal, Andy quit his stable job as a journalist to write a book.
Andy's wife gets a job to support their family which was extremely risky.
But she supported his writing 100%. She was his best critic.
think my most favorite line in the book was; "You can tell a lot about a man's capacity for love by the way he treats his wife."
This book is generated towards family and how you define certain relationships within your own life. How did you raise your kids? With what type of values? How is your relationship with your parents? If you were told you only had six months left with a loved on how would you spend those remaining months? Would you cram as much activity and adventures as you possibly can? Or would you squander it?
Life is precious and this book gives you an insight of it.
November 15, 2017
I won a Kindle copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
This is a very interesting and quirky book. When you try to describe in 25 words or less what this is about, I doubt that you could get many people interested in reading it because the premise underlying this book seems silly. But it works and works very well.
Andy Bloom is a fictional character who tells the story of his life in this book. His father leaves him at age 4. And he learns years later, as his mother is dying, that famous artist Salvador Dali is actually his father, the result of a one-night stand. “Sal” makes appearances to Andy throughout the book, offering what ends up being twelve important life lessons.
That’s more than 25 words and I doubt still that I can make this book sound as interesting as it is. This is an inspiring guide to encourage us to be who you are, follow your passions, be the best person that you can be and don’t overly concern yourself what others think of you.
This is a very interesting and quirky book. When you try to describe in 25 words or less what this is about, I doubt that you could get many people interested in reading it because the premise underlying this book seems silly. But it works and works very well.
Andy Bloom is a fictional character who tells the story of his life in this book. His father leaves him at age 4. And he learns years later, as his mother is dying, that famous artist Salvador Dali is actually his father, the result of a one-night stand. “Sal” makes appearances to Andy throughout the book, offering what ends up being twelve important life lessons.
That’s more than 25 words and I doubt still that I can make this book sound as interesting as it is. This is an inspiring guide to encourage us to be who you are, follow your passions, be the best person that you can be and don’t overly concern yourself what others think of you.
January 27, 2021
Interesting premise, easy read. Mark Lages' books are always good fun and a good read.
Andy Bloom was raised by his mother after his dad left them when he was young. This story is about Andy Bloom's life, how he grew up and how he got incredible news late in life...
A want to be writer finds out on his mother's death bed that he is the son of the actual Salvador Dali. With this information he is inspired to finally quit his job and go full time to writing. He gambles everything on the assumption that since he is the offspring of an artist he is also going to be an artist?
He finds some success.
Then his "real" father shows back up in his life, adding drama into his life.
Andy Bloom is a very frustrating character. His thought processes or his logic he chooses to follow is insane. But the story is interesting, and its a really easy read.
I got this book through a giveaway for an honest review.
Andy Bloom was raised by his mother after his dad left them when he was young. This story is about Andy Bloom's life, how he grew up and how he got incredible news late in life...
A want to be writer finds out on his mother's death bed that he is the son of the actual Salvador Dali. With this information he is inspired to finally quit his job and go full time to writing. He gambles everything on the assumption that since he is the offspring of an artist he is also going to be an artist?
He finds some success.
Then his "real" father shows back up in his life, adding drama into his life.
Andy Bloom is a very frustrating character. His thought processes or his logic he chooses to follow is insane. But the story is interesting, and its a really easy read.
I got this book through a giveaway for an honest review.
December 2, 2017
***I won this book via the Goodreads Giveaway program. This has not influenced my review.***
This is not my type of book. I can appreciate the writing and the nice use of language, but it just didn't do anything for me.
It's written like an autobiography where the author is an author. There are stories within the stories, and sometimes within those stories. There are fables. Basically, it's a collection of stories. And fables. And a moral at the end.
Sometimes there were superfluous details that just bogged down the story. I am not sure I ever really latched onto Andy. He's kind of vanilla. The most exciting thing that happens to him is when he meets Sal. I thought that was a promising turn of events, but it didn't really pan out.
Overall, I was a bit bored, mildly entertained, and was left with nothing to remember.
This is not my type of book. I can appreciate the writing and the nice use of language, but it just didn't do anything for me.
It's written like an autobiography where the author is an author. There are stories within the stories, and sometimes within those stories. There are fables. Basically, it's a collection of stories. And fables. And a moral at the end.
Sometimes there were superfluous details that just bogged down the story. I am not sure I ever really latched onto Andy. He's kind of vanilla. The most exciting thing that happens to him is when he meets Sal. I thought that was a promising turn of events, but it didn't really pan out.
Overall, I was a bit bored, mildly entertained, and was left with nothing to remember.
June 7, 2017
Here's the thing I've learned about Mr. Lages writing, he finds a way for you to connect with a character. In Team Charlie I found myself completely and totally wanting to protect Charlie from the world and the voices. In Andy Bloom I connected with Andy in almost the same protective way, I found myself mentally encouraging him to do it, or to just catch on, you got this...
If I did find one thing about this novel that wasn't for me, it's slow. The development of Andy is something you have to stick with, it takes a while for him to actually become a character I wanted to return to and keep reading about.
If I did find one thing about this novel that wasn't for me, it's slow. The development of Andy is something you have to stick with, it takes a while for him to actually become a character I wanted to return to and keep reading about.
September 17, 2019
The Truth About Andy Bloom is a book about just that, the truth…and lies. It’s a story about how we use lies to tell the truth in our artworks, how we sometimes have to deceive to protect, how we lie for other various reasons. How we get to know ourselves, where we come from and who we are.
It was a good book. I recommend it to creative minds. I was rather surprised to hear one of my favorite artists mentioned in the book, (not Dali, though I am a fan) but Zdzisław Beksiński. It was also odd, at first, to have a writer bring Dali to life as they see him, after a few appearances though, it fit, and became funny.
Oh, and the jacket made another appearance. (I'll never get it back.)
It was a good book. I recommend it to creative minds. I was rather surprised to hear one of my favorite artists mentioned in the book, (not Dali, though I am a fan) but Zdzisław Beksiński. It was also odd, at first, to have a writer bring Dali to life as they see him, after a few appearances though, it fit, and became funny.
Oh, and the jacket made another appearance. (I'll never get it back.)
February 20, 2017
The second book I've read by Mark Lages. I couldn't put it down. It was a real page-turner, It's funny, entertaining, creative and inspiring. You will love Andy Bloom's character, who has dreams of becoming a writer after he learns he's the son of Salvador Dali. There are a lot of morals in this story and lessons everyone should learn. I highly recommend this book. I look forward to reading more of Mark Lages' works.
May 24, 2017
The Truth About Andy Bloom was okay. It had an original premise but I just didn't find the story or characters to be very interesting. This was an easy read but it didn't hold my attention for very long and it wasn't enough to keep me reading. I kept picking it up only to read a little bit and then I would put it down. Looking at the other reviews my rating is in the very small minority. Obviously a lot of people loved it. It's not that I disliked the book. I just didn't like it.
November 13, 2017
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway.
I found this book to be painfully boring. The characters were one dimensional. The story centered around a middleaged man who quit his job after his mother told him ,on her deathbed,that he was the son of Salvador Dali. He decided to become a novelist, and was inspired by his hallucinations of Dali
visiting him and suggesting storylines.
This book was reviewed and highly rated by many others. It may just be me, but I couldn't finish this book!
I found this book to be painfully boring. The characters were one dimensional. The story centered around a middleaged man who quit his job after his mother told him ,on her deathbed,that he was the son of Salvador Dali. He decided to become a novelist, and was inspired by his hallucinations of Dali
visiting him and suggesting storylines.
This book was reviewed and highly rated by many others. It may just be me, but I couldn't finish this book!
October 3, 2017
I won this book from a goodreads and giveaway. Such an interesting story-line and I couldn't put it down. Read more like a memoir even though it is a work of fiction. I had to keep reminding myself that it wasn't real which shows just how well it was written and how believable and real the character Andy Bloom became.
December 9, 2021
I won a Kindle copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway, and boy am I glad I did. This was an engaging and interesting read right from the beginning. I was taken on a wonderful journey that was both relatable and yet fantastical with pockets of wisdom tucked in every which where. This book passes my ultimate test - would I read it again? Why yes, I would.
March 16, 2017
Fantastic book! Enjoyed from start to finish. Great introspective heart warming story. Loved Andy Bloom's story and how it was presented. Highly recommend this book. I won this book in a GoodReads Giveaway.
May 5, 2017
I received this book as a goodreads giveaway and I just want to say I loved this book and can't wait to read more of his books. The truth about Andy Bloom was very entertaining and very hard to put down.
Thanks Mark for great read.
Thanks Mark for great read.
January 29, 2018
I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway. It was very entertaining and kept my attention throughout the story. Ultimately it’s a book about believing in yourself and having the courage and conviction to be true to yourself. Told in a way that makes you smile and enjoy the ride.
March 18, 2017
Yes, yes, yes!!!!!! What a great book this was. For me it was such a good, suspenseful read. It`s not suspenseful like a murder mystery sort of way but suspenseful like I couldn`t put it down sort of way. I could not wait to see what would happen next. Mr Lages wrote it in such a way that I felt what Andy felt. I laughed and I cried and I became anxious along with him and the other characters. This is the second book of Mr. Lages`s that I have read. The first was Team Charlie and that one was a really good book too. I really like his technique. This book was great and I can`t wait to read more of his works.
March 18, 2017
The Truth About Andy Bloom is the second book I have read by Mark Lages. The first was The Church of the Divine Duck, which I loved. I've got to say, this book did not disappoint. I loved it as well. It's a wonderful story about Andy Bloom, who is a local magazine journalist who has always wanted to write something of his own but has never had the confidence or courage to follow his dream. Then, his mother springs on him that his birth father is actually famous Spanish artist Salvador Dali. Andy now believes that he comes from greatness and has the courage to follow his dreams of becoming a fiction writer. I loved this book. Mark Lages has a wonderful writing style that I really relate to. His stories are wonderful and inspiring and this one is no exception. It's a great book and I didn't want to put it down. I look forward to reading more of his work in the future.
May 14, 2017
3.5 Stars
November 12, 2017
I liked it although the death scenes made it uncomfortable for me that is just me though cause while reading this book I lost 3 family members within months of each other, by the end of the book I think it was one I was meant to be reading to help me try to deal with the grief I am still going though.
January 5, 2018
Very interesting. Was not my cup of tea as a book - but it was well written and made me giggle in some places which is why I gave it 5 stars.
March 17, 2017
What happens when you want to be greater than you are and then discover the catalyst to become just that? This book certainly explores that possibility in the most intriguing and original way...I couldn't put it down! There were lessons to be learned in practically every chapter and the book itself was surprising on so many levels. I'm definitely going to check out more books by Mark Lages and you should, too.
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