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Anstand
Er liebt sein Land, das er nicht mehr versteht. Er hasst die Liberalen. Er schläft nicht ohne seine Waffen. Er ist das Gegenteil von politisch korrekt. Er ist unbequem. Er liebt seine Enkelin Ella über alles. Er hat einen Gehirntumor, für den er das Agent Orange aus dem Vietnamkrieg verantwortlich macht. Er überlebt die Operation. Er nimmt die letzte Chance wahr, sich mit seiner Vergangenheit, seinem Sohn und seinem Erzfeind aus dem Krieg, Clayton Fire Bear auszusöhnen. Er heißt David Granger, 68 Jahre, Vietnamveteran. Er ist: Ein Mann mit Anstand.
227 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 4, 2017
260 people are currently reading
12919 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Quick
10 books5,176 followersMatthew Quick is the New York Times bestselling author of The Silver Linings Playbook—which was made into an Oscar-winning film—and eight other novels, including We Are the Light, a #1 Indie Next Pick and a Book of the Month selection. His work has been translated into more than thirty languages, received a PEN/Hemingway Award Honorable Mention, was an LA Times Book Prize finalist, a New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice, a #1 bestseller in Brazil, a Deutscher Jugendliteratur Preis 2016 (German Youth Literature Prize) nominee, and selected by Nancy Pearl as one of Summer’s Best Books for NPR. The Hollywood Reporter has named him one of Hollywood’s 25 Most Powerful Authors. Matthew lives with his wife, the novelist Alicia Bessette, in Beaufort, South Carolina.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 855 reviews
November 21, 2017
4.5 stars
The Reason You're Alive was quite something.
The more I think about it the more I'm impressed.
This is the story of an old Vietnam Veteran, David Granger, who finds himself under the doctor's knife to have a brain tumour removed. Slowly, we begin finding out about David's life, as he starts telling us his story. You see, Dave did some "bad shit" when in the jungles of Vietnam. He was a good soldier did what he was told, no questions asked. Following his discharge from Vietnam, he managed to integrate into society pretty well, becoming a very successful banker. His life wasn't the easiest though. As a gun crazy Republican, he has a very strained relationship with his very liberal, art-loving, only son, Henry.
Dave is a thing of beauty. He's so damn opinionated and politically incorrect -the liberal snowflake in me was a bit put off, but only for about five minutes.
Dave's observations are acute and astute - I ended up really digging him. He doesn't mix his words when it comes to expressing his opinions, but he's got a problem expressing his love, admiration and all those fuddy-duddy feelings. His actions speak more than his words.
For the first half of this short novel, I was wondering where and if the story was going anywhere, but I still enjoyed reading it, because it was bang-bang-bang, penetrating line after line of witty observations, recollections and other life tidbits. The tone and language were perfect. There were lots of expletives but they fitted perfectly the character's personality and the story. It was so natural, so life-like.
This is the second book by Matthew Quick that I read. They couldn't have been more different as far as the writing style and subjects are concerned. But that only makes me admire Quick's skills even more. I am keen to read more by him.
Recommended
I've received this novel via Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to HarperColling for the opportunity to read and review this novel.
The Reason You're Alive was quite something.
The more I think about it the more I'm impressed.
This is the story of an old Vietnam Veteran, David Granger, who finds himself under the doctor's knife to have a brain tumour removed. Slowly, we begin finding out about David's life, as he starts telling us his story. You see, Dave did some "bad shit" when in the jungles of Vietnam. He was a good soldier did what he was told, no questions asked. Following his discharge from Vietnam, he managed to integrate into society pretty well, becoming a very successful banker. His life wasn't the easiest though. As a gun crazy Republican, he has a very strained relationship with his very liberal, art-loving, only son, Henry.
Dave is a thing of beauty. He's so damn opinionated and politically incorrect -the liberal snowflake in me was a bit put off, but only for about five minutes.
Dave's observations are acute and astute - I ended up really digging him. He doesn't mix his words when it comes to expressing his opinions, but he's got a problem expressing his love, admiration and all those fuddy-duddy feelings. His actions speak more than his words.
For the first half of this short novel, I was wondering where and if the story was going anywhere, but I still enjoyed reading it, because it was bang-bang-bang, penetrating line after line of witty observations, recollections and other life tidbits. The tone and language were perfect. There were lots of expletives but they fitted perfectly the character's personality and the story. It was so natural, so life-like.
This is the second book by Matthew Quick that I read. They couldn't have been more different as far as the writing style and subjects are concerned. But that only makes me admire Quick's skills even more. I am keen to read more by him.
Recommended
I've received this novel via Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to HarperColling for the opportunity to read and review this novel.
June 4, 2017
While reviewing an earlier book by Matthew Quick, I remarked that he wrote about men "on the edge of normalcy" who eventually find completion by the final page. This is another such study. In this case, David Granger has been harboring a long running case of PTSD. Fifty years worth. In the years since his time in the jungles of Viet Nam, he has managed to construct a life for himself outwardly prosperous, but inwardly screaming. As with his earlier books, Quick unspools the story through writing to a third party. And as in his earlier books, his protagonist is damaged, aware so, and surprised at his ultimate redemption. I don't know if there is such a thing as a male version of chicklit, but if there is, Quick's books would fall into such a category (along with those of, say, Jonathan Tropper).
January 28, 2018
David Granger is a complex guy--a patriotic Vietnam vet who talks like he's an opinionated xenophobic homophobe, but whose actions often show just the opposite. As he's waking up from surgery to remove a brain tumor, he repeats the name of another veteran over and over--Clayton Fire Bear. Sixty-eight year old Granger feels guilty about the way he had treated Fire Bear in Vietnam, stealing his prized possession.
As part of a project for Vietnam vets, Granger is narrating the story of his life. His tour of duty in Vietnam has colored his life since his return, and he cannot sleep without seeing the people he killed in his dreams. A group of friends help him recover from his brain surgery, with a visit to Clayton Fire Bear providing closure for Granger.
Although there are heartbreaking, dark moments in Granger's life, there is also lots of humor. His language is full of expletives and politically incorrect, upsetting his liberal son. But Granger has a big heart in many ways, and is a loyal friend. The love he feels for his wife and his granddaughter made me melt. His narration is so entertaining that I did not want to put the book down.
As part of a project for Vietnam vets, Granger is narrating the story of his life. His tour of duty in Vietnam has colored his life since his return, and he cannot sleep without seeing the people he killed in his dreams. A group of friends help him recover from his brain surgery, with a visit to Clayton Fire Bear providing closure for Granger.
Although there are heartbreaking, dark moments in Granger's life, there is also lots of humor. His language is full of expletives and politically incorrect, upsetting his liberal son. But Granger has a big heart in many ways, and is a loyal friend. The love he feels for his wife and his granddaughter made me melt. His narration is so entertaining that I did not want to put the book down.
January 13, 2018
A gorgeous exploration into the after-effects of war, racism and humanity.
Man, I cannot emphasise how much I loved this book. I'd adored The Silver Linings Playbook because of its warmth and honesty, and this book had that exact same feel, with plenty of humour and emotion thrown in for good measure.
David is a Vietnam war veteran, and at the start, we form a pretty abysmal opinion of him. He's unashamedly racist, makes the most inappropriate comments, and his son Hank, a middle-class liberal, is perpetually embarrassed by him.
However, it soon becomes apparent that there's more to David than meets the eye. Although he makes these racist comments, his actions showcase an individual with a lot of heart for everyone - regardless of race. Though he continues to use the ugly expression 'gooks' to describe the Vietnamese, his 'surrogate daughter' is Vietnamese, and he ends up walking her down the aisle.
It's a beautiful story of the importance of actions as well as words; and looking below the surface at people and situations. It's also about forgiveness and tolerance - told from a completely different angle.
Hugely touching, this book warmed me to the bone, and made me cry just a little. Lovely stuff.
Man, I cannot emphasise how much I loved this book. I'd adored The Silver Linings Playbook because of its warmth and honesty, and this book had that exact same feel, with plenty of humour and emotion thrown in for good measure.
David is a Vietnam war veteran, and at the start, we form a pretty abysmal opinion of him. He's unashamedly racist, makes the most inappropriate comments, and his son Hank, a middle-class liberal, is perpetually embarrassed by him.
However, it soon becomes apparent that there's more to David than meets the eye. Although he makes these racist comments, his actions showcase an individual with a lot of heart for everyone - regardless of race. Though he continues to use the ugly expression 'gooks' to describe the Vietnamese, his 'surrogate daughter' is Vietnamese, and he ends up walking her down the aisle.
It's a beautiful story of the importance of actions as well as words; and looking below the surface at people and situations. It's also about forgiveness and tolerance - told from a completely different angle.
Hugely touching, this book warmed me to the bone, and made me cry just a little. Lovely stuff.
August 4, 2018
I keep asking myself why the hell I liked this book so much… and I still don’t know. I think everyone knows someone like David Granger but they are probably not as charming.
July 19, 2017
The Reason You’re Alive involves a sixty-eight year old Vietnam veteran who has a brain tumor. Once he gets his surgery, things in life seem to matter more now than they did before. He has a son named Hank who has a daughter named Ella. He doesn’t like Hank so much, but Ella is his world. He is an honest American man, who doesn’t like any other race than his. He hates how America is run, especially since he’s a veteran. During the time of his brain tumor, he learns the truth about family and friends, and how to continue life in a happy way.
Matthew Quick did it again. I love him and his books so much. I might be a little biased because he is a local from where I am from, so he always puts different things about Philadelphia and South Jersey in his books. This book was the longest I’ve ever taken to read one of his books. However, once I sat down and really got started, I couldn’t stop.
David Granger is a man who no one really would like in today’s society. He seems like he would be one of the guys in the Facebook videos you keep seeing when people record racists. He doesn’t care. He fought for the country. He only wants Americans. I really had a problem liking David. I had to keep putting this book down, taking deeeeeeep breaths, and returning to it. I think that it’s really important to acknowledge that I’m not giving this a bad rating because I didn’t like the character. A book is about feeling a way towards something or someone; it’s about bringing forth knowledge on a topic that you didn’t really know about. Matthew Quick made me feel for David. He made me hate him. He made me switch my mind. He made me watch him see all of these important lessons and epiphanies at age sixty-eight. I think only a really good author can do that.
There were times where I really felt like David was my grandfather. I felt like I was reading a handwritten story for future generations to read. The writing style that Matthew Quick had David portray really made him feel realistic. I felt like I was waiting for a phone call from him.
Lastly, being a Philly girl, I love all of the acknowledgements towards Philadelphia. I love that he brought up going to Phillies games as a kid, hating the Dallas Cowboys, going over the Ben Franklin Bridge, etc. It’s all so real to me. I love that he does that in every book he writes. It’s like he doesn’t forget where he’s from, and when you become a celebrity of sorts, its important to remember that.
Overall, I love this book. I finished it and was very happy with how everything was in the end. Matthew Quick hasn’t failed me yet, and I’m excited to see his next book, whenever that may be.
Matthew Quick did it again. I love him and his books so much. I might be a little biased because he is a local from where I am from, so he always puts different things about Philadelphia and South Jersey in his books. This book was the longest I’ve ever taken to read one of his books. However, once I sat down and really got started, I couldn’t stop.
David Granger is a man who no one really would like in today’s society. He seems like he would be one of the guys in the Facebook videos you keep seeing when people record racists. He doesn’t care. He fought for the country. He only wants Americans. I really had a problem liking David. I had to keep putting this book down, taking deeeeeeep breaths, and returning to it. I think that it’s really important to acknowledge that I’m not giving this a bad rating because I didn’t like the character. A book is about feeling a way towards something or someone; it’s about bringing forth knowledge on a topic that you didn’t really know about. Matthew Quick made me feel for David. He made me hate him. He made me switch my mind. He made me watch him see all of these important lessons and epiphanies at age sixty-eight. I think only a really good author can do that.
There were times where I really felt like David was my grandfather. I felt like I was reading a handwritten story for future generations to read. The writing style that Matthew Quick had David portray really made him feel realistic. I felt like I was waiting for a phone call from him.
Lastly, being a Philly girl, I love all of the acknowledgements towards Philadelphia. I love that he brought up going to Phillies games as a kid, hating the Dallas Cowboys, going over the Ben Franklin Bridge, etc. It’s all so real to me. I love that he does that in every book he writes. It’s like he doesn’t forget where he’s from, and when you become a celebrity of sorts, its important to remember that.
Overall, I love this book. I finished it and was very happy with how everything was in the end. Matthew Quick hasn’t failed me yet, and I’m excited to see his next book, whenever that may be.
March 24, 2018
Bold, risky. This book launches with a very unlikable protagonist that uses just about ever derogatory racial slur available by page three. Yet, you're intended to root for him. (I wanted to DNF, I stuck it out). After revealing all the trauma he suffered in the name of the USA, he evolves toward redemption and the usual MQ happy ending is arranged for him.
The point of the book is for the reader to judge "our hero" by his actions, not his words. All the characters IN the book have the same challenge (not so subtle). It's complicated. (If you make a face like there's a bad smell and you want to stop reading, then I believe you're the target audience). He's a messed-up vet, at times a caricature of a concealed carrying American Dreaming conservative. Not racist maybe, yet... too self-conscious about it.
I've read all but three of MQ's oeuvre, and this, hmmm, I didn't love it, but it's an excellent book. It's difficult. It's like, The Man called Ove, if Ove were a repellent asshole (Ove only tries). With American values stirred in, and that should explain right there how complicated it gets.
The point of the book is for the reader to judge "our hero" by his actions, not his words. All the characters IN the book have the same challenge (not so subtle). It's complicated. (If you make a face like there's a bad smell and you want to stop reading, then I believe you're the target audience). He's a messed-up vet, at times a caricature of a concealed carrying American Dreaming conservative. Not racist maybe, yet... too self-conscious about it.
I've read all but three of MQ's oeuvre, and this, hmmm, I didn't love it, but it's an excellent book. It's difficult. It's like, The Man called Ove, if Ove were a repellent asshole (Ove only tries). With American values stirred in, and that should explain right there how complicated it gets.
July 4, 2017
THE REASON YOU’RE ALIVE is another hit from Matthew Quick. Through an elderly right-wing, seemingly racist, Vietnam veteran and American patriot, Quick pens a story about finding common ground and unity in a politically polarizing world.
Like in Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock, Quick gives readers an unlikeable character in David Granger that you can’t help but love at the turn of the final page. A compelling, hilarious, and brutally honest narrator, there is more than what’s on the surface with David and his estranged son soon finds that out.
After having brain surgery, David Granger must swallow his pride and call his son Hank, to whom he hasn’t spoken in quite some time. According to David, Hank is a tree-hugging, bleeding liberal who’s obsessed with heart-healthy meals and maintaining his male model physique. He moves in with his newly-single son and his daughter Ella while he recuperates, but his mental state begins to deteriorate.
David has lived through a lot in his 68 years—the Vietnam war, subsequently losing his mind after the war, his wife’s own mental unraveling and her untimely death. Throughout all of this, he’s watched the world evolve and change in ways that go against what he values most. But he refuses to budge, which naturally leads to a good amount of emotional turmoil for him. He’s not shy about expressing exactly what’s on his mind, often in the most politically incorrect way possible.
Despite being entirely politically incorrect, I couldn’t help but laugh at the often uncomfortable things going through David’s mind and coming out of his mouth. This might be one of the funniest books I’ve ever read in a long time. (Though just because I laugh at what he says doesn’t mean I agree with him. Let’s get that straight). But in true Matthew Quick fashion, he blends fantastic wit and humor with a heavy dose of emotions. Towards the end of this novel, I had tears in my eyes.
Quick’s ability to create completely vibrant characters is one of his greatest literary talents. David’s voice is entirely distinctive and strong from the first paragraph. Give me five sets of dialogue from five different characters and I’d be able to pick out David, not because of his rather colorful language but because Matthew Quick truly brought this character to life.
What I loved about this novel was how Quick uses Granger as a vehicle for the novel’s central theme of finding unity and commonalities. It can be easy to judge the people we see around us immediately at face value—we all do that. But upon digging beyond their exterior and delving deeper, there is always more to their story—just like in David.
In addition to David and Hank, there is also a great cast of characters in this novel, with their own stories and personalities. We meet Sue, David’s “genetically Vietnamese” best friend. Then there’s “Gay Timmy” and “Gay Johnny,” David’s spin class instructor and business partner, respectively.
Quick picks away at David’s layers and what we see on the inside is surprising, especially to David’s son Hank. I hope you enjoy getting to know David as much as I did and take the book’s message to heart.
* Thanks to Harper for providing me with an early copy for review.
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February 3, 2022
Sixty eight year old Dave Granger, a Vietnam returnee suffering PTSD and with a score to settle, freely comments on the hypocritical present day society while facing his own demons. The novel has its moments and I actually enjoyed reading it, but, for me, it lacked the power and the satisfying ending that were a feature of Quick’s ‘Silver Linings Playbook’.
February 7, 2019
Well, that was a surprise. If you had told me at the start of this book that I would be bawling and giving it 5 stars, I would have called you cray cray. But here we are. I’m still crying and it’s got 5 stars.
April 25, 2017
"Only the good die young, and I've lived nasty.
Live nasty, live forever."
I loved this book! David was a crusty old Vietnam Veteran who wasn't afraid to say what he thought. He wore camo everyday and his views were pretty far to the right. David's son, Hank, was the complete opposite and very liberal. I loved all of the quirky characters in the book- David, Hank, Sue, Frank, Fire Bear and David's dad. In the beginning of the book I wasn't sure what to think of David, but he grew on me and I ended up loving him. The Reason You're Alive is proof that you can't judge a person solely on what you see on the outside.
This book was so realistic to me. I've worked with Veterans at a VA Clinic for over 20 years and these characters reminded me of Veterans I know. I see Vietnam Veterans like David everyday and Matthew Quick nailed it. This book had me laughing out loud and a few times I was teary-eyed. There were so many great lines in the book- I wish I would have marked all of them. I need to re-read it again just so I can go back to highlight everything.
I'm honored to have received a early copy of The Reason You're Alive. I'm not a blogger, just a huge fan of good books and Matthew Quick.
Live nasty, live forever."
I loved this book! David was a crusty old Vietnam Veteran who wasn't afraid to say what he thought. He wore camo everyday and his views were pretty far to the right. David's son, Hank, was the complete opposite and very liberal. I loved all of the quirky characters in the book- David, Hank, Sue, Frank, Fire Bear and David's dad. In the beginning of the book I wasn't sure what to think of David, but he grew on me and I ended up loving him. The Reason You're Alive is proof that you can't judge a person solely on what you see on the outside.
This book was so realistic to me. I've worked with Veterans at a VA Clinic for over 20 years and these characters reminded me of Veterans I know. I see Vietnam Veterans like David everyday and Matthew Quick nailed it. This book had me laughing out loud and a few times I was teary-eyed. There were so many great lines in the book- I wish I would have marked all of them. I need to re-read it again just so I can go back to highlight everything.
I'm honored to have received a early copy of The Reason You're Alive. I'm not a blogger, just a huge fan of good books and Matthew Quick.
July 12, 2021
A flag waving veteran attempts to restore integrity
Having loved, Silver Lining Play book, I looked forward to humor, fun and engagement, most of which were lacking. David Granger, the central character, is perplexing to say the least. Suffering from Vietnam PTSD and recent head surgery, his racist/cultural/sexist judgement of others is worsened by his lack of fatherly understanding and compassion. He manages to find fault with anyone that thinks differently, doesn't wave the flag or isn't white American. For someone whose views are progressive, its impossible to identify with him, nor would I. While trudging through the story, I kept asking myself whether Quick is poking fun at these types or embraces them; the jury is still out. The story lacks depth, characters are predictable and hopes Granger will redeem himself, fail, though he does give it a shot. Compared to Silver Lining or other unique stories, this one fails on all accounts.
Having loved, Silver Lining Play book, I looked forward to humor, fun and engagement, most of which were lacking. David Granger, the central character, is perplexing to say the least. Suffering from Vietnam PTSD and recent head surgery, his racist/cultural/sexist judgement of others is worsened by his lack of fatherly understanding and compassion. He manages to find fault with anyone that thinks differently, doesn't wave the flag or isn't white American. For someone whose views are progressive, its impossible to identify with him, nor would I. While trudging through the story, I kept asking myself whether Quick is poking fun at these types or embraces them; the jury is still out. The story lacks depth, characters are predictable and hopes Granger will redeem himself, fail, though he does give it a shot. Compared to Silver Lining or other unique stories, this one fails on all accounts.
April 3, 2019
Matthew Quick's "The Reason You're Alive" is a quick read with a lot of depth. His main character, David Granger, an unknown narrator until 50% of the way through the story, is an Archie Bunker type character but instead of being "A Man you love to hate", David is "A Man you stop hating and grow to love". He is recovering from brain surgery and as he shares his past, we see a man of deep compassion and fine character beneath his staid opinions, his outspokenness and camouflage outfit.
This book went way to fast, I didn't want it to end. I read nearly all of it in approximately five hours and way past my bedtime. David is older and at 68, he is recovering after having a brain tumor removed after crashing his car. Initially, we wonder if he is unreliable, as well as deficient as a result of the tumor. As his recovery progresses, he retells the key parts of his life, that which has made him the man he is in the present day. Tales of his year in Vietnam lead and soon he begins telling the story of meeting, marrying and loving Jessica, his now deceased wife. There is much tragedy in these pages but David is very philosophical even though he makes some very derogatory comments throughout, which make him initially seem bigoted and not at all politically correct. However, as we hear his stories, we are compelled to see this man with a gold heart.
His son and he have a tenuous relationship but David persists in trying to navigate their past rifts. He wants to be a good father (his son is in his early 40's) and be a good grandfather to his only grandchild, whom he deeply loves. Despite his words about his son, Hank, he loves him sacrificially. There are many surprises in this story and I don't want to spoil it for those who want to travel on this uplifting journey. It is altogether complex, engaging and heart warming and it will appeal to anyone who has not mastered the understanding of their parent or their child. Words may say one thing but this book encapsulates the saying "Actions speak louder than words".
I liked that this story didn't stick to any script. There were enough twists to always keep the reader intrigued and excited to know what would happen next. This is more than another Vietnam recollection, in fact, it gives the story great context but this is so much more. This is a story about being a real man, being a stand-up guy and helping people when you can. I wish there were more David Granger's out there.
I wouldn't be surprised if this becomes a movie. I actually liked this book more than "Silver Linings Playbook" book. I wouldn't be surprised if others do as well. I am kind of surprised that this book hasn't gotten more attention in literary circles and among reviewers. It is a great effort. Quick knocked it out of the park in my opinion. I am a bit stingy with my stars, I think others will probably feel that it is deserving of 5 stars and I would not quibble. If we had ten stars, I might have rated it 9, however, I don't do decimal point awards. This was a solid 4 for me and I doubt few will rate it less.
This book went way to fast, I didn't want it to end. I read nearly all of it in approximately five hours and way past my bedtime. David is older and at 68, he is recovering after having a brain tumor removed after crashing his car. Initially, we wonder if he is unreliable, as well as deficient as a result of the tumor. As his recovery progresses, he retells the key parts of his life, that which has made him the man he is in the present day. Tales of his year in Vietnam lead and soon he begins telling the story of meeting, marrying and loving Jessica, his now deceased wife. There is much tragedy in these pages but David is very philosophical even though he makes some very derogatory comments throughout, which make him initially seem bigoted and not at all politically correct. However, as we hear his stories, we are compelled to see this man with a gold heart.
His son and he have a tenuous relationship but David persists in trying to navigate their past rifts. He wants to be a good father (his son is in his early 40's) and be a good grandfather to his only grandchild, whom he deeply loves. Despite his words about his son, Hank, he loves him sacrificially. There are many surprises in this story and I don't want to spoil it for those who want to travel on this uplifting journey. It is altogether complex, engaging and heart warming and it will appeal to anyone who has not mastered the understanding of their parent or their child. Words may say one thing but this book encapsulates the saying "Actions speak louder than words".
I liked that this story didn't stick to any script. There were enough twists to always keep the reader intrigued and excited to know what would happen next. This is more than another Vietnam recollection, in fact, it gives the story great context but this is so much more. This is a story about being a real man, being a stand-up guy and helping people when you can. I wish there were more David Granger's out there.
I wouldn't be surprised if this becomes a movie. I actually liked this book more than "Silver Linings Playbook" book. I wouldn't be surprised if others do as well. I am kind of surprised that this book hasn't gotten more attention in literary circles and among reviewers. It is a great effort. Quick knocked it out of the park in my opinion. I am a bit stingy with my stars, I think others will probably feel that it is deserving of 5 stars and I would not quibble. If we had ten stars, I might have rated it 9, however, I don't do decimal point awards. This was a solid 4 for me and I doubt few will rate it less.
August 23, 2017
***Audiobook***
Story: 5 stars
Narration by R.C. Bray: 5+ stars
This audiobook is the reason why listening to books has become so popular- there's no way reading this book could have given me the same experience. And this was an experience.
David Granger is a Vietnam vet who tells it like it is. I'm not going to lie-he said some pretty offensive stuff and there weren't very many sentences without a swear word in them. I could not believe some of the stuff that came out of his mouth. Yet I laughed (maybe a bit guiltily) more times than I could count. Beside laugh, I volleyed back and forth between agreeing and disagreeing with him. I questioned him, even condemned him but most of all, I respected him.
This novel made me cry. The kind of stunned quiet cry that stopped me in my tracks. I was listening on the precipice of knowing something big was going to happen. Then it clicked and I knew what it was and I just lost it. Even now I'm choked up about it.
This book was unexpected and I took a bit of a risk listening to it since it didn't fit into my go-to genres. It was an amazing surprise. The narrator, R.C. Bray, became David Granger. He had an age appropriate voice that had wear and tear to it from living long and rough. I felt like David was sitting down right next to me wearing his camo gear, concealing a knife and some arms, smoking a cigarette and telling me straight about all the shit that has happened in his life.
A good audiobook always speaks stronger to me than any book I have ever read. Once in awhile one just transcends and becomes a truly emotional experience; I loved this audiobook and am grateful I had the opportunity to listen to it.
Story: 5 stars
Narration by R.C. Bray: 5+ stars
This audiobook is the reason why listening to books has become so popular- there's no way reading this book could have given me the same experience. And this was an experience.
David Granger is a Vietnam vet who tells it like it is. I'm not going to lie-he said some pretty offensive stuff and there weren't very many sentences without a swear word in them. I could not believe some of the stuff that came out of his mouth. Yet I laughed (maybe a bit guiltily) more times than I could count. Beside laugh, I volleyed back and forth between agreeing and disagreeing with him. I questioned him, even condemned him but most of all, I respected him.
This novel made me cry. The kind of stunned quiet cry that stopped me in my tracks. I was listening on the precipice of knowing something big was going to happen. Then it clicked and I knew what it was and I just lost it. Even now I'm choked up about it.
This book was unexpected and I took a bit of a risk listening to it since it didn't fit into my go-to genres. It was an amazing surprise. The narrator, R.C. Bray, became David Granger. He had an age appropriate voice that had wear and tear to it from living long and rough. I felt like David was sitting down right next to me wearing his camo gear, concealing a knife and some arms, smoking a cigarette and telling me straight about all the shit that has happened in his life.
A good audiobook always speaks stronger to me than any book I have ever read. Once in awhile one just transcends and becomes a truly emotional experience; I loved this audiobook and am grateful I had the opportunity to listen to it.
Want to read
October 15, 2016 OMG A NEW MATTHEW QUICK NOVEL!!!!
MY BODY IS READY.
July 4, 2017?!
MY BODY IS READY.
July 4, 2017?!
February 25, 2018
Dnf na 2 hoofdstukken.
Nee. Dit is niks voor mij en nu heb ik gedaan wat ik zelden doe: een boek opgegeven. Op de kaft staat “humoristisch, politiek incorrect en hartverscheurend eerlijk”. De hoofdpersoon is een rascistische klootzak en ik heb nog geen humor gezien, alleen alles wat ik fout vind aan Amerika. Jammmerr. Nextttttt.
Nee. Dit is niks voor mij en nu heb ik gedaan wat ik zelden doe: een boek opgegeven. Op de kaft staat “humoristisch, politiek incorrect en hartverscheurend eerlijk”. De hoofdpersoon is een rascistische klootzak en ik heb nog geen humor gezien, alleen alles wat ik fout vind aan Amerika. Jammmerr. Nextttttt.
July 28, 2017
This is not the Matthew Quick style of writing that I've become accustomed to reading. Even so, I loved it! We meet 68 year-old, Vietnam Veteran, David Granger after he has had a seizure and crashed his car. The doctors discover and operate to remove a brain tumor.
At first, I couldn't stand David Granger. He seemed racist, bigoted, prejudiced and not afraid to share his opinions. As I read on, I began to see my brother-in-law as David Granger and my whole vibe for him changed. He fought a horrible war for a country he still loves but that country is changing at a breakneck pace that David can't possibly keep up with. His words become no less offensive but the reader begins to understand that his words don't mirror his actions. He needs to finish up things left undone in his life so that he can say, "mission completed".
At first, I couldn't stand David Granger. He seemed racist, bigoted, prejudiced and not afraid to share his opinions. As I read on, I began to see my brother-in-law as David Granger and my whole vibe for him changed. He fought a horrible war for a country he still loves but that country is changing at a breakneck pace that David can't possibly keep up with. His words become no less offensive but the reader begins to understand that his words don't mirror his actions. He needs to finish up things left undone in his life so that he can say, "mission completed".
August 14, 2025
A minha opinião em vídeo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXV6p...
Conhecemos o Dave, um veterano do Vietname sem qualquer filtro: e quando digo sem filtro, é MESMO sem filtro. O homem é racista, xenófobo, homofóbico… mas ao mesmo tempo consegue arrancar gargalhadas genuínas com as tiradas mais politicamente incorretas.
A escrita é afiada, a narrativa é toda construída como uma mensagem pessoal e o retrato do Dave é tão realista que quase conseguimos ouvi-lo falar. É ofensivo? Sim. É desconfortável? Muitas vezes. Mas é também brilhante na forma como mostra a complexidade (e as contradições) de uma personagem destas.
Conhecemos o Dave, um veterano do Vietname sem qualquer filtro: e quando digo sem filtro, é MESMO sem filtro. O homem é racista, xenófobo, homofóbico… mas ao mesmo tempo consegue arrancar gargalhadas genuínas com as tiradas mais politicamente incorretas.
A escrita é afiada, a narrativa é toda construída como uma mensagem pessoal e o retrato do Dave é tão realista que quase conseguimos ouvi-lo falar. É ofensivo? Sim. É desconfortável? Muitas vezes. Mas é também brilhante na forma como mostra a complexidade (e as contradições) de uma personagem destas.
August 2, 2017
I generally like Matthew Quick, but this one felt off. The main character is a gun toting, Republican voting, non PC, Vietnam war vet. But he also has an eclectic collection of friends, all of whom tolerate and even love who he is (as in gun toting, republican voting etc. etc.) I find that a little hard to believe. Because I don't know, maybe this guy's voting pattern is harmful to gay people, blacks, and other racial minorities? That they wouldn't even think of questioning this is extremely weird. You can't just have liberal beliefs while you're also racist, but vote in a way that would harm all your friends. Or maybe you can do that but your friends wouldn't treat you better than your son treats you, and also wouldn't question your beliefs.
What it feels like was a book written about a racist person, but then giving him all these liberal opinions, making him better than the actual liberals in the book to make him sympathetic and relatable. It may have worked if I had something more to go on - even a basic explanation as to why he didn't like the Obama administration, especially when he thought that black people needed as much support as they could get, would have made a difference. There wasn't more, and it didn't work for me.
(There's a plot, but it didn't make much of an impression).
What it feels like was a book written about a racist person, but then giving him all these liberal opinions, making him better than the actual liberals in the book to make him sympathetic and relatable. It may have worked if I had something more to go on - even a basic explanation as to why he didn't like the Obama administration, especially when he thought that black people needed as much support as they could get, would have made a difference. There wasn't more, and it didn't work for me.
(There's a plot, but it didn't make much of an impression).
July 17, 2017
Mixed feelings. Difficult to read because the main character is, on paper, a person I would not enjoy spending time with, but he does grow on you, and while many of his views are politically incorrect and racist, some of his other views are decidedly...and he would hate that I use this word...liberal. It's an interesting read. I disagree with reviews that say this is a quick summer read--it's a book you need to take your time with.
July 4, 2017
July 4th seems like the right day to review Matthew Quick's new novel - The Reason You're Alive.
David Granger is a sixty eight year old Vietnam vet. He's also a father, a grandfather, a widower, a businessman, a friend, an enemy and a man with a brain tumor. The book opens with Granger recovering in hospital from surgery, seemingly reporting to a 'government representative' about his past. Specifically about a man he calls Clayton Fire Bear. "But I can't tell you everything about Fire Bear before I put it all in context." But there's also another driving force behind his staying alive... his son and granddaughter ...."My old man's dying words echoed in my head once more. It was clear that I had one last mission. And I always, always, always complete my mission." And so begins David Granger's tale.....
I must admit I was hesitant when I first started reading The Reason You're Alive. Granger is a 'tell it like I see it' narrator. His language is not politically correct or are some of his viewpoints. I continued though, as I was curious as to where Quick would take Granger's life. And in the end, I was so very glad I did - by the last few chapters I had tears in my eyes. (and a few other times as well) Yup, that much of a turnaround. I think we've all met a David Granger - gruff words and exteriors hide the fortitude, resolve, pain, stoicism and more behind the front presented to the world.
The foreshadowing at the end of many chapters had me reading 'just another chapter' until I finished all 240 pages in a morning. I enjoyed the dark humour peppered throughout. Quick's depiction of a vet with PTSD is eye opening, frightening and truly saddening. But the book itself also funny, redemptive and heartwarming.
As with previous Quick books, there are some plot pieces that seemed a little far fetched - but that's the type of book and characters I have come to expect and enjoy from Quick. The Reason You're Alive is clever, serendipitous and so very good. If you enjoyed The Silver Linings Playbook, this is a book you'll enjoy as well. (And it is being developed for film as well.)
David Granger is a sixty eight year old Vietnam vet. He's also a father, a grandfather, a widower, a businessman, a friend, an enemy and a man with a brain tumor. The book opens with Granger recovering in hospital from surgery, seemingly reporting to a 'government representative' about his past. Specifically about a man he calls Clayton Fire Bear. "But I can't tell you everything about Fire Bear before I put it all in context." But there's also another driving force behind his staying alive... his son and granddaughter ...."My old man's dying words echoed in my head once more. It was clear that I had one last mission. And I always, always, always complete my mission." And so begins David Granger's tale.....
I must admit I was hesitant when I first started reading The Reason You're Alive. Granger is a 'tell it like I see it' narrator. His language is not politically correct or are some of his viewpoints. I continued though, as I was curious as to where Quick would take Granger's life. And in the end, I was so very glad I did - by the last few chapters I had tears in my eyes. (and a few other times as well) Yup, that much of a turnaround. I think we've all met a David Granger - gruff words and exteriors hide the fortitude, resolve, pain, stoicism and more behind the front presented to the world.
The foreshadowing at the end of many chapters had me reading 'just another chapter' until I finished all 240 pages in a morning. I enjoyed the dark humour peppered throughout. Quick's depiction of a vet with PTSD is eye opening, frightening and truly saddening. But the book itself also funny, redemptive and heartwarming.
As with previous Quick books, there are some plot pieces that seemed a little far fetched - but that's the type of book and characters I have come to expect and enjoy from Quick. The Reason You're Alive is clever, serendipitous and so very good. If you enjoyed The Silver Linings Playbook, this is a book you'll enjoy as well. (And it is being developed for film as well.)
February 12, 2019
Was bedeutet Anstand? Überraschend gut, brutal ehrlich und sehr unterhaltsam.
Veteran David Granger erzählt seine Geschichte. Schonungslos ehrlich.
Er hat viel gesehen und viel erlebt, leidet unter Alpträumen und Verfolgungswahn. Er war ein guter Soldat und sein Leben war nicht einfach. Er hat seine Überzeugungen und ist politisch nicht korrekt. Und er hinterlässt Eindruck.
"Wir die Unwilligen geführt von den Inkompetenten, tun das Unnötige für die Undankbaren"
Konservativ und altmodisch redet er über Krieg, Vorurteile, Rassismus, Schuld und Sühne. Während er mit seiner derben Sprache keinen Wert auf politische Korrektheit legt, drückt sein Sohn, das "liberale Weichei" sich gewählt aus. Die beiden haben komplett verschiedene Ansichten und das Verhältnis zwischen ihnen schwierig. Aber der Rassist entpuppt sich als Mann mit Herz und viel sympathischer als sein verklemmter Sohn.
Während er nämlich von "Schlitzaugen, Homos und Bimbos" redet, hat er eine vietnamesische Ersatztochter, schwule beste Freunde und spielt Basketball mit Schwarzen.
Ja er ist zynisch aber glaubhaft und authentisch. Aber am Ende kann man nicht anders als ihn zu mögen.
Dazu ist das Buch flüssig geschrieben, unheimlich interessant und beeindruckend.
Große Empfehlung!
Veteran David Granger erzählt seine Geschichte. Schonungslos ehrlich.
Er hat viel gesehen und viel erlebt, leidet unter Alpträumen und Verfolgungswahn. Er war ein guter Soldat und sein Leben war nicht einfach. Er hat seine Überzeugungen und ist politisch nicht korrekt. Und er hinterlässt Eindruck.
"Wir die Unwilligen geführt von den Inkompetenten, tun das Unnötige für die Undankbaren"
Konservativ und altmodisch redet er über Krieg, Vorurteile, Rassismus, Schuld und Sühne. Während er mit seiner derben Sprache keinen Wert auf politische Korrektheit legt, drückt sein Sohn, das "liberale Weichei" sich gewählt aus. Die beiden haben komplett verschiedene Ansichten und das Verhältnis zwischen ihnen schwierig. Aber der Rassist entpuppt sich als Mann mit Herz und viel sympathischer als sein verklemmter Sohn.
Während er nämlich von "Schlitzaugen, Homos und Bimbos" redet, hat er eine vietnamesische Ersatztochter, schwule beste Freunde und spielt Basketball mit Schwarzen.
Ja er ist zynisch aber glaubhaft und authentisch. Aber am Ende kann man nicht anders als ihn zu mögen.
Dazu ist das Buch flüssig geschrieben, unheimlich interessant und beeindruckend.
Große Empfehlung!
July 23, 2017
This is a really good book. It's slow paced and I didn't expect to like it as much as I did! It was a nice surprise.
May 30, 2025
Exquisite storytelling, bold and offensive.
At first, most readers will be taken aback by David Granger, a politically incorrect, swearing Vietnam Veteran and proud conspiracy theory believing White Republican American.
Surprisingly, as the story continues, most readers will take an intriguing liking to this polarizing main character.
Favorite Passages:
The doctors were giving me the mushroom treatment - keeping me in the dark and feeding me bullshit.
________
________
I know what quaffing means, but I'd never use that word. Makes you sound like an elitist asshole.
________
There were girly-man tears in his eyes, and he was blinking more than a sweet little actress trying to win a golden trophy. No doubt he was thinking about his mother again.
________
Hank's wife once said that in dreams and literature, the attic is a metaphor for the mind and a house is a metaphor for a person. The basement is supposed to be your subconscious. I don't know about the basement part. but rooting around in my father's attic is where I first found the key to his darker thoughts.
________
They say that after so many days in combat, every man is considered legally insane. That's when I met Tao. After so many days in combat.
________
Most of the time it was like we communicated telepathically, or maybe akin to a two-man pack of lions using pheromones. When a man is reduced to hunting and killing, words become useless - maybe even dangerous. Sometimes I felt as though we weren't even human anymore. Like we had evolved - or devolved, maybe.
________
I found Bullshit in the jungle. He was a high-spirited little mutt, and he ran right up to me, barking and jumping and wagging his tail. When I bent down, he licked my face all over, which is when I knew we were going to be buddies.
_________
Bullshit was my one comfort in a fucking nightmare, the only good thing that happened to me in Vietnam.
He might have been the best friend I have ever had in my entire life.
If you have a dog, I want you to think about him or her.
________
Too many American patriots and heroes have gotten fucked in the ass by Uncle Sam, who to this day is till doing a lot of ass-fucking when it comes to our psychologically and/or physically wounded veterans. If you don't believe me or think I am exaggerating, visit your local VA. The horror show is on display daily. But you won't go. No one goes. No one cares.
________
My spin class instructor is named Timothy. He's off-the-charts-gay, definitely the woman in his gay homo relationship, and so I call him Gay Timmy. But before you go stereotyping against him, believe me when I say he has the body of a Navy SEAL. You would not to fight this gay motherfucker, trust me. You might think I hate the gays because I was in the army and am a registered Republican, but you'd be dead fucking wrong. I respect those people.
Gays always contribute something positive to the community. You never see gays move into a neighborhood and make it worse. No, you always see them renovating old fucked-up houses, adding value, making things look better, starting businesses.
Don't get me wrong. I would never willingly hold hands with another dude, let alone put another man's dick inside of me. No homo here. Heterosexual and proud of it. I'd march if we straights had a parade.
________
WE ARE THE UNWILLING LED BY THE UNQUALIFIED DOING THE UNECESSARY FOR THE UNGRATEFUL.
________
My son makes mashed potatoes with cauliflower, for Christ's sake. There are no potatoes in his mashed potatoes. No butter either. What the fuck? I asked him what could possibly be wrong with potatoes, which grow in the ground naturally - keeping the Irish alive for centuries - and he said they are high in carbs and then implied that I was fat, only he said it in a politically correct way. According to my son, I am "not heart-healthy," I prefer "fat" to "not heart-healthy." And I prefer potatoes to fucking cauliflower.
________
I don't approve of they way my son eats, but he is fit and looks like one of those model guys who fall out of the Sunday paper wearing nothing but tighty-whitey underwear and smug looks on their faces. The ones with their hands always behind their heads so you can see their shaved armpits. Those stupid advertising inserts no one wants. I think those underwear guys look like fucking assholes, but secretly I also want to look like them, which is why I spin with Gay Timmy, who has probably done some underwear modeling himself.
_________
Asians are the best when it comes to martial arts and dry cleaning - every single moron in the entire world knows that. I use Asian dry cleaners exclusively. White people are shit when it comes to dry cleaning. And if I were making a kung fu movie, I'd make damn sure the lead was Asian. There is no white Bruce Lee. Period. I like some of Chuck Norris's politics, but he is the minivan to Bruce Lee's Corvette.
__________
"Are you insane, Dad? Because sometimes I seriously think you are absolutely fucking bonkers. People might think it's the brain surgery, but only the ones who never met you before they cut out part of your conservative brain, which just might have made you a little less racist, actually -- which is also insane, because you are still the most offensive and the absolute most politically incorrect person I have ever met."
__________
I asked him where the can was.
"Why are you wearing nothing but camouflage?" he responded.
I told him I had spent some time in the jungle over in Vietnam, and the government had recently cut out part of my brain. I took off my bucket hat and showed him my scar.
__________
Frank had booked us into a huge suite with a hot tub in the living room that had a glass ceiling over it so that we could look up at the stars. Which is exactly what we did, with Cuban cigars hanging out of our mouths, after we ate a big steak dinner made from cows that had lived less than then miles away. I ate my steak under a pair of bull horns hung on the wall behind me. Classic Americana. It was a nice place, and I had to laugh at how far I had come from eating snakes and sleeping in fucking trees.
Damn right. America is a good place to live if you're hardworking and realistic about the world.
It is not gay to be naked and alone in a hot tub with your best man friend, provided that you are smoking cigars and no part of your body touches his at any point, and so we made sure to stay on opposite sides, getting in and out at different times so our white asses wouldn't accidentally bump together when they were all hot and slippery.
_________
Maybe it didn't matter if my son was a bleeding-heart liberal moron, just as long as there were people like me and my friends to keep him in check.
_________
My wife was a sensitive person, too in tune with the world. If most people receive life's radio frequency at volume four, she received it at volume one hundred million.
_________
Even before the war, I was a hardheaded asshole. My mother always used to say so. I was born set in my ways . . .
_________
Only the good die young, and I've lived nasty.
Live nasty, live forever.
Sweetheart, you can bet your pretty little ass on that.
At first, most readers will be taken aback by David Granger, a politically incorrect, swearing Vietnam Veteran and proud conspiracy theory believing White Republican American.
Surprisingly, as the story continues, most readers will take an intriguing liking to this polarizing main character.
Favorite Passages:
The doctors were giving me the mushroom treatment - keeping me in the dark and feeding me bullshit.
________
________
I know what quaffing means, but I'd never use that word. Makes you sound like an elitist asshole.
________
There were girly-man tears in his eyes, and he was blinking more than a sweet little actress trying to win a golden trophy. No doubt he was thinking about his mother again.
________
Hank's wife once said that in dreams and literature, the attic is a metaphor for the mind and a house is a metaphor for a person. The basement is supposed to be your subconscious. I don't know about the basement part. but rooting around in my father's attic is where I first found the key to his darker thoughts.
________
They say that after so many days in combat, every man is considered legally insane. That's when I met Tao. After so many days in combat.
________
Most of the time it was like we communicated telepathically, or maybe akin to a two-man pack of lions using pheromones. When a man is reduced to hunting and killing, words become useless - maybe even dangerous. Sometimes I felt as though we weren't even human anymore. Like we had evolved - or devolved, maybe.
________
I found Bullshit in the jungle. He was a high-spirited little mutt, and he ran right up to me, barking and jumping and wagging his tail. When I bent down, he licked my face all over, which is when I knew we were going to be buddies.
_________
Bullshit was my one comfort in a fucking nightmare, the only good thing that happened to me in Vietnam.
He might have been the best friend I have ever had in my entire life.
If you have a dog, I want you to think about him or her.
________
Too many American patriots and heroes have gotten fucked in the ass by Uncle Sam, who to this day is till doing a lot of ass-fucking when it comes to our psychologically and/or physically wounded veterans. If you don't believe me or think I am exaggerating, visit your local VA. The horror show is on display daily. But you won't go. No one goes. No one cares.
________
My spin class instructor is named Timothy. He's off-the-charts-gay, definitely the woman in his gay homo relationship, and so I call him Gay Timmy. But before you go stereotyping against him, believe me when I say he has the body of a Navy SEAL. You would not to fight this gay motherfucker, trust me. You might think I hate the gays because I was in the army and am a registered Republican, but you'd be dead fucking wrong. I respect those people.
Gays always contribute something positive to the community. You never see gays move into a neighborhood and make it worse. No, you always see them renovating old fucked-up houses, adding value, making things look better, starting businesses.
Don't get me wrong. I would never willingly hold hands with another dude, let alone put another man's dick inside of me. No homo here. Heterosexual and proud of it. I'd march if we straights had a parade.
________
WE ARE THE UNWILLING LED BY THE UNQUALIFIED DOING THE UNECESSARY FOR THE UNGRATEFUL.
________
My son makes mashed potatoes with cauliflower, for Christ's sake. There are no potatoes in his mashed potatoes. No butter either. What the fuck? I asked him what could possibly be wrong with potatoes, which grow in the ground naturally - keeping the Irish alive for centuries - and he said they are high in carbs and then implied that I was fat, only he said it in a politically correct way. According to my son, I am "not heart-healthy," I prefer "fat" to "not heart-healthy." And I prefer potatoes to fucking cauliflower.
________
I don't approve of they way my son eats, but he is fit and looks like one of those model guys who fall out of the Sunday paper wearing nothing but tighty-whitey underwear and smug looks on their faces. The ones with their hands always behind their heads so you can see their shaved armpits. Those stupid advertising inserts no one wants. I think those underwear guys look like fucking assholes, but secretly I also want to look like them, which is why I spin with Gay Timmy, who has probably done some underwear modeling himself.
_________
Asians are the best when it comes to martial arts and dry cleaning - every single moron in the entire world knows that. I use Asian dry cleaners exclusively. White people are shit when it comes to dry cleaning. And if I were making a kung fu movie, I'd make damn sure the lead was Asian. There is no white Bruce Lee. Period. I like some of Chuck Norris's politics, but he is the minivan to Bruce Lee's Corvette.
__________
"Are you insane, Dad? Because sometimes I seriously think you are absolutely fucking bonkers. People might think it's the brain surgery, but only the ones who never met you before they cut out part of your conservative brain, which just might have made you a little less racist, actually -- which is also insane, because you are still the most offensive and the absolute most politically incorrect person I have ever met."
__________
I asked him where the can was.
"Why are you wearing nothing but camouflage?" he responded.
I told him I had spent some time in the jungle over in Vietnam, and the government had recently cut out part of my brain. I took off my bucket hat and showed him my scar.
__________
Frank had booked us into a huge suite with a hot tub in the living room that had a glass ceiling over it so that we could look up at the stars. Which is exactly what we did, with Cuban cigars hanging out of our mouths, after we ate a big steak dinner made from cows that had lived less than then miles away. I ate my steak under a pair of bull horns hung on the wall behind me. Classic Americana. It was a nice place, and I had to laugh at how far I had come from eating snakes and sleeping in fucking trees.
Damn right. America is a good place to live if you're hardworking and realistic about the world.
It is not gay to be naked and alone in a hot tub with your best man friend, provided that you are smoking cigars and no part of your body touches his at any point, and so we made sure to stay on opposite sides, getting in and out at different times so our white asses wouldn't accidentally bump together when they were all hot and slippery.
_________
Maybe it didn't matter if my son was a bleeding-heart liberal moron, just as long as there were people like me and my friends to keep him in check.
_________
My wife was a sensitive person, too in tune with the world. If most people receive life's radio frequency at volume four, she received it at volume one hundred million.
_________
Even before the war, I was a hardheaded asshole. My mother always used to say so. I was born set in my ways . . .
_________
Only the good die young, and I've lived nasty.
Live nasty, live forever.
Sweetheart, you can bet your pretty little ass on that.
August 20, 2017
Wow - I couldn't have been more impressed by this book. The main character, David Granger, a politically incorrect, gun=loving veteran of the Vietnam War - isn't anyone I would ever remotely like! Reminded me of the character in "A Man Called Ove" (one of my very favorite books), but I disdained this one more than you can imagine - in the beginning of the book! Looking a little deeper, a very damaged human, also able to be very generous, well-meaning, and honest doing the very best that he could. Still not quite sure that one could survive his horrors from the VietNam war and become a successful businessman and admirable human being. However a very uplifting story, went from 'yuck' to 'big smile' to 'tears' - then all over again. Engaging. Recommend.
April 22, 2017
So so hilarious and politically incorrect - but honest. Such a strong voice in the narrator of this book. Completely believable and lovable, even though he's constantly saying & thinking terrible things. I laughed out loud multiple times. Matthew Quick has been pretty hit or miss with his last couple books, but this one is definitely a hit.
August 7, 2017
I was really disappointed with this book. I sort of get what he was trying to do, but reading the super patriotic veteran lingo just wasn't for me.
August 11, 2017
okay, even my frozen heart melted a little at the ending. HOWEVER:
August 20, 2019
Da ich bis dato alle ins deutsche Übersetze Bücher von Matthew Quick gelesen habe, wollte ich auch unbedingt Anstand lesen. Ich finde der Autor hat einen ganz eigenen und besonderen Stil, seine Charaktere entsprechen nicht der Norm und oft wird es auch etwas unbequem.
Ich habe Anstand als Hörbuch gehört und empfand den Sprecher als sehr angenehm. Zunächst habe ich befürchtet, dass ich mit der Geschichte nicht so viel Anfangen kann, doch dies legte sich bald. Man merkt, dass die Dinge nicht so sind, wie sie auf den ersten Blick scheinen und auch, dass der Protagonist nicht so ist, wie er zunächst den Anschein erweckt.
Die Geschichte entspricht nicht meinem typischen Beuteschema und ich bin froh, dass ich sie gehört habe.
Ich habe Anstand als Hörbuch gehört und empfand den Sprecher als sehr angenehm. Zunächst habe ich befürchtet, dass ich mit der Geschichte nicht so viel Anfangen kann, doch dies legte sich bald. Man merkt, dass die Dinge nicht so sind, wie sie auf den ersten Blick scheinen und auch, dass der Protagonist nicht so ist, wie er zunächst den Anschein erweckt.
Die Geschichte entspricht nicht meinem typischen Beuteschema und ich bin froh, dass ich sie gehört habe.
July 14, 2017
I'm 60% through the book and I'm still waiting for it to get to the point. I'm just not connecting with these characters. They're all really unlikable and obnoxious. Trying very hard to finish this book, but I honestly don't care enough to finish it or not.
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