Hamlet Park

by Mark Lages

Join Michael Tomlin as he jets through a surreal all-night journey into the heart and soul of the American dream. It all takes place in Hamlet Park, his childhood stomping ground. In his vivid imagination, and under the light of a full moon, he meets up with one unforgettable character after another in a rapid-fire and spellbinding series of encounters. Youll meet an ex-slave who never dies, a millionaire computer-gaming wunderkind in search of true love, a preacher who holds his services in the dark, and many more! This is a must read for anyone whos enjoyed Mark Lagess previous books, and its a great place to start for those who are new to Lagess writing. Hamlet Park is a truly unique experience with many thought-provoking ideas, and, best of all, it has an ending that will surprise you and make you smile.

Genres: Fiction

310 pages, Paperback

First published June 19, 2018

About the author

Quickly...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.

Reviews

[Olivia "So many books--so little time."" · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark Lages' books keep getting better and better. In this latest, his protagonist bolts from his daughter's wedding reception to a park which he and his friends called Hamlet Park. There he meets all sorts of interesting characters. I couldn't put this book down.

[Susan Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read another book by Mark Lages that was whimsical and imaginative. I didn't know what to expect from his new book, Hamlet Park. The cover and title reminded me of a period piece in English society. To my surprise, it was just as imaginative as My Remarkable Little Monkey. Join Michael Tomlin in an unscheduled trip to Hamlet Park where the night is filled with apparitions and visitors from the past who, like all of us, have either pursued or abandoned their dreams. The beauty of this book is that each exchange between Michael and a visitor can stand on its own as a short story. The author deftly binds the stories together using the theme of the American dream. I loved so many characters who appeared in Hamlet Park that it is hard to pick a favorite. Some stories are tragic, but some had me smiling or laughing. This magical night changes Michael Tomlin so that he no longer postpones his dream and begins to pursue it full throttle.

[Tony Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hamlet Park. Michael Tomlin after he runs away from his daughter’s wedding reception takes you through his nightly drunken stupor.
The PPL he comes across are as real as 1 can imagine drunk/sober.
The night is filled with ups/downs of some very interesting & unique individuals.
1 of my books at the top of 25 list for 2018.
A must read for everyone.
Thought-provoking is right. Almost close to Jacob Appeal.

Warning: This book is for adults only & contains extreme violent or graphic adult content or profanity &/or sexually explicit scenarios. It may be offensive to some readers.

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great movie, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free Goodreads; Making Connections; Making Connections discussion group talk; Authorhouse; author; paperback book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Through one night in a park the memories of Michael Tomlin take us on a journey through many lives and show us the struggles and elation of worldly existence. With respect to diversity and sameness these characters show us how we come to grips with who we are and what we want to achieve in this life and body.

I really enjoyed the set up of this novel. I liked how every chapter was a short story that all came together into one larger “whole” in the end. (Whole? Hole? What?) The characters are tragic, humorous, some likable, some not. The story has truthfulness and comedy, and probably something everyone can relate to. …All the people who live in my coat.

[Heather · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wish I had something nice to say, but I really did not like this book. I read it all, even when I wanted to quit many times. I maybe didn't like the premise? I certainly did not like that it was an attempt to tell the author's thoughts by using characters. I did not like the blonde jokes because they were completely unnecessary. Most of the ideas presented through the eyes of the characters I did not enjoy.

I really don't know what I was supposed to get out of this book. Was it that drunk people are awful? Was it that drunks are insane? The main character is completely unlikable because he skips out on his daughter's wedding reception and goes to a park where he hallucinates. It's just weird. Maybe I just don't get it. I was really hoping that the story was different - that the guy saw his daughter get married, had a heart attack, and all the stories at his childhood park with people he knew throughout his life were flashing before his eyes. But no....it was not that way.

If you want to read a cute book by this author, read "My Remarkable Little Monkey". It is much better.

[Linda Torres · Rating 4 out of 5]

You will be captured right away after reading the first paragraph of the first chapter. The book is funny and thought-provoking. I really enjoyed the stories within the story that Mark Lages brought forth.

The story all takes place in one day at Hamlet Park. The main character Mike, needed time to think about Life and "the American Dream". The short stories are people and memories he shares with the reader as he walks through the park. I was curious as to how the story will end and glad to say I was not disappointed.

There are some great quotes in this book one of my favorites is "Are dreams only for the young? Is that why so many older people like to pretend they're young, so they can have dreams? Is a 62 year old man who has a dream for his future just a fool? Is he a man to be laughed at or a man to be admired?"

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mark has done yet another great job with Hamlet Park. Like all of Mark's work he has really good character development that just pulls you in so you feel like you are right there. I would recommend that everyone ready at least one of Mark's books and you also will be drawn in.

[Linda · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book had a seemingly interesting premise, so I bought it. A few chapters in, I was not enjoying it much. I found it boring, preachy, long winded and there were typos. One especially glaring one- a healthy 10 ounce baby? It seemed to me that a good editor could have been helpful, which led me to wonder if maybe this was the author's first attempt at a novel. I looked him up here on goodreads. This was no Mark Lages first book and there were glowing reviews (which upon closer look I realized, came mostly from people who were given the book in exchange for a review. Friends of the author maybe? That might explain the high star count.)
This book could have been a collection of short stories as in each chapter the main character/narrator Michael Tomlin, meets a new character which brings a new tale, but instead it read like a lot of back stories piled one on top of another. There was no real plot, just a drunk guy (who realistically should have passed out from alcohol poisoning about halfway through) taking swigs from a bottle of Jim Beam as he wanders around having conversations with people, which are really just excuses to give his opinion.
If it was the author's intent to give the reader a feel for what being in Michael Tomlin's drunk head, then Mark Lages accomplished what he set out to do. It is not a place I want to be. In fact I wanted out by the second chapter! I almost quit reading the book twice, but I forced myself to finish it hoping that it might redeem itself. It did not.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

First I have to thank the author for sending me his latest book for my unbiased review. Wow! I love Mark Lages' stories. As he did in 60 Magnificent Years, Hamlet Park is told in a series of vignettes as Mike makes his way through the park on the night of his daughter's wedding. Lages takes on the topics of suicide, infidelity, alcoholism, drug abuse, loss of a child, among other timely issues as Mike meets people from his past and examines his life. Characterization is Lages' forte. And what a wonderful passage about the sunrise - my favorite part! The message the author leaves us with is to find our purpose in life. Bravo! I look forward to reading future books from Lages. A solid 4 1/2 stars!

[Andrew Langert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy Mark Lages novels. This is the 4th of his that I’ve read. You can count on him to be thought-provoking. And he conveys his thoughts in a charming, offbeat way.
This novel takes place in one night, the wedding night of protagonist Michael Tomlin’s lone daughter. Michael disappears from the wedding reception and heads to Hamlet Park, where he spent much of his boyhood. The subsequent chapters present a cast of characters who, one by one, reveal themselves and their quest for something more from life. The American Dream.
The author does not preach to you. He just makes you think. Are we all caught in ruts? Are we missing something in life by making the chase of the almighty dollar the top priority? Do you need to be selfish to be successful? Can you be humble, placing other people’s priorities first, and survive in this world?
Once again, Mark Lages proves to be a unique and talented writer.

[Michelle Arredondo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book came in today. Read it in one day. I couldn't help myself. I felt myself going into a slump and I needed something to wake me from the funk. This book completely helped. Enticing...Hamlet Park by Mark Lages.

Hamlet Park....has such a unique and wonderful writing style to it that it made for a quick read...the flow of it was too appealing to stop and take a break. Funny because I soon discovered the story takes place in one night....how fitting that I would finish it in that time frame as well. It's a beautiful and whimsical story with such a lovely cast of characters....each with their own story to tell...each with such great importance to the story as a whole. It's imaginative, fresh, thought provoking and overall a fun read. Made me want to experience "Hamlet Park" myself.

High recommend.

Thanks to the peeps at goodreads and to author Mark Lages for my free book via giveaway. I received. I read. I reviewed this book voluntarily and honestly.

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Previously, I have read and loved six books from Lages… But I think this one has earned an extra special place in my heart. I think it just felt a little simpler than the others... The whole thing took place in one night, and it didn't require quite as much thinking about life as some of the others, so I was able to read it much faster, without even realizing it. I really liked how it just focused on Michael and his life, rather than bigger problems with the world. I liked seeing the progress as Michael reflected on different aspects of his life. I thought it was pretty neat how he could think about all of these things while half-drunk, and be able to get things out of it, while realizing that he was imagining these conversations. Overall, I have no complaints, and am excited to read whatever Lages comes up with next.

[Suzanne Sotzing · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Yet another fine novel by Mark Lages. Always thought-provoking and written in a way that makes the reading fly by. Completely out of the box, you will find yourself looking deep within yourself and wondering why the world it is the way it is and is there any way to fix your own life if it needs to be fixed.

This story takes place in one night, the wedding night of main character's daughter. After much drinking, he disappears from the reception and heads to Hamlet Park, a place where he grew up. Each delirious chapter brings forth a character from the past who brings their insight and their ambitions for themselves. How well did they achieve it? You will find out.

This is a completely unique novel, filled with thought-provoking moments. Another win for Mark Lages.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing story! This is definitely the best of all Mark's books to date. I loved every minute of this highly creative and thought provoking adventure. I literally couldn't put this book down, and I didn't want the story to end. This is the American dream described in a way no other author has ever had the skill to describe it, always right on point, lucid, and entertaining. My favorite character was King, or maybe Prof Posh, or maybe Hirsute Joe...or heck, maybe I just loved them all!

[Gayle Slagle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hamlet Park is another five star book by Mark Lages. Each time that I read a book by Lages, I am astounded that he is not more well-known. Hamlet Park tells the story of Michael Tomlin, who narrates the story of his surreal night in a park which he frequented as a child and as a teen. Tomlin is now a man who has spent his adult life as a very successful real estate agent and in the view of most people has achieved the American Dream. He is also an ex-alcoholic who has been sober for many years, but on this night he has left the wedding reception of his only daughter with a bottle of Jim Beam as his only companion. However, he is not alone in the park for very long before he begins to "meet" an array of unforgettable characters, some from his past and some simply from his imagination. These characters give Tomlin insight into his past, his present, and his future. Lages presents an intriguing and interesting character in Mike Tomlin and develops a story that forces the reader to think about life in general and about one's own life in particular. If you have not read any books by Mark Lages, I strongly recommend that you give him a try. I don't think you will be disappointed.

[Linda McCutcheon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly believe the author of Hamlet Park, Mark Lages, should be teaching philosophy at a university. Like his previous book, Mr. Booker's Summer Vacation, which I loved, he once again takes his readers on a journey of thought provoking ideas.

The book begins with Michael Tomlin at his daughter's wedding reception. Out of nowhere he has what some might describe as a panic attack. All he knows is he must leave the reception now. Without saying a word to anyone he walks out and gets into his car. His first stop is to a liquor store to buy a bottle of Jim Beam. This is a bad idea for many reasons but number one is he is a recovering alcoholic.

Michael finds himself parking in Hamlet Park. A place he has visited many times with his family but on this night alone with his alcohol, panic attack, and maybe feeling his own mortality he begins a journey encountering many people through a drunk haze.

Each person or group of people he meets becomes a short story unto itself. Each story helps Michael realize something about himself and his life choices. I promise as you read each encounter you will recognize yourself or someone you know.

Some encounters will lead to self discovery for Michael or at least to very long dinner discussions with your own family and friends. For instance, the character named King tells Michael the story of how he was granted the gift of eternal life. But is it a gift is the real question. Do we really want to live forever? My family and I discussed this issue for over two hours without a conclusion. Can you be happy living forever and watching over and over as your love ones continue to die? How much grief can one survive?

There are encounters with teenage girls which gives a very insightful look at what today's youth considers a perfect life. There is also a very telling escapade at a political rally where it is never revealed what party the politician is affiliated with because in the long run does it really matter? Though I would guess he leans right due to his aversion to homosexuality.

I don't know if I would have reached the same life altering conclusion as Michael when his trek through the park is over but I did enjoy debating it with my son, also named Michael, after I gave him the book to read.

I highly recommend this book. It is a very provocative journey filled with ideology that will be eye opening whether you want it to be or not. Hamlet Park should be on your must read list.

[Austin Allred · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book for free for an honest review.
I am really enjoying Mark Lages writing, I stumbled across him by accident and winning a giveaway for another one of his books.
Mark Lages has a way of getting you to like his characters right away, and a great way of making his story telling really fits. If you haven't read a Mark Lages book, you really should.

This book is about Mike Tomlin as he leaves his daughter's wedding reception on a drunken trip to Hamlet Park. You meet a lot of characters and get into a lot of situations that you are not sure are real, or just imaginations of a drunken stupor.
These events and memories make Mike realize what is important in life.
Book is filled with a lot of characters that are well written and have good stories and good lessons.
Really quick and easy read.
Awesome book.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

How would I describe this story? Entertaining, complex, fascinating, different , deep, challenging, insightful are just some of the words to describe it. All this comes together to weave a story about The American Dream. Mark Lages has woven multiple small stories to build an amazing look at The American Dream. The main character, Michael Tomlin, goes to a local park and goes on a amazing journey meeting many different people and providing many insights into life. For me, so many examples/experiences in this story touched upon many aspects of my personal life or my family's. In my opinion Mark Lages has a seemingly unique writing style that results in incredible stories. You will love this book!

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have no experience in writing reviews.

That being so, all I can say about Hamlet Park is that I found the writing to be very visual and truly thought-provoking! At times I actually caught myself thinking that I was having a conversation with Mike, the main character, and that he was a real person whom I had met on a park bench. Through his eyes, we are given a voyeuristic look into the intimate thoughts of people from many of the castes of life. In the end, I find myself truly thinking about what is my own American dream? And is life actually the crap we find stuck to the bottom of our shoe?

If you do read Hamlet Park and find yourself enjoying it, I strongly recommend that you follow it up with Mark's book, My Remarkable Little Monkey. It really makes you think.

[Valorie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first experience with reading a Mark Lages book. I won this book in a give-a-way; which made it possible to experience Mark Lages writings.
The first word that came to mind after reading several pages was the word "entertaining." Never have I read a book like this one and I will continue to
read his future books along with some past books that were well loved by his fans. From the time he told jokes in his stories till the end where he tied all
his wisdom up with his many colorful characters; never knowing in what direction this book would go in, the word that still comes to mind is "entertaining."
If anyone wants to hear jokes, reflect about your own past and how your life may have turned out and how it did turn out then I believe you will love this book.

[Dorothy Ryan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found the book less than what I had hoped to read. At times found the hero selfish to a fault. Leaving your only daughter's wedding reception was unforgivable. The reason for leaving was to pursue knowledge on the narrator's American Dream celebrating thru relapse into alcoholism even seeing his therapist among the various characters he meets and converses with. The characters met were more interesting than the hero. Each character had their own story which could be a novel itself. The best character is the former slave who obtained immortality at the price of his soul. You are left hanging as to the resolution of the slave's story.

The characterizations were incomplete. Was the music career his dream or his mother's? To thine own self be true.

[Johnette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mark Lages has done it again! Another good read that I stayed up way too late to finish. I was a bit surprised at the ending, didn't see it coming. I like Mark's style of writing because it makes me feel like I am right there with the character, not on the outside looking in. The book is about one night but that one night encompasses a lifetime for the character, Mike. I was reminded of Sunset Park, a place where I used to hang out as a kid. Oh, the stories I bet that park could tell, too bad it's not there any more...it's forever in my heart, though. A good read for any age, but a great read for us baby boomers. Thanks, Mark for a great book and the memories it brought up.

[Dalene · Rating 2 out of 5]

What can I say about "Hamlet Park"? I've never read anything quite like this. Basically a guy, the father of the bride, decides to leave the wedding of his daughter and go to a park. Yup you read that right. Michael spends all night drinking and talking with people he knows. Is it all a dream or did he happen to talk with all these people in the park on the same night? You'll have to read the book to decide for yourself. I had a hard time with the book since it just jumped from one conversation to another. I also am not sure I can trust the Narrator since he's drunk the whole time. Overall it kept me reading it.

[Carrie Westmoreland Kurtz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I tried, guys. I really tried. I wanted to like this book! When I received the review request I honestly thought it sounded really good. Man, the disappointment.

Here's the thing, the minute I realized that he left his daughter's wedding I started questioning what I was reading. And, I think I was expecting the different characters to be quirky and fun. I didn't find that to be true. Not for me anyways.

I don't know, guys. This one was a struggle. The desire to dnf this one was real for me. I'm thinking that I should have.

I really hate to give a negative review!



*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book I have ready by Mark Lages. Like my previous Lages book, (and hopefully the next) Lages spins a weird, thought-provoking tale. I love his blend of realism and the surreal.

The plot is simple: a man decides to get take leave of his daughter's wedding reception, and armed with a bottle of booze and a pack of cigarettes, decides to visit Hamlet Park, a childhood haunt. There, the narrator has multiple encounters with the past, the unusual, and the fantastic--all connected with the theme of the American Dream (whatever that means).

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from a giveaway. I never read this author so this type of style was new to me. I have to say, I enjoyed the book overall. The main characters imagination while he's drunk is so extremely unique and fun and it was really interesting to see what he was believing he was seeing. It was written so that most of the time you couldn't even tell he was imagining things... it all felt so real, like it was really happening as he described each scene. I was pleasantly surprised with this book and enjoyed Mike's adventure!

[mike watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not much to say about this one. The book, with it's many stories, had me moving through it quickly and with great interest. The conclusion was somewhat baffling. I will simply say that this book would qualify for the experiment of alternate endings. Give us three different scenarios of how the story could end and let us go online to vote for our favorite. I felt the finish was sightly lacking for me, not disappointed mind you, just wanting more.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really liked this book.
The authors books are definitely different.
They always stick in your head!
This one had various people from the main characters life until now visit him to show him
different perspectives on life.
Mark's books really make you think about things from a different point of view
which I find most interesting.
I hate when I have to put them down, but always look forward to reading more.
Looking forward to his next book!

[Beryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a five star Book. Extremely entertaining. I would start reading and not want to stop. Everything happens in Hamlet Park with lots of imagination and a lot of thought provoking subjects. I don't like to tell much about the story line because I would rather you pick up the book and enjoy reading it as much as I did. Wonderful writer. I am now reading my third book from Mark Lages and I am enjoying it as much as of the others.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hamlet Park presents readers a different and unique reading experience with a cast of characters who could each support their own novella. Together this provide readers an enjoyable and thought provoking journey as the "American Dream" is analyzed from a variety of prospectives.
Recommended 4.5 star read.