The New and Improving Thomas

by Carl Hayes

The New and Improving Thomas rides the ups and downs of a disillusioned San Francisco hipster as he moves to L.A. and attempts to transform himself from a hedonistic rock-n-roll musician into a rigid, career-minded conformist. This timely novel of troubled self-reinvention dresses an underlying satire on individualism and personal freedom in a dry wit that crackles from beginning to end.

396 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Kit Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

One always approaches books written by friends/co-workers/family members/bartenders with a healthy bit of trepidation, but I'm really glad I checked out Carl's book. In fact, I kind of became obsessed with it. Can the next evolutionary step for all hipsters be complete and utter conformity? (But, like, in an un-ironic way.) At times hard to read (mostly because I kind of identified with the protagonist way too much), I couldn't help being morbidly curious with whether or not Thomas was going to sort his shizz out. Oh, and the author seems to have done some serious research into San Francisco strip clubs and hipster enclaves, so that in and of itself is to be commended.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

...for Californians, those who appreciate subtle humor, the careful cultural critic (hmm, could there be more happening here than appears on the surface?), self-help-seekers (I couldn't help myself!). I read Thomas as a review copy more than a year ago and loved it. The humor struck the right cords. I've rarely laughed so much during a read (think Confederacy of Dunces toned down in an office environment). Also, the social satire at work here is quite poignant without being overly in your face or moralistic. Great stuff!

[MIKE Pensinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is written like it came straight from my head.