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Mr. Breakfast
Cosa faresti se potessi tornare a un preciso momento della tua vita e cambiarla facendo una scelta totalmente diversa? Saresti curioso di sapere come andrebbe a finire? A Graham Patterson, protagonista del nuovo romanzo di Jonathan Carroll, viene data proprio questa possibilità. Dopo aver tentato di sfondare come comico in tutti modi e dopo aver anche rotto una lunga e importante relazione, Graham decide di mollare tutto e partire per raggiungere il fratello dall’altra parte del Paese e cambiare completamente vita. Ma quando la sua auto si rompe improvvisamente in una sperduta città del North Carolina e s’imbatte in un enigmatico e affascinante negozio di tatuaggi, Graham, deliziato dall’abilità artistica della proprietaria, decide di farsene uno. È lui stesso a sceglierlo: è il particolare tatuaggio della Colazione. Da questo momento in avanti Graham Patterson non sarà più un semplice comico sulla via del declino, né un uomo che deve decidere se sposare la sua compagna di cui è profondamente innamorato, né il grande fotografo di fama mondiale che tutti conoscono e ammirano per la celebre immagine raffigurante il Mr. Breakfast. Da questo momento Graham Patterson guadagnerà la possibilità di viaggiare in tre vite diverse, fino ad arrivare poi a sceglierne una, quella definitiva. A che prezzo, però? E come scegliere tra la fama e l’amore?
269 pages, Paperback
First published October 15, 2019
88 people are currently reading
4020 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Carroll
129 books1,165 followersJonathan Carroll (b. 1949) is an award-winning American author of modern fantasy and slipstream novels. His debut book, The Land of Laughs (1980), tells the story of a children’s author whose imagination has left the printed page and begun to influence reality. The book introduced several hallmarks of Carroll’s writing, including talking animals and worlds that straddle the thin line between reality and the surreal, a technique that has seen him compared to South American magical realists.
Outside the Dog Museum (1991) was named the best novel of the year by the British Fantasy Society, and has proven to be one of Carroll’s most popular works. Since then he has written the Crane’s View trilogy, Glass Soup (2005) and, most recently, The Ghost in Love (2008). His short stories have been collected in The Panic Hand (1995) and The Woman Who Married a Cloud (2012). He continues to live and write in Vienna.
Outside the Dog Museum (1991) was named the best novel of the year by the British Fantasy Society, and has proven to be one of Carroll’s most popular works. Since then he has written the Crane’s View trilogy, Glass Soup (2005) and, most recently, The Ghost in Love (2008). His short stories have been collected in The Panic Hand (1995) and The Woman Who Married a Cloud (2012). He continues to live and write in Vienna.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 203 reviews
November 16, 2022
jonathan carroll is the balm my sadsoul needs right now. pressure's on, jc!
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someone give me a heads-up if this EVER gets translated into english, please.
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someone give me a heads-up if this EVER gets translated into english, please.
February 12, 2023
Jonathan Carroll is an extraordinary writer. His books are odd and uncanny. I cannot relax while reading him as he creates a sense of unease with normally perceived reality that always leaves me with heightened senses, hyper aware. In this state, his writing always has a profound effect on me. Sometimes it has moved me to profound delight. Often it has made me profoundly uncomfortable (in ways both good and bad). In one book, (After Silence) he so profoundly angered me that I almost stopped reading him. But I couldn’t stay away from his uncanny, slipstream worlds.
The problem with Mr. Breakfast is that, for the first time, the effect of Carroll’s writing was to profoundly bore me. The premise was intriguing. The protagonist receives a magical tattoo during a turning point in his life that allows him to move between and sample different iterations of that life, and to ultimately chose which he wanted to live. The opening was promising, setting up the type of tilt-a-whirl, unbalancing ride I’ve come to expect from Carroll that is so often satisfyingly unexpected. Yet, immediately after this promising set up, the story started to contract. First, the wilder choice among the three live the protagonist could sample was eliminated as a viable option almost immediately. Then, the protagonist interacts with others who received the same magical tattoo yet chose not even to check out the choice it opened to them — not curious enough to even briefly sample their alternatives. And that attitude, that reluctance to even explore what those alternatives were, seemed to become the operating philosophy of the story, which became mired in a mundane navel gazing that squandered the story’s potential.
I DNF this book. Because it was Carroll, I read it halfway through before giving up on it. But life is too short, and my reading list too long to justify trying to power through a book which is such a profound bore, even one from a favorite author.
The problem with Mr. Breakfast is that, for the first time, the effect of Carroll’s writing was to profoundly bore me. The premise was intriguing. The protagonist receives a magical tattoo during a turning point in his life that allows him to move between and sample different iterations of that life, and to ultimately chose which he wanted to live. The opening was promising, setting up the type of tilt-a-whirl, unbalancing ride I’ve come to expect from Carroll that is so often satisfyingly unexpected. Yet, immediately after this promising set up, the story started to contract. First, the wilder choice among the three live the protagonist could sample was eliminated as a viable option almost immediately. Then, the protagonist interacts with others who received the same magical tattoo yet chose not even to check out the choice it opened to them — not curious enough to even briefly sample their alternatives. And that attitude, that reluctance to even explore what those alternatives were, seemed to become the operating philosophy of the story, which became mired in a mundane navel gazing that squandered the story’s potential.
I DNF this book. Because it was Carroll, I read it halfway through before giving up on it. But life is too short, and my reading list too long to justify trying to power through a book which is such a profound bore, even one from a favorite author.
January 20, 2023
Released at the end of January will be Mr. Breakfast, by Jonathan Carroll and I must say, “This is a rare find, the story a must read!”. Here I was drawn into the world of Graham Patterson, a failing comedian who finds himself in a tattoo parlor, while on the way to a “safe life”, taking a job with his brother, making one of those “life changes” that none of us really want to step into, when we feel that we have failed at something. However, when Patterson happens to pick the one tattoo that will change his life, giving him the ability to switch between two other versions of his life, the trip he thought he was making, gets completely derailed. And, as I continued on in the story, I was reminded of feelings I had when encountering A Christmas Carol (in one of its forms, whether on screen, page) and Stephen King’s 11/22/63.
While Patterson is not met with the “ghost of Christmas past” he does have his tattoo artist, Anna Mae, who learned the Japanese method of irezumi, years later, taught by her master to make what he calls the “breakfast tattoo”, to guide him. Using the magic word that changes depending on the person who has the tattoo, he can go back and forth until he has decided who and where he wants to be. However, there is a limit, there are limits to everything, readers will find, in this tale. During this time Patterson catches photos of his adventure that will, in time, make him revered (in this current life line). And, with the discovery of what will become of this life, success as something other than a comedian, Patterson has a hard time even wanting to take a chance on the others.
However, fate, the cosmos, whatever is the guiding hand of this tattoo will not let him keep the tattoo. Because once Patterson makes the decision on which of the three lives he wants to live, the tattoo disappears as do all his memories about his past lives and the tattoo itself. Everything that ever happened, before. All that will be remembered is the life line of what is. And, though Patterson did gain fame as a comedian in one of these lives, a drastic, harsh, twist of fate quickly tells him that if he stays there his brain will be the size of a pea (I will make you read the book to figure that one out, lol ;)
However, being able to be with the love of his life (the third life line), have the children that she so desperately wanted does not sound so bad to Patterson, but it does not sound so good. And, while there are so many aspects of this book that will lead you to thought, when it comes to what choice Patterson needed to make about his life, I think all he needed, in the end, was a swift kick in the butt by the cosmos (or whatever) and that may be just what he got. Because, when it comes to life, Patterson gets to see things that others, like us, never do.
Like what happens after, to his partner, when they break up, what she says, does, her reaction to the whole event. There are so many things about life and living that we don’t know that we really should know, need to know, to make a decision. Even how we are connected to others, which, nearing the end, becomes a big aspect in the book. And, I think, in the end, we all need a little hand, as that is what Patterson gets, to make his choice. After all, we are only human. I won’t say that he didn’t make his decision, just, that, how could he not?
Jonathan Carroll, however, writes no simple book here. While it is a simple story, really, a man who has to choose between three lives, three different ways his life could have turned out, that kind of decision is complex and, as is the whole story Carroll paints around the premise of the tattoo, a breakfast tattoo. I know readers will love the idea of the author as much as I did and do, a book with a Palaniukish aurora, as you delve into a world where past, present and future combine like the tide, pushing Patterson to choose the best path for himself and others in the world. To make the best possible future for all.
While Patterson is not met with the “ghost of Christmas past” he does have his tattoo artist, Anna Mae, who learned the Japanese method of irezumi, years later, taught by her master to make what he calls the “breakfast tattoo”, to guide him. Using the magic word that changes depending on the person who has the tattoo, he can go back and forth until he has decided who and where he wants to be. However, there is a limit, there are limits to everything, readers will find, in this tale. During this time Patterson catches photos of his adventure that will, in time, make him revered (in this current life line). And, with the discovery of what will become of this life, success as something other than a comedian, Patterson has a hard time even wanting to take a chance on the others.
However, fate, the cosmos, whatever is the guiding hand of this tattoo will not let him keep the tattoo. Because once Patterson makes the decision on which of the three lives he wants to live, the tattoo disappears as do all his memories about his past lives and the tattoo itself. Everything that ever happened, before. All that will be remembered is the life line of what is. And, though Patterson did gain fame as a comedian in one of these lives, a drastic, harsh, twist of fate quickly tells him that if he stays there his brain will be the size of a pea (I will make you read the book to figure that one out, lol ;)
However, being able to be with the love of his life (the third life line), have the children that she so desperately wanted does not sound so bad to Patterson, but it does not sound so good. And, while there are so many aspects of this book that will lead you to thought, when it comes to what choice Patterson needed to make about his life, I think all he needed, in the end, was a swift kick in the butt by the cosmos (or whatever) and that may be just what he got. Because, when it comes to life, Patterson gets to see things that others, like us, never do.
Like what happens after, to his partner, when they break up, what she says, does, her reaction to the whole event. There are so many things about life and living that we don’t know that we really should know, need to know, to make a decision. Even how we are connected to others, which, nearing the end, becomes a big aspect in the book. And, I think, in the end, we all need a little hand, as that is what Patterson gets, to make his choice. After all, we are only human. I won’t say that he didn’t make his decision, just, that, how could he not?
Jonathan Carroll, however, writes no simple book here. While it is a simple story, really, a man who has to choose between three lives, three different ways his life could have turned out, that kind of decision is complex and, as is the whole story Carroll paints around the premise of the tattoo, a breakfast tattoo. I know readers will love the idea of the author as much as I did and do, a book with a Palaniukish aurora, as you delve into a world where past, present and future combine like the tide, pushing Patterson to choose the best path for himself and others in the world. To make the best possible future for all.
March 18, 2023
I really enjoyed this one. I rushed through at least half of the book at one sitting. It’s about Graham Patterson, a failed comedian and a recently failed relationship who takes off on a road trip. Attracted by the beautiful designs on display in a tattoo shop’s window he decides to get a tattoo. What follows is a trip through three alternate lives. It’s so well done, I found it original and well written. A book about choices and what makes a good life.
November 19, 2024
Rec. by: A Goodreads giveaway; previous work
Rec. for: Pickers and choosers, and those who believe in the road not taken
Graham Patterson is the idiot in question, and the subject of Jonathan Carroll's novel Mr. Breakfast. A comedian who's only half-funny, Graham sets off on a road trip across the country, East to West, after a disastrous show convinces him that he needs to give up the stage. He takes a pretty good camera with him; turns out Patterson has a pretty good eye. During the trip, on impulse, he gets a tattoo from a strange but gifted artist, a tattoo that drops Graham straight into surreality... suddenly he has choices, access to alternative versions of himself, including one where he is a successful comedian. But... every choice comes with a price, and he can't dither forever...
This is absolutely trademark Carroll—however absurd, the rules are never explained—you have to (as Graham has to) just roll with it. This isn't "fiction without a net"—there is structure here—but Carroll is playing with a very low net here, and you just have to trust that he's going to make this work.
But then, after twenty previous novels, I think he's earned that trust.
There's a passage on pp.67-68 that I think gets at the heart of Mr. Breakfast. I am not going to transcribe the whole thing verbatim, but it's about something Carroll calls the "Ice Cream Question"—that is, would you choose to take just one taste of the perfect bowl of ice cream, knowing that you will never be able to enjoy any other ice cream quite as much, no matter how long you live? Or would you forego that taste, knowing that you will be able to enjoy other ice cream without having to compare it to that irreproducible perfection, but always wondering what that one perfect bowl would have been like?
I know which one I would choose. Did choose...
To some degree, I think Carroll's just trying to drop some of the wisdom he's come across during his long career. These are a few of the passages that really spoke to me, one way or another:
For much of Mr. Breakfast, I was a little frustrated, wondering when (or if, or whether) Carroll would ever pull things together. And then... he manages an ending which is simultaneously unsatisfying and perfect—just like life. Like being alive.
How did he do that?
Maybe one of these days, if I'm lucky, I'll know half of what Jonathan Carroll knows...
Rec. for: Pickers and choosers, and those who believe in the road not taken
"You can love someone and still think they're an idiot."
—Ruth Murphy, p.2
Graham Patterson is the idiot in question, and the subject of Jonathan Carroll's novel Mr. Breakfast. A comedian who's only half-funny, Graham sets off on a road trip across the country, East to West, after a disastrous show convinces him that he needs to give up the stage. He takes a pretty good camera with him; turns out Patterson has a pretty good eye. During the trip, on impulse, he gets a tattoo from a strange but gifted artist, a tattoo that drops Graham straight into surreality... suddenly he has choices, access to alternative versions of himself, including one where he is a successful comedian. But... every choice comes with a price, and he can't dither forever...
This is absolutely trademark Carroll—however absurd, the rules are never explained—you have to (as Graham has to) just roll with it. This isn't "fiction without a net"—there is structure here—but Carroll is playing with a very low net here, and you just have to trust that he's going to make this work.
But then, after twenty previous novels, I think he's earned that trust.
There's a passage on pp.67-68 that I think gets at the heart of Mr. Breakfast. I am not going to transcribe the whole thing verbatim, but it's about something Carroll calls the "Ice Cream Question"—that is, would you choose to take just one taste of the perfect bowl of ice cream, knowing that you will never be able to enjoy any other ice cream quite as much, no matter how long you live? Or would you forego that taste, knowing that you will be able to enjoy other ice cream without having to compare it to that irreproducible perfection, but always wondering what that one perfect bowl would have been like?
I know which one I would choose. Did choose...
"I'm telling you, one of them was looking at a fucking music video on her phone."At the scene of a car crash, which later became the subject of one of Patterson's most well-known staged photographs, an image he called "Borrowed World."
—A guy in Fucci's diner, p.86
To some degree, I think Carroll's just trying to drop some of the wisdom he's come across during his long career. These are a few of the passages that really spoke to me, one way or another:
"The world is full of bad things—bad people, bad food, bad smells, bad situations. The man who walks through life smelling beautiful always has an advantage. Women are expected to smell clean and wonderful, but the man who does has already unbuttoned the top two buttons of her shirt without ever having to touch her."
—Antheia Lambrinos, p.93
"—it's better to be lost in a warm climate."
—Graham Patterson, p. 94
"The greatest gift Alexander ever gave me was the strength to know in my heart I could go on without him. All the time we knew each other he treated me not only like his best friend and partner, but his absolute equal. Before we met, I didn't have much self-confidence. But his love and respect, year after year, made me one hundred times more independent and stronger. Strong enough to still love a life we had created and built together, even though he was not there anymore to share it with me."
—Antheia L., p.104
"I think of life only as a companion, and an unpredictable one at that. If it were my friend, life would be hurting or disappointing me all the time. But if it's only a companion, we're just traveling the same road together. I'm happy when it's in a good or generous mood, but I don't expect anything from it."
—Ruth M., p.157
He'd recently said to Ruth he realized he had no bucket list, and he meant it.Oof...
—p.213
For much of Mr. Breakfast, I was a little frustrated, wondering when (or if, or whether) Carroll would ever pull things together. And then... he manages an ending which is simultaneously unsatisfying and perfect—just like life. Like being alive.
How did he do that?
Maybe one of these days, if I'm lucky, I'll know half of what Jonathan Carroll knows...
January 22, 2023
Finished. Such a small word for such a huge experience. Anyone who knows me knows that Mr. Carroll is my favorite author, the one whose books always jump to the top of the TBR pile when they arrive. It was no different with Mr. Breakfast. Another amazing tour de force from the guy who always creates amazing worlds, amazing characters, Mr. Breakfast really hit the mark. It's about alternatives, choices, and the lives we end up with, either coincidentally or through active decisions. And about what we would do if we could see where other decisions may have led. But it's a lot more than that. In some ways it reminded me strongly of The Bones of the Moon, and I loved that he included call backs to other of his earlier novels. In other ways, it's entirely unique and wonderful, and I loved it.
February 18, 2023
3.5
Even though Jonathan Carroll has written 20 books..they don't seem to come along that often.
So I was looking forward to this
Carroll's books to my mind are varying degrees of magical realism.
Ordinary everyday situations that take a left turn into the hereafter or what might have been or what will be or a talking dog.
So having no expectations is probably the wisest move.
This one?
It's about Graham Patterson....a would be comedian who becomes famous and then disappears...
Although it's so much more....thoughts on life..the choices we make or don't make ..making the most of life..how we live our lives..
So many ideas that they sometimes trip over themselves...
There were many supporting characters that edged their way through the book....most of them with profound things to say/do..and mostly memorable..
I enjoyed the book..I love Jonathan Carroll's books.
This one didn't grip me quite as much as others..but it might deserve a second read in a few years .who knows?
Even though Jonathan Carroll has written 20 books..they don't seem to come along that often.
So I was looking forward to this
Carroll's books to my mind are varying degrees of magical realism.
Ordinary everyday situations that take a left turn into the hereafter or what might have been or what will be or a talking dog.
So having no expectations is probably the wisest move.
This one?
It's about Graham Patterson....a would be comedian who becomes famous and then disappears...
Although it's so much more....thoughts on life..the choices we make or don't make ..making the most of life..how we live our lives..
So many ideas that they sometimes trip over themselves...
There were many supporting characters that edged their way through the book....most of them with profound things to say/do..and mostly memorable..
I enjoyed the book..I love Jonathan Carroll's books.
This one didn't grip me quite as much as others..but it might deserve a second read in a few years .who knows?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2023
JC is one of my favorite authors. His work is consistently familiar but at the same time always imaginative.
July 3, 2022
I'm a huge Jonathan Carroll fan—The Wooden Sea is one of my favorite books and for awhile I spent so much time tracking down out of print copies of his books, haha. This book was a little weird and surprising, and I was always interested to see where Graham's story (or stories) was/were going to go.
That said, it's not my favorite book by Carroll. I thought the ending was a little lacking, and there were some details I wish he'd have spent more time on, and other parts of the book, I wish he'd have spent less. I liked the inter-connectedness of everything, but I wish it had a few more creepy moments, tbh.
I'd definitely recommend this, but if you're new to the author, maybe start with some of his earlier books. Thanks so much to NetGalley for the ARC of the American/english version of this novel (I was soooo excited to read it)!
That said, it's not my favorite book by Carroll. I thought the ending was a little lacking, and there were some details I wish he'd have spent more time on, and other parts of the book, I wish he'd have spent less. I liked the inter-connectedness of everything, but I wish it had a few more creepy moments, tbh.
I'd definitely recommend this, but if you're new to the author, maybe start with some of his earlier books. Thanks so much to NetGalley for the ARC of the American/english version of this novel (I was soooo excited to read it)!
April 6, 2023
One of the strangest books I've ever read, but in a good way. I was intrigued by the premise of getting to see how Graham's life would've been if he'd made different decisions and having the option to choose one version of his life over another. Overall a good read, but also very strange, odd, and philosophical. 🤔
August 7, 2024
Started strong but fumbled the ending.
April 7, 2024
I came across Mr. Breakfast via a Guardian review and was intrigued by the concept: a magic tattoo that allows you to visit alternative universe versions of yourself. It is executed in a thoughtful way. I always like someone learning about parallel versions of themselves who made different choices. The pacing is good and the ensemble cast deployed well. However, I was expecting a reasonably fun read and the tone was not as comedic as I anticipated. I found it more existential and preoccupied with death than madcap or picaresque. Although the dinosaurs were amusing, overall Mr. Breakfast left me feeling sad. I also wasn't keen on a woman experiencing psychosis being used as a murderous deus ex machina.
Thus the three stars aren't so much a judgement on the quality of writing and plotting as reflecting my expectations and mood. I think the involvement of alternate universes primed me to expect more of a sci-fi style narrative, in which characters are concerned with how and why weird things are happening. Instead, Mr. Breakfast is a literary examination of roads not taken and tragedies of daily life, using alternate universes as a convenient tool. It read to me like magical realism. I wasn't at all sure what to conclude from from the ending. Perhaps that every choice we take in life leads to joy or sadness or both, but all will ultimately end in death? A bit of a downer, really.
Thus the three stars aren't so much a judgement on the quality of writing and plotting as reflecting my expectations and mood. I think the involvement of alternate universes primed me to expect more of a sci-fi style narrative, in which characters are concerned with how and why weird things are happening. Instead, Mr. Breakfast is a literary examination of roads not taken and tragedies of daily life, using alternate universes as a convenient tool. It read to me like magical realism. I wasn't at all sure what to conclude from from the ending. Perhaps that every choice we take in life leads to joy or sadness or both, but all will ultimately end in death? A bit of a downer, really.
February 4, 2023
"People want life to be their friend. Some even expect or believe they deserve it. But I think of life only as a companion, and an unpredictable one at that. If it were my friend, life would be hurting or disappointing me all the time. But if it's only a companion, we're just traveling the same road together. I'm happy when it's in a good or generous mood, but I don't expect anything from it."
This quote is incredibly perceptive about life. I have never thought about living life in such a manner. Jonathan Carroll writes a story that augments this philosophical outlook in his latest novel, Mr. Breakfast.
Mr. Breakfast tells the story of Graham Patterson, a failed comedian that recently ended a relationship with the love of his life and has reached a crossroads in his life. Patterson decides to take a cross country trip to California to figure what is he doing to do next. Along the trip, he stops in a small North Carolina town where he decides to get a tattoo. The tattoo artist explains the tattoo has a special ability to show the owner of the tattoo alternative lives they could have taken instead of their current life.
Patterson is shown three alternative lives and has the opportunity to visit each one before deciding on which life he wants to live in for good. The lives are a manifestation of his deepest desires and will illuminate how we tend to write the story of our lives through the power of the imagination.
Carroll uses fantasy and surrealism to reveal that life is better as a companion than being a best friend and understanding that our choices can cause outcomes that we could have never expected. I'm glad I read a novel like this to start off 2023 and it is good reminder that life is what you make it.
This quote is incredibly perceptive about life. I have never thought about living life in such a manner. Jonathan Carroll writes a story that augments this philosophical outlook in his latest novel, Mr. Breakfast.
Mr. Breakfast tells the story of Graham Patterson, a failed comedian that recently ended a relationship with the love of his life and has reached a crossroads in his life. Patterson decides to take a cross country trip to California to figure what is he doing to do next. Along the trip, he stops in a small North Carolina town where he decides to get a tattoo. The tattoo artist explains the tattoo has a special ability to show the owner of the tattoo alternative lives they could have taken instead of their current life.
Patterson is shown three alternative lives and has the opportunity to visit each one before deciding on which life he wants to live in for good. The lives are a manifestation of his deepest desires and will illuminate how we tend to write the story of our lives through the power of the imagination.
Carroll uses fantasy and surrealism to reveal that life is better as a companion than being a best friend and understanding that our choices can cause outcomes that we could have never expected. I'm glad I read a novel like this to start off 2023 and it is good reminder that life is what you make it.
September 12, 2022
What a super fun read!
Graham Patterson is a failing comedian on the road, considering his options. When he stops in a small town, he decides to take a gamble and request a very strange tattoo in a beguiling tattoo parlor. This action sets off a series of events that we all would love to experience. Through his tattoo, Graham gets the opportunity to live his other lives not yet chosen. With help from the artist, he learns how to navigate a few of his potential future "Grahams."
The writing is beautiful and the experiences are big and bold. This is a feel good novel with a big message. If you like magic realism, consider how life could have been, or just want to try sometime new and inspiring, Mr. Breakfast is f0r you! #MelvilleHouse #JonathanCarroll #MrBreakfast
Graham Patterson is a failing comedian on the road, considering his options. When he stops in a small town, he decides to take a gamble and request a very strange tattoo in a beguiling tattoo parlor. This action sets off a series of events that we all would love to experience. Through his tattoo, Graham gets the opportunity to live his other lives not yet chosen. With help from the artist, he learns how to navigate a few of his potential future "Grahams."
The writing is beautiful and the experiences are big and bold. This is a feel good novel with a big message. If you like magic realism, consider how life could have been, or just want to try sometime new and inspiring, Mr. Breakfast is f0r you! #MelvilleHouse #JonathanCarroll #MrBreakfast
December 30, 2022
I 100% requested this book from NetGalley because I was amused by the title. That sort of spontaneity rarely works out for me, but Mr. Breakfast was a pure delight.
The big question in this book is "what if?". Graham Patterson, a failing comedian fresh off of a breakup, takes a road trip to sort through his emotions and winds up getting a tattoo. He quickly discovers that it isn't just any tattoo - it allows him to see two alternate realities of his life. And if he likes, he can permanently switch.
The premise is slightly wacky, but it's a ton of fun. I loved Graham's keen observations, and the whole story was so inventive. The ending felt a little messy, but regardless, this is a great choice if you want to something quick that'll make you smile.
The big question in this book is "what if?". Graham Patterson, a failing comedian fresh off of a breakup, takes a road trip to sort through his emotions and winds up getting a tattoo. He quickly discovers that it isn't just any tattoo - it allows him to see two alternate realities of his life. And if he likes, he can permanently switch.
The premise is slightly wacky, but it's a ton of fun. I loved Graham's keen observations, and the whole story was so inventive. The ending felt a little messy, but regardless, this is a great choice if you want to something quick that'll make you smile.
April 17, 2025
A deeper and more in-depth exploration of It's a Wonderful Life, less focused on how important a person is and more about the choices we make and the sacrifices we're willing to make to have the lives we want (and if we actually want those lives in the first place). Definitely made me think of what my other two lives might look like.
April 18, 2020
I love Jonathan Carroll and have read all his books. But this one was disappointing... I really miss the "old" Carroll, where you would just turn the pages to find out what happens and always get surprised by the ending.
September 10, 2020
3.5
Czegoś mi w tej książce brakowało. Gdyby nie zakończenie to oceniłabym tę książkę na 4.
Czegoś mi w tej książce brakowało. Gdyby nie zakończenie to oceniłabym tę książkę na 4.
December 25, 2020
Jonathan Carroll
Ogni volta che inizio un libro edito La Corte so già che sarà una bomba. Poteva non esserlo anche questa volta?
Cosa faresti se potessi tornare a un preciso momento della tua vita e cambiarla facendo una scelta totalmente diversa? Saresti curioso di sapere come andrebbe a finire?
Così inizia la sinossi di un libro appena terminato e amato, scritto da Jonathan Carroll, un autore americano che se ancora non conoscete, vi consiglio vivamente di scoprire!
Il protagonista di questo originale romanzo è Graham Patterson, comico non esattamente riuscito, (ex) marito e celebre fotografo, che dopo il divorzio decide di partire per la costa opposta degli USA e andare a far visita a suo fratello. Durante il tragitto, precisamente nella Carolina del Nord, l'auto di Patterson ha un guasto e lui è costretto a fermarsi, arrivando per caso ad essere accolto dalla tatuatrice Anna Mae. Incuriosito dalla strabiliante arte dei disegni di quest'ultima, Patterson decide di farsene uno, quello della colazione. Un semplice tatuaggio all'apparenza, ma che al tocco, pronunciando la parola "Pigna", il nome del suo cane, e "uno", "due" o "tre" a seconda della vita che voleva visionare, lo avrebbe come proiettato nella vita giusta. Patterson poteva scegliere quale delle tre vite voleva vivere. Ma qual era il prezzo da pagare?
Se non gli fosse andata a genio, poteva sempre tornare indietro in un istante.
Ciò che più mi ha colpita in questa interessante lettura è proprio la fantasia dell'autore, e la capacità di trascrivere tutto usando originalità e simpatia. Non sono mancati i sorrisi infatti, ma ripeto, la trama davvero originale e scritta con il talento di Carroll hanno fatto sì che io potessi apprezzarne l'intero contenuto. Amo quando i libri hanno il potere di farmi vivere una storia al massimo, specialmente come in questo, dove mi sono addirittura "vista" all'interno, immaginandomi con un Graham Patterson dalle strane acconciature mentre è su un lettino di uno studio tattoo, in un parcheggio sperduto con il suo Pick-up, o rapito e portato via a tutta velocità.
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Mi sono sentita in dovere di evidenziare e riportare qui le frasi che hanno catturato maggiormente la mia attenzione, e vi spiego il perché.
Tutti noi abbiamo il desiderio di tornare indietro nel tempo e cambiare anche solo una piccola parte della nostra vita, riparando ad esempio un errore commesso. Sfortunatamente nessuno di noi possiede la bacchetta magica.
E no, ancora sfortunatamente, non possiamo farlo quando vogliamo, per giunta in un istante.
Mi è piaciuto molto lo spirito responsabile del protagonista, nel punto preciso in cui è innamorato di sua moglie, ma hanno una discussione sul tema figli.
Dire cosa non mi è piaciuto di questo romanzo è impossibile, non ho trovato una singola frase fuori posto, segno che l'autore è esperto in fatto di scrittura con stile particolare, che sicuramente suscita attenzione, curiosità e interesse nel lettore, anche chi ha scoperto Carroll da poco.
Descrizione di eventi, luoghi e personaggi praticamente perfetta, così come i dialoghi, strutturati e chiari.
Il finale non poteva che lasciarmi senza fiato, e io che mi emoziono quasi sempre, devo ammettere che è scesa l'inevitabile lacrimuccia.
Una nota sulla copertina: strepitosa!
Un sentito grazie alla splendida squadra de La Corte per la copia digitale offerta.
Ovviamente le stelle assegnate sono 5, pienissime!!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ogni volta che inizio un libro edito La Corte so già che sarà una bomba. Poteva non esserlo anche questa volta?
Cosa faresti se potessi tornare a un preciso momento della tua vita e cambiarla facendo una scelta totalmente diversa? Saresti curioso di sapere come andrebbe a finire?
Così inizia la sinossi di un libro appena terminato e amato, scritto da Jonathan Carroll, un autore americano che se ancora non conoscete, vi consiglio vivamente di scoprire!
Il protagonista di questo originale romanzo è Graham Patterson, comico non esattamente riuscito, (ex) marito e celebre fotografo, che dopo il divorzio decide di partire per la costa opposta degli USA e andare a far visita a suo fratello. Durante il tragitto, precisamente nella Carolina del Nord, l'auto di Patterson ha un guasto e lui è costretto a fermarsi, arrivando per caso ad essere accolto dalla tatuatrice Anna Mae. Incuriosito dalla strabiliante arte dei disegni di quest'ultima, Patterson decide di farsene uno, quello della colazione. Un semplice tatuaggio all'apparenza, ma che al tocco, pronunciando la parola "Pigna", il nome del suo cane, e "uno", "due" o "tre" a seconda della vita che voleva visionare, lo avrebbe come proiettato nella vita giusta. Patterson poteva scegliere quale delle tre vite voleva vivere. Ma qual era il prezzo da pagare?
Se non gli fosse andata a genio, poteva sempre tornare indietro in un istante.
Ciò che più mi ha colpita in questa interessante lettura è proprio la fantasia dell'autore, e la capacità di trascrivere tutto usando originalità e simpatia. Non sono mancati i sorrisi infatti, ma ripeto, la trama davvero originale e scritta con il talento di Carroll hanno fatto sì che io potessi apprezzarne l'intero contenuto. Amo quando i libri hanno il potere di farmi vivere una storia al massimo, specialmente come in questo, dove mi sono addirittura "vista" all'interno, immaginandomi con un Graham Patterson dalle strane acconciature mentre è su un lettino di uno studio tattoo, in un parcheggio sperduto con il suo Pick-up, o rapito e portato via a tutta velocità.
<>
Mi sono sentita in dovere di evidenziare e riportare qui le frasi che hanno catturato maggiormente la mia attenzione, e vi spiego il perché.
Tutti noi abbiamo il desiderio di tornare indietro nel tempo e cambiare anche solo una piccola parte della nostra vita, riparando ad esempio un errore commesso. Sfortunatamente nessuno di noi possiede la bacchetta magica.
E no, ancora sfortunatamente, non possiamo farlo quando vogliamo, per giunta in un istante.
Mi è piaciuto molto lo spirito responsabile del protagonista, nel punto preciso in cui è innamorato di sua moglie, ma hanno una discussione sul tema figli.
Dire cosa non mi è piaciuto di questo romanzo è impossibile, non ho trovato una singola frase fuori posto, segno che l'autore è esperto in fatto di scrittura con stile particolare, che sicuramente suscita attenzione, curiosità e interesse nel lettore, anche chi ha scoperto Carroll da poco.
Descrizione di eventi, luoghi e personaggi praticamente perfetta, così come i dialoghi, strutturati e chiari.
Il finale non poteva che lasciarmi senza fiato, e io che mi emoziono quasi sempre, devo ammettere che è scesa l'inevitabile lacrimuccia.
Una nota sulla copertina: strepitosa!
Un sentito grazie alla splendida squadra de La Corte per la copia digitale offerta.
Ovviamente le stelle assegnate sono 5, pienissime!!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
October 15, 2023
Graham Patterson's life isn't going great. Then he gets a tattoo that allows him to live three different lives on the same timeline. Each life has positives and negatives and he can go back and forth between them but ultimately has to choose one.
I was *obsessed* with Jonathan Carroll when I was in high school in the early 90s - I still have my tattered copies of Outside the Dog Museum, Bones of the Moon, A Child Across the Sky, Black Cocktail, and The Land of Laughs. I didn't get that same gut-punch-vaguely-nauseous-from-excitement-and-nervousness feeling while reading Mr. Breakfast, but does anything ever compare to the capital-F Feelings you have as a teenager? I haven't read many of his more recent books but am feeling motivated to pick them up -- and to revisit my old favorites.
Carroll's blend of magic realism and fantasy and horror is so unique - his books are always weird and emotionally moving and funny and full of bull terriers and little nods to previous books - he's spectacular and everyone should read at least one of his books in their lifetime (any of them).
* thanks so much to Melville House for the NetGalley review copy. Mr. Breakfast published in January 2023 (yes... this is EXTREMELY late).
I was *obsessed* with Jonathan Carroll when I was in high school in the early 90s - I still have my tattered copies of Outside the Dog Museum, Bones of the Moon, A Child Across the Sky, Black Cocktail, and The Land of Laughs. I didn't get that same gut-punch-vaguely-nauseous-from-excitement-and-nervousness feeling while reading Mr. Breakfast, but does anything ever compare to the capital-F Feelings you have as a teenager? I haven't read many of his more recent books but am feeling motivated to pick them up -- and to revisit my old favorites.
Carroll's blend of magic realism and fantasy and horror is so unique - his books are always weird and emotionally moving and funny and full of bull terriers and little nods to previous books - he's spectacular and everyone should read at least one of his books in their lifetime (any of them).
* thanks so much to Melville House for the NetGalley review copy. Mr. Breakfast published in January 2023 (yes... this is EXTREMELY late).
October 6, 2022
I´ve read most of the books written by Jonathan Carroll and I like them all. This one feels a bit disappointing.
I think most of us ask ourselves a universal question: what if? What if I got married earlier/later/never at all? What if I had rejected that job and gone after another? What if I moved there instead of here? What if...?
Now imagine you have a chance to find the answer to some of your questions, what would you do?
Well, we know what the main character did.
It all sounds intriguing and interesting.
Unfortunately the story despite its brilliant beginning, gets tangled to a point when it feels like the author himself got lost and wasn't sure anymore what is it that he wants to say. Twists and turns are interesting but other characters' explanations as to what is going on and why aren't convincing.
I like little details and descriptions in Carroll's prose, this is valuable. Especially how he describes photographs. There is unusual delicacy and intimacy in the way he tells us stuff.
I think most of us ask ourselves a universal question: what if? What if I got married earlier/later/never at all? What if I had rejected that job and gone after another? What if I moved there instead of here? What if...?
Now imagine you have a chance to find the answer to some of your questions, what would you do?
Well, we know what the main character did.
It all sounds intriguing and interesting.
Unfortunately the story despite its brilliant beginning, gets tangled to a point when it feels like the author himself got lost and wasn't sure anymore what is it that he wants to say. Twists and turns are interesting but other characters' explanations as to what is going on and why aren't convincing.
I like little details and descriptions in Carroll's prose, this is valuable. Especially how he describes photographs. There is unusual delicacy and intimacy in the way he tells us stuff.
April 20, 2023
This story was just a big hot mess. The original premise started out fairly simple and intriguing - all things considered. Basically the main character gets a tattoo that has the strange ability to let him experience two different versions of his future life in addition to his own before deciding which one to choose. Unfortunately the author keeps changing the rules on the run, seemingly for no logical reason other than to overly complicate the story and create a confusing, messy travel through time. In between all of that is a lot of trivial events and meaningless encounters with other characters that contribute little to progress the plot - if there is one.
March 12, 2023
We are our choices.
You have the opportunity to visit 2 other lives and observe them. The other two lives are lives that you would have had if you had made other choices. You may visit each life only 3 times. When you are ready, you will choose one of the three lives and live it until you die. The moment you decide which you prefer, you will forget you ever had a choice.
When you find what you are looking for, you will stop looking.
You are given the best ice cream in the world, but can only experience it once. Which do you choose, a single taste of heaven or a lifetime of okays?
The best thing in the world, the most anyone can hope for, is to wake up in the morning liking who you are, what you do, and who you are with.
What happens on the other side of the door when we close it? Life still goes on, we are just not around to witness it.
Each of us has a light and we must try and walk in it. The key word is try. Choose the life you think best suits you. The try your best to live it right.
You have the opportunity to visit 2 other lives and observe them. The other two lives are lives that you would have had if you had made other choices. You may visit each life only 3 times. When you are ready, you will choose one of the three lives and live it until you die. The moment you decide which you prefer, you will forget you ever had a choice.
When you find what you are looking for, you will stop looking.
You are given the best ice cream in the world, but can only experience it once. Which do you choose, a single taste of heaven or a lifetime of okays?
The best thing in the world, the most anyone can hope for, is to wake up in the morning liking who you are, what you do, and who you are with.
What happens on the other side of the door when we close it? Life still goes on, we are just not around to witness it.
Each of us has a light and we must try and walk in it. The key word is try. Choose the life you think best suits you. The try your best to live it right.
April 17, 2023
The overarching question is...what makes for a good life? In less capable hands, this magical-while-realistic novel would easily have fallen apart. Jonathan Carroll superbly writes another very very good book that will make you think apart your life and hug your loved ones tight. The story gets on point right away and grips hard in the few couple of chapters. Carroll effortlessly sucks you into its premise and has you pondering what you would do in the protagonist's changing situations. You feel true emotion and empathy so some great characters and fantastic things present themselves. By the end, the hook is quite deeply set and its so thoroughly enjoyable all the way to The End. Great big huge recommendation on a satisfying and quick read.
August 6, 2023
Picked this up from the library solely based on its title. Dust jacket just so happened to have some writers I like (Lethem, Joe Hill), so I decided to give it 15-20 pages and man did it pay off. Not only my favorite book of the year so far but maybe one of the more enjoyable reading experiences of recent memory.
This book takes the "what if" aspect of speculative fiction and packs it with a ton of heart. Playful, well-plotted, philosophical, occasionally funny and some refreshing ideas on art.
Thankfully I have quite a few books I can run to now, since this is Carroll's most recent book. Lucky me.
This book takes the "what if" aspect of speculative fiction and packs it with a ton of heart. Playful, well-plotted, philosophical, occasionally funny and some refreshing ideas on art.
Thankfully I have quite a few books I can run to now, since this is Carroll's most recent book. Lucky me.
August 30, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up. This is my first encounter with Jonathan Carroll. A quirky read with a fun premise. The novel started off with promise, and I was reading at a clip until the narrative fizzled and seemed to go off-course. Fortunately Carroll brought it around again and the plot cinches up. I thought Carroll took the easy way out on Patterson’s choice. Though I enjoyed the novel because it was so refreshing, I wouldn’t recommend it widely.
April 20, 2023
Mr. Breakfast is one of those books that you'll pour yourself into and find it very hard to leave. I read the book in one day simply because each page was deliciously captivating. The premise is highly imaginative, very Gaiman-esque. Despite being so enchanting, Carroll manages to wrap up the book so succinctly, you'll be left astounded and needing to discuss it with others. Great work!
August 12, 2023
Probably Carroll’s best book in several years, it does though make you wish for the sharpness of him at his considerable beat to refine some of the edges which feel a little like missed opportunities. Still a treat though
March 4, 2024
For some reason I walked away feeling a little reminiscent to Ready Player One. I think to really get the total connectivity of this novel it may be a 2-read novel. I enjoyed the storyline and who wouldn't want a chance to see your life in 3 varying episodes?
June 25, 2024
Ein Tattoo erlaubt, dass man eine Zeit lang in alternative Leben eintauchen kann - oder sogar dort bleiben. Hauptsächlich anhand eines Mannes macht sich der Autor so Gedanken darüber, was das mit einem macht, und ob es das eigene Leben verbessert, wenn man sieht, was man sonst hätte haben können. Ok aber egal.
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