"Funny as hell, brilliant dialogue, great characters who I just want to hang with forever and an air-tight story-line that thinks of every contingency and plans accordingly." –Tom McCaffrey, bestselling author of The Claire Trilogy What sucks about waking up next to a dead girl on a Saturday is, more than likely you're gonna miss brunch. Just ask Sammy Junior-full-time house painter, part-time street artist and, as of Saturday morning, prime suspect in a South Tampa homicide investigation. One more hassle he simply does not need. Then there's Penny Sullivan, a fifteen-year-old runaway who shows up in South Tampa that same Saturday morning with only her dead sister's street smarts, a whole lot of survivor's guilt, and a Canada backpack. Misunderstandings lead to Penny joining Sammy's crew, giving her a glimpse of the house painting business-where mind-numbing boredom inspires an acid-trip world of distraction, art and healing relationships. A funny, fast-paced story about friendship and love, tragedy and redemption, and the always intriguing business of house painting.
This is one of those books that my husband gives the side eye while I'm reading because I keep laughing. And we all need those books now and then. Yes, it's a murder mystery, but the characters are so entertaining that at times you might forget that there was a dead body. This is my first Joe Barrett title but Ive already bought two of his back library and the only question is.....which will I read first?
Semi-Gloss, a novel by Joe Barrett, is a witty and captivating novel written with a sharp sense of humor. The story follows the sarcastic and somewhat jaded life of a house painter in Tampa, Florida, Sammy, who befriends a fifteen-year-old runaway girl from New Jersey, Penny, although she’s pinned with the nickname Canada since that’s where she claims she’s from.
Although his father is extremely wealthy, and Sammy stands to inherit it all, he refuses to work for his father and instead chooses to make his living in a humbler manner, partnering with a fellow-high school grad to form their painting company. While on the job for a week, the reader learns the ins and outs of the painting teams’ lives, the dynamic amongst them all and how Penny fits in with this “misfit” group of guys.
The novel is rich with dialogue and is both humorous and poignant, providing readers with an entertaining and thought-provoking read. The characters are well-developed, and the protagonist's relationship with the young runaway girl is both heartwarming and complex. As the two become closer, they begin to realize that they have more in common than they ever could have imagined.
Throughout the book, the author masterfully creates a sense of place that immerses the reader in the world of Tampa, Florida. The descriptions of the city's neighborhoods and the characters that inhabit them are vivid and engaging, adding depth and realism to the story. The pacing of the novel is perfect, and the story never drags, keeping the reader engaged from beginning to end.
Overall, Semi-Gloss is an excellent read for anyone who enjoys a well-written, character-driven novel with a strong sense of humor. The sarcastic tone of the protagonist adds an extra layer of entertainment to the book, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Sammy Junior wakes up to find a girl, dead, next to him...you may think this is the start of a thriller...but no, this story had me laughing out loud! Full of quirky and interesting characters, and its such a quick and easy read. I've not read anything else from the author, but will check out his back catalogue
This is the third of Joe Barrett’s books I’ve read and I just love. They are full of quirky, deeply human, loveable characters. Characters that you want to hear more about, yet to do so would spoil a perfect storyline and ending. The stories demonstrate a real insight into human behaviour and emotions. They are moving yet so very funny, full of laugh out loud moments. My husband has to sit through me reading portions out loud to him. Delectable, humorous, biting satire. Remind me a lot of Spike Milligan. Do yourself a favour and read Joe’s books.
I loved this book. It would be easy to dismiss the characters as quirky; I so enjoy seeing them as real. The range of topics encapsulated in their everyday communication while painting stair spindles, cutting in, and preparing for their after-work serious drinking was enormous and tantalizing. I so wish I could be a part of their crew. The side story of the fifteen year-old runaway was perhaps a bit weaker, but engaging nonetheless. I rarely write reviews, and have never reread a book…until now. Thanks for your work, Joe. Way better than watching paint dry.
Gigglesnort humor in the same vein as Bill & Ted or Strange Brew. Total adolescent laugh fest! Theoretical plot, but mostly a vehicle for the laughs. I requested and received an EARC from Black Rose Writing via NetGalley. Thank you! My kids will love it!
I liked this book only slightly less than Managed Care, which is to say I loved it. Very funny, but full of human warmth too. I can't wait to read everything Joe Barrett has written.
Picked this up free from Amazon after a recommendation. I really didn't know what to expect but I loved it. Full of humour, friendship and, definitely, good feelings. Very much recommend it as a book to put a smile on your face
A wise man once said, “The key to happiness is low expectations.”* Despite this profound advice, I picked up Semi-Gloss by Joe Barrett with the highest of high expectations.
Why?
Because fuck profound advice. Barrett’s first book, Managed Care by Joe Barrett, was fucking awesome. Surely, Semi-Gloss would be equally awesome.
And after reading Semi-Gloss, I’ve got just two words for profound advice:
Keep your stupid opinions to your stupid self! You Butthole!!! Because regardless of those high expectations, Semi-Gloss was even better that I thought it’d be!
Right from the onset, Barrett punches you in the face with a hilarious premise, and the delightful jabs just keep on coming. (End of boxing metaphor, but onto synopsis.)
When Sammy wakes up next to the dead body of a girl he’d been sleeping with, he’s absolutely crestfallen that the situation may cause him to miss brunch.
Meanwhile, Penny, a 15-year-old runaway, is in such dire straits that when she arrives in Tampa Bay, Florida, she pretends to be Canadian. A god damn Canadian! Poor girl.
Anyhoo, Barrett alternates chapters between these two main characters from the first person point of view and it didn’t take long before I found myself rooting for them both. Further, like in Managed Care, Barrett does this masterfully, using both POVs to allow the reader a look into both main characters’ brains, serving up optimal intel, hilarity, and empathy depending on the situation.
At first glance, Sammy appears to be an apathetic, narcissistic, idiotic house-painter with dreamy eyes that are as green as the Irish Isles. But we come to find that despite the fact that he can be indifferent to the point of callousness, he’s actually uncompromisingly passionate about friendship, love, and his offbeat brand of art, which I’ll get into a little bit below.
And then there’s Penny, who despite her insecurities, is precocious and incredibly adventurous. While she can be quite fragile, we soon learn that the reasons why she’s in flight are emotionally deep and painful. But as she grew throughout the story, I found myself inspired, enlightened, and touched. Not like Michael Jackson touched, more like R. Kelly touched. The kids that R. Kelly touched liked it and were better off, right? If not, my bad.
Anyhoo, in Semi-Gloss, Barrett once again dreams up a fantastic cast of characters that provides non-stop entertainment for the reader. His characters are distinct, layered, and engaging, each of whom will arouse some sort of emotion in the reader. Whether it be affinity, disdain, or in the case of Sammy’s dad, decalciticulus, a made up word meaning: strong desire to kick him in the balls.
Halfway through the book, as Sammy and his crew plowed through the monotonous, mind-numbingly dull work of house-painting, I found myself wanting to work alongside them. To enjoy their creative escapes from the drudgery, to booze with them after a hard day’s work, and to participate in their unique brand of art, which Sammy describes as “disrupting everyday reality”, but I’d describe as “being a dick to strangers working minimum wage jobs”. Regardless, the understanding, caring, and indifference of the whole crew warmed the cockles of my heart.
But MOST IMPORTANTLY, this book is hilarious!** One particular scene made me laugh so hard that I cried. I don’t think that I’ve ever cried laughing at a book. Ever.
And almost as importantly, this book has heart. Another scene wrenched my feelings so hard that I cried. Okay, I didn’t cry. I’m not that big a pussy. But my eyes misted up like Loch Ness Lake at sunrise.
Additionally, this book is smart, philosophical, optimistic, insightful, and I’ve got to mention it again, touching.
To sum up, Semi-Gloss is fucking awesome. It’s a hilarious story that is ultimately about belief, friendship, not-getting-down-about-dead-girls-you-wake-up-next-to-even-if-you-miss-brunch, and love. Both familial and fornicational. And of course, Barrett wraps it up in a pleasingly cathartic ending. No doubt, Semi-Gloss will make a fantastic movie. I can’t wait to see it in theaters. Those fuckers better bring it to Tokyo.
Bonus Quotes: “I didn’t realize she was dead until I poked her with a broom.” “Every great adventure starts with what suckers see as a hopeless situation.”
*That wise man was me. John Box. I said it. In Memoirs of a Douchebag. Check it out. **I laughed out loud 62 times while reading this book. That’s gotta be an all-time high. And yes, I keep track of lol’s while reading. Not only that, I also keep track of what degree the lol was. Like lol, Lol, LOl, and LOL. I’m sick, I know.
Hands down, no doubt, 5 GLEAMING STARS. Read & enjoy!
For more reviews, check out The Comedic Novel Review at http://www.pearlsbeforeswine68.com/th.... It's also home to the Great White Host Blog (currently at the top is an insightful editorial about people who brag about loving their family).
It is an off the wall around book! Following the characters insane reasoning is mental whiplash. I couldn't stop reading it. Fun characters who are mind boggling crazy yet sane.
When the book starts we meet Sammy Davis Junior Jr who is found Janice a girl he sleeps with a couple of times a week dead in his bed detective O’Hara tells him she was pregnant and insinuates he probably wanted to get rid of her for that reason but Sammy had no idea she was pregnant and also has no idea how she died. despite the dead woman in his bed his main concern is being late for brunch. Penny is a Runaway and she’s in Tampa Florida she originally thought she would stay at her aunts summer home after an awkward introduction with a guy name Rufus he gives her a ride to her aunts house .when she arrives she learns her aunt has recently put on a security system seeing no other alternative she spends the night in a tree but the next morning when she wakes up she hears a work crew outside of one of her aunts neighbors house. This is when she will be reunited with Rufus and mistaken as a day labor she tells everyone she’s from Canada in on a year off she is backpacking through America. She is really a 15-year-old runaway but no one questioned her story. The owners of the paint crew or Sammy Meallie and Beer and their helper’s Roofus and “Jeff “who’s real name is Dylan. Sammy is waiting for the toxicology report to come back to prove his innocence because he didn’t kill Janice but in the meantime they have a paint job to do to make the day more exciting they do brain jobs. This is where someone asks a question and all day the crew comes up with answers to that question and then they vote on the best at the end of the day. This is just a brief summary of this book about how Sammy is in love with a girl name Fiona that will not give him the time of day but when she does what a day she picks. Will Sammy go to jail for killing Janice will Canada find a family she truly is searching for? There’s so many questions in this book including will senior give all of his inheritance away because Sammy wants to be a painter and have nothing to do with the family business? I love Joe Barrett Books from unplugged to managed-care his books are full of lol moments and this one is no exception I haven’t given the best summary but just now this book is hilarious and not only makes you laugh but also makes you think with lots of moments that make you go hmmm. Another five star read from Joe Barrett in Black Rose riding. I received this book from NetGalley and black Road writing but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
I see this book in two ways. First it has a great storyline and great (most unusual) characters. Secondly, and very rare, it is full of mind bending “brain games” and intellectual warfare! I truly got to know the characters and to have strong feelings for them. I’m going to miss them and am hoping for a follow-up novel. I’m also going to miss reading a novel that makes me think and at the same time cracks me up! I would recommend this novel to anyone who can enjoy great characters and anyone who has a sarcastic sense of humor!
One of the funniest books I've read, well since the last Barrett book I've read,Managed Care. The characters and the banter between them is laugh out loud funny, and yes I've actually laughed in public reading it, moving on to the next book! Please keep them coming Joe, can I call you Joe I feel like we're friends now😉 the world needs more laughter and snark thanks for a great ride!
Just finished Semi-Gloss and have to tell you that it was a joy to read!! Barrett has an excellent writing style and it kept me laughing all the way through the 3 hours it took for me to read it. A breath of fresh air that anyone can enjoy and laugh out loud at the same time!!
Wonderful, entertaining and quick read. I love the way the characters are presented with each chapter related to a particular character and their voice life experiences. Most important to me was the fact that each character stayed true to their nature and there was no big "showdown" scene where the actual bad guy shoots or stabs the good guy. So much fun.
With four interior painters named Mealy, Beer, Sammy, and Jeff, what could possibly go wrong? Read Joe Barrett's wonderful book Semi-Gloss, which features a missing teenage girl, a dead woman found in bed, Tuesday's competition, and a little bit of wisdom about life along the way. Strong characters, easy to read style. Enjoy. An independent review for NetGalley / Black Rose Writing
Not my usual genre. My dad read it and was amused. He is very well read so I thought I would give it a whirl. I enjoyed the banter, storyline and dark humor. I can usually spot a who- done-it early on but I was almost at the end before I got it. Well done Mr.Barrett.
So cleverly written .Fullof humor, common sense and unusual characters that I want to be friends with right now…. Have recommended this novel to so many people all day as I was reading… already did the same with Managed Care….now on to find more by Mr Barrett. Thank you for some great reading!
Joe Barret has an uncanny knack for writing either YA fiction adults will enjoy or adult fiction you'd be happy for teenagers to read in one novel. Major subjects: bereavement, rejection, love and death are explored with grace and humour (often edgy, often laugh out loud).
Any book that can make me laugh, in more than one part of the story, and then touch me until my eyes are all watery is tops for me. Throw in creative, well written and edited, and that makes it a hit for me. Totally worth my time!
A group of REAL characters and a young fragile girl make a great novel. They have a unique way of making house painting worth hearing about. I loved, laughed and cried through this too short book
This was a surprise for me to read as not fantasy nor sci-fi. I was glad that I didn't give up reading when I realised this as there were many life tips and different ways of seeing things in the book as well as a story which ended in a feel-good way.
Absolutely loved this. Very simple storyline but the witty comebacks and some of the situations that the characters find themselves in are pure gold. Had me belly laughing out loud in some places. Read it; it's fab 😁
Joe Barrett has a knack for crafting quirky, unstable characters and dragging them through unusual situations. I've read Semi-Gloss and Managed Care, and will definitely be reading more of his books.
For all those lost people looking to fit in, this story of a runaway gives you all the feels in shocking ways that leave you weeping through happy hysterics.
Entertaining,quirky adventures in a low key way that ropes you in like a Tony Curtis an Doris Day comedy way. Interesting characters that are well developed. Glad they don’t work for me but I would love to listen to their chatter over breakfast.
Truth- I had such fun reading this. I didn’t expect to care about the story and characters in the way that I came to. It was in turns weird, funny, sad, poignant and clever. I’ll never view painting the same way again- in a good way.
This was a good book. It wasn’t as hilarious as Managed Care, but still a good read. I liked the characters, especially all the painters… even Jeff (hahaha). I really like this author and look forward to reading more books by him. Happy Reading:)