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Snodgrass Vacation
Dave wasn’t happy that his wife booked a trip to Snodgrass World with the Zandanels. But when Vinnie sees Van Morrison on the flight the trip takes a sense of purpose. Morrison claims he was injured and the suit has already been filed. Dave and Vinnie just know he’s faking and they have a week to prove it.
Anybody who’s been to Disney will recognize the place in this irreverent satire.
Anybody who’s been to Disney will recognize the place in this irreverent satire.
Nook
First published October 22, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 24, 2010
Snodgrass Vacation is a very visual book with well-crafted characters. I swear, I think I've met some of them in real life. I enjoyed all the different references to Disney, and it really made me think perhaps my own vacations weren't nearly so crazy as I once believed. The added story about trying to catch a scam artist kept the story fresh and intriguing. I particularly liked the tunnel part. If you enjoy off-the-wall situations, this book is definitely for you.
July 6, 2010
Easy to read book that had me giggling. Chances are that the characters in the book will remind you of someone in your life. Van Morrison!
October 10, 2011
Snodgrass is code for Walt Disney World and anyone who is a Disney fan will instantly recognise the surroundings. For my DIS friends, this reads like a comical trip report.
May 9, 2018
As someone who loves DisneyWorld, this was right on the money. I have been the people in this book. Very funny!
January 6, 2012
In March my husband and I took our two small children to Sea World for spring break. Now… growing up in Texas you tend to get used to the heat, summers range anywhere from 99-110 degrees on a daily basis, and the “season” (and I use that word very liberally) itself generally last from February to October, so our decision to tottle around an amusement park in 100 degree heat may not have been the wisest of decisions we have made, (or are likely to make in the future,) but the fact remains that we did. However, it was not until finishing this novel that I finally found the comfort I needed to put MY weeks worth of hecticness behind me and thank my lucky stars that “at least it wasn’t Disney World.”
For those of you that are parents you can relate to what I’m about to say. Nothing sucks more than tiny children, 300 strollers and hour long lines for 45 seconds of cheesy graphics and rickety (held together by a 14 year olds welding job) rollercoasters. Don’t get me wrong… I am an adrenaline junkie to the fullest extent, but trying to harness those feelings while at the same time trying to change a dirty diaper on your lap is not exactly the bee’s knees!
In “Snodgrass Vacation” Dave Conifer takes his audience on the ride of a lifetime in his fictional (yet very similar) play on “The Happiest Place On Earth” (complete with ridicules costumes and hyperactive newbie parents) While throwing in the (cheeky) pursuit of an “ambulance chaser” (who just happens to be at the same hotel as them) we get to experience the pluses and pitfalls of family vacations.
Dave is a diplomatic clean freak, his wife Marcie has had an encounter with Mother Nature, Vinnie is um… less diplomatic and more “you gotta fight for your right to party” and Nancy is like a Nazi version of Tinkerbelle barking marching orders at every corner and demanding compliance. Just your average American families right? (ha!)
Conifer’s writing was witty and at times slap stick funny. The plot, even though it was ultimately just a weeks worth of “which ride is next” didn’t make you feel like you were the one waiting in line and in the end… I found myself genuinely smiling at the blatant reality of this work of “fiction.”
This is not a difficult read, it’s more sassy and beach’y than anything else, but if you have ever found yourself in the position of line maneuvering or 30 minute potty breaks then you are sure to find yourself chuckling at these 2 (very different) families take on togetherness.
If you…have children, have ever been to a major amusement park, find yourself with some free time, and a couple of extra bucks in your pocket… this one is for you.
Happy reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: if you find yourself in an underground tunnel sporting an oversized dwarf head… something has gone terribly wrong.
For those of you that are parents you can relate to what I’m about to say. Nothing sucks more than tiny children, 300 strollers and hour long lines for 45 seconds of cheesy graphics and rickety (held together by a 14 year olds welding job) rollercoasters. Don’t get me wrong… I am an adrenaline junkie to the fullest extent, but trying to harness those feelings while at the same time trying to change a dirty diaper on your lap is not exactly the bee’s knees!
In “Snodgrass Vacation” Dave Conifer takes his audience on the ride of a lifetime in his fictional (yet very similar) play on “The Happiest Place On Earth” (complete with ridicules costumes and hyperactive newbie parents) While throwing in the (cheeky) pursuit of an “ambulance chaser” (who just happens to be at the same hotel as them) we get to experience the pluses and pitfalls of family vacations.
Dave is a diplomatic clean freak, his wife Marcie has had an encounter with Mother Nature, Vinnie is um… less diplomatic and more “you gotta fight for your right to party” and Nancy is like a Nazi version of Tinkerbelle barking marching orders at every corner and demanding compliance. Just your average American families right? (ha!)
Conifer’s writing was witty and at times slap stick funny. The plot, even though it was ultimately just a weeks worth of “which ride is next” didn’t make you feel like you were the one waiting in line and in the end… I found myself genuinely smiling at the blatant reality of this work of “fiction.”
This is not a difficult read, it’s more sassy and beach’y than anything else, but if you have ever found yourself in the position of line maneuvering or 30 minute potty breaks then you are sure to find yourself chuckling at these 2 (very different) families take on togetherness.
If you…have children, have ever been to a major amusement park, find yourself with some free time, and a couple of extra bucks in your pocket… this one is for you.
Happy reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: if you find yourself in an underground tunnel sporting an oversized dwarf head… something has gone terribly wrong.
January 26, 2011
I’m not going to ruin any surprises for you when I say that “Snodgrass” is code for “Disneyworld” in this spot-on parody of the aforementioned theme park. Aside from the names, I have a feeling most readers will recognize the rides, personalities, and other attractions that fill “Snodgrass.” Conifer isn’t trying to create a far-reaching metaphor here. This book is part observational parody, and part bumbling adventure. David Jevik and Vinnie Zandanels are likeable, but no James Bond, as they try to expose a man trying to get away with a fraudulent injury lawsuit. Can adventure, parody, and “Snodgrass” all come together in “Snodgrass Vacation”? The EZ Read Intern finds out.
Our main character David narrates the story where the Zandanels are truly the star in “Snodgrass Vacation”. Vinnie and his wife Nancy are perfect parodies of a theme park family; Nancy is a park-planning drill sergeant who knows exactly when to heartlessly ambush a line, and Vinnie is an all-American dad with a fondness for cold beers and thinly veiled sexist remarks. In some ways, David plays the sidekick as he narrates the story, like Watson to Sherlock Holmes. Vinnie and Nancy are well-developed and hilarious, while David and his wife Marcie are being taken for the ride. The families’ trip around the parks acts like a tour of everything wrong and (sometimes) right with the whole Snodgrass experience, and these parts of the stories expose all the personalities and parts of it.
The second layer of the story is Vinnie and David’s hunt for Van Morrison, but not the rock star. This swindler is attempting to sue a friend of Vinnie’s by faking a physical injury outside of a restaurant and suing. With the help of disgruntled Snodgrass employees, Vinnie and David attempt to catch the faker in the act of doing something physical. Of course, it doesn’t help that Vinnie and David have no idea what they’re doing. I will give nothing else away!
I personally have never been to Disneyworld (but have been to Disneyland), so there were times when I had to decipher what ride or park was being described. Some of the names are hilarious and obvious (like ‘Brutal Yet Fun and Lovable Buccaneers’), but some needed some solving. I think this book will have universal appeal to the theme park crowds, and the great characters and situations will get you thinking about the ridiculousness of theme parks, but it never strays into preachiness or meanness; just light hearted and funny all around.
EZ Read Staffer Jenifer
Our main character David narrates the story where the Zandanels are truly the star in “Snodgrass Vacation”. Vinnie and his wife Nancy are perfect parodies of a theme park family; Nancy is a park-planning drill sergeant who knows exactly when to heartlessly ambush a line, and Vinnie is an all-American dad with a fondness for cold beers and thinly veiled sexist remarks. In some ways, David plays the sidekick as he narrates the story, like Watson to Sherlock Holmes. Vinnie and Nancy are well-developed and hilarious, while David and his wife Marcie are being taken for the ride. The families’ trip around the parks acts like a tour of everything wrong and (sometimes) right with the whole Snodgrass experience, and these parts of the stories expose all the personalities and parts of it.
The second layer of the story is Vinnie and David’s hunt for Van Morrison, but not the rock star. This swindler is attempting to sue a friend of Vinnie’s by faking a physical injury outside of a restaurant and suing. With the help of disgruntled Snodgrass employees, Vinnie and David attempt to catch the faker in the act of doing something physical. Of course, it doesn’t help that Vinnie and David have no idea what they’re doing. I will give nothing else away!
I personally have never been to Disneyworld (but have been to Disneyland), so there were times when I had to decipher what ride or park was being described. Some of the names are hilarious and obvious (like ‘Brutal Yet Fun and Lovable Buccaneers’), but some needed some solving. I think this book will have universal appeal to the theme park crowds, and the great characters and situations will get you thinking about the ridiculousness of theme parks, but it never strays into preachiness or meanness; just light hearted and funny all around.
EZ Read Staffer Jenifer
July 31, 2014
Have you ever been to Disney World? This book is about a joint family vacation to Snodgrass (a.k.a Disney), but thankfully there are twists that likely didn't happen on your vacation to make this an interesting read. The narrator Dave and his family are on vacation with a family he doesn't particularly like. Since the other family goes every year, they are well-versed in how to best navigate the park and come with a battle plan. There is also a bit of wild goose chase to capture a picture of a man for a lawsuit (the man is claiming to have been horribly injured by a slip and fall, the guys are sure he wasn't and decide to get a picture for the business owner he's suing). There were some parts that I didn't quite understand, and I did feel the book dragged on a bit more than needed. All in all, it wasn't a bad read, but I wouldn't bother recommending it to most of my frieds.
August 25, 2011
For the first half, I found myself looking forward to picking this one back up to continue reading. Not so, the 2nd half.
Laugh your socks off in parts of this such as in Global Village where Dave and Vinnie joke about making the countries look more realistic. As Dave asked Vinnie "...like the dark side instead of the good side?" "How about France? Right next to the Eiffel Tower put a bunch of immigrants burning cars." A lot of scenes in the Global Village could be condensed into one by showcasing the Good Ole US of A Melting Pot.
Though I've never had an interest in visiting a theme park, after reading this, I'd have to be dragged in one against my will. Or dead.
Laugh your socks off in parts of this such as in Global Village where Dave and Vinnie joke about making the countries look more realistic. As Dave asked Vinnie "...like the dark side instead of the good side?" "How about France? Right next to the Eiffel Tower put a bunch of immigrants burning cars." A lot of scenes in the Global Village could be condensed into one by showcasing the Good Ole US of A Melting Pot.
Though I've never had an interest in visiting a theme park, after reading this, I'd have to be dragged in one against my will. Or dead.
May 1, 2011
Pleased I won this as a giveaway, as I might not have read it otherwise - only as I thought the subject matter wouldn't be as good as it was. It might perhaps not amuse anyone who hasn't been to a theme park/Orlando theme parks, as much as those who have. It's so spot on with all the parady's of what goes on and the people who go. I've been to Orlando a few times and to theme parks here in the UK and I even learned one or two things I might try the next time I go. A treat of a book, but maybe only to those who know/have exprerienced this world.
May 4, 2011
I don't usually read comedy but this book was entertaining even though at times Vinnie annoyed me. Especially when he loses evidence. The characters are brilliant and have come across people like them at theme parks myself. I've never been to a theme park in Orlando but I've visted the park in Paris and recognized the rides that were described. Kyle was my favourite character. I'd love to read more books by Dave in the future.
April 1, 2011
This book is an enjoyable way to spend a few hours perhaps waiting in queues at themeparks. It did encourage me to return a child's evil stare in M&S on Saturday, much to my family's amusement.
The centre section of the story is most enjoyable, takes a little time to get into, and the final paragraphs aren't really necessary but certainly worth a punt!
The centre section of the story is most enjoyable, takes a little time to get into, and the final paragraphs aren't really necessary but certainly worth a punt!
June 27, 2011
I thought this book was sooo boring. The writer spends way too much time talking about the park and the attendees than he does the mystery they are trying to solve. I ended up perusing most of the book so I could get to the (very predictable) end. I'm glad it was free. I would have been upset if I had paid for this book!
June 19, 2011
This was an easy, enjoyable read. It chronicles the adventures 2 families have on their vacation to Snodgrass (a spoof on Disney). There are a lot of great adventures and many parts that parents can easily relate to. I haven't ever been to Disney Resorts in Florida, so I imagine for those who have been there the book would be even better. Definitely a good read :)
June 20, 2011
Absolutely hilarious. I really like Dave Conifer as an author...I've enjoyed each of his stories. Reading this book was like taking a trip down memory lane. It's quite easy to compare the book's theme park to the real life theme park. I must say...I preferred some of Dave's names than the real life names. =D I was laughing the whole way through, and can't wait to read another of his books.
January 19, 2012
A fun and good-natured mystery adventure story set during two families' vacation to a thinly veiled Disney World/Snodgrass. The author's slightly irreverent, but ultimately benign skewering of Disney World attractions and quirks is easily recognized by anyone who's spent any time at "the happiest place on earth."
A fun read for anyone who has a soft spot for that place in Central Florida!
A fun read for anyone who has a soft spot for that place in Central Florida!
June 24, 2011
I enjoyed this - about two families who go on vacation together to Snodgrass World (read: fake disney). It's everything I imagine Disney to be - people, crowds, and competitive lines - and the husbands have their own little adventure.
September 15, 2011
A lot of people raved about how funny this book was. Sure, there were some moments that made me LOL but for the most part it was kind of lame with a few off color jokes thrown in for good measure. Overrated!
November 14, 2011
I don't normally read satire or comedy, but this book caught my attention after reading the first few pages. Anyone who has traveled to Disney World you will be able to relate to the satirical references. Unfortunately, the bok did not hold my attention ...
October 8, 2015
A hilarious adventure of what a certain amusement park is really like if you are chasing someone who is breaking the law. A great light read for those looking for a book where you don't have to think, you just have to enjoy.
July 2, 2011
Easy to read, but I found there was too much dialogue about the amusement parks vs the "mystery" they were supposed to solve. Just an okay read.
August 2, 2011
Parts are very funny.Would be great movie to see. Had shared with coworkers details as i read it and they laugh...
Read
September 14, 2011Really liked this book. It kept me laughing and you can see all the references to Disney. The extra story line made it that much funnier. It was the perfect mix.
Read
June 25, 2012If you love Disney, you'll totally relate!
April 10, 2020
This book is funny and I could not put it down
July 30, 2011
Light reading. Some really funny parts. Funnier if you've been to Disneyworld.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews