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e1ean0rrigby's review against another edition
5.0
The Decadents was a delight from start to finish. M.C. Schmidt has a vibrant, sardonic narrative tone. Each character has their own likability and unique perspectives. Phil Ochs is a jerk of a dad, fast food franchise owner, and conservative running for senator. His wife, Lillian, soothes her woes by ordering gadgets from paid programming and engaging in strangely intimate conversations with a customer service rep named Raj. Phil's son, David Samuel, is a socially-challenged chap, who butts heads with his dad. The story is gripping as it unfolds. Phil's sins are brought to light and everyone benefits in the end.
thebookishpage's review
4.0
My first to read by this author but definitely not my last! I love all the funny flawed characters but truly enojoyed the authors satirical humor. The plot was a slow pick up but once it did I couldn’t put it down. If you liked Schitts creek you’ll love this book.
annaavian's review
1.0
The book made a good first impression, I enjoyed the funny moments and the sarcasm.
As the story kept unfolding though, the initial lightheartedness quickly deteriorated into a slow and desolate political tale. I struggled to connect to most of the cartoonish characters and felt like Eddie Ellis’ story took the attention away from the father-son duo that I wanted to read more about.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to Library Tales Publishing and NetGalley.
As the story kept unfolding though, the initial lightheartedness quickly deteriorated into a slow and desolate political tale. I struggled to connect to most of the cartoonish characters and felt like Eddie Ellis’ story took the attention away from the father-son duo that I wanted to read more about.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to Library Tales Publishing and NetGalley.
thiane_reads_sa's review
4.0
This was every bit as funny as the premise promised. Oh my gosh, this was such a delight. Phil Ochs is my spirit animal from today on. His political ambitions, their odd ball son and Lillians phone chats with reps just had me howling.
My favorite part is that its dark funny, my favorite type of humor. I laughed so hard at so many times in the book liquids were confiscated from me.
This was such a nice distraction, and really makes you forget about reality as you journey with Phil to finally get the the respect he deserves without being associated with a radical, liberal tree hugging folksinger. Will be looking for more of this author in the future!
My favorite part is that its dark funny, my favorite type of humor. I laughed so hard at so many times in the book liquids were confiscated from me.
This was such a nice distraction, and really makes you forget about reality as you journey with Phil to finally get the the respect he deserves without being associated with a radical, liberal tree hugging folksinger. Will be looking for more of this author in the future!
sparetimereader's review
2.5
Short synopsis: Phil Ochos (a fast food franchise owner) decides to run for the senate, despite the current familial chaos surrounding him.
My thoughts: This is a deeply sarcastic and satirical book. The characters are very complex and want to be seen and heard, and will go to great lengths to achieve that.
In this read we get an inside look into corporate life, political aspects, and family dynamics.
The family struggles were relatable at times, and completely nonsense at other times. I mean, who hires some punk kid to beat up your adult child?
Read this if you’re a sucker for:
- Satire and dark humor
- Fast food
- Absurd customer service phone calls
ceeemvee's review
3.0
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.
The book started off well, using satire as a means of humorously exposing today’s societal ills. I seriously had no idea there were actually neuticles, silicone implants for dogs after they have been neutered. But it’s true. However, the story quickly became a dark tale, grim and not very amusing, while the characters devolved from quirky to pathetic.
The main character is Phil Ochs, franchisee of 17 Fry Buddy restaurants, who is upset the neuticles manufacturer is edging him out for man of the year award given by the local chamber of commerce. After all, he is a jobs creator. Phil’s wife, Lillian, has a pantry full of As Seen On TV gadgets and can’t wait to break-out the corn dog fryer for company. Their son, David Samuel, is a young adult in conflict with his father. David Samuel is witty and smart, but is immature to say the least and lacks rudimentary social skills.
Phil makes some bad choices which profoundly affects his entire family, as well as a host of characters that will be introduced. It’s at this point that the story turns grim, and is much too sad to be funny. There are some satirically funny moments, but the storyline is just dismal.
https://candysplanet.wordpress.com/
The book started off well, using satire as a means of humorously exposing today’s societal ills. I seriously had no idea there were actually neuticles, silicone implants for dogs after they have been neutered. But it’s true. However, the story quickly became a dark tale, grim and not very amusing, while the characters devolved from quirky to pathetic.
The main character is Phil Ochs, franchisee of 17 Fry Buddy restaurants, who is upset the neuticles manufacturer is edging him out for man of the year award given by the local chamber of commerce. After all, he is a jobs creator. Phil’s wife, Lillian, has a pantry full of As Seen On TV gadgets and can’t wait to break-out the corn dog fryer for company. Their son, David Samuel, is a young adult in conflict with his father. David Samuel is witty and smart, but is immature to say the least and lacks rudimentary social skills.
Phil makes some bad choices which profoundly affects his entire family, as well as a host of characters that will be introduced. It’s at this point that the story turns grim, and is much too sad to be funny. There are some satirically funny moments, but the storyline is just dismal.
https://candysplanet.wordpress.com/
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