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cartridgepink's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
4.0
I'm fairly sure I bought this book at one of those pop-up discount trestle table arrangements at Southland over a decade ago, back when I knew Martin mostly from Thank God You're Here. Having listened to the entirety of Get This! last year, I figured it was finally time to read a book I'd successfully left unopened through four different home addresses, never once considering giving it away.
Despite being published in the aftermath of Get This! finishing, there's very little tying Occasionals to its own present (a reference to The Wizard of Speed and Time notwithstanding*). Instead Martin deftly moves from tales of his youth in New Zealand to adult life in Australia; work, relationships and coincidences told with impeccable attention to detail and comedic insight. Tony's emotional understanding grows in parallel with advancements in home movie technology, from corralling friends into a Batman fan film as a child, to endless VHS rental marathons with a girlfriend in Brisbane.
Despite being published in the aftermath of Get This! finishing, there's very little tying Occasionals to its own present (a reference to The Wizard of Speed and Time notwithstanding*). Instead Martin deftly moves from tales of his youth in New Zealand to adult life in Australia; work, relationships and coincidences told with impeccable attention to detail and comedic insight. Tony's emotional understanding grows in parallel with advancements in home movie technology, from corralling friends into a Batman fan film as a child, to endless VHS rental marathons with a girlfriend in Brisbane.
I love having a new sister. All the old stories are new again.
These stories are now both older still and just as fresh to a new reader. I was honestly surprised at how well Martin captures his changing perspectives as a child, young adult and into middle age, allowing room for reflection without compromising the integrity of each memory. An excavation of the past that only occasionally falls into nostalgia.
*and infinitely more sadly, a dedication to the late, great Richard Marsland.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Medical content, Medical trauma, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Racism, Bullying, Injury/Injury detail, Racial slurs, Domestic abuse, and Gore
damopedro's review against another edition
4.0
Tony Martin can tell a funny story. I've laughed on trams and trains while reading this book and one time woke up my girlfriend when I tried to stifle a laugh so i wouldn't wake her and had the whole body shakes which woke her.
benjaminharrisonofficial's review
5.0
The Great Tony Martin has improved on the already terrific Lolly Scramble with this one. Just as funny, but warmer and more personal. And it'll make you feel better about your own life.
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