A review by jessiqa
Buddy Holly is Alive and Well on Ganymede by Bradley Denton

4.0

Oliver Vale was conceived on the night Buddy Holly died in 1959. 30 years later, a broadcast of Holly interrupts regular TV programming. Holly says to contact Oliver Vale for assistance. It becomes apparent that this was no local broadcast interruption, but worldwide, and that it in fact originates from Ganymede, one of Jupiter’s moons. And it shows no sign of stopping.

Now everyone from the FCC to a Bible-thumping preacher with a broad reach to coach potatoes worldwide blames Vale for not being able to watch their regular shows. Vale goes on the run and has to contend with a bald hitman, a robot doberman, and a very angry Republican woman who uses the most creative swears and insults I have ever encountered. All this is interspersed with flashbacks to Vale's odd upbringing by a woman obsessed with rock and roll who was convinced that Atlanteans (of the famously lost city) are trying to get in contact with her and others of the world. What if she was right?

My dad recommended this book to me, which just goes to show how well he knows me. I have never read a weirder book than this one, and considering my reading tastes, that's really saying something. There was a rumor about a film version of this book bouncing around a few years ago. If it ever actually sees the light of day, I will be first in line to buy a ticket. It's weird and wonderful and funny. If you want a good laugh or just enjoy Buddy Holly, you should give this book a read.