I just finished reading the first novel by blogger Jamie Boud, keeper of the website Known Universe, and, ya know what?, it's really effin' good. Seriously.

I hate to compare it to anything else, but if I had to compare it to another work it would be Bukowski's Women. As said, two very different works, but both dealing with a man coming into a period in which, for various reasons, multiple women enter his life, and the character's navigation through this new landscape. Both have very different baggage and timing thereof, and really, personal history is much more a factor in Jamie's work, as Buk's character is coming off a dormant period, his past having settled somewhat, whereas Jamie's character (Drew) is fresh off a very long and turbulent relationship. Also Jamie's character isn't drunk 24 hours a day.

Anyway, don't let my inept description scare you off. It's definitely worth a read or two (or 3). Click here for a much more cogent description as well as for purchasing opportunities. It's currently only available through café press. Buy one for you, one for your friend, and one for your dog. You'll thank me later.

One disclaimer. Reading this book may not the perfect remedy if you're standing on the edge of a cliff reciting Sylvia Plath, and you need something to guide you back to the shores of horse blinders ignorant false bliss. For that may I suggest you bask innocently in the joys of the inane and easy-to-digest. Nothing comes to mind at this exact moment. Maybe listen to Hanson's mmm bop?? If, however, you care to lie back & consider some of life's deeper and, granted, maybe depressing back alleys, vis a vis humanity's fragile, yet sometimes antagonizingly seemingly simple, ability to coexist and interact, I heartily recommend this 'un. Snap, crackle, pop.