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Perpetuating the Species

by Spencer Phelps (Goodreads Author)

3.83 of 5 stars 3.83 · rating details · 6 ratings · 6 reviews

On one hand, Mike Lynch hates kids. He can’t stand how they scream all the time, poop themselves, everything. That probably comes from his father reminding Mike throughout his childhood that he was never wanted. On the other hand, that ice of indifference surrounding Mike's biological clock starts to thaw after his girlfriend gives birth to someone else’s child.

Mike believ...more

Paperback, 1st, 310 pages

Published July 1st 2012 by Book Baby

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Jul 28, 2012 Kristina marked it as to-read

Shelves: first-reads

*** I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads ***
** The Giveaway was Listed By Spencer (the author) **
* I received my copy on Sat, Jul 28 2012 *

THANK YOU GOODREADS FIRST READS AND SPENCER!

It looks hilarious!

I will follow with a full review after reading.

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Aug 16, 2012 Majanka rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: humor, read-2012

Perpetuating The Species is a humorous fiction novel that talks about a journey of self-discovery. At the start of the novel, we meet our main character, Mike. Working at a tourist agency in Marion, Ohio, Mike has a pretty normal life except for one thing – his girlfriend, Sarah, is pregnant. Mike isn’t prepared to become a Dad at all. In fact, he’s confident he’d be the worst Dad ever, following his own father’s example. But still, he loves Sarah, so he wants to give this kid thing a try. Until...more Perpetuating The Species is a humorous fiction novel that talks about a journey of self-discovery. At the start of the novel, we meet our main character, Mike. Working at a tourist agency in Marion, Ohio, Mike has a pretty normal life except for one thing – his girlfriend, Sarah, is pregnant. Mike isn’t prepared to become a Dad at all. In fact, he’s confident he’d be the worst Dad ever, following his own father’s example. But still, he loves Sarah, so he wants to give this kid thing a try. Until the baby is born and it turns out Mike isn’t the Dad at all.

Wallowing over the break-up, Mike feels depressed, until his best buddy Ben comes up with a “genius” idea. What about they go on a weekend trip, and Mike tries to impregnate three women during the weekend? Instead of seeing why this is the more horrible idea ever, Mike goes along with it. The two men end up driving all the way to Marion, Indiana where over the course of a weekend, Mike sleeps with three women – beautiful Phoebe, depressed gothic girl Dana and middle-aged Trisha who lives in a trailer park. Will the experience change Mike’s view on life, or will he still be as adversed toward children as he was at the beginning?

Perpetuating The Species is a well-written, humorous account of a man scared to become a father, and terrified of being as bad at it as his own father was. The writing is fluent, and the pace is high and consistent. Most of this novel is written from Mike’s POV, and the only problem with that was…I really didn’t like Mike. Not only is he an egotistical, superficial human being who goes on the most idiotic quest I’ve ever heard of to try and do – what exactly? Procreate? Create life? Become a Dad? Figure out if he’s Dad material after all? From an outsider’s point of view, it just looks like he wants to hurt people. Alright, maybe not intentionally, but as soon as you sit down to think about it, you realize almost instantly that nothing good can come from Ben and Mike’s quest. Also, the way Mike describes women is sometimes, well, sexist. He dotes on Phoebe because she’s beautiful, but then can’t wait to get away from Dana because she’s not.

Now, I really don’t like Mike, but I doubt it was the author’s intention to make us like his main character, especially at the beginning. That’s why the main purpose of this book is Mike’s road to self-discovery, filled with some humor and hilarious situations along the way. I definitely applaud the author for taking a chance and making his character not instantly likeable. That takes a lot of courage, and it makes it that much harder to get your audience to continue reading. I had to read this from start to end though, so that definitely wasn’t a problem.

Along the way, I began to warm up to Mike. Some men will probably recognize themselves or part of themselves in Mike. I do think this book is aimed primarily at men, and since I’m a woman, I often had more trouble with understanding Mike’s sense of humor (which is often mildly degrading toward women). I loved one particular scene with Mike and Dana, when he finally shows us a bit of another side to him, a warmer, heartier side. I was a bit dissapointed to see that side disappear that quickly, but was glad when it resurfaced.

Perpetuating The Species combines humor and an interesting story, with intriguing characters, and makes for an entertaining read.(less)

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Dec 30, 2012 Lenore A. rated it 3 of 5 stars

I really liked it and I must say that I laugh out loud a few times.
Being a woman I still can understand the point of view even if, sometimes, I didn't agreed with it.
It was funny and make me think of all the stupid things we do before we grow up.

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Dec 05, 2012 Laurie Franco rated it 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely LOVED this book, and was laughing out loud at some parts. I love the fact that a man can write about this and gave it such a "male" point of view. A woman could not do this type of story justice! I thought Ben and Mike were great, and I think the whole plan was great. I couldn't believe Sara cheated after Mike stupidly thought he was one of a select few that she slept with. I could totally picture this story happening in real life. I was a bit sad by Dana's reaction to the whole plo...more

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Mar 10, 2013 Chloe rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

Perpetuating the Species was a treat. It took me along for a fun and very unique adventure and into crazy situations I never imagined. I loved the dialogue between Mike and his friend, Ben. It kept me interested during otherwise slow scenes. Perpetuating the Species is surprisingly hard to put down, and I found myself staying up late at night to read it. I recommend this book to anyone who is not offended by excessive use of vulgar language :)

Go Goodreads First Reads!

P.S. Absolutely adore the c...more

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Aug 09, 2012 Toby rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

*disclaimer* I won this book through the Goodreads First Reads Giveaway, but my review is 100% honest.

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About Spencer Phelps

A native of Marion, Ohio, Spencer Phelps was a featured opinion columnist for The Marion Star newspaper from 2008-2010. He also wrote/hosted a local late-night TV talk show called Marion Tonight in 2009 and a radio version in 2010. On top of being a writer and show host, Spencer has been a singer, songwriter, practitioner of martial arts, husband, politician, geocacher, ghost hunter, and an intern...more

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