Dear Reader-
This is called the "back cover copy," and you are no doubt familiar with its purpose. It describes what the book is about, so y...
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reviews
Oct 04, 2011
Dani
rated it: 
I did not find this book funny. I found it inane, obnoxious, and overwrought in every place it possibly could be. I went in hoping to pick up some snippet of insight to the process of publishing a book, but this book taught me nothing I didn't already know. Of course, publishing a book is a personalized process that is different for everyone who goes through it, the process varies according to a lot of different things: the writer, the material, agents, publishers, etc. But this book acts like i
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Apr 13, 2011
Megan
rated it: 
A book about publishing the book you're holding. What a concept.
With a voice partially reminiscent of Tucker Max, Stephen Markley illustrates how his hair-brained idea of writing a book about publishing a book was born, (with a little help from his friends). Not only does he go through the writing and publishing process during the length of the book, but he writes a larger story arc about how his quest for getting published coincides with his odd string of jobs, his relationship with h More...
With a voice partially reminiscent of Tucker Max, Stephen Markley illustrates how his hair-brained idea of writing a book about publishing a book was born, (with a little help from his friends). Not only does he go through the writing and publishing process during the length of the book, but he writes a larger story arc about how his quest for getting published coincides with his odd string of jobs, his relationship with h More...
Jan 16, 2011
Rima
rated it:
I just got done tearing through this book, and I can honestly say that Markley had me at "scrotal goiter." Ok, he had me way before that -- on account of his honest, approachable style of writing and wicked sense of humor. Writers are not a cheerful lot, generally speaking, and the long road to publication is often told in dramatic, "woe is me" sort of way by authors, even after success. Markley proves that you don't have to drown in sorrow to be a struggling "arteest,"
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Apr 24, 2010
Karen
rated it: 
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Jul 27, 2011
Erin Christine
rated it: 
In a love/love relationship with this book, and not just saying so because Markley happens to be my friend.
Markley has crafted a story that will have you laughing, crying, and laughing until you cry, from the "back cover copy" through the acknowledgments. This story is hauntingly relevant to anyone who has ever been passionate about anything. Markley's voice puts a tangible weight to the nostalgia we all feel for both our past and for our as-yet-untold future. I enjoyed re More...
Markley has crafted a story that will have you laughing, crying, and laughing until you cry, from the "back cover copy" through the acknowledgments. This story is hauntingly relevant to anyone who has ever been passionate about anything. Markley's voice puts a tangible weight to the nostalgia we all feel for both our past and for our as-yet-untold future. I enjoyed re More...
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Jul 13, 2010
Emma
rated it:
My friend told me about this book. He said "God look at this - someone's just written a book about trying to get the book they are writing published. What a stupid idea!! I mean I could put all my rejection letters in a book and try and get it published." To which I said, "Yeah but you didn't did you? And also, you're acting like stupid ideas don't make money. Markley actually had his rejection letters published in a book by an actual publisher. Genius!!" Also it's not half b
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Oct 27, 2010
Andrew
rated it:
This book was a "by chance" pick up after someone recommended it as an entertaining read. Reading it, that's exactly what I found, it was very entertaining and worthwhile! As a twenty-something myself, he has lived a life and wrote the book in a style that relates to me. The book kept my attention, which is hard to do, with crazy, erotic, funny, and meaningful stories. Anyone questioning the value of the book midway through, must read the whole book and will see it's about life, lo
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Aug 08, 2010
Stephanie
rated it:
For members of the Jon Stewart generation, or those attempting to get published, this is a great book. I gave it four stars because it dragged a bit in the middle, but the intro and ending are stellar. There is a fair amount of crude humor (some over the top), but the book made me laugh out loud several times, at the expense of waking my daughter.
And I had to appreciate Stephen's footnote (the man loves footnotes) on his experience with Microsoft Word replace since I did the same d More...
And I had to appreciate Stephen's footnote (the man loves footnotes) on his experience with Microsoft Word replace since I did the same d More...
Jul 27, 2011
I loved this book, and I hate myself for not thinking of this idea! Of course, even if I had, it would have been a totally different book because this is as much (or even more) of a coming-of-age story than a tale about the ups and downs in the quest to publish a book. Markley balances smart wit, striking sensitivity, and some crude humor to weave an engaging story that is enjoyable from cover to cover.
Jan 27, 2010
Jacqui
rated it:
I'm loving this book so far. Completely has me in stitches. I can't wait to get to the end, even if I know the brilliantly happy ending that this book is published and will be available in any book store very soon. Cool concept.
Update:
The book delivers what it says and more, it becomes shockingly poignant at times near the end. I laughed out loud way too many times. Very satisfying.
Update:
The book delivers what it says and more, it becomes shockingly poignant at times near the end. I laughed out loud way too many times. Very satisfying.
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Dec 24, 2010
Gregory
rated it:
If you are an aspiring writer you'll like it.
If you like crude humor you'll like parts of it.
If you like funny you'll like even more parts.
If you "hearted" the Bush administration - then probably not so much.
A bit draggy at times but all around a fine effort.
I look forward to watching his work progress.
If you like crude humor you'll like parts of it.
If you like funny you'll like even more parts.
If you "hearted" the Bush administration - then probably not so much.
A bit draggy at times but all around a fine effort.
I look forward to watching his work progress.
Apr 21, 2010
Lindsay
rated it:
So I graduated from college with this guy, and he was a total jerk. His writing is funny, offensive, chaotic - but really really good. I read this in a day and a half! Anyone from Miami University or anyone that wants to be a writer should read it. His writing is like crude frat boy Dave Eggars/David Sedaris...
Apr 27, 2010
Spring
rated it:
Usually saying that a book made me both laugh and cry is enough, but this book needs more. I loved this book: It's honest and well written with both humor and depth. Normally, I'm not interested if a book becomes very profane and vulgar- If you are like that too, know that this book is the exception. It is so honest and sincere, it blew my mind away. It's great for a laugh, but it has some pretty deep moments too.
Mar 06, 2010
Alberto
rated it:
The book is all over the place. In a good way. He wrestles down the admittedly silly premise and manages to tie the writer's struggle to write and to be heard into a very enjoyable read. And at the same time bring in his own story in a very insightful and balls out honest way.
I finished in a day. Literally could not put it down.
I finished in a day. Literally could not put it down.
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May 23, 2011
Katy-Lou
rated it:
Stephen Markley is incredibly talented, charming and whitty in his first book. Although some of the humour wouldn't be suggested for the faint of heart, I would recommend this book to pretty much anyone I come across. A great read that will have you laughing out loud.
Jul 04, 2011
Katie
rated it:
An entertaining read. Interesting, especially, for someone trying to write and publish a book, as well as delve into the publishing realm in other capacities. I loved Markley's narrative voice and the truth to his fears and misgivings.
Mar 01, 2011
Richard
rated it:
I really enjoyed this book. It was just a totally random purchase, I had not heard anything about this book before this. Anyway the book is great, it was everything I had wanted 'Heart Breaking Work of Staggering Genius' to be, engaging, funny and well structured, it moved along well. Definitely worth a read if you get a chance.
Sep 23, 2011
Amy
rated it:
Absolutely not what you would expect from the title or desciption, but this is surprisingly heart-warming and inspirational, even more surprising when you remember that there was never an purposeful intent for either of those emotions. And all of this is given along with hilarious and fantastically inappropriate humor :)
Yes, this might appeal most to fellow writers who have thought of trying to get their own works published, but this book and Markley's story is definitely not limited More...
Yes, this might appeal most to fellow writers who have thought of trying to get their own works published, but this book and Markley's story is definitely not limited More...
Feb 15, 2011
Tanya
rated it:
I wrote a two-part review on my blog.
http://tanyagrove.wordpress.com/2011/02/...
http://tanyagrove.wordpress.com/2011/02/...
May 04, 2011
Carl
rated it:
This is one of those annoying ideas that I really wish I'd had myself. Having said that, I think Markley executes it about as well as it could be done. There are a couple of overly self-indulgent chapters which I glossed over (although, the whole idea is completely self-indulgent, so how do you really single out sections), but overall a thoroughly entertaining and interesting read.
Definitely recommended for anyone who has delusions of getting something published one day.
Definitely recommended for anyone who has delusions of getting something published one day.
Sep 01, 2010
Andy
rated it: 
I initially really enjoyed this book and its concept. The writer was humorous, earnest and I learned interesting things about the book publishing business. Then the book turned into a memoir of someone who's led a short life, not super interesting, kind of too precious.
Mar 19, 2010
Kat
rated it:
If you:
1. are chasing your dreams
2. went to miami university
3. live in chicago
4. remember what its like to have an impossible love
5. or you simply enjoy laughter
then, by god, this is the book for you.
1. are chasing your dreams
2. went to miami university
3. live in chicago
4. remember what its like to have an impossible love
5. or you simply enjoy laughter
then, by god, this is the book for you.
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Aug 18, 2010
Michael
rated it:
You're either going to love this book or hate it. I absolutely loved it.
Jun 02, 2011
Liza
rated it:
Lost interest in this one - I may yet come back to it, but I kept putting it down in favor of something else. I think partially it's just drawn out too long; I do like the "voice" of the author, but it's more the kind of casual thing you want to read in snippits, and not read for 480 pages.
Plus, spoiler alert, you already know the ending. He published the book!
Plus, spoiler alert, you already know the ending. He published the book!
Oct 05, 2011
Ally
rated it:
I wasn't sure what I would think of this book, but I ended up thoroughly enjoying it. I found its stereotypical "dude" humor hilarious. The sad and serious parts almost brought me to tears. And I felt my part of this generation very well reflected.
