SIGNED More Than They Could Chew

by Rob Roberge

Signed copy.

Genres: Fiction

Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Chaymâa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The American public doesn't much care to read stories about good people who work hard and have nothing to show for it. They don't want to hear about poor people who stay poor people. Start in a log cabin and end in the White House? Cool. Start in a log cabin and end up renting another log cabin, you're shit out of luck, no matter how much you may have helped the working conditions on any number of assembly lines. People don't like to hear the world isn't fair and it isn't nice and they're sure as hell not going to pay to hear it.

If you’re the kind of readers who prefer staying safe in their dreamy bubble and not getting punched by the harshness of reality, then this book isn’t for you.



But if you don’t mind reading about a loser, in the eyes of society, who’s struggling to survive even though his drinking problems; about a goodhearted person who consorts with a criminal and an ex-lawyer. Then this book is just for you.

How did I get here? The short answer is that I drink. The long answer has a lot of names and details and explanations, but pretty much boils down, reduces itself, to the short answer. I drink

Excuse my manners; I even forgot to tell you his name. Nick Ray, that’s his name. Fair enough.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here's my blurb:

"Call it kink-noir. Call it beer-soaked black humor. Call it whatever you want. But buy this book."

[Endless Warner · Rating 4 out of 5]

The thing I love about Rob Roberge's books is I always fall in love with his anti-heros. They're broken and real and, as my friends would tell you.... my type.
I like More Than They Could Chew because it's not for everyone; it's a slice of life story from the misfits most people don't pay attention to skimming the surface of the streets living in broken down hotels. The ending isn't neat, but neither is the story because life isn't neat.
If you're a fan of Clevenger or stories about self proclaimed losers, this is definitely a book for you.

[Ray Hubley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lively and ripe, with a bit of a tail off at its end.

[Melody · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bad start. Bad middle. Bad end. This is the novel equivalent of a low budget action movie no one wanted to see. This is the Sharknado of literature.

[Antonia Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rob Roberge, via his protagonist Nick Ray shudders while observing the horrors of the world from a stoop in Long Beach. He may have let his ex-wife Cheryl down, but never his readers. “More Than They Could Chew” is not just about high-impact shenanigans but more of a study on human life under a magnifying glass. The story is a balancing act of kooky character with great names like “Maggot Arm Joe” and “Harry Fudge.” The plot contains extreme human tension daring the reader to press forward. His characters are layered in danger and naiveté’. His villains are vulnerable and his protagonist astute. Written in a close first person present, “More Than They Could Chew” is immediate and loud; a carnival ride you have to go on and the pay off is worth it. There are several disturbing, hilarious moments that are as believable as they are outrageous. There’s a Titanic-obsessed nut job named Fudge and erotic kinky sex involving a kiddie pool. There are bar fights and robberies and then there are reflective moments where Nick Ray is ultimately exposed. There is snappy dialogue, music, smells, films playing, homeless people wandering around selling dime bags, illegal’s under street lights, and hookers leading tricks into rooms at the Lincoln. The story is alive. It’s a colorful journey sure to wake the lovable thug in you and it is all happening now.

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roberge writes in the same style as Charlie Huston in the Hank Thompson trilogy. If you like crime noir, you'll like this book. Roberge plays it safe - no revolutionary writing to be found here, just a great simple-crime-gone-wrong story with awesome characters and quick dialogue. Sergei is one of the greatest characters in recent fiction!

[Corey Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author is a very good writer - that becomes evident on the first page. His depictions of lives in the gutter are realistic, humorous, and eye-opening. Plot, however? Not his strong suit. When I got to the ending, I felt as though 40 pages were missing. Not a satisfying ending. Though I would still read another book by the writer.

[Cristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The characters and situations in the book made me think of something that Chuck Palahniuk might write. It was a total trip and quite funny.

[Mick Parsons · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's smartly written, witty, and fast paced. I'd read another one by this author.

[Steven Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

brilliant! incredibly funny and very disturbing. Sergei rules!

[Richard Rowland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rob really captures and carries the world of addiction to it's extremes. I know the characters as if they were in my living room acting out. This is a great read!

[Phil Spinks · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be honest, I don't remember much about this one, but I do remember enjoying it at the time. Recommended by Clevenger, so in that same crime/noir genre.