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Rhubarb
When Martin discovers that aliens are really among us, he’s not as shocked as you might think. After all, as a traveling salesman, he’s spent more than enough hours on the road listening to late-night talk radio to know about these things. The odd thing is that these aliens are coming to tiny Brixton, Montana…to eat at the truck stop.
Martin, too, has been coming to Brixton for years. It’s a convenient crossroads town, but the real draw is Cheryl, the housekeeper who sets out the breakfast at the local motel. Martin has just about worked up the courage to ask her out when she disappears.
When Martin begins to ask questions, what he uncovers about Cheryl’s family and Brixton’s history is far weirder than anything he’s ever heard on the radio. Especially if it’s true that Cheryl’s salvation lies in discovering a long-lost secret recipe for rhubarb pie—which might just be the best, and the most dangerous, pie in the galaxy.
Martin, too, has been coming to Brixton for years. It’s a convenient crossroads town, but the real draw is Cheryl, the housekeeper who sets out the breakfast at the local motel. Martin has just about worked up the courage to ask her out when she disappears.
When Martin begins to ask questions, what he uncovers about Cheryl’s family and Brixton’s history is far weirder than anything he’s ever heard on the radio. Especially if it’s true that Cheryl’s salvation lies in discovering a long-lost secret recipe for rhubarb pie—which might just be the best, and the most dangerous, pie in the galaxy.
360 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2012
About the author
M.H. Van Keuren
5 books15 followersM.H. Van Keuren quit a perfectly good job to devote his life to writing science fiction. He lives in Billings, Montana, with his wife and two sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 12, 2016
Great fun. Better tha "Hitchhiker's Guide..." et al.
A light-hearted tale mixing enough pop culture to connect while turned your standard "first contact" tale on its head. (Partly because this isn't their "first" contact.) Pay close attention: almost nothing is what it seems.
Good job!
A light-hearted tale mixing enough pop culture to connect while turned your standard "first contact" tale on its head. (Partly because this isn't their "first" contact.) Pay close attention: almost nothing is what it seems.
Good job!
July 29, 2013
The opening sequence of this book was brilliant - very Douglas Adams HHGTTG-esque. But then the story changed completely and took a little while to really draw me in. Once it did, though, I devoured it. If you like humorous sci-fi, read Rhubarb.
June 25, 2015
Rhubarb is an amazingly fun book!
Its humorous style is reminiscent of Douglas Adams and his wonderful Hitchhiker series and Dirk Gently novels. I truly appreciate the comedy of the mundane often at work in Van Keuren's book, as our hero pays close attention to little details in every day life that so often get overlooked. And then that focus on the dreary and mundane becomes juxtaposed with a bigger-than-life story closing in!
To grossly paraphrase the great Gene Shalit on a completely unrelated topic, I'm usually more of a fan of cakes than pies, but this hilarious novel made me hungry! It also made me laugh out loud on a plane a few times. Oh, I must say that this story couldn't have been more apropos for a guy who works for the television show, Ancient Aliens; plus, I read it while flying in and out of Denver International Airport, occasionally peeking over my Kindle to scan for Reptoids during my layover.
I totally recommend to everyone! An excellent book!
Its humorous style is reminiscent of Douglas Adams and his wonderful Hitchhiker series and Dirk Gently novels. I truly appreciate the comedy of the mundane often at work in Van Keuren's book, as our hero pays close attention to little details in every day life that so often get overlooked. And then that focus on the dreary and mundane becomes juxtaposed with a bigger-than-life story closing in!
To grossly paraphrase the great Gene Shalit on a completely unrelated topic, I'm usually more of a fan of cakes than pies, but this hilarious novel made me hungry! It also made me laugh out loud on a plane a few times. Oh, I must say that this story couldn't have been more apropos for a guy who works for the television show, Ancient Aliens; plus, I read it while flying in and out of Denver International Airport, occasionally peeking over my Kindle to scan for Reptoids during my layover.
I totally recommend to everyone! An excellent book!
April 19, 2023
A funny, easy read! Who knew that a rhubarb pie could cause so much drama.
August 29, 2016
‘Rhubarb’ started off great. The main character, Martin, is fun everyman with some great self-deprecating humor. The story line with ‘Beyond Insomnia’ and the Wakers was great as well. Some of the tidbits from the show were really funny. Then we get into the meat of the story but it doesn’t seem to really go anywhere. I felt that the middle part of the story didn’t really add much and could have been considerably shorter. I started to lose a bit of interest here which moved the book down to 3 stars for me as I felt it really dragged on. Then we came to the final 20% of the book which was great again with an interesting plot line and more fun. Overall it was fun and well written and I’d probably give the author another go!
June 7, 2019
6/2019 An entertaining, Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, type of science fiction. Humans must out fox greedy aliens who want to turn the earth into a rhubarb pie manufacturing plant to satisfy the love of new desserts on alien worlds. Fun read!
July 30, 2019
This one was a little slow to start, but once it got there, it was a wild ride. Now I need to make me some rhubarb pie!
November 30, 2016
Drôle, bien écrit mais un peu juste au point de vue de l'intrigue peu crédible (je n'arrive pas à croire que les ET n'aient pas trouvé seuls l'ingrédient mystère) avec des longueurs qui m'ont empêché de mieux noter Mais Martin Chéryl et Stewart sont un trio attachant, ordinaire et humain...
lire en anglais la review de Drew
comme le lien ne fonctionne pas je kopikole :
lire en anglais la review de Drew
comme le lien ne fonctionne pas je kopikole :
‘Rhubarb’ started off great. The main character, Martin, is fun everyman with some great self-deprecating humor. The story line with ‘Beyond Insomnia’ and the Wakers was great as well. Some of the tidbits from the show were really funny. Then we get into the meat of the story but it doesn’t seem to really go anywhere. I felt that the middle part of the story didn’t really add much and could have been considerably shorter. I started to lose a bit of interest here which moved the book down to 3 stars for me as I felt it really dragged on. Then we came to the final 20% of the book which was great again with an interesting plot line and more fun. Overall it was fun and well written and I’d probably give the author another go!
August 9, 2016
Anyone who has ever held a sucky job will sympathize with Martin. All those long hours on the road--of course he listens to that ridiculous paranormal talk show. But, does he actually believe that stuff? Cheryl hopes not.
She's more down to earth. At least she was until the aliens abducted her. Now it's up to Martin to get her home again. This may sound like a farfetched plot, but the story works because its characters are believable. Even the aliens are believable. Their motivations are just as selfish as those of humans--a scary thought indeed. "Rhubarb" is a story that pulls you in and doesn't let you go until you're done reading. It delivers plenty of satire and thrills, and when you're done reading, truck stop pie will never taste quite the same.
She's more down to earth. At least she was until the aliens abducted her. Now it's up to Martin to get her home again. This may sound like a farfetched plot, but the story works because its characters are believable. Even the aliens are believable. Their motivations are just as selfish as those of humans--a scary thought indeed. "Rhubarb" is a story that pulls you in and doesn't let you go until you're done reading. It delivers plenty of satire and thrills, and when you're done reading, truck stop pie will never taste quite the same.
January 24, 2015
I've read very little sci-fi in my life, but I chose this book, which I would say is mild to medium sci-fi because it had so many other elements I enjoy. What's not to like about a truck stop diner, trucks, traveling salesmen and aliens? And then there's the rhubarb pie.
In this story, Martin is a hardware salesman. He stocks up the bins with nuts, bolts, and other hardware as he travels but he has been spending a lot of extra time at Herbert's Corner in Brixton. He's smitten with a waitress there. Cheryl.
Rumors abound at Herbert's Corner about aliens and pie and a special recipe and when Cheryl disappears, Martin sets out on an amazing trip to figure things out. I enjoyed this quite a lot.
In this story, Martin is a hardware salesman. He stocks up the bins with nuts, bolts, and other hardware as he travels but he has been spending a lot of extra time at Herbert's Corner in Brixton. He's smitten with a waitress there. Cheryl.
Rumors abound at Herbert's Corner about aliens and pie and a special recipe and when Cheryl disappears, Martin sets out on an amazing trip to figure things out. I enjoyed this quite a lot.
May 29, 2013
Four stars and more. This book was a lot of fun. I think anyone who likes "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" -- to which I suspect there were more than a few references -- would surely enjoy it. I kept highlighting passages on my e-reader and chuckling out loud. I can't begin to explain a plot involving a rhubarb pie recipe, alien truckers, a Montana hardware parts salesman, and a late-night talk radio program catering to paranormal and conspiracy theorists, but it's all in there, and more. Seriously, I feel like rereading it right now! Hoping to hear more from this author.
December 23, 2013
I laughed several times with this book. An alien threat to Earth, uncovered by a route salesman in rural Montana. I loved the radio talk show that Martin listens to... UFOs, conspiracies, the callers' questions and weird theories. Oh yes, I've heard that kind of stuff before. :)
Very modern, I like the frequent pop culture references. Quite a bit of twists and surprises. No military involvement, this is a story of a few people who do what needs to be done. And what do the aliens want? Well, they love this specific rhubarb pie....
Very modern, I like the frequent pop culture references. Quite a bit of twists and surprises. No military involvement, this is a story of a few people who do what needs to be done. And what do the aliens want? Well, they love this specific rhubarb pie....
December 4, 2014
cute
aliens are mirrors of humans. got it. this story was just plain and simple a cute and amusing syfy adventure. Aliens like Rhubarb pie. To the point of kidnapping people who they think can teach them how to make it. Unfortunately, when they have the recipe they will kill all humans and take the earth as their own to farm the land and make....pie. If you are looking for an amusing story to pass the time til your next serious novel then this is definately for you. Very well written and easy to follow. Lost one star for the fact that it was a little slow to develop.
aliens are mirrors of humans. got it. this story was just plain and simple a cute and amusing syfy adventure. Aliens like Rhubarb pie. To the point of kidnapping people who they think can teach them how to make it. Unfortunately, when they have the recipe they will kill all humans and take the earth as their own to farm the land and make....pie. If you are looking for an amusing story to pass the time til your next serious novel then this is definately for you. Very well written and easy to follow. Lost one star for the fact that it was a little slow to develop.
August 10, 2012
It's hard to save the world when you have to convince people that the only reason aliens are invading Earth is for the pie.
This book is hilarious; especially Martin's constant reading of signs in increasingly sarcastic tones. The aliens aren't here to study us nor abduct us, they're here to eat snack food and move on.
A funny Sci-Fi with several unique twists that make it well worth the read.
This book is hilarious; especially Martin's constant reading of signs in increasingly sarcastic tones. The aliens aren't here to study us nor abduct us, they're here to eat snack food and move on.
A funny Sci-Fi with several unique twists that make it well worth the read.
July 25, 2013
The plot is as different in concept as it could possibly be, and yet the book is well written and a page turner to boot.
Both my wife and I loved it ( it's really good to have someone who loves SF ans much as you do, BTW )
Just reading his second book, " Legitimacy" http://www.amazon.com/Legitimacy-Book... and it's just as good, maybe better.
Both my wife and I loved it ( it's really good to have someone who loves SF ans much as you do, BTW )
Just reading his second book, " Legitimacy" http://www.amazon.com/Legitimacy-Book... and it's just as good, maybe better.
June 12, 2012
Still reading, (about 70%), this is just impressions so far.
The story get off to a slow start. Most of the action happens in the background with the protagonist trying to catch up and figure out what is happening (with space aliens, late night radio talk shows, an almost girlfriend, his life, etc.).
Not bad, but hasn't really grabed me and pulled me into the story.
The story get off to a slow start. Most of the action happens in the background with the protagonist trying to catch up and figure out what is happening (with space aliens, late night radio talk shows, an almost girlfriend, his life, etc.).
Not bad, but hasn't really grabed me and pulled me into the story.
May 3, 2016
Lovable characters...
Great book, small town full of lovable quirky characters ... My favorite things to read about! Throw in the Alien factor and wonderfully fun writing, well it's just perfect. Great job M.H. Van Keuren! Glad to see your next book is now available, I'll be snapping it up pronto.
Great book, small town full of lovable quirky characters ... My favorite things to read about! Throw in the Alien factor and wonderfully fun writing, well it's just perfect. Great job M.H. Van Keuren! Glad to see your next book is now available, I'll be snapping it up pronto.
November 23, 2016
Pie in the sky
This book took its time getting started and allowed me to get a real feel for the people and places. As it progressed, it picked up pace nicely and was really a fun read. A premise that is slightly off kilter and hapless heroes bring it all home. There 's even a dash of romance. Oh, and Aliens and pie, too. Fun times this.
This book took its time getting started and allowed me to get a real feel for the people and places. As it progressed, it picked up pace nicely and was really a fun read. A premise that is slightly off kilter and hapless heroes bring it all home. There 's even a dash of romance. Oh, and Aliens and pie, too. Fun times this.
Currently reading
June 12, 2012So far I find this book pretty interesting. It started a little bit slow and was easy to put down in the beginning, but now that the plot is rolling.... well I really do want to find out where it goes. Definitely recommend this for a light summer read.
April 7, 2013
This author seems to have a very good sense of humor. He also seems to have a good enough sense of science fiction to use that humor to make fun of the genre. Rhubarb is a good first novel. I hope the next novel is just as much fun, but with more hardcore sci-fi.
March 15, 2013
Alien truckers are invading Earth for the pie. Can't say I blame them, we have some really good pie. I thought the storytelling was great, it had me laughing out loud at times. Lots of adventure and a lovestory too. I'd definitely recommend it to others that enjoy humorous sci-fi books.
May 9, 2014
Really 3.5 stars. Rhubarb was a fast read, cute and charming and geeky and funny. I can’t say I was riveted to the story, but I chuckled quite a few times and enjoyed the creative plotline. A fun diversion!
November 17, 2013
Interesting bit of humorous sci-fi. For some reason I had a hard time finishing it, but it was still fun to read. There were a lot of sections quoting callers to a late-night radio show, which was important to the plot, but it was quite a bit too much of that.
July 3, 2015
Wonderful dialogue...
The dialogue is so well written that I am pretty sure the book is autobiographical because nobody could write fiction this well. This is really funny and smart writing. Highly recommend this book.
The dialogue is so well written that I am pretty sure the book is autobiographical because nobody could write fiction this well. This is really funny and smart writing. Highly recommend this book.
July 23, 2014
A great humorous sci-fi book. A little campy, but highly entertaining, and I couldn't seem to put it down.
February 6, 2013
Darkly funny, a very entertaining read.
April 1, 2013
Too funny! Great story, totally crazy, outrageous, hilarious. Loved this book.
May 19, 2013
Very well written. Imaginative and original. Exciting, humorous. Entertaining. Love it!
June 9, 2013
Silly. Fun. Definitely light reading but how can you not like a book where rhubarb pie is a major plot point?
July 26, 2013
Fun book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews