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Me and Bobby McGee
**Me and Bobby Mcgee - Winner - Silver Medal - Best Regional Fiction in the Pacific-West (CA, OR, WA, HI, AK) - 2011 Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPY)**
*Honorable Mention - General Fiction - 2011-2012 Los Angeles Book Festival**
Prepare to embark on a thrilling comedic adventure seen through the booze-blurred eyes of Keesey Cypher, a government-trained killer with an ill-fated abundance of classified memories who has since resigned himself to a regrettable existence, sipping away his tainted past. It is this powerful thirst coupled with Cypher's hunger for games of chance that leads him to New Orleans' coziest dive-bar the day after Fat Tuesday where one night of seeming misfortune leads to a frighteningly funny reality of subversive politics, corporate greed, backwards logic, and star (double)-crossed romance. In this gripping social satire of modern times, Me and Bobby McGee pokes fun at the inane absurdities ingrained in our society, proving that freedom is truly subjective and karma is not just a philosophy, but a fate that is unwavering. In a world of terrible truths and impending doom, find out what happens when the only man with the power to stop it... decides not to.
*Honorable Mention - General Fiction - 2011-2012 Los Angeles Book Festival**
Prepare to embark on a thrilling comedic adventure seen through the booze-blurred eyes of Keesey Cypher, a government-trained killer with an ill-fated abundance of classified memories who has since resigned himself to a regrettable existence, sipping away his tainted past. It is this powerful thirst coupled with Cypher's hunger for games of chance that leads him to New Orleans' coziest dive-bar the day after Fat Tuesday where one night of seeming misfortune leads to a frighteningly funny reality of subversive politics, corporate greed, backwards logic, and star (double)-crossed romance. In this gripping social satire of modern times, Me and Bobby McGee pokes fun at the inane absurdities ingrained in our society, proving that freedom is truly subjective and karma is not just a philosophy, but a fate that is unwavering. In a world of terrible truths and impending doom, find out what happens when the only man with the power to stop it... decides not to.
- GenresHumor
268 pages, Paperback
First published September 28, 2010
3 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Chad Coenson
2 books19 followersChad Coenson is a practitioner of lingual alchemy and the award winning author of the novel Me and Bobby McGee. He was born in Orlando, FL, but he can barely remember that and pretty much spent most of the years following his birth in a nomadic state of perpetual motion until finally finding a home in the Pacific Northwest with son and a dog named "Bowski". Chad has a degree in creative writing from the University of Arizona and spends his time “trying” not to take life too seriously. In addition to speculative fiction and satire, Chad's literary passions include poetry and lyricism through which he has had the opportunity to collaborate with several talented musicians, including the vocalist John Bisaha. Coenson has also appeared on the OPB television show "Back Page" with Jody Seay, and his work has been endorsed by the likes of best selling author Dr. Gather Williams, and award winning poet/author, Laurence Overmire. When he is not embellishing life's absurdities, Coenson enjoys spending time with his wife and son, live music, brewing beer, wave wrangling, hitchhiking the galaxy, and people that don’t like politicians. Despite his generally adventurous nature and willingness to attempt almost anything, he has never had the opportunity to cast the first stone.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 2, 2011
Me and Bobby McGee is narrated by Keesey Cypher, a killer and an alcoholic, who is disappointed with life and himself. Cypher is kidnapped by two thugs, who are minions to Monte Weecel , the "bad guy". He owes them over a million dollars and is given two choices - either to die or run an errand for them involving smuggling some "goods" across the border to Mexico. His "chaperon" for the trip is a stunning femme fatale , Bobby McGee, who seems to be as messed up as him.
You know, a lot of times when you think you know...you might. I might have thought my life was going to turn out easy and I'd have died young, died before all the guilt, self-disappointment, and empty bottles piled up. But it didn't happen that way. I've sipped from the pit of longevity, against my will, and have entered my late thirties a mere mirror of the man I might have been.
When I first heard the book's title, I was immediately reminded of the Janis Joplin song by the same name. A friend informed me that the original was performed by Roger Miller. The book does have many indirect connections to the song.
I don't know how to start describing the book - it's unusual and unlike anything I usually read. Me and Bobby McGee is a humorous take, a satire on modern life. It's a mixture of genres - it can be seen as a comedy, adventure and even a thriller. There are several laugh-out loud moments; at the same time, there are moments which will make you ponder about life and its absurdities. It's entertaining and thought-provoking - a rare combination indeed. With its mix of colorful, eccentric characters and witty dialogues, Me and Bobby McGee is a pageturner.
Both the main protagonists - Bobby and Keesey - baffled me , in a good way. Sometimes I hated them, sometimes I loved them. I loved their conversations - they are my favorite part of the book. I especially liked Bobby - she's not just about looks, she's what you call a "kick-ass" heroine.
Despite the many positive points about the book, there's something lacking; I am unable to point out the exact reason for that. It's just not something I would remember or something that made a huge impact on me. At times, the plot seemed to meander in a different direction - it caused me a lot of confusion and it became a bit difficult to keep track. Also, I felt it's more of a "guy" book. However, Me and Bobby McGee does have all the elements of a book that keeps you hooked till the end - adventure, action, plot twists, humor and a bit of romance.
Overall, Me and Bobby McGee is clever, fast-paced book and good for a one time read.
Las Vegas at dawn is a world removed. The tips of the mountains against the sky accentuate the pastel colors of reawakening, but how does a colony of insomniacs react to that? In a city that never sleeps does time even exist? The empty eye sockets of all-night losers repel the rays of the vampire sun like crucifixes in hopes that the demigod idols composed of glass and neon will instruct them in the proper rituals of morning. Call girl pamphlets coast by on a tobacco-stained breeze advertising redemption for the disciples of loneliness. And those of us that still have a soul are left to be enchanted by greed and converse informally with the devil. But then again, “ Sin City ” is not for the righteous. It is a parallel universe where the wicked are exalted and numerous vices only make for a more respectable moral stance. There is no prayer for innocence, no clause in a contract of heresy; only the translucent dreams of the vain remain pure and unchanged by this electronic purgatory, this rest home for fallen saints and dead presidents.
You know, a lot of times when you think you know...you might. I might have thought my life was going to turn out easy and I'd have died young, died before all the guilt, self-disappointment, and empty bottles piled up. But it didn't happen that way. I've sipped from the pit of longevity, against my will, and have entered my late thirties a mere mirror of the man I might have been.
When I first heard the book's title, I was immediately reminded of the Janis Joplin song by the same name. A friend informed me that the original was performed by Roger Miller. The book does have many indirect connections to the song.
I don't know how to start describing the book - it's unusual and unlike anything I usually read. Me and Bobby McGee is a humorous take, a satire on modern life. It's a mixture of genres - it can be seen as a comedy, adventure and even a thriller. There are several laugh-out loud moments; at the same time, there are moments which will make you ponder about life and its absurdities. It's entertaining and thought-provoking - a rare combination indeed. With its mix of colorful, eccentric characters and witty dialogues, Me and Bobby McGee is a pageturner.
Both the main protagonists - Bobby and Keesey - baffled me , in a good way. Sometimes I hated them, sometimes I loved them. I loved their conversations - they are my favorite part of the book. I especially liked Bobby - she's not just about looks, she's what you call a "kick-ass" heroine.
Despite the many positive points about the book, there's something lacking; I am unable to point out the exact reason for that. It's just not something I would remember or something that made a huge impact on me. At times, the plot seemed to meander in a different direction - it caused me a lot of confusion and it became a bit difficult to keep track. Also, I felt it's more of a "guy" book. However, Me and Bobby McGee does have all the elements of a book that keeps you hooked till the end - adventure, action, plot twists, humor and a bit of romance.
Overall, Me and Bobby McGee is clever, fast-paced book and good for a one time read.
Las Vegas at dawn is a world removed. The tips of the mountains against the sky accentuate the pastel colors of reawakening, but how does a colony of insomniacs react to that? In a city that never sleeps does time even exist? The empty eye sockets of all-night losers repel the rays of the vampire sun like crucifixes in hopes that the demigod idols composed of glass and neon will instruct them in the proper rituals of morning. Call girl pamphlets coast by on a tobacco-stained breeze advertising redemption for the disciples of loneliness. And those of us that still have a soul are left to be enchanted by greed and converse informally with the devil. But then again, “ Sin City ” is not for the righteous. It is a parallel universe where the wicked are exalted and numerous vices only make for a more respectable moral stance. There is no prayer for innocence, no clause in a contract of heresy; only the translucent dreams of the vain remain pure and unchanged by this electronic purgatory, this rest home for fallen saints and dead presidents.
May 14, 2011
Me and Bobby McGee is a comedic thriller adventure.
Keesey Cypher is a down on his luck, ex CIA, alcoholic gambler who finds himself lost in New Orleans the day after Fat Tuesday. Heading off to find his car, or a card game, whichever comes first, Cypher embarks on a weird, and fascinating journey in which he follows wherever life directs him.
After stopping in for a drink and perhaps a card game, Cypher wakes up in a strange place with two of the fattest men he has ever seen, like "Burger Kings version of the double mint twins." Cypher is a smart mouth, his witty, sarcastic and fly by the seat of his pants comments always seems to lead him to trouble, but he can't help himself, he is who he is. This time he's gambled more than his worth and he has two choices or "shitty options"...he can die or he can run a package down to Mexico. Choosing the latter, he decides to follow the ride and see where it leads him.
Bobby McGee is a tough as nails lady who has no problem with punching you in the face or kicking you in the balls, much to Cypher's chagrin, if you happen to look at her the wrong way. She's a gun for hire with a business savvy for contracts, who has been hired to escort Cypher to the Mexican border. Sexually attracted to Cypher they make a contract for sex on completion of the mission.
After Cypher delivers the bizarre package to his contact in Mexico, he learns of the true nature of the machinations of making tequila and the cultivation of blue agava in the area and decides he wants to get into the business himself. Taking the return package back to Bobby, Cypher kills the bosses nephew and is brought before the ancient PCP addicted old man who sees spider monkey aliens coming out of your head.
Dan Bristol is the 92 year old head of an underground organized business that even the US government doesn't know about and has been successfully running it for over 50 years. Living in the penthouse of a Las Vegas casino, he junks himself up on PCP and trips in and out of sanity all day long. He wants Cypher to become a bigger part of the team and after testing him they come to a business agreement that is suitable for them both.
However, all good things must come to an end and after several years, the powers that be become suspicious and the cat is out of the bag. With the net closing around them, will Cypher's mouth save him or will it be his eventual doom?? Who does he trust now that he is this deep?? And where is there left to run??
I quite enjoyed the humour in this book, I love sarcastic, witty humour and I was pleasantly surprized to find that it didn't fail throughout the book, Cypher manage to continually impress me and never strayed off character. I wasn't so found of Bobby, I found her to be a bit wooden and dull and didn't miss her when she wasn't in the pages, other than wondering if she was somewhere trying to set Cypher up. Bristol was a great character, you never knew what he was going to say nor where his thoughts were going and I would've loved to have seen more of him in the book. The ending was fairly decent and left you feeling like it could've only turned out the way it did. The package and the underground organization, okay, that was REALLY weird, I have never heard of anyone using this as a basis for a story before, which makes author Chad Coenson, most imaginative and fresh in my opinion. I look forward to reading more of his writing style and seeing more of his thoughts on paper.
Keesey Cypher is a down on his luck, ex CIA, alcoholic gambler who finds himself lost in New Orleans the day after Fat Tuesday. Heading off to find his car, or a card game, whichever comes first, Cypher embarks on a weird, and fascinating journey in which he follows wherever life directs him.
After stopping in for a drink and perhaps a card game, Cypher wakes up in a strange place with two of the fattest men he has ever seen, like "Burger Kings version of the double mint twins." Cypher is a smart mouth, his witty, sarcastic and fly by the seat of his pants comments always seems to lead him to trouble, but he can't help himself, he is who he is. This time he's gambled more than his worth and he has two choices or "shitty options"...he can die or he can run a package down to Mexico. Choosing the latter, he decides to follow the ride and see where it leads him.
Bobby McGee is a tough as nails lady who has no problem with punching you in the face or kicking you in the balls, much to Cypher's chagrin, if you happen to look at her the wrong way. She's a gun for hire with a business savvy for contracts, who has been hired to escort Cypher to the Mexican border. Sexually attracted to Cypher they make a contract for sex on completion of the mission.
After Cypher delivers the bizarre package to his contact in Mexico, he learns of the true nature of the machinations of making tequila and the cultivation of blue agava in the area and decides he wants to get into the business himself. Taking the return package back to Bobby, Cypher kills the bosses nephew and is brought before the ancient PCP addicted old man who sees spider monkey aliens coming out of your head.
Dan Bristol is the 92 year old head of an underground organized business that even the US government doesn't know about and has been successfully running it for over 50 years. Living in the penthouse of a Las Vegas casino, he junks himself up on PCP and trips in and out of sanity all day long. He wants Cypher to become a bigger part of the team and after testing him they come to a business agreement that is suitable for them both.
However, all good things must come to an end and after several years, the powers that be become suspicious and the cat is out of the bag. With the net closing around them, will Cypher's mouth save him or will it be his eventual doom?? Who does he trust now that he is this deep?? And where is there left to run??
I quite enjoyed the humour in this book, I love sarcastic, witty humour and I was pleasantly surprized to find that it didn't fail throughout the book, Cypher manage to continually impress me and never strayed off character. I wasn't so found of Bobby, I found her to be a bit wooden and dull and didn't miss her when she wasn't in the pages, other than wondering if she was somewhere trying to set Cypher up. Bristol was a great character, you never knew what he was going to say nor where his thoughts were going and I would've loved to have seen more of him in the book. The ending was fairly decent and left you feeling like it could've only turned out the way it did. The package and the underground organization, okay, that was REALLY weird, I have never heard of anyone using this as a basis for a story before, which makes author Chad Coenson, most imaginative and fresh in my opinion. I look forward to reading more of his writing style and seeing more of his thoughts on paper.
May 9, 2015
I first discovered this book while attending a book reading a small craft brewery in the Portland, Oregon area. The reading featured a handful of local authors (I went there specifically to see/hear Jason Gurley read a new short story.)
While you're not supposed to judge a book by its cover, I did judge the author as soon as he stood up to speak. I felt he was arrogant and very full of himself, especially in regards to the fact this book was going to be a movie soon. He never let you forget that fact - I lost track of how many times he informed us of this bit of information. (In his defense though, I would imagine that if I had written a book that had the slightest chance of becoming a movie, everyone I knew, and everyone that I didn't know, would hear about it.)
But I digress . . . the book. During the reading, Chad had us watch an animated version of the first three chapters of the book, and those three chapters just so happen to be the best part of the entire novel. The character and story never built off of the promise that was shown, and eventually the whole thing turned into a mess that reminded me of John Dies at the End. It was just so preposterous and ridiculous and unbelievable.
But hey, it was a fast read at least, right?
While you're not supposed to judge a book by its cover, I did judge the author as soon as he stood up to speak. I felt he was arrogant and very full of himself, especially in regards to the fact this book was going to be a movie soon. He never let you forget that fact - I lost track of how many times he informed us of this bit of information. (In his defense though, I would imagine that if I had written a book that had the slightest chance of becoming a movie, everyone I knew, and everyone that I didn't know, would hear about it.)
But I digress . . . the book. During the reading, Chad had us watch an animated version of the first three chapters of the book, and those three chapters just so happen to be the best part of the entire novel. The character and story never built off of the promise that was shown, and eventually the whole thing turned into a mess that reminded me of John Dies at the End. It was just so preposterous and ridiculous and unbelievable.
But hey, it was a fast read at least, right?
May 9, 2011
From that description, why wouldn’t I want to read this book? The story, told from Keesey’s point of view does deliver much humor. Every single line in the book is a testament to just how witty our main character is. However, that is also where the downfall lies for me. There is never a break from the humor and said wit quickly becomes expected and predictable. While the character is drinking as often as possible, it often makes me feel that I need to be drunk to appreciate everything that is being said. I can see that many people will like the quick humor that the story provides. I prefer stories that dive deeper into characters along with the story and Keesey Cypher is a superficial character with no where to go.
Book Rating: 2/5
Book Received From: Pump Up Your Book for review
Reviewer: Jessica for http://booksake.blogspot.com
Book Rating: 2/5
Book Received From: Pump Up Your Book for review
Reviewer: Jessica for http://booksake.blogspot.com
September 17, 2011
Chad Coenson's Me and Bobby McGee won the Silver Medal in the 2011 Independent Book Publisher Awards and deservedly so. Coenson's writing is fresh and innovative with a keen eye sharply focused on the biting truth of the modern mythos of the American Wild West. The reader is never quite sure where the story is going; Coenson keeps you guessing – and laughing, but along the way, you will find yourself in some pretty dark places with plenty of shady characters to occupy this seedy 21st Century landscape. Ultimately, Coenson provokes you into confronting some of the darker secrets of the human heart. Surprisingly, this is his first novel. I look forward to seeing more of this author's intriguing work in the future.
January 1, 2015
Every loaded sentence was music to my eyes and I fell in instant loathe with everyone's favorite anti-hero Keesey Cypher. Every word drenched in wit and satire, fast paced as if it's all going to end terribly. In my opinion this book deserves a spot in literary history with the likes of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Rim, Jitterbug Perfume, and Naked Lunch, the four books that broke me in all the best ways as a youngster and set me on the path I still tread today. I highly recommend that you take a ride through the delirious vibrant world that is just slightly different than our own, or is it?
February 22, 2011
An awesome story that exposes some hilarious and tragic truths about American society and humanity itself. This book is one crazy ride with twisted characters that you hate to love, but can't seem to stop rooting for. If you're looking to appease your dark comedic side, read something that makes you think as you face some disturbing truths, or blow your mind with a fast-paced thrill then this book is for you. Definitely an original idea that almost reads like a movie script as it comes to life in your mind.
January 14, 2012
(Me and Bobby Mcgee) by Chad Coenson is propelled by the energy of its prose and its "hero" sarcastic, criminal Keesey Cypher is funny, criminal, and full of life. It's not necessary to be familiar with the old song to enjoy this book but it doesn't hurt either since the song is woven throughout the story.
May 2, 2011
This book is a must read.
From the moment I started reading it I was hooked!
It is a fast paced, action packed, and hilarious story, all in one.
The main character Keesey Cypher, is awesome.
You never know from one minute to the next whether you love him or hate him.
I hope that this Author does more in the future and I would REALLY love to read more adventures of Keesey. There's so much more to tell!
To Chad Coenson, thanks for the ride, I thoroughly enjoyed it! Keep `em comin'
From the moment I started reading it I was hooked!
It is a fast paced, action packed, and hilarious story, all in one.
The main character Keesey Cypher, is awesome.
You never know from one minute to the next whether you love him or hate him.
I hope that this Author does more in the future and I would REALLY love to read more adventures of Keesey. There's so much more to tell!
To Chad Coenson, thanks for the ride, I thoroughly enjoyed it! Keep `em comin'
July 14, 2014
Me and Bobby McGee is great storytelling and a fun ride. The book has an original voice and potent writing. The peaks and valleys within this tale are delivered sharp and pointed. The tension was masterfully achieved in several scenes, especially the US/Mexico border scenes. Clever, dark humor filled this volume and I will gladly read Coenson’s next book.
to see my full review, follow the link below
http://jakeelliotfiction.com/2014/07/...
to see my full review, follow the link below
http://jakeelliotfiction.com/2014/07/...
December 18, 2010
Pretty good. Not what i usually read, but i liked the smart-ass characters! :)
*won from goodreads
*won from goodreads
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May 2, 2011I loved it, I will have a review very soon!
May 2, 2011
I laughed out loud many times and also really enjoyed the satire on American culture. I would recommend this book to anyone. Everyone will enjoy the story and characters.
May 2, 2011
The book is great. I am on my second read and enjoying it just as much. The book is funny but has a message about life. I strongly recommend adding Me and Bobby McGee to your summer reading list.
August 27, 2012
Review here.
September 6, 2013
Brilliant! I bought several copies to give to friends and family. A biting (and hilarious) look at modern life. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews