Freaks I've Met - Finished Reading *Spoilers*

[Kristin B.]

How did you like the book?

Spoilers permitted in this thread.

[Sally]

I thought this was a decent book. Cringe-worthy in more than just a few instances, but that seemed intentional, for the sake of comedy. The quick, short chapter pacing and scene-oriented storytelling style read a little more like a screenplay than like a novel, and made it easy to read and be quickly immersed.

I particularly liked the discussions of the main character's experience with bond trading; the author is clearly deeply familiar with the material, and made derivatives downright understandable.

Many of the characters lacked a certain depth, and were borderline caricature-like, but actually, that worked well in the environment the author was creating (which, itself, was an existence lacking in depth).

The ending was a bit unexpected, but nice, if a little over the top with the feel-good denouement.

[Jacia]

I did not particularly enjoy this one... The humor was off in a way I could appreciate, but overall the premise left me bored.

[Kateblue]

I just rated it at two stars. I particularly could not fathom the ending. He changed his mind about everything in one second. People just don't do that, in my experience.

A Holden Caulfield-type character, except I LIKED "Catcher in the Rye."

The guy can write, though. I will try another of his books.

[Kristin B.]

Sally, your insights are very appropriate considering this blurb from the author's website:

Donald Jans—a Chartered Financial Analyst and Gonzaga University alumnus—survived more than twenty years in the institutional bond market and encounters with all kinds of freaks. The author of several screenplays, he is currently working on his second novel. He lives in Portland, Oregon, with his two small children.

Based on this, the novel seems to be in large part auto-biographical.

I liked the fast pacing and the growth of Jack throughout the novel. He's definitely the kind of twenty-something I would hate to be around. It was interesting to watch him learn lessons throughout the book.

I definitely agree with the cringe factor at certain parts. But, I also think it was accurate to the character that was being portrayed.

The ending was a little heavy handed, but sweet.

Overall, not a bad read.

[Ellen]

I'm new to this group and love the idea of discovering books off the beaten path. Unfortunately, this one disappointed me. The humor was just a little too crude and to me, adolescent. I wound up putting it down about halfway through because of that.

There were definitely things to like, though. I like the author's style otherwise and it was an interesting story. I think I would have liked a memoir version better, though.

I look forward to another book with this group.

[Olivia]

What a fun romp through another world I know nothing about, and now do. I never understood why time was money from an investment perspective and it totally makes sense how guys that sell you your mortgage make lots of money off a long mortgage!. I really felt like I was secretly listening to my brother talk to a group of his friends, with nothing held back. (the white couch, the float trip, oh my) Also,it was very timely for me, with all the Harvey Weinstein #metoo stuff, but from a male perspective, if that's possible. He was damned if he do, damned if he didn't. Each chapter was 3 steps forward, 2 steps back, but somehow he manages to get the elusive dollar he so wants to prove to himself will be his answer. Money might not buy happiness, but it sure as heck helps a lot! was what I was left with. I liked the fact he came full circle, but with a cherry on top, owning the nicest house in his home town..albeit with his mom living there, taking away from its grandeur but also providing the stability he is going to need to pay the bills and unload the thing one day soon. (and take care of his kid, I'm sure) As he mentioned, Spokane real estate moved as slow as a first-grader's year.
Even though it was Other the top and crazy at parts, it all seemed like it could happen, which added to my emotional investment. I thought the end was perfect, and it had to end where it did. Because of Mrs. Pole-kiss were to change, and he were to change.. how would that happen. An apology, to take away his anger, and in addition, how do we get the reader to like her.. and for Jack to finally like her? Replace Jack's murdered dog AND show us the reader that she is not a closed minded bigot after finding her son spread eagle tied to the pool table. Brilliant. And Hilarious! (my favorite aspect of the book was the humor) I wish I lived through the 80's! ha. Also, Jack was too good to work at Nordstrom's in the opening paragraphs, that's why he left.. and in the last sentence.. that's exactly where he is going for an interview when he got out of bed. Loved this and recommend this. I also recently read Spalding Gray, Sex and Death to the Age 14, also 80's and saw some of his monologues after that and really enjoyed his stuff, and noticed he only has a few hundred ratings.. he's is dead, I looked him up, but that could be a good easy read for a future book in this group.

[Vicki]

Was it good? Yes. Was it "Brilliant?" No.
It was face paced and funny, but a little contrived on all levels. The writing was good- but not great.
The good news is that is was a fast read and I did not feel it was time wasted.

[Nancy]

Book was ok. It was a fast read and some parts were funny. I would not buy the book or recommend it to anyone so am giving it 2 stars.

[Karly]

I actually enjoyed this, and some parts had me laughing out loud, but I love crude humor. I agree with others, though - I wouldn't classify this as "brilliant", merely entertaining, and I think a large part of that was the pacing and the fact that it was a quick read. I don't feel that I took anything away from the book, and the more sexist parts left a sour taste in my mouth. I don't mind sexism if the character either admits it's wrong or learns from it, but I don't feel Jack did either.

[Colleen]

This was the first book I read as a part of this group. The book wasn't bad. I didn't totally love it but I did like and enjoy it. The short chapters were great and it was an easy and quick read. It kept me entertained for the most part.

I do like seeing what the rest of the group members who have commented here thought about the book. Not only is this my 1st read for this group but my 1st time joining a group like this. I'm looking forward to future reads, I've started April's book already and can't wait to hear what you all think.