Barry, Dave

Illustrated with the author's snapshots, this title offers a funny view of Florida. [See Prepub Alert, 3/28/16.]

This is a thoroughly enjoyable audiobook. Highly recommended for Barry's fans and anyone who wants to be regaled by their own laughter. It's almost impossible not to listen straight through to the end once the audio starts. [The Putnam hc was a New York Times best seller.—Ed.]

Barry does here what he does best—creates a set of memorable and outlandish characters and places them in ever-increasing chaotic and hilarious set-pieces as they move toward an inevitable conclusion. Some scenes and characters work better than others (hired muscle stuck behind a coupon clipper at CVS, the father of the bride's desire to join an elite secret organization known as the "group of six," a jewelry-stealing orangutan with a fondness for Cheez-its), and which will stick with readers the most depends upon their own experiences. But die-hard Barry fans will savor his usual lunacy. [See Prepub Alert, 7/30/12.]