Review: Lunatics by Dave Barry and Alan Zweibel

Title: Lunatics

Author(s): Dave Barry, Alan Zweibel

Genre/Audience: Humor fiction, adult

Publication: Penguin, 2012

Source: ARC for review, publisher

Summary: When Philip Horkman, a mild mannered pet store owner, and Jeffrey Peckerman, an aggressive, obnoxious, and abrasive forensic plumber, get into an argument at a youth soccer game when Philip is reffing and calls offside on Jeffrey's daughter, no one could predict what would happen. Their argument escalates and keeps snowballing, eventually finding the two of them together hijacking a cruise ship and liberating oppressed people all over the world. They're also mistakenly thought of as terrorists and desperately wanted by the U.S. government who they continue to elude. Watch as these two lunatics, who hate each other passionately, get into escapades all over the globe involving a rare lemur, bananas, Donald Trump, and super secret government agencies, while fighting like madmen the whole time.

My Thoughts: Ahaha, where to start? This book is hysterical, and to all the naysayers who are complaining that it is too unrealistic, BOO on you. This book is completely absurd, and it's intended to be! Isn't that the beauty of fiction? You get to suspend belief and just sit back and enjoy the ride.

The chapters alternate between the two characters which I really liked because their voices were really unique and equally funny. Their dialogues were great, and I cracked up numerous times over stupid things said by each of the characters. Seriously - there were some GREAT one-liners and I can think of no other word to better suit these characters than to say they are total SCHMUCKS. Philip was really stiff, proper, dorky, and serious which was really funny given their situation(s). Jeffery was an obnoxious, coarse idiot, constantly swearing and being completely inappropriate. So, polar opposites resulting in a pure hatred for each other and constant bickering over stupid things despite being wanted by the U.S. government. They were constantly kidnapped and sent to different countries, where they accidentally freed people in each location, becoming worldwide heroes, and eventual presidential candidates. Everything that happens in this book is purely accidental, and the two of them are totally oblivious.

The humor in this book is NOT for everyone. It is extremely stupid and silly, vulgar, offensive, crude, etc... but mostly just stupid. I, for one, love stupid humor and laughed my ass off the whole time. Some people would just roll their eyes at it, but not me. If you appreciate that kind of humor, then you'll probably love this book. If not, then step away riiiight now. I warned you. I'd recommend reading the first couple of chapters - you'll get a feel for the comedy right away and can determine pretty quickly whether or not you'll like it.

Everything about this book is insane and ridiculous with two of the most absurd and idiotic characters of all time - in short, I freaking loved it.

My Rating: 4/5