I think one of the real unfortunate advantages of Jonathan Ames is that he recycles alot of his stories. I was really fascinated after Bored to Death season one (still anxiously awaiting season two to become available on Netflix grr...) In any case, Ames is funny and remarkably honest but between his books and the HBO series, I'm not sure fans really need to read a ton of his novels to get about 90% of his life experiences. These stories do tell as much about NJ and NY as they do the inner character that is the especially human Jonathan Ames and all of his internal struggles.

I read this in the bathtub while drinking gin late at night and I would recommend that as it seems perfect. Ames talks about being Jewish, balding, transvestism, fetishes and exhibitionism, traveling, alcoholism, delayed puberty, flatulence-pretty much everything and one can imagine that, if you know Ames in real life, you'll definitely end up in one of his stories. It's not life changing to read his work but it's thoroughly enjoyable all the same and somehow it's also comforting..this honesty...this ability of Ames to reveal everything even if it makes him look perverse or incompetent in any way.

I will refrain from posting a ton of quotes..most of them are witty but personal at the same time which makes them something you'll just have to read for yourself as a whole vs. a part of a whole but I really liked a couple things even separated including:

pg. 153, "I stood by the phone with the box of my son's toys, waiting like a tragic fool. I was utterly alone. Something out of a Flannery O'Connor story was going to happen to me. A serial killer was going to tell me I'd be a good man if there was a gun to my head my whole life."

pg. 263 "Venice is the most melancholy, beautiful, and surreal city in the world. It provokes me into yearning for romance. When I was first there in 1984 as a dreamy twenty-year old, I swore that I would only return with someone I loved. I failed to keep my vow. I came with someone I have mixed emotions about-myself-but I'd like to make that vow again, though it is pathetic." ( )

Wow. "Mildly" is an underestimation of the perversion. ( )

Not for one of delicate sensibilities, Ames analyzes his particular predilictions, bizarre predicaments, and embarassing indiscretions, as well as teh most ordinary and common anxieties.
All with an odd sweetness and even an unexpected innocence.
Laugh out loud funny.
Read, enjoy & feel better
-- Kate

Jill, I agree.