DOWN AISLE TEN is a fictional history of Universal Simultaneous Anxiety Collapse Disorder, a mysterious and incapacitating disease linked to the abundant fears that surround us in the modern world. The first sufferer is Harold Greensmeyer, who contracts USAC while shopping at the supermarket. He is soon confined to a mental hospital, where he encounters a cast of curious characters – the compulsive psychiatrist who tries to treat him, a woman convinced she and Harold are fated to marry, and a befuddled cop who believes Harold is a mystic. When USAC spreads and the hospital is quarantined, they escape together in search of answers, love, and a cure.
Down Aisle Ten
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
Review
"A darkly funny take on modern anxieties."
"[A] clever debut...."
"[T]he bouncy narration crackles with sharp observations about human behavior in riffs on the mind-wrecking absurdities of contemporary life."
-KIRKUS REVIEWS
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
An outstanding read! Hilarious and insightful. Stop what you're doing and buy this book!
June 18, 2012
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I think it was the 15th time I laughed uncontrollably on a crowded train while reading Down Aisle Ten, that I realized I had fallen in love with this book. This is a gem!
Friedland has created a wonderful reflection on the neuroses that plague existence and autonomy in our modern world. It reminds me of a funnier and more effective version of DeLillo's 'White Noise', if it had been written by Vonnegut. Even as Friedland shows characters wrestling with (and either being crushed by or surrendering to) the relentless complexity of modernity, he excels in teasing out the absurd details that make human life a tragic/comic affair. Impossible to put down and a fantastic read!
Friedland has created a wonderful reflection on the neuroses that plague existence and autonomy in our modern world. It reminds me of a funnier and more effective version of DeLillo's 'White Noise', if it had been written by Vonnegut. Even as Friedland shows characters wrestling with (and either being crushed by or surrendering to) the relentless complexity of modernity, he excels in teasing out the absurd details that make human life a tragic/comic affair. Impossible to put down and a fantastic read!
25 of 33 people found the following review helpful
By J. Baxt
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
First, I apologize to the author's friends, who have posted so many stellar reviews. You gave up a lot for this friendship, and I honor your sacrifice. I have been grinding away at this book for about a week now, and I'm only at page 40. I want it to get better, but it keeps not getting better. There are parts that seem like they are supposed to be humorous, but I'm not laughing. The writing is flat. The premises are highly contrived, and not in a silly Monty Python/Douglas Adams way. Given the subject, I was expecting some insights, but I'm just not getting it.
This is my fault. I bought the book based on an ad I saw on Facebook (Facebook?!), which compared the author to Delillo and Vonnegut. I feel so stupid and used. Anyway, it looks like I'm the contrarian on this page. You may look at this review and see the grouchy guy who doesn't like anything. If that's the case, buy it. I dare you.
This is my fault. I bought the book based on an ad I saw on Facebook (Facebook?!), which compared the author to Delillo and Vonnegut. I feel so stupid and used. Anyway, it looks like I'm the contrarian on this page. You may look at this review and see the grouchy guy who doesn't like anything. If that's the case, buy it. I dare you.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By Emily Weiser
Format:Kindle Edition
The lighthearted tone makes this an enjoyable read, even while the story nudges the reader to reflect on some of the hurdles we (as a society) have created for ourselves. The characters were one of the best parts of the book: each a skillfully developed parody, but sympathetic and identifiable in ourselves or those around us. The entire story is well-written, clever, and a wonderful example of hyperbole. A worthwhile read!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
Glad I read it, despite its weaknesses
I don't often read books written in third-person omniscient (that is, an "all-knowing" narrator). I was pleasantly surprised. Read more
Published 23 days ago by B. Pepper
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic Book!
I came to look at this book because the amazon advertisement said Friedland was "The new Vonnegut"- being a huge Vonnegut fan, I was a bit apprehensive, but decided it was worth a... Read more
Published 1 month ago by D.E. Warrick
4.0 out of 5 stars
Down Aisle Ten
It seems that the author sometimes tried to emulate Douglas Adams. He tried very hard. I really liked the concept of going "Down Aisle Ten. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Broke_Daddy
4.0 out of 5 stars
A fun read
A very enjoyable read fiiled with humorous, absurdist situations and dialogue. Slightly disturbing as a reflection on our stressful ways of life. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Vic Demo
5.0 out of 5 stars
I am very impressed!
I got this book for free, but it is most definitely worth buying! It's original, smart, funny, and thought-provoking. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Jessica L. Knudson
4.0 out of 5 stars
wonderful fun/serious satire
i chose the book impulsively, then compulsively read it.
lampoons bureaucracy and red tape (fema is definitely one source in my reading of it); psychiatry and its limits,... Read more
lampoons bureaucracy and red tape (fema is definitely one source in my reading of it); psychiatry and its limits,... Read more
Published 3 months ago by marie53
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great
Down Aisle Ten starts out with a great concept and then quite enjoyably spirals very much out of control. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Fivedom
3.0 out of 5 stars
50/50
Honestly I can say I didn't laugh out loud or even chuckle out loud at this book. I did crack a grin in a couple spots however. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Ali
4.0 out of 5 stars
A captivating read
This was a lot of fun to read! I always find psychology pretty fascinating, and the whole book descended into a fun madness that was a satisfying little read. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Jess
4.0 out of 5 stars
Worth a read
I enjoyed this book. It's a quick, fun read for anyone who enjoys the lighter side of life. Definitely above par for a debut novel. Read more
Published 5 months ago by LifeIsForLiving
