Customer Reviews

Fast Sofa

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It's a strange feeling when one reads a novel and literally has nothing to say about it. I purchased this book in 1993 largely because of its interesting layout. At the time a book with a soundtrack was quite unique. Bruce Craven presents a horrorshow roadtrip that takes the reader nowhere. Even though Mr. Craven can be quite descriptive in his writing (some of his images are lush and quite beautiful) one gets the sense that all the description is somehow wasted. I know critics will say that this is a Generation X novel that this reader just does not understand but I assure you that I was of the same age of the characters when this book was written and so were my friends and we did not live the life of Rick Jeffers. The character development in the novel is sparse and I found myself simply liking none of the characters even though some sympathy must be granted the long suffering Tamara and the slightly loony Jules. If one wants to get the true feel of Gen X I would suggest Couplands' Generation X, Ellis' Less Than Zero, or Hornburg's Bongwater. For your money Fast Sofa is a wild ride that can be skipped.

Had a blast reading it. Only book I can compare it to is "The Informers" by Ellis. Fits into the "Less than Zero" type of story. Guess you had to have an adolescence like this to understand. Highly recommended to "the troublemakers" out there.

Forget those reviews. Critics are squids. This book is super cool. Like Jack-in-the-box super taco's and cactus cooler. It's junk food literature, porno for bookworms- word candy. But super cool all the way. The characters are interesting and realistic southern californians, and their struggles and victories are vividly told. The joy of reading Fast Sofa is not only the story and the plot, but how it is written- exellently and interestingly told. Craven is an masterful storyteller. The characters have distinct voices and are clearly different than faceless stereotypes. I've read this book three times, I wish Bruce Craven writes another soon

Also recommended: The Patricidal Bedside Companion, Generation X (not as good as Fast Sofa)

I read "Fast Sofa" in 1993 when a friend was about to throw it out. From the first page to the last, I totally immersed myself into the story. I wanted to become Rick Jeffers and lead his life if just for 330 pages. When you find yourself wanting to become a character in a novel, you know the story rocks. "Fast Sofa" is a heavy metal explosion of words and images. Get this book! You won't regret it!

Any book that has Motorhead references early on will keep you reading. Quick and funny! Keeps you turning the pages and laughing all the the way. Still looking for my wayhone.