Customer Reviews

Guy Critical

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This is an exceptional first effort from a novelist who offers us an entertaining, humorous and insightful view of personal development at a particularly tricky time in life. Milner captures the theme of transition and puts it on the road, as Ali and Jess (basically strangers) are put together on a cross-country road trip, from New York to LA. When they hit the road, the characters couldnt be more different, though they are both of a certain age (maybe two or three years out of college) and are both churning inside, desperately trying to process their feelings for their respective significant others.

On the road and at various stops along the way, Ali and Jess develop into thoughtful, caring individuals, still imbued with the spontaneity and curiosity of youth, but each questioning prior assumptions about what matters in life. Milner takes this situation and gives his take on how men and women react to the same situation, highlighting not only the differences between Ali and Jess, but also the differences between Ali and Dave (Jess boyfriend/fiance) and Jess and Kate (Alis girlfriend). The main characters learn from these situations and start to see things very differently from the way they did before they met.

Milners use of language is truly unique. His inventive phraseology will certainly ring true to anyone whose lexicon expanded beyond the realm of the OED in college, where new coin is often sociological currency. For me, the nud-I-tay dance was a real highlight. Just like the book jacket promised, I laughed out loud.

Guy Critical is an ideal book for a lazy weekend or afternoon at the beach. It's funny and light-hearted and I finished it in a day! It gives a little insight into why guys and girls act so silly... and why we have such a tough time figuring each other out. Ali and Jess keep you giggling through their conversations on the road- and adventures along the way. The characters are well-developed - you can't help but fall for one of them - and the ending is tender and perfect. I highly reccommend Guy Critical to anyone looking for lots of laughs and a little bit of sweet, sweet love.

This is an exceptional first effort from a novelist who offers us an entertaining, humorous and insightful view of personal development at a particularly tricky time in life. Milner captures the theme of transition and puts it on the road, as Ali and Jess (basically strangers) are put together on a cross-country road trip, from New York to LA. When they hit the road, the characters couldnt be more different, though they are both of a certain age (maybe two or three years out of college) and are both churning inside, desperately trying to process their feelings for their respective significant others.

On the road and at various stops along the way, Ali and Jess develop into thoughtful, caring individuals, still imbued with the spontaneity and curiosity of youth, but each questioning prior assumptions about what matters in life. Milner takes this situation and gives his take on how men and women react to the same situation, highlighting not only the differences between Ali and Jess, but also the differences between Ali and Dave (Jess boyfriend/fiance) and Jess and Kate (Alis girlfriend). The main characters learn from these situations and start to see things very differently from the way they did before they met.

Milners use of language is truly unique. His inventive phraseology will certainly ring true to anyone whose lexicon expanded beyond the realm of the OED in college, where new coin is often sociological currency. For me, the nud-I-tay dance was a real highlight. Just like the book jacket promised, I laughed out loud.

"Guy Critical" is in a genre all its own. It is immediately evident to the reader that Milner's pen has truly grasped the fine art form of the interplay of the communication skills and actions between the sexes. The journey cross-country with Alistair and Jess is a fun, fast-paced adventure which leads the reader to both discover the characters in the novel, and, by totally relating to their thoughts and actions, discover more about his or her self in the process. The true depth and warmth of the characters aided the seemingly effortless flow of the plot. I wholeheartedly recommend this novel to anyone who hopes and believes that some day men and women, if only for just five minutes, will think in harmony. We should be so fortunate to have the opportunity to read the sequel. . .