Customer Reviews

The Long Sandy Hair of Neftoon Zamora: A Novel

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

When I read this novel, I felt like I was watching a movie. This book's plot moves along fluidly, and its characters and setting are enchanting. I especially love the element of uncertainty regarding the title character, Neftoon Zamora, and that of the other main character, affectionately known as "Nez". Michael Nesmith seems to have put much of his own persona into this character... Nez's love of music, cars, and airplanes has a depth that comes from living with those passions full-time. I cared about Nez and whether he would succeed in his quest for the mythological Neftoon Zamora and the amazing blues music he'd heard on a cassette tape so much that I brought this book everywhere I went while I was reading it. I found several passages in this book to be so entertaining that I read them aloud to friends, and I am certain I'll be back to read this book again! I'd also love to see it come out as a movie -- it certainly seems to have been written with the medium of film in mind.

Michael Nesmith has defied categorization as a musician so why should it be a surprise to anyone that as a writer he is difficult to pigeonhole, also? I generally go for biographies and history-type books; this was a stretch for me but I read it because it was written by Michael. I got caught up in the first chapters and could barely put it down; I got a little lost with the ending but overall I really liked the book. It has to contain the best description of being in love that I have ever read - that alone is worth the price of admission!! I loved his use of "five dollar words"; I can honestly say that I had never heard of the word "mansuetude"!! Way to go, Nez. Talent, good looks, and a good vocabulary, too - a deadly combination. I know he's working on a second novel (I believe it's called "The America Gene") and I will be looking forward to reading that. Hmmm... a movie of "Neftoon Zamora" - perhaps it's better left to the cinema of the mind.

From the creative mind of Michael Nesmith comes a epic journey into a contemporary world of inner-self exploration. Set in the mythic desert of the United States Southwest, this rich tapestry of illusion and adventure takes us along for a mind boggling ride of discovery. Michael Nesmith takes up the quill in stylings similar to Richard Brautigan, Tom Robbins, Gino Sky, Douglas Adams, and others. NEFTOON ZAMORA offers the witty mysticism of Charles Finney's CIRCUS OF DR. LAO in a contemporary setting of romance and wonder. Take the time to settle down with this book. I found myself unable to set it down once I read the opening words that spun the tapestry of a richly enchanting tale. Follow Nez on his journey to Chuchen and beyond. You'll be glad you did.

For those of you out there who believe Michael Nesmith is only what "Total Control's" author Randi Massengill has made him out to be, you need to read this book. It captures the real man's sensitivity, imagination, complex views, and a little bit of how hard it must of been for him growing up in Dallas, Tx. It weaves a tale in the southwest that keeps you hungering for more. Instead of writing an autobiography, as others have done, trashing someone else, or blaming someone else for their artistic failure, this man writes a work of fantasy that includes heartaches and pain in the character of Nez while he searches for a legend and the woman of his dreams. I've read it 3 times and listened to the audio book once. Open your eyes and be ready to refresh your mind.

This book is somewhat disjointed (the first chapter or two being the worst cases), but there are portions of this book that are just fantastic. What Mr. Nesmith needs in the future is a good editor, and a better publisher (there are numerous spelling and grammatical errors throughout). The portion of the book set in the mystical town of Welach is the best, and most spiritual. This section in particular shows the potential brilliance of Nesmith's writing style, which draws a bit from Stephen King and sci-fi author Larry Niven. I enjoyed this book to a certain extent, but think that it could have been so much more. I anticipate the next work from the talented Mr. Nesmith will be much better.

If one is familiar with Mike Nesmith's songwriting style, then this book makes perfect sense. The free-form story flow is quite reminiscent of his songs. When I read it, I wasn't sure what to expect, and it was a little confusing at first, then I remembered who wrote it. I started over and the book became this beautiful story of life and life's travels. Michael Nesmith is one heckuva writer, music and otherwise. Go back and listen to some songs he has written that were a little off the beaten path, then re-read the book, and they go together perfectly.

Do you want a book that stirs you enough so you can't put it down? How about something that makes you believe there is still some good in this messed up world? How about something that takes you back to the days of Serial movies or even an Indiana Jones adventure? Well friends here is something that will make you think, cheer and want to read on to see what happens next. Mr. Nesmith accomplished in many worlds now adds storytelling. He is part of a dying art that of old fashion storytelling. Maybe just maybe it is not too late to save this so called "Unsophisticated" way of thinking.

Michael Nesmith has authored what may be one of the finest novels of the latter 20th century. This tale of a man's search across the southwestern U.S. for the mythical Neftoon Zamora is a great "can't put it down" read, but I know I will keep coming back again and again for what this book has to say about life, love, human nature, and the human spirit. The Long Sandy Hair of Neftoon Zamora deserves more than five stars.

I think it funny that so many people are irritated because they feel that Neftoon Zamora doesn't fall into some pre-set "genre" when Nez is SO not into categorizing and labeling art. I think Nez would take these lack-of-genre comments as a compliment. Who cares about labels when a work resonates with you...inspires you? I love this book because I can identify with it and because it was wonderfully written. A lot of the things that Nez explores are things I have been learning. Someone said they thought there was a possibility that spiritual guides influenced the writing of this book. I have no doubts of it. And I have no doubts that my guides influenced me to read it. If you're not on the same page, you will miss a lot of what he is saying and will most likely find Neftoon Zamora a disappointing read. But, if you do get what he is saying, it's likely you'll love the book as much as I do.

I'm a second generation Nez fan, with a large collection of music and video of the man. I thought the book would be a natural extention of Mr. Nesmith's wit and intelligence. I was mistaken. The book is well written, but the story takes so many turns in so many directions, as if to hit a mark in every genre, that the story falls short. Perhaps the novel would have been better if it were a collection of short stories. In fact, I would suggest trying to read Neftoon Zemora that way...It might make more sense and be more enjoyable.