Customer Reviews

No Mad

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"No Mad" by Sam Moffie is a non-linear literary adult fiction. Aaron Abrams, a 40-ish high school English teacher and author of two fiction books, gets a call from his agent about a new book deal with a $100,000 advance. Rushing home to share the news with his wife, he finds her and his older brother naked and occupied on a float in their pool. Aaron makes a snap decision, grabs a few items and gets his dog and takes off on a self-discovery journey ending with his daughter's wedding.

Aaron is positive, upbeat, and cynical with a playful nature. One of the plot lines is Aaron's new book. It is called "Yearbook," and is about looking at several college classmates to find out what they were like in college in the seventies and what they were doing now, along with what lessons college had on their life and career choices. This device allows Moffie to inject political and historical commentary. Other topics are hemorrhoids, the proper toilet reading material, erotic sex, drugs, Newman's Own lemonade, empty nest, success, divorce, fatherhood and child raising, air-guitar, softball, the game Jinx, and financial security. Did I say Aaron was a teacher?

This entertaining and easy-to-read book was both humorous and serious. Moffie set up his character and the different sub-plot lines well enough to be able to discuss the many diverse topics along with the socio-political commentary. All felt connected. However, I think if he would have left out the three erotic sex segments the book would stand have a greater appeal. Still, Aaron Abrams is an interesting `hero', and how he handled the situation was unique.

(Review by Steve, my husband)

Sam Moffie takes the reader on an unforgettable road trip that's better than a seven-day-stay at Disney World, but is similar to Disney World's famous ride through America's past, present, and future. The main character is Aaron Abrams, a forty-seven year old English teacher whose life changes in a matter of minutes, after one phone call of good news, and one moment of watching his twenty year marriage go down the tubes. He was informed of an exciting book deal he couldn't refuse, offering him one-hundred thousand dollars in advance to write the "Yearbook" and the bad news was witnessing his wife and brother engaged in sex at his own home. During two moments of his life he will always remember, he decides to act with nonviolent behavior as he grabs his dog, and hits the road. As his road trip begins in Ohio and ends in scenic Niagara Falls, his journey becomes an incredible rambling, funny, and rambunctious trip that the reader will never forget. While driving on Interstate 80, the reader learns that Aaron is a guy who drowns his sorrows by becoming best friends with his golden retriever, how addicted Aaron is to the game Jinx, and his obsession with
hemorrhoids. As the fascinating journey continues, we learn about Aaron's quirk for Newman's Own Virgin Lemonade, the odd characters he meets along the way, and the rediscovery of America seen through his eyes. We learn about the pain he had to bear from the betrayal of his wife, the blow to his head from his brother, and the powerful influence of flashbacks from the 70's music in relation to life's experiences. Before the end of Aaron's voyage, we also learn that he is a nurturing father of three children, a Romeo in new romance, and his thoughts on his daughter's pregnancy and her impending marriage. The adventurous journey continues with sidesplitting sexual encounters, the use of illegal drugs, and aliens. As the reader takes history lessons during Aaron's new found freedom from New York to Boston, and Gettysburg to New Mexico, we are introduced to many bizarre characters. For the icing on the cake, the author creates the amusing events of the Crazy Horse Monument. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an adventure that's heartwarming, and filled with humor. Will Aaron ever find a place he could call home again? What shocking events did Aaron learn, while interviewing his fraternity brothers? Find out the answers in this unique, thought-provoking, fun ride. The author's down-to-earth candor in this fast-paced novel, packed with engrossing stories in a splendid plot will take you to places you've never been to, and make you crave for more. Does Aaron fall in love with his agent's assistant? Where did Aaron meet the nymphomanic, pothead State Trooper? Fasten your seatbelt, and continue this amazing road odyssey down memory lane of the past, and the present. "NO MAD" is as touching as WHERE THE HEART IS, and as funny as NOTHING TO LOSE with
Martin Lawrence, and Tim Robbins.

Sam Moffie's No Mad can be a little difficult to get into, as the writing style resembles stream of consciousness and the mind of the protagonist is one that seems to suffer from ADD/ADHD. One thought leads to another, but eventually the does come back to the story line. It wasn't long, though, before the story itself started pulling me along and the style took a backseat to the plot line.

In No Mad, Aaron Abrams is an author who has just landed his first big book deal. He cuts short his daily errand run and rushes home to celebrate with his wife and after repeated attempts to reach his brother, only to discover the reason that his wife seemed distracted and his brother was unreachable was that they were having sex in the backyard pool (at the bottom of which was his brother's phone). He packs a bag and his dog, then dumps a bucket of ice on the two from the balcony and walks out, beginning a journey that lasts the rest of the book. A journey that covers not only a considerable portion of the United States, but one that ends with Aaron, if not in a state of peace, at least in a position of emotional security (good thing, with his entire family re-united at a wedding, with the kids keeping the warring sides separated).

The humor and style won't be for everyone (a good guide might be your reaction to the movie Superbad). I'd definitely recommend taking advantage of the free sample ability on the Kindle, in fact. There is plenty of adult language and explicit descriptions of adult subjects (some of which I, quite frankly, found a bit disgusting). There is a continuing theme involving the game of Jinx (not just here and there, but with mentions on what seems like nearly every other page). It's hard to believe that someone who grew up in the 60's had never heard of the game until college, as is claimed for Aaron Abrams, but even harder to believe that he would continue to play the game thru his 40's with anyone other than his own kids and then only until perhaps their teens. But, indeed, the game of Jinx, complete with shoulder punching of friends, family, peers and even aquaintances, is featured with such frequency that I felt it detracted from the story. A more positive theme that recurs throughout the book is how Aaron relates to the world thru the music of his youth. There are frequent references to songs and artists from the 70's and 80's, along with quoted song lyrics that illustrate how Aaron feels at the time.

Overall, the book is quite funny, but there are some elements that detract from it being as good a story as it could be, and I'd give it 3.5 stars out of five. I also think the pricing is a bit steep for the Kindle edition. This is Moffie's third book, but he isn't quite at the bestseller level yet.

Jinx! I knew you thinking that, too!

Book Title: No Mad
Author: Sam Moffie
Publisher: BookSurge
ISBN: 1439204616
Reviewed by Michele Tater for Review the Book

The book is divided into 7 mini-books and subdivided with long lines. There are also bold typed words found through out, which I am not sure what the significance of them are. Also there are lyrics of 70s music that seem to fit what is happening in the book. The reading of the Prologue is a must to understand the direction of the book. Unfortunately, the main character's marriage will have be sacrificed in order for him to grow as a middle-aged man and become content with the life he has and can have.

I think "no mad" is a how-to book on how to make a bad situation better without going to extremes. It follows an author on his quest to develop interviews for a non-fiction book, this after a drastic change in his family life. This character is likable and has a great love for his children which is very commendable since I am a mother of three. It made would to be close with my kids even if they are grown. His personality and sense of humor makes a reader connection easy. As he travels to different landmarks and destinations, you are given a brief history lesson on each, added interest and familiarity. There is even a section regarding the ethics of bathroom reading and another on the joys of winters, even though I think the winters in Angola, New York are worst. One of my favorite parts were the bumper stickers he read while driving, too funny. Another is the explanation of how Dino of the Flintstones had started the whole sniff and marking for all dog kind.

I recommend this book to drinker of red wine, listeners of 70s music and lovers of dogs and family, plus anyone that needs a good laugh. Be prepared to read things that you never had before and probably wont again. It is for the adult audience since there are explicit sexual content and drug use. One last note: wherever you go, there you are---Jinx.

As all of my readers know, I am a very blunt, open, and honest type person. I'm not one of those people who like to sugar coat things, and prefer to just be me. I think I'm pretty darn cool, and don't plan on changing any time soon. So when I got an invite from Sam Moffie to review his book No Mad - I jumped!

There are times when you read the blurb for a book and think that it's going to be right up your alley, and then - it isn't. Well thankfully for me, this was not one of those times. I know my fiancé has heard almost as much of the book as I have read. I constantly tell him, "OMG, listen to this!" He laughs at me, and says that he hasn't seen me enjoy a book this much in a while. This is quite actually true. I haven't laughed this much since I read ChristmaSin' by Ed Williams. I have a feeling that these two authors would seriously enjoy each other's company.

No Mad was a down-to-earth, open, and honest look at a man's feelings after his wife screws him over. Mr. Moffie is a master at bringing human emotion to life in a 'real' way. For those of us that like to cut the BS and look at life openly (and enjoy a rip roaring laugh) this book is SO for you! Follow Aaron on his journey of self-discovery and healing, you won't be sorry you did!

Sam Moffie's latest book, NO MAD, tells the story of a writer named Aaron and his sarcastic, stoic reaction to the absurdity of life as he embarks on a lively excursion from his daily life. Our protagonist is an author with a new book deal, whose story begins when he arrives home to find life, as he knows it, uprooted. Instead of spiraling into a cycle of depression and self-destruction, Aaron embarks on a journey with his dog, which leads him to meet a variety of folks and respond to a hodgepodge of outlandish situations. Throughout this nonlinear, lively tale, Moffie includes social commentary and tidbits of history that will help his readers to win Trivial Pursuit games, even Jeopardy. Picture On The Road, if Sal Paradise had been drinking non-alcoholic beer and had been fulfilled by the nuances of life instead of the extremes. This is the first book I've read by Moffie, but it won't be the last.

Thrilled about his latest book deal, writer and family man Aaron Abrams wastes no time getting home to tell his wife about the exciting news. Aaron's excitement quickly changes; from curiosity to outright shock when he finds his wife and his brother "in the act". Keeping a level head about the whole fiasco, Aaron quickly grabs his faithful canine pal, Churchill, a few necessities and climbs into his car; destination - anywhere but here! Thankful for the research and interviews necessary for his upcoming book, Aaron goes on a road trip to end all road trips.

No Mad made for an interesting read. I was taken on an adventure-filled journey alongside Aaron and his golden retriever, Churchill. On his way to interview old school alumni for his book, Aaron is treated to several mini history lessons and runs into some colourful characters that get pleasure from recreational drug use, sex and Aaron's celebrity. The first half of No Mad was so off-beat and humorous that I instantly became a fan. Unfortunately, about half way through the story, something was lost; the sarcasm, the creative narrative and the "laugh out loud" moments become less frequent and my attention began to wander. I missed the wit and raucous humour that was packed into the first part of the story and I would love to have read more of its variety. The combination of music, drugs, promiscuity and the ever present game of jinx was fun to read about at first, but it lost some of its charm and the story petered out near the end. The scenery is beautifully written with picturesque locations with lush landscapes (Helen's Heaven) kept me entertained when some of the more repetitive and tedious parts of the dialog weighed the story down.

Despite some issues that I had with the story, it is well worth the read. You can't help but feel for Aaron and his plight. There are points in the story where you will laugh till it hurts, be brought close to tears and find yourself rooting for Aaron's success and applauding him for keeping it real, even under some of the most unbelievable and outrageous of circumstances.


Reviewed by Bobbie Crawford-McCoy
For Pinnacle: Author & Book Promotion

Catching your wife in a compromising position with your brother in your swimming pool when coming home with great news to share can certainly destroy a guy. This is how "No Mad" by Sam Moffie begins. I almost did not want to continue, but this was just the preface so I did. And I glad that I did. The story follows Aaron Abrams across the country to interview people from his college for his latest book "Yearbook". At moments it is funny, sometimes cynical and sometimes serious. There are parts that I could have done without, but overall this road trip story was a delight to read.

Synopsis:
Aaron Abrams is a writer, the most popular professor on campus, and a family man. When his agent calls with news of his first book deal, he hurries home to find his wife and brother in bed together. Aaron's reaction is to hurl an ice bucket and his wedding ring at the two, grab his dog, credit cards, and his car and peel out of Youngstown, OH for New York City. On his way to meet with his agent and pitch his new book, we follow Aaron on his trip through Interstate 80 and the adventures along the way.

In NYC, Aaron's situation picks up. Not only does he hit it off with Elizabeth, his agent's assistant, but his concept for the book deal is a hit. Aaron's next project will be a book about all the diverse people that went to college and what happened to them over the years. It's Aaron's first stab at nonfiction and is an opportunity for him to reconnect with old friends and acquaintances. With his own music, Newman's Own Virgin Lemonade, Aaron travels all over gathering material for his book: Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Boston, Massachusetts, Roswell, New Mexico, are just a few of the stops. Throughout the trip, Aaron's observations and chats give us a clear picture of a man with a quirky sense of humor and in love with life and his family.

Review:
Aaron is an interesting character who has a love of discovery and adventure coupled with a kind spirit. Traveling with Aaron over thousands of miles is an enjoyable adventure with many unexpected twists and turns.

I wouldn't have found this book on my own and am grateful to Tracee and Pump Up Your Book Tours for the introduction to No Mad, Aaron Abrams, and to Sam Moffie's writing.

Publisher: BookSurge Publishing (Feb.24, 2009), 336 pages.
Courtesy of Pump Up Your Book Promotion and the author.

An unheralded English teacher in his late 40's, Aaron soon receives news he could only have imagined in his wildest dreams: after years of obscurity, he's been offered a book deal with a $100,000 advance. Unable to contain his excitement, he rushes home to share his euphoria with his wife, only to find her entangled in quite the compromising "position" - with none other than his own brother. Not missing a beat, Aaron packs a few belongings, along with his trusty canine companion, Churchill, and immediately sets off on an extended cross-country road trip.

On his ensuing journey, Aaron meets a wide variety of rich characters, all of which add considerable color to his winding trek. Furthermore, his perspective on life is sharply honed by the places he visits, particularly the rich historical context that makes each place so unique. Ultimately, Aaron's sojourn brings him full-circle when his wife attempts to reconcile with him at his daughter's wedding, and his response may just leave readers in a state of semi-shock...

Touching, insightful, and pointedly hilarious, No Mad is a well-crafted, highly entertaining read. In his trademark acerbic, yet strangely engaging style, author Sam Moffie presents the reader with a compelling tale of the sense of adventure and wanderlust that lingers within every soul. Through Aaron, Moffie vicariously treats you to the various thrills, disappointments, and ultimate fulfillment we all seek on our daily "searches" through life, and his quirky, yet sincere approach allows his tale to strike an all-too-familiar chord deep within the fragile recesses of our common human cores.

Sure not to disappoint the legions of fans that he's accumulated with his previous offerings, the raw, endearing honesty of No Mad will undoubtedly add a host of new converts to that ever-growing number. A literary treat that's not to be missed.


Linda Waterson
Apex Reviews