Not Fade Away [Paperback]

Jim Dodge (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 5, 2004

Floorboard George Gastin is part of an insurance scam to wreck a pure white, mint condition '59 Cadillac originally intended for The Big Bopper as a token of an admirer's love. But Floorboard George has other ideas and when he disappears with the car, gangsters and cops are soon in hot pursuit. On the road, the crazy characters, hitch-hikers and demented preachers he meets provide the high-octane entertainment as George covers many miles -- and states of mind -- in his quest to find the true spirit of rock 'n' roll.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In his second novel, the author of Fup relives an era that spanned the Beat Generation and the beginnings of the '60s. We accompany the mysterious yet amiable George Gastin in a stolen 59 Caddy as he travels across America to Big Bopper's grave, where he wants to deliver a "heartfelt crazy gift meant to celebrate music and the possibilities of human love." Hallucinogenic drugs offer fantastic diversions, and roadstops result in both comedy and poignancy. The sad and strange Mira Whitman is particulary memorableshe decides against suicide because she was "so terrified nobody was there inside her to die," and only after George hears Mira's "warm, full-throated, belly-rich laughter" does he resume his quest. Dodge's wonderful imagination, eye for detail and command of language along with a delightful backdrop of rock-and-roll make a somewhat absurd plot flow with grace and rhythm.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

In early Sixties San Francisco, George Gaskin, tow-truck driver and seeker of higher truth, becomes intrigued by the story behind a car he is to demolish in an insurance fraud schemea mint-condition `59 Cadillac intended as a gift from an eccentric old woman to an early rock star, the Big Bopper, and never delivered because of his untimely death. Gaskin decides symbolically to complete the delivery and perhaps find something of himself along the way. What ensues is a drug-drenched pilgrimage through the Southwest in search of the Bopper's grave, a series of alternately comic and nightmarish adventures involving a motley group of dreamers and con men. Animated by Gaskin's manic energy and rich vernacular, this hallucinatory, foot-to-the-floor journey through the lost soul of a nation is a wild ride, but one well worth taking. Lawrence Rungren, Bedford Free P.L., Mass.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 325 pages
• Publisher: Canongate Books Ltd (April 5, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1841954861
• ISBN-13: 978-1841954868
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,665,760 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars wild ride, November 9, 2000

By 

bill power (granville ferry, nova scotia, canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Not Fade Away (Paperback)

I couldn't put this one down until it was over - a wild, nostalgic ride back over familiar territory - the characters are vibrant and sometimes brilliant - I was inspired to start my own Buddy Holly novel - still in the works! One of the few books that I have read more than twice!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars life on the road, March 28, 2004

By 

Andrew Campbell "windinpine" (Louisville, KY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Not Fade Away (Paperback)

NOT FADE AWAY is about a journey, but it's more about grieving and accepting. And the book has great Dodge characters along the way. No Johnny Seven Moons, but there's Double-Gone.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the FUNNIEST books ever written!, February 18, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Boca Raton, Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Not Fade Away (Paperback)

This book made me laugh out loud while reading it. It didn't matter if I was in an airport or by myself at home, I laughed like hell. "The Rev. Doublegone Johnson" slayed me. If you don't read this book, you are missing out BIGTIME. If after reading this book, if you don't immediately buy several copies to give to your friends, I'll buy you a drink. Guaranteed.