Normally I wouldn't read a book like this. A fake book. I understand that it is, a "real" book - in that it has text and a story (sort of). I read this because it is a tie-in to one of my favourite TV shows Californication starring David Duchovny. This book, Good Hates Us All, is Hank Moody's best novel, his "Gatsby" as his friend Lew Ashby put it. The novel that was optioned and brought him to California from New York.
The book I read, by Jonathan Grotenstein, was not this novel. Hank wouldn't have written this. The story seemed contrived and not at all compelling. I Googled Mr. Grotenstein and discovered he is a professional poker player and has written at least one book...about poker. Stick to what you know, Jonathan.
It would have been more interesting if the network had put one of the writers of the show on the project. Have those who write Hank's dialogue write his words.
The main character is never named, which I guess is fine, but all the other crazy characters end up named - in a way that makes them hard to keep track of. The story doesn't seem to have a well thought out plot and seems to jump around in a way that makes the reader question what's important and who's important. Things happen that don't make sense and seem like filler.
In the show, Hank's agent, Charlie Runkle, says that all Hank's book have an element of truth in them. In this version of God Hates Us All, I can't find the real life basis. Who is supposed to be Karen, Hank's soulmate? Is it the super model, K.? Or the psychotic arsonist, Daphne? Neither seem to represent a flattering version of Karen.
I read it because I was curious, but now I wish I hadn't - these aren't the fictitious Hank's words, these are the words of some dude trying to be as cool and edgy as he imagines Hank would be.
It just ends up being silly and unconvincing.
Nice try.
Up Next: Juliet, Naked by Nick Hornby (a book I have high hopes for)
