Philip Horkman is a happy man, the owner of a pet store called The Wine Shop, and on Sundays a referee for a local kids’ soccer league. Jeffrey Peckerman is the proud and loving father of a star athlete in the girls’ ten-and-under soccer league, and he’s not exactly happy with the ref.
The two of them are about to collide in a swiftly escalating series of events that will send them running for their lives, pursued by the police, soldiers, subversives, bears, revolutionaries, pirates, and a black ops team that does not exist. Where all that takes them you can’t even begin to guess, but the literary journey there is a masterpiece of inspiration, chaos, and unadulterated, well, lunacy. And they might even learn a lesson or two along the way.
From the Trade Paperback edition.
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"It reminded me of the novel Forrest Gump (not the movie), where he somehow ends up in the strangest places to do the strangest things, then moves on to the next oddity. If Dave Barry doesn't write a book about his observations on life or a book about Peter Pan, it apparently will be a crazy romp through some city (or cities) to avoid capture. I like the alternating points-of-view chapters, especially when Philip or Jeffrey comment on their version of the same happenings. I never LOL'd, but was amused the whole time reading."
— Will (4 out of 5 stars)
" The book was fantastic, if a little strange, until I found out that the authors took turns writing chapters. The "extra material" at the end of the book gives insight into the process (or lack of) that the authors used to generate the material that became this book. "
— Tony, 2/17/2014" I came to be entertained and entertained I was while reading this book. It reminded me of a campfire story where one person starts the story and then another adds to it and so forth. The plot became more and more outrageous as the story marched toward the end. The reader has to suspend reality, sit back, and enjoy the ride that Barry and Zweibel take the reader on. "
— Pamela, 2/3/2014" I love Dave Barry. The book was hilarious. The plot was fast-moving and completely ludicrous. Threre was not one likable character, though. It's fine to be able to laugh at characters, but I usually want one with some redeeming characteristic that I can relate to. Admittedly, Horkman could be seen as admirable, but he's such a wuss. Peckerman was just that. "
— Erik, 1/25/2014" The reading was fantastic, with Dave Barry and Alan Zweibel taking turns reading the two main character's sections. Very funny, very unlikely, but told in such as way to make the reader believe their outrageous misfortunes and adventures. A lot of rough language from Jeffrey Peckerman (one of the 2 main characters), but that was the kind of guy he was. And the wrap up at the end was hilarious. "
— Beverly, 1/22/2014" I have never read these authors before, but I read a review in the newspaper and decided to give it a try. So glad I did! OMG was it funny! If you need something quick and easy to read to just make you laugh and forget about real life, this is the book for you! I seen it was similiar to Janet Evanovich's Plum series. Crazy outrageous people, stupid events, but written in a way that will make you laugh out loud at some of the crazy adventures! Loved it! Will be checking out more by these authors! "
— Arlene, 1/18/2014" The usual absurdity of a Dave Barry novel, with a bit of dirtiness mixed in. Not quite what I was expecting, but still a good read. "
— Jacob, 1/16/2014" Rather raunchy but parts were hilarious!! A quick read but lots of profane langauge and typical male bathroom humor (what's up with that anway?) "
— Maggie, 1/10/2014" Hilarious. I was laughing so hard that tears streamed down my face. A fun and ridiculous read that you just gobble up but know you will regret when you finish because you will miss it. "
— Anna, 1/9/2014" I enjoyed this book - it's outlandish, insane and enjoyable...although it's not for everyone. The main characters are like night and day, and their interplay is very funny. However, there is a lot of scatological humor and LOTS of swearing. Don't read this book if you have delicate sensibilities... "
— Adam, 1/2/2014" Absolute, incredible lunacy!! The peeing on Sarah Palin was enough to make me finish this crazy saga. "
— Anna, 12/24/2013" Murphy's Law in spades! Laughed my head off! I strongly recommend the audio version. The readers are superb! "
— Amy, 12/18/2013" Go in knowing it is over the top and just go with it! I loved this book! After seeing the authors on PBS and listening to the fun they had writing it, I wanted to read it! Seriously funny book! "
— Ronda, 12/2/2013" Insanely funny and thoroughly enjoyable if read in bite sized installments. All in one go could be a tad overwhelming. "
— Ajay, 11/25/2013" far-fetched in places but extremely funny makes up for it - or creates it :o) "
— Lynie, 11/20/2013" definitely not for everyone. but if you have a sense of humor that's a little off and a great appreciation for the absurd, you will love this book. I found it to be laugh out loud, wet your pants funny. "
— Ida, 10/27/2013" No redeeming Qualities.Puerile sophomoric raunchy hilarious escape in foolishness. "
— Mark, 7/15/2013" Hilarious, I officially love Dave Barry novels, just wish their were more of them. "
— Joanne, 1/14/2013" I usually don't find the humor in humor - but this book had me rolling on the floor. Definitely worth a look at - it is something I would normally pass on but checked it out of the library and so glad I did "
— Lee, 4/2/2012" VERY funny! My stomach hurt from laughing so much. "
— Janice, 3/17/2012Dave Barry is the author of more bestsellers than you can count on two hands, including Lessons from Lucy, Dave Barry’s Complete Guide to Guys, Dave Barry Turns 40, and Dave Barry Is Not Making This Up. A wildly popular syndicated columnist, he won the 1988 Pulitzer Prize for commentary.
Alan Zweibel is an American producer and writer who has worked on such productions as Saturday Night Live, PBS’ Great Performances, and It’s Garry Shandling’s Show.
Orlagh Cassidy, an American actress of stage, television, and film, is an audiobook narrator who has twice won the prestigious Audie Award for best narration, as well as many AudioFile Earphones Awards. She is a graduate of SUNY at Purchase and a recipient of the Princess Grace Foundation Scholarship. She has been seen on and off Broadway and in films, including Definitely Maybe and Calling It Quits. Her television credits include roles in Law & Order and Sex and the City and as Doris Wolfe on Guiding Light.