W900 by Tom McNulty

Hovis Monk received his verbal dismissal a few days ago so he knows that his simple and paid for life will not last long. Then his old buddy delivers the written dismissal in a shit covered envelope and Hovis knows he has three weeks left at no. 37. He sits with his friend Lee Kelso and the trips down memory lane start. He talks about his days as a struggling musical legend. Later, Hovis takes us through The Festers 2.0. 

Tom McNulty regales the tale of Hovis’ life in the wake of dismissal from Blue Yonder Mining Company. He executes the story with flourish and profane delight. The story flows seamlessly allowing the reader to take in the surroundings. The author creates a rapport between Lee and Hovis that is both sad and brilliantly humorous. The way they engage with each other is profound and heartwarming. As Hovis moves on to the net chapter of his life, the story presents his tribulations in a simple yet masterful way. With unique language and quirky mannerisms the characters make their way into the reader’s heart.

The character development in this book is top notch. Each character has their own unique traits that appeal to one reader or other. These traits are so well pronounced that they differentiate between the personalities of the characters but not so overbearingly loud that they overshadow the narrative. Hovis as the main character is strong enough to drive the story. He is wistful and while afraid to move on without the comforts Blue Yonder provides, proceeds to do something that appeals to his passions. He is brave. It seems that Hovis has lived his life the way he wanted, at least for the most part. This is despite seeming poignant at times. Although Hovis might have a bit of a problem with bidding on auction items, he is a hoot. 

One of the greatest things in this book is the language. The use of the English language is unique and at times borderline peculiar. It is not language one would encounter in most places but it goes with the construct of this book. In this book it seems fitting and at home. Some of the phrases used in the book are quite confusing. However, these phrases enforce the personalities and traits of the characters. One thing is for sure, the use of the English language is expressive of the author’s creativity and ability to manipulate the language into croutons of absolute joy. All in all, it is fun to read through all the peculiarities in speech. 

This book is fun. This book is captivating. This book has interesting characters. The plot is genuinely wonderful. The story is intriguing. Hovis always seems to have a story under his sleeve that you have to coax out. Five stars out of five for the sheer brilliance of the entire setting. Kudos for the flow of the story. This book is not recommended for children as it contains some hard language. However, any young adult or adult will certainly enjoy it.