Viewing Thread:
"Thankyou, Goatboy"

For recommending Robert Rankin. I bought "Sex and Drugs and Sausage Rolls" last week, went for the cheapest one in the shop because I was still a bit uncertain. I had no cause for concern though, it is a most excellent read. It had me in convulsions by the third page, which is never a bad thing. In fact, for the whole of the first chapter I was laughing like a spastic on gas, and I have done at regular intervals throughout. The only bad thing is when you realise you're making whale noises and try to stop yourself.

His style is very different to other authors - most seem to be impartial spectators on events, whereas Rankin comes out with things like "There were no Marx brothers fans, so his comment was met with the contempt it deserved" after a joke made by one of the lead characters. I've not finished it yet, but the plot seems to hang together nicely, and it's also completely bonkers.

So....thanks. For telling me about this guy, because I wouldn't have picked it up otherwise, and I'll definitely be buying more of his stuff. Anyone who hasn't read one of his books should go out and get one. Trust me.

This looks like a good 'un:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0853683107/ qid=1062505645/sr=1-42/ref=sr_1_2_42/026-3315540-4247612

I read one of Rankin's books - I think it was The Book Of Ultimate Truths. Didn't really get on with it, though - it seemed a bit random ...

Reccomend Jon O'Fareels two books for you as well then.

Not particlarly random, as they are set in the real world, but very satirical and sometimes laugh out loud funny.


The best a man can get - The story of a freelance jingle writer who is having trouble coping with responsibility, so creates his own batchelor life across town.

This is your life - The story of a chap who lies his way into fame, getting awards etc for doing nothing, and the fallout from it.

Well, Patstat, I've never read any of the authors you mentioned. None of them ever really appealed to me to be honest, so I can't make comparisons.

What I can tell you is that it's one of those books that makes you glad to spot a reference. It compliments the reader. It also makes you giggle far before the punchline, because you know something sphincter looseningly funny is heading your way. A few times I've just had to put the book down while I get it out of my system.

Goatboy, Blank,

Reckon I'll be into this blokes books.

My current comedy fav's are Ben Elton, John o'farrell, Irvine Welsh

Yup? no?

Yep, it's futile telling you what the story is about really. It just sounds mental...which it is. If you like a funny book get it. Like kernel said, get down the library and see if they have any, then you've lost nothing if you don't like it.

sounds a bit random. is it readable?

:D

ill borrow from the library i guess...

Like I said, easier to read than explain. Unless you're some sort of arch-summariser like Blank.

Sorry about that. I've only read one of his books though, and I haven't even finished that. It's about a band called Gandhi's Hairdryer, who's singer's voice has the power to heal. It's about a man called Soap Distant who returns from the centre of the Earth to find things have changed, but they changed BEFORE he left. It's about time travelling fanboys who go back and see great gigs in history. It's about the author's obsession with the Stratocaster. It's about a newsagent called Norman who "lives his life in little movies" and tries to genetically create a horse so someone else can do well at the bookies. It's about Small Dave, the Cannibal Chef. It's about anything and everything, and one the funniest books I've ever had the pleasure to read.

It's easier to read than explain. They're funny, though, so get down to your local library.