Review: Six-star review for "the worst novel ever written"
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 09 18, 2010
Scott Nicholson and Richard Coldiron are "co-authors" of Richard Coldiron's autobiography "As I Die Lying." Richard Coldiron is a victim of a troubled childhood, of cruel beatings, probable incest, alcoholic parents, a wrecked home-life, and very little love. No wonder his mind (the Bone House) is somewhat twisted and has to do all kinds of tricks so its owner can survive. And Richard is a survivor. As a child, he has an invisible friend who lessens his pain by whisking him away and taking the punishment in his stead. Later in life though, four slightly more problematic "friends" or voices in his head take control: Little Hitler, Loverboy, Mister Milktoast (what a name), and Bookworm, who sometimes get him out of difficult situations, take the blame for murder and mayhem, but also create the most dangerous and destructive situations. And, on top of it, we have the Insider, that creepy, selfish fellow, the devilish monster, evil incarnate, who manipulates the story of Richard's life to his own advantage.The book is a literary treasure, creepy and cruel, witty, sarcastic, full of dark humor and with an undercurrent of sadness, but, most of all, enormously entertaining with great dialogue. It is a fascinating study of human psychology, of the conflicting voices and emotions in all of us, the darkness that lurks in the back of our minds and, if left unrecognized, threatens to overpower what's good in us. And last, but most importantly, it is a story of redemption and love. I heard rumors that Sigmund Freud turned around in his grave, pounding the coffin walls with his fists (or what was left of them), condemning the book. The real reason, however, was he was extremely upset that he didn't write it himself.I would give this so-called "worst novel ever written" six stars but Amazon only allows for five, so five it is.