Review: Put on your big boy pants, this is life!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 11 27, 2013
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.  Normally after reading a book, I jump right on the review.  However, this book was different.  I've had to think long and hard on what I wanted to say.To start, this book is about coming to terms with reality and life's changes.  Nick has to deal with his "perfect" relationship blowing up in his face.  His has lost his job.  He has hit rock bottom and feels that the only way to resolve this disaster is to move back home with mom and dad.  Once there, he starts to see how his past and present start to merge together.  He begins to deal with emotions that he just isn't wanting to face.  He is working on rebuilding past friendships.  Also, he starts to look into something that has bugged him and everyone else for years.Now I'm going to tear the book apart.  Sorry Mr. Westlake, I'll try and be gentle!  The writing of this book is very unique.  It's more of like what we would expect from listening in on one's conversation in their head.  I'm not saying this in a negative manner.  Actually, it was very refreshing.  You are seeing how a person who is confused and somewhat broken, trying to pick the pieces up and put them back together.  IT'S REALITY!I love the banter between everyone...hence the title.  The way Nick deals with his boss is just epic.  I know that we all have had a crappy boss and job and have wanted to do what Nick did.  Let me just say, it is a feeling of greatness if you ever do it.  I did and walked out like a hero.  Wouldn't do it again, but I was 23, so I didn't have a lot to lose.The he moves back with his parents to restart his life.  This is happening everywhere.  It's reality at it's finest.  With the way he deals with picking up mom from her exercise class.  To how he rides in the car with his dad.  Mr. Westlake nailed how we all react to each parent in our lives.As he starts to revisit his old friendships, he finds that there is something odd.  People all speculate on what happen to his friend.  Nick begins to wonder as well.  Only question, is he prepared for what he begins to find out?  I'm not telling!In conclusion, I found this a great book.  It was easy to follow.  Granted there was a language barrier at times.  I didn't struggle too bad.  I've read several "English" books and slowly am starting to pick up on the diffence in words.  I also found that Nick was so relatable.  If this character was actually real, I could see myself being attacted to him.As a warning, the book does get graphic at times.  The sex scene isn't really that graphic, but to some it may not go over that well.  Same for the curse words.  I, personally, was not bothered.  Seems how I curse way too much, I actually found it comical at times.In conclusion, this was a great book.  I'm struggling with the stars that I should give it.  It's not going to my all time favorite.  It's also not going to fall in the category of, don't even think about it.  I've settled on 4 stars because it was just a great all around book.  It has what my English friend calls, cheecky humor.  If you are in for a relaxing read that will flow quickly, then this is an ideal book.