Grove Press continues the reissue of Bruce Jay Friedman's critically acclaimed fiction with The Current Climate by the comedic genius whose work Nelson Algren hailed as "more interesting than most of Malamud, Roth, and Bellow ...[and] more important." The Current Climate continues the hilarious misadventures of the screenwriter from Friedman's novel About Harry Towns. Harry is now twenty years older and living in New York, a frustrated playwright struggling to sell a TV series to make some quick cash-and paralyzed by the decision of whether or not he should get tickets to see Cats.
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The titular subject of Friedman's 1972 About Harry Towns returns, older (57) but hardly wiser; in fact, Harry's honest bemusement at the workings of a world he no longer recognizes provides this uneven novel with its ripest comic moments. Despite a patient second wife and a new daughter, Harry finds that old habits die hard, especially when they include venturesome debauches with hookers and hoods in New York City. In Hollywood, Harry pitches screenplay ideas to studio executives whose healthy lifestyles and herculean work habits aren't part of the show biz world that he remembers. Even Harry's psychiatrist of 27 years seems suddenly out of joint, given to fainting spells and trips to the hairdresser. Though funny scene by scene, Friedman's portrait of Harry grows more scattershot and erratic as the novel progresses, detouring into the '50s for a witty depiction of a creative writing class, then returning to the present for a hasty resolution. Friedman's considerable gifts as a comic writer (he also wrote The Lonely Guy's Book of Life ) are never fully manifested here.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
This is a dreary, expensive sequel to About Harry Towns . In 1972, the Washington Post called Harry "unique, haunting, and completely memorable." When Harry reappears now at age 57, he is a second-rate screenwriter with an idea for a dog show. He likes to slip away from his comfortable suburban family for a night in the city: a little cocaine, a couple of porno flicks. He gets mugged in a hooker's bed. He almost wins an award. He's always working on a play. The highlight of his life is meeting Muhammad Ali at a urinal. The writing is ordinary, the language vulgar. Purchase only for readers who still remember Harry.
- Maurice Taylor, Brunswick Cty. Lib., Southport, N.C.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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Hardcover. Condition: Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Good. Grove Press continues the reissue of Bruce Jay Friedman's critically acclaimed fiction with The Current Climate by the comedic genius whose work Nelson Algren hailed as "more interesting than most of Malamud, Roth, and Bellow .[and] more important." The Current Climate continues the hilarious misadventures of the screenwriter from Friedman's novel About Harry Towns. Harry is now twenty years older and living in New York, a frustrated playwright struggling to sell a TV series to make some quick cash-and paralyzed by the decision of whether or not he should get tickets to see Cats. Piece(s) of the spine missing. Due to age and/or environmental conditions, the pages of this book have darkened. Please note the image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item. Book. Seller Inventory # 123752540
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Hardcover. First Edition [1989]; First Printing, so stated. Near Fine in Near Fine DJ: Both book and DJ show only minute indications of use. The Book shows just a hint of thumbing at the fore edge; very slight shelf rubbing along the bottom edge; the binding shows slight lean, but remains perfectly secure; the text is clean. Free of any ownership names, dates, addresses, notations, inscriptions, stamps, plates, or labels. Shows some minor imperfections, but in overall appearance remains close to 'As New': clean, sturdy, and quite presentable, showing virtually no wear. NOT a Remainder, Book-Club, or Ex-Library. The DJ shows only the mildest rubbing; the price is unclipped; mylar-protected. Very close to 'As New'. NOT a Remainder, Book-Club, or Ex-Library. 8vo. (9.3 x 6.3 x 1.15 inches). 200 pages. Weight: 18.6 ounces. Hardback with DJ. First Edition [1989]; First Printing, so stated. Seller Inventory # 48501
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