Guest Mik at Cornell Report post Posted July 9, 2003 I went to Barnes and Noble browsing for a book a few days ago, and I saw Tietam Brown by Mick Foley staring back at me from the "Barnes and Noble Recommends" section. I thought, what the hell, and picked it up. Well, I must say... I think it's quite good. Granted, I'm only three chapters into it. I just think that Foley has a writing style that will be endearing to many and is just plain laugh out loud funny at times. From what I've seen so far, he's crafted an endearing story so far as well. Spoiler (Highlight to Read): Ok, like I've said, I've only gotten through a few chapters, but there are some good things going on already. He finds his dad doing naked squats, or as he calls it, "doing the deck". He goes on to say that he knows his dad is about to have sex. It's pretty funny the way Foley puts it. Also, the roid head history teacher is named Mr. Hanranchy (or something similar), and he calls his homework assignments "Han-jobs". In way of plot, it starts off in 1985 with Andy (antietam) Brown out on a date with a girl. It goes back to show how he lost his ear (haha, wonder where he got this idea) and the use of his right hand. It then flashes back to the present and shows some more stuff. I like where the book is going and love what I've read so far. I can actually see Foley being an author full time. I really think he's got it in him. The only negative I can say about the book at this point is that it's under 300 pages, which is a little short. (Especially after reading 870 page Harry Potter) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest WrestlingDeacon Report post Posted July 9, 2003 Nah, most first novels are actually under 200 pages and most writers are told to keep it under 400. Much like how producers tell directors to keep movies under 3 hours, they think they're too long and people won't want to get into it. There was an article about Foley and the book in the USA Today yesterday. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Mik at Cornell Report post Posted July 12, 2003 Finished the book. I was kinda depressed for about an hour or so after finishing it. It doesn't have a happy ending. Before I get into spoilers... Foley has got some talent, but this book was kinda like a lump of coal that has only half been turned into a diamond. There were times when I thought he was a great novelist and other times when I almost let out an audible groan. The most audible groan came when Spoiler (Highlight to Read): its revealed that his father was a professional wrestler, and that he shooted on a rookie and busted his eye out of his socket. Then proceeded to punch his eyeball while it was out...destroying it. I think there was 0% need to bring wrestling into the story, but hey it's his novel, what do I know Mick also put a lot of his life into this book. Ford Fairmont, boy with one ear, the above mentioned spoiler, the amusement park that is Christmas all year. All in all, good effort, not spectacular. Loved some parts of it, had a hard time putting it down at points, and loved the last paragraph. Made me smile. I'd say 6.5/10, if I were someone who rated books. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest TheHulkster Report post Posted July 16, 2003 I just finished it this morning. I'm having trouble saying that I outright liked it because it was just so dark and uncomfortable. It was easy to read and, in brief spots, it was easy to relate to, but it just seemed that Foley went a little overboard trying to make Conestoga look like a place where all of the men were evil and abusive while all of the women were angels who's lives were destroyed by the men. Tietam, despite going through great tradgedy in his life and being abused physically and sexually, somehow is a perfect little angel with the exception of times when he must right wrongs. It's a bit far-fetched. I would reccomend it, but not for anyone under the age of 17. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
