A road trip that isn't half-ash.

Roastbeef's Promise

  By David Jerome

 

Rating: 3 & 1/2 stars out of five.

 

David Jerome's novel about an affable loser who sprinkles his father's ashes in 49 states is very funny and quite alarmingly compassionate. The author claims that some, though not all of the events, were taken from his own travels which leads me to wonder which ones are for real and which ones aren't. Some critics have complained that many of the events are unbelievable but, having traveled throughout the states extensively myself, I could believe about 75 percent could be based on actual experiences. But since this is a novel, it's a moot point. The main thing is that it is humorous and entertaining and it fits that bill nicely. My only minor complaint is that the thread of the tale moves along a little haphazardly at points and meanders but this is a travel novel and travels never go how you plan them. I could think of worse ways to spend a summer weekend than lounging around and reading this book.

 Method Acquired: Goodreads Firstread