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Armistead Maupin meets Beautiful People in Josh Kilmer-Purcell's hilarious and yet poignant coming-of-age tale Jayson Blocher is fifteen years old with a wayward mother, a disabled brother and a neighbour who thinks he's the spawn of the devil. For so long he has worshipped at the feet of popular culture, but now he wants to be part of it, and let's face it, what's to keep him in Wisconsin? Even his own mother wants him to go. So Jayson heads off to find fame and fortune, accompanied by an ever-changing cast of quirky extended family members. From a New York escort agency to the glamour of a Hollywood situation comedy, Jayson searches for his destiny. Only to find that being America's sweetheart can leave a very sour aftertaste.
Fifteen-year-old Jayson Blocher leaves his stifling life in Wisconsin to pursue fame and fortune in the cutthroat worlds of New York and Hollywood. Driven by a desire to escape his dysfunctional family and a neighbor who views him with suspicion, Jayson navigates the bizarre landscape of the entertainment industry. He encounters a series of eccentric characters who influence his trajectory as he attempts to transform himself into a public figure. The narrative follows his rapid ascent and subsequent disillusionment, highlighting the stark contrast between the allure of celebrity and the reality of the industry.
This novel is characterized by its sharp, cynical wit and its unflinching look at the pursuit of fame. The narrative style suggests a blend of observational humor and emotional vulnerability, reflecting the protagonist's shifting perspective as he matures. Readers likely find the portrayal of the entertainment industry to be both absurd and grounded in a recognizable, if heightened, reality. The work serves as a critique of the superficiality inherent in modern media while maintaining a focus on the personal stakes of its young protagonist. The tone remains consistent in its balance of comedic beats and serious reflections on the cost of ambition.
Page Count:
312
Publication Date:
2009-01-01
Publisher:
Harper
ISBN-10:
0007301642
ISBN-13:
9780007301645
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