Pinball
Theory of the Apocalypse
by Jonathan Selwood
July
29, 2007 - It's been said that the first great novel of the
post September 11th world has yet to be written. While I don't
think "The Pinball Theory of the Apocalypse" is reaching
for that goal, it certainly deserves to be considered as a work
that empathizes with the current American psyche while satirizing
celebrity worship, the art world and our quest for all things
superficial. In fact, it's the debate of superficial rewards
versus artistic integrity that haunts the novel's main character
Isabel Raven as she deals with Los Angeles earthquakes, a cheating
celebrity boyfriend, California wild fires, a sociopathic agent
and a healthy roster of fringe-element wack jobs.
Jonathan
Selwood has written a virgin-tight manuscript that delivers
both humor and insight. While I prefer stronger female leads,
the numbed acceptance of Isabel Raven probably mirrors the majority
of people today and sets up the dilemna she must deal with.
The pre-apocalyptic world (Isabel's father has discovered that
the solar system will collapse by 2049) Isabel lives in (again
mirroring our own fears of global warming and terrorism), justifies
the public's pre-occupation with the here and now and further
underscores the futility of long-term goals and personal ethics.
"The
Pinball Theory of the Apocalypse" is a fast and fun read
that gives an excellent snapshot of our current times.
The
Beefboy was sent a preview copy "The Pinball Theory of
the Apocalypse" and the marketing department has been very
clever by creating a couple of websites that are mentioned in
the book itself. While I was dissapointed to not find those
nude photos of Isabel Raven, her artist
website and her father's page on The
Pinball Theory are nice extras. You can also visit the website
of author Jonathan
Selwood.
Dig
it!
- The Beefboy
