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
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