Textual Healing by Eric SmithMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
How do you describe a book about a once-famous author who owns a failing used bookshop, with characters such as a haiku-speaking ninja, a maniacal sugarglider, and a group of authors who can no longer write?
In one word: hysterical.
Eric Smith's first work of fiction, Textual Healing, features just that and more. Dumped by his girlfriend, author Andrew Connor never expects life will change. His one rousing success, which was made into a feature film, bring him nothing but painful reminders that he has not written anything since. Anyone who does recognize him drive that point home by assuming that they thought he died.
The only excitement in his life is the daily stealth visits from Brave Orchid, a flower shop owner/ninja who enters, delivers a haiku, then leaves with a ninja battle against an invisible enemy in the street. That is, until he's introduced to Hannah, a beautiful backpacking woman who keeps him on his toes and helps him see what he's missing out on in life.
I absolutely loved and adored this book. It's not only one of my favorites for the year, but of all time. This feel good romantic comedy had me laughing out loud. I don't mean one of those anemic puffs of air that come out of your nose as you suppress a mild chuckle. No, these are out loud, hold my ribs, dog looks at me funny kind of laughs.
I sincerely hope Eric Smith will write more--he has a life-long fan now! I would love to see this as a movie (even though, as we all know, the book will always be infinitely better). His style of writing is engaging, witty, and he is an all-around great storyteller.
I loved the book so much that when it was over (I hate it when that happens) I sniffled and clutched the book to my chest. That is a sign of true love for me, at least where books are concerned. I've insisted my husband and daughter read it as well.
I give this five stars/
And hope you read this Rom-Com/
It is that awesome.
(Sorry Brave Orchid. I tried.)
*Note--A copy of this book was sent to me for review. Disclosure provided per FTC guidelines. My review is my honest, unbiased opinion.*
View all my reviews
