💛 This book. I could not decide whether I loved it or hated it. In the end I came down on the side of love. Yes, the main character's naivety makes him seem one bar short of a prison cell, yes it is absurd and infuriating, but it is also heart-warming, funny and unputdownable.

💚Vernon talks directly to the reader throughout, in an internal monologue that drew me into his world and world views. I could practically feel my mind adjust to meet his, recognising and accepting his vernacular and thought patterns.

💜 I found it impossible not to like Vernon. He's such a positive character. He takes everything in his stride and sees the good in people. And although in many ways he is a brainless (Taylor??) you get the sense that that's his inexperience. There are things he does that show a glimmer of an undeveloped genius. That's what makes this such a difficult story. It involves a lot of people taking advantage of him and dragging him further and further into the mud.

💛 Many, many reviewers compare this to The Catcher In The Rye. I'd add that this is a bit like stubbing your toe, inspecting the perpetrator only to discover a giant bar of gold. It's a maddening, but rewarding read.

PS. The language is strong with this one. Never a problem for me, but you have