Play Book Tag discussion

A story about a successful NY dentist and atheist, Paul O'Rourke, and his quest for life purpose while suffering through a self-induced miserable, depressive existence. O'Rourke never abandons hope for true meaning even while his identity is hijacked by an on-line imposter that asks him "how well do you know yourself?" and then proceeds to explain how Paul is descended from an ancient tribe whose God given identity is rooted in doubting God's very existence.

Stephen King's review notes that, "One hesitates to call it the "Catch-22" of dentistry, but..."

The book's epigram quotes Job 39:25 "Ha, ha". There are parts that are hilarious and others that are soul-crushing. It made me wince slightly more than it made me smile. Is this book quirky, for sure! But it's also deeply spiritual.

Within the first five pages, it is clear that Paul's search for meaning has reached a Sisyphus level of futility when he explains that in his quest to find his "everything" that "Everything was always something but something - and here was the rub - could never be everything."

The book revolves around relationships, the Boston Red Sox, Religion (Judeo-Christian mostly), and of course dentistry. Paul O'Rourke is a true original and his supporting cast is great. Ferris is a great writer and I think I need to give "Then We Came To The End" a second shot.

"To Rise Again at a Decent Hour" is not for the faint of heart so reader beware but it's a new favorite for me.

While I love your review, and love that you loved this book, I think I will pass on this one. I get enough "soul-crushing" moments reading for law school! lol.

I, of course, want to read it!

Anita wrote: "I, of course, want to read it!"

My first thought as Anita would probably like this book.

Ladyslott wrote: "Anita wrote: "I, of course, want to read it!"

My first thought as Anita would probably like this book."

Ha ha, I am so transparent . . .

I'm intrigued as well. Thanks!

Gee, Charlie, this is the second book I've seen you rate 5 stars for the quirky tag that I deleted from my TBR without reading. So much for trimming the TBR. Arggghhhh!