The witty and sarcastic novel follows Tom Violet, who is struggling with a mid-life crisis, and dead end job. Tom Violet may seem like he is living the American dream with an athletic wife, sweet 7 year old daughter, and a job that allows him just enough time and money for working on his in-progress novel.
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As the story opens, we meet Tom, who is assessing his game plan on how to tell his lingerie-clad wife that he has become impotent. Not only is Tom silently struggling with this shame, he is also battling his desire for the attractive 23 year old junior copywriter in his dead-end office job.
Ever since the young girl was hired, they have been (what he thinks) incessantly flirting and taking lunch breaks. He is not sure if she is just being nice, or if she is actually interested, and his desire begins to take a toll.
Not to mention Tom's incredibly talented father whose writing remains popular throughout the years. He faces "constructive" criticism from his father each time they see each other.
Tom is also bombarded with his wife's gentle pushes to eat better and exercise more frequently, and he finds himself secretly eating junk food.
Still, at work, Gregory, or Greg, as Tom stubbornly calls him, poses a threat to his position, as well as a subtle enemy.
At the climax of the novel, Tom finds himself with the young, drunk, junior copywriter in her apartment. Although she is torturing him with blunt offers for sex, his moral compass tells him that it is wrong. Tom thinks of his wife and daughter, and ends up opting for home with his loved ones rather than meaningless sex.
Best part of story, including ending:
I loved this story because although the plot wasn't chock full of unexpected twists, it was interesting in its own, original way. The author's humor and sarcasm made me laugh out loud several times, and the fluid writing style helped move the story along.
Best scene in story:
There was one scene where Tom Violet must make the excruciating choice of whether to have sex with the coveted 23 year old office girl, or go home to his wife and kids. Like most books I've enjoyed, the climax is often full of delightful imagery and descriptive scenery. Not only was the author able to provide these characteristics, he was able to balance the controversial situation with hilarious sarcasm and easy-going humor.
Opinion about the main character:
I specifically enjoyed Tom's humor, and the way he shared inside jokes with himself.
