Misadventures in the (213)

Rating:
Summary: You May Not Want To Read This One In Public
Review: ...because you will get some weird looks from strangers who see you laughing out loud (I drove most of the other passengers into different cars on a NYC subway while reading the "Aladdin" rug section). But while "Misadventures In The (213)" is quite possibly the funniest book I have ever read, that isn't the only reason I keep pulling it off the shelf to reread parts of it. The characters are so well drawn and interact so wonderfully with each other that I found myself longing to be a part of their circle of friends. They all get their share of hilarious one liners (while watching the movie "Babe"- "The proud farmer looks down at Babe and delivers the final line: "That'll do, pig". "Reminds me of the last time I had sex," says Claudia."), but there are a number of touching moments as well (Craig and Dandy's conversation after Craig catches Dandy with his ex-lover). I've read the book in it's entirety 2-3 times, as well as reading specific sections over and over, and each time I put it back in the bookcase wishing I could fly out to LA and join Craig, Dandy, and the rest of the gang in some of their 213 misadventures.

Rating:
Summary: Very hard to put down
Review: Along with Christian McLaughlin and Joe Keenan, I've found another author who is absolutely great. What I consider the "gay boy" genre of fiction consists of generally fun, light and usually wickedly humorous writing. Fans of Doug Guinan, Robert Rodi, and McLaughlin will most likely know what I'm talking about. What's rarer is a character one can really care about. Dennis Hensley's Craig Clyborn has a lovable soul and an air of insecurity that's easy to identify with. His friend, Dandy Rio, a very brash loose cannon of a starlet, is a riot. I highly recommend this book to anyone in need of a laugh.

Rating:
Summary: Didn't want to like it but couldn't help myself.
Review: At first I was a little annoyed by all of the references to famous people and there were a few too many cliches. But I couldn't help myself and I started to really like it. The characters grow on you and I ended up not wanting to put it down. If you are totally uncomfortable with gay characters than it probably isn't for you.

Rating:
Summary: You May Not Want To Read This One In Public
Review: I used to read the column in DETOUR magazine, by the fictional Craig Clybourn, upon which the novel is based. Every month found me at the newstand, waiting for read more of the misadventures faces by Craig and Dandy, and their slew of friends. I was more than surprised to find the hardback, with all the columns finally pulled together to show a great effort in fun story telling. When I lived in Los Angeles, also in the 213, everything seemed possible; it was refreshing to read a novel in which everything (and everyone) became possible. My favorite parts of the novel involved Miles and the watermelon, Claudia and the Lost Hope chest, and Godfrey and the playground. It took me one day to read the book cover to cover; I still find myself opening the book to any random chapter throughout the year, just to laugh once again. Great book, and I do wish that Dennis Hensley would take time to write another novel!

Rating:
Summary: It's Just Dandy!
Review: Okay...how to describe this book and not sound like a raving lunatic? Well you can't really...In a nutshell, Craig Clybourn leaves his nice job as a cruise director to move to L.A. to be with his friend, sitcom star Dandy Rio who gets him in some of the oddest situations imaginable. From stealing fish from Tina Louise's koi pond to sleeping Alicia Silverstone a copy of his screenplay with the words, "Your boyfriend does it with watermelons" imprinted on the front to falling in and out and love (or maybe lust) over and over. Let's just say you may have a new affection for the McDonalds Playland after this...and a new understanding for how some pageant winners are picked....

Rating:
Summary: Must Read for Entertainment [Hopefuls]!
Review: Remember that television series from a few years back about Jennifer Grey trying to make it in Hollywood? This book is everything that show wasn't: clever, hilarious, satirical, and--dare I say it?--insightful. It's all about trying to make it in the insane entertainment industry of Los Angeles, and the tone is frothy and superficial, exactly like Los Angeles itself! Hensley shows us the city and the industry from the inside, and he's clearly a fan. Unlike Hensley (and Randy Newman), I hate L.A. But I loved this book!

Rating:
Summary: Must Read for Entertainment [Hopefuls]!
Review: Remember that television series from a few years back about Jennifer Grey trying to make it in Hollywood? This book is everything that show wasn't: clever, hilarious, satirical, and--dare I say it?--insightful. It's all about trying to make it in the insane entertainment industry of Los Angeles, and the tone is frothy and superficial, exactly like Los Angeles itself! Hensley shows us the city and the industry from the inside, and he's clearly a fan. Unlike Hensley (and Randy Newman), I hate L.A. But I loved this book!

Rating:
Summary: Nonstop Fun
Review: Screening Party was a recommended to me and after I finished that I HAD to read Misadventures. I wan't disappointed. It was so funny I could barely make it through a page without laughing out loud. Craig was completelely lovable and the people that surronded him were trippy and wonderful. It's a great book, especially for people who love movies, television, and the camp culture that's grown up around them.

Rating:
Summary: wacky story of 2 L.A. friends
Review: This book is one crazy mishap after another! Dandy and her best friend Craig are constantly running into celebrities. Not to mention making dumb mistakes like getting stuck in Disneyland over night. It doesn't have a very deep story to it, but very funny at times. I wouldn't say it was the best storyline. If you are looking for a deeper novel pass this one over.

Rating:
Summary: Laugh out-loud funny!
Review: This book succeeds where so many other comic novels do not: it is actually funny. Very funny. You will laugh out loud at these characters and their outrageous adventures, one-liners and off-the-cuff remarks. Much better than other silly comedies like Glamourpuss or Hello Darling ...