The Ringer
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Book Overview
Renowned humorist Bill Scheft stretches comedic singles into stand-up triples through the oddest of couples in this hilarious debut novel. Morton Martin Spell, a once-brilliant, now-infirm seventy-five-year-old writer has begun to slide into a state of delirium. He thinks Mount Sinai Hospital is an exclusive golf course and his catheter is a gym bag. His only link to reality is his terminally unambitious thirty-five-year-old nephew, who makes his living as a hired gun for thirteen softball teams and still goes by the name College Boy . But College Boy's body has begun to betray him -- almost as much as his lack of ambition. (His only legitimate paycheck comes from a once-a-week gig as an in-studio laugher on a drive-time morning radio show.) Not only that, The Dirt King , a small-time gangster who controls all the replacement soil in Central Park, is after him. As their lives collide, College Boy takes refuge in the arms of Sheila, his uncle's cleaning woman and a part-time call girl. And then it gets weird.
Format:Hardcover
Language:English
ISBN:0060090529
ISBN13:9780060090524
Release Date:July 2002
Publisher:Harper
Length:256 Pages
Weight:1.05 lbs.
Dimensions:0.9" x 6.3" x 9.3"
Related Subjects
Contemporary Fiction Humor Literature & Fiction Science Fiction Science Fiction & FantasyCustomer Reviews
5 ratings
An Original in an era of unoriginal
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
I read about a book a week. In recent times I judge a book by how well it was written and did it hold my interest. The Ringer is both well written and interesting. It is also laugh out loud funny and on top of it all --- original. Any book that quotes Doris from Rego Park has to be a winner. Bill Scheft deserves to be on a lot of other people's top ten lists this year.
BUY THIS BOOK
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
Not being a gifted writer as Mr. Scheft is I don't know how to explain what a wonderful novel he has written. I only know that the old adage "don't judge a book by it's cover" could not apply more. I looked at this book and saw something that looked like it would be all about sports and hookers, two things I am not much interested in and although there is a woman of the trade and sports in the novel that is not at all what this brilliant first book is about. It is about people and I was very engaged by the dynamics of their relationships. It's a book for everyone. ... and I loved it. I think you will as well - buy a copy for your friends.
Sweet and very funny
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
THE RINGER made me laugh out loud. After a somewhat rough start, I loved this sweet, funny, and generous tale. I enjoyed the company of these characters and was sorry when my time was up. Can't wait for the next one from this guy...
Tremendously funny
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
Great read for anyone who a) enjoys biting humor and/or b) still has the itch to be a jock. Once you get to know these characters, you don't want them to go away. Tough book to put down.
Wonderfully entertaining and thought provoking
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
I bought The Ringer for my husband because I thought he'd enjoy the humor and sports theme. After hearing him laugh out loud for several days, I decided to read it myself. I loved it! It is a moving, poignant tale of vulnerability and self-discovery. It's a fast read, energized with humor, memorable characters, and an unpredictable series of events. A wonderfully entertaining and thought provoking book. I highly recommend it.
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