So okay, over the past two years or so my interest in reading has been limited to glancing over magazines and the typical quick I-need-to-hold-on-to-something read on the toilet. I’m at least six Murakami’s behind (click) and browsing the web is tainted with the constant fear of accidentally finding the final Harry Potter spoiler.

But lately, I’ve been enjoying a read again. I’m years behind this one, too. I got suspicious when the whole world cried this novel shows more than a hint of genius. I got briefly interested after, but reconsidered when the title appeared on my mothers’ book club reading list. And then it kind of just fell into my hands and I starting reading and I laughed until my eyes were wet.

Such clever language play. Such subtle, and such dark irony.

One third of the book feels like a brilliant road trip movie with a touch of Borat, which it actually is, one third is an amusing metastory, the other third tells a partly incomprensible, partly beautiful traditional Jewish tale.

But let’s let our main character speak for himself…

My legal name is Alexander Perchov, but all of my friends dub me Alex because this is much more flaccid to utter. That is Father retrieving his fist from the right side of my face. Father is a first-rate puncher.

This is Sammy Davis Jr. Jr. She is Grandfather’s Seeing Eye bitch. Father purchased her for him not because he believes Grandfather is blind, but because a Seeing Eye bitch is also a good thing for people who pine for the opposite of loneliness. In truth, Father did not purchase her at all but merely retrieved her from the home for forgetful dogs. Because of this, she is not a real Seeing Eye bitch and is also mentally deranged. Most of all, she relishes when I sing to her her most beloved song, “Billie Jean ” by Michael Jackson.

For me, America is a first-rate place. Most of all, I am beloved of American movies, muscular cars and hip-hop music. I also dig Negroes. Most of all, Michael Jackson. He is a first-rate dancer, just like me. Many girls want to be carnal with me because I’m such a premium dancer.

- Oh, and in the movie it is nice to see Elijah Wood and know for sure that he is not wearing pantyhose.