Generica
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Book Overview
Edwin de Valu, an overworked editor at Panderic Press, is in trouble. The weekly editorial meeting isn't going well and he needs a hit for the upcoming fall season. In desperation he presents a previously rejected self-help manuscript, "What I Learned on the Mountain,"by Tupak Soiree. Much to Edwin's chagrin, the project is accepted. But even from the early editorial stages there are ominous signs that the manuscript may be more than Edwin ever bargained for. A janitor who reads the manuscript is suddenly transformed into a millionaire philanthropist. After skimming through the paragraphs on "sexual realignment,"Edwin's wife eagerly turns their marriage bed into a passion pit of artful sexual techniques. After publication, the book becomes an instant bestseller. But can this self-help book be the real thing? Dismayed by the plague of happiness that ensues, Edwin seeks to get to the bottom of the mysteries of Tupak Soiree and the book he unleashed on our unsuspecting world. In this satirical, fast-paced novel, Ferguson skewers society's obsession with self-improvement and pokes fun at generational divides.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:014029984X
ISBN13:9780140299847
Release Date:April 2001
Publisher:Penguin Books Canada
Length:320 Pages
Customer Reviews
5 ratings
Another awesome book from Ferguson
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 21 years ago
Could Will Ferguson get any funnier? I have to admit, as a long time Ferguson fan, I was certain he wouldn't be able to transfer his wit to the fiction genre. I was thrilled to find myself proved wrong. Happiness proves Ferguson is damn funny, whether he's skewering policitians or publishers. Buy this book.
Hilariously written and a unique concept
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
I laughed out loud reading this book. The writing style & timing is absolutely hilarious. The premise is a bit unbelievable, but it's supposed to be. It's a fictional "what if" and it's told, as it should be, from the viewpoint of a cynical editor. The idea that a Charles Mansonesque brainwashing con artist could change the world is laughable, but makes you wonder...could it happen? I'd recommend this book to anyone who craves a unique storyline and escape to a world that could be.
Delightful and wicked
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
Generica (also known as Happiness TM) is vicious, clever, and insightful. The ending lagged a bit, but barely detracted from the pleasure of reading this book. I laughed out loud, and often.
Couldn't put it down
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
I generally have several books going at once, but I gobbled this one up in a weekend. Will Ferguson cleverly makes fun of authors, publishers and readers alike.
What I learned on a Ant Hill.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
Happiness (Generica as I know it) by Canadian Author Will Ferguson was the book responsible for ending a long drought of unsatisfacory reading for myself. A definite GEM!One of the only books to bring me to a loud laugh in public.His characters are both very human and very funny. A sad but what I believe to be true scenario about how our industries pray and profit from human vices and weaknesses.A must read!A much better self help book than a self help book!
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