I just finished this really fun book about a guy named Larry who's turning 50. He has a crazy weekend with his weird friend, Ronnie. It's not just about partying, though. It's about growing up and being yourself. The story is funny and has a lot of heart. I couldn't stop reading!

I'm probably not the right audience for this novel..but I did finish it! Fun romp in reality shows and the battle between generations. A book for angry (romantic) dads.

kinda interesting comedy satire, but at points kinda weakened its own themes with the way it was written. 3.5-4 stars. tysm for the arc.

This is the story of Larry, who is turning 50, and his 'friend' Ronnie Slater and a crazy weekend in a hotel. Of course it's about more than that - ambition and aging and being true to yourself. It has a 'generation versus generation' thing going on, but it's funny because of the perspective taken by the author. This book has an unlikely, madcap plot that the writing an characters somehow carry off successfully. It's got a healthy dose of satire, and also a very big heart. I couldn't put it down.

I was given a e-ARC copy from Net-Galley, in exchange for an honest review.

Victory Editing provided an early galley for review.

When a writer mentions my favorite artist ever (Prince) in his opening paragraph, I know I'm in good hands as a reader. In fact, all of his music references throughout the novel (summarized nicely as a playlist in the back of the book) very much hit home for me. Clearly I'm of the age for the audience of this novel.

Hailey quickly pulled me into his story about aging and coping as Funk gets drawn into Ronnie Slater's latest endeavor. Here we have two male characters in their middle age, slowly realizing that the world has changed from their younger days and wrestling with their own morality. As an older reader, this one definitely hit more than it would for me decades ago.

For a story that covers a very short narrative time period (four days total), sometimes the reader needs to accept the terms for the story for things to move along properly. Should certain characters be questioning things more? Absolutely. Should other characters not put up with the behavior and attitude given to them? Yes. But in the end the story still works out well, the themes explored and the message delivered. I am willing to make a few minor accommodations as long as the book is entertaining me, as this one most certainly did.

If there were ever a sequel, I'll definitely put it on my reading list.