I’ve talked a number of times here on the blog about Hesh Kestin’s fantastic The Iron Will of Shoeshine Cats, from one of my favorite indie presses, Dzanc. I read the ARC for Cats at least six months ago, and the book is still fresh in my mind, which in itself makes this novel plug-worthy now that launch time is upon us. Haven’t read any good fiction lately? Go out and buy “The Iron Will of Shoeshine Cats,” and don’t blame me when you don’t get anything done for two days.
This unlikely tale of Jewish mobsters avoids all the clichés of the genre. The story is thoroughly engaging and masterfully told, and the writing kicks ass in a hard-nosed Budd Schulberg kinda’ way. I’m rooting for this book to get the attention it deserves—and then I’m going to take credit for it. And no, I don’t have crush on Hesh Kestin. I’ve never even met the guy.
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10 Responses to “The Best Book I've Read This Year Is Out!”
November 6, 2009
Dan WickettI still think you've got a "little" crush on the guy – met him or not. Wait until you meet him though, head over heels my friend, head over heels.Thanks, as always, for the attention to this great novel.
November 6, 2009
Dan WickettI still think you've got a "little" crush on the guy – met him or not. Wait until you meet him though, head over heels my friend, head over heels.
Thanks, as always, for the attention to this great novel.
November 6, 2009
jonathan evison. . .hesh's daughter's both seem very gracious and lovely, as well . ..
November 6, 2009
jonathan evison. . .hesh's daughter's both seem very gracious and lovely, as well . ..
November 20, 2009
Hesh KestinThis crush thing is getting out of hand. Okay, I sent Evison the “special” pictures, and there was the thing with the flowers, plus the mariachis. But this is all standard literary stuff and means nothing. Nothing I tell you, nothing! In other words, if anyone has a crush here, it’s…
November 20, 2009
Hesh KestinThis crush thing is getting out of hand. Okay, I sent Evison the “special” pictures, and there was the thing with the flowers, plus the mariachis. But this is all standard literary stuff and means nothing. Nothing I tell you, nothing! In other words, if anyone has a crush here, it’s…
November 20, 2009
Jason ChambersI thought that stuff was typical “blurb request” protocol. Perhaps I’m mistaken.
November 20, 2009
Jason ChambersI thought that stuff was typical “blurb request” protocol. Perhaps I’m mistaken.
November 21, 2009
jonathan evison. . .every industry has their casting couch . . .
November 20, 2009
jonathan evison. . .every industry has their casting couch . . .