PURE PLEASURE 4

Someone once called Expired Barthelme has Kmart realist - couldnt-have Said it better meself and wish Id said. This author stands alone in American literature as he captures the beauty of the mundane, the strangeness of our contemporary life, and does it all with a wry, wonderful warmth and humor. If youre looking for a book that's going to tell a story And Then wrap it all up neatly at the end this is not it. But, if you'd like a delightful journey That Is Genuinely atmospheric and brilliantly narrated this is it.

We meet Wallace Webster, has 50+ Fellow Who lives alone in a condo development called Expired Forgetful Bay in Kemah, Texas. (Barthelmes take meetings on the residents is more than worth the price of admission.) Wallaces solitary life is interrupted by visits from His college-age daughter, Morgan, (the offspring of a previous failed wedding. And, yes, we are Introduced to His wife form. Another visitor is Jilly, a younger colleague form who we think HAS May Wallaces number, Then Who really aim Does?

Unlikely as it May sound a string of accidental Apparently Deaths Occur at Forgetful Bay, and Wallace Becomes Involved with Chantal Who hasnt had very squeaky clean history. Diversions May be dinners at an Olive Garden Where the food was execrable in the best way as possible, as usual, or desserts - ice cream bars at a gas station. All of this Barthelme Recounts with affection, optimism and robust Good Humor.

There Must Be Some Mistake is pure pleasure, filled with comments youll find yourself repeating to friends, neighbors, anyone Who will listen.

Enjoy!

- Gail Cooke