A Thousand Benjamins

Last summer, my wife and I attended a wedding in Michigan. It was a lovely affair by all accounts, but there is one thing in particular that we will always remember, and that I suspect everyone else in attendance will always remember as well: the toast by the best man. The best man was a rather nondescript looking man in his mid-30s. Even now, I couldn't tell you what he looked like other than to say he was about 5'10" and had curly hair; he may have had glasses. When we were all gathered in the banquet room, he took the microphone and began to speak. And, for the next 10 minutes or more, he held us all in the palm of his hands like I've never seen before in my life. He was charming, he was witty (he told one joke about how the groom once claimed to like to brush up on his Spanish by watching CSPAN), he was self-deprecating, he paused at the right moments and for exactly the right length of time. He was, simply, brilliant. Then, when he had us laughing loud and long, when no one dared to move because they might miss something he said, he pulled the carpet out from us like a magician and ended with such a sweet and touching comment that left most people in tears. It was stunning, absolutely stunning, and he clearly understood that by making us laugh at first he was softening us up for the good stuff later. As soon as he was done, he was mobbed like some kind of pop star. I've never seen anything like it before, particularly at a wedding. Everyone had to talk to him. We asked who he was, and got a number of answers: he was Mike Kun, the groom's brother; he was some hot young trial lawyer; and, finally, someone said, "He's the best writer you'll ever meet, but he doesn't write anymore." My wife was too nervous to talk with him, but I grabbed his ear for about 5 minutes and left wishing I had a daughter to introduce him to. He's a remarkable young man, as I've since confirmed by reading "A Thousand Benjamins," his first novel. I've recently learned that he in fact hasn't stopped writing, and a new book called "The Locklear Letters" will be out shortly. I understand it's something of a comedy. If it's half as charming as his best man's toast, I'll bet it'll be a bestseller.

It's very funny to read the other readers' comments and the rumors that Mike Kun is dead. Where did that ever come from? The guy's not dead. We just met him and his girlfriend when they were in Hawaii on vacation a couple months ago, and he certainly appeared to be alive. He was breathing, talking, eating, moving -- all things which stongly suggest he is still alive! Not only that, but he said he's got a new book that he's trying to get published called "The Lockman Letters," which sounded like it might be funny. If it's as funny as parts of "Benjamins" were, then I'll definitely be recommending it to our book club. On a personal note, in case he reads this: Mike, my husband and I thank you for dinner and thought your girlfriend was adorable.

I was just checking in to see if Mike had written a new book when I read the last two e-mails. Mike Kun dead from a car accident? Very doubtful. I knew Mike -- heck, I used to date Mike -- and he was the safest, s-l-o-o-o-o-w-e-s-t driver in the world. Anytime you tried to get him to speed up, he'd say the same thing -- "I've got some pretty precious cargo with me" -- then, when you smiled, he'd pretend he wasn't talking about you, but about something in his trunk. But I'd heard the rumor about the car accident, too. In fact, we here in Baltimore have heard a lot of rumors about Mike since he disappeared a few years ago, most of which aren't even remotely plausible. Died of a drug overdose? Yeah, right -- Mike doesn't even drink. Died in a mountain-climbing accident? Mike wouldn't go mountain climbing for a million dollars -- afraid of heights, don't you know. Drowned on a vacation? Well, I guess that could happen to anyone, but we would've heard about it. And that rumor about him dating Jewel? Are you on crack? Sure, she looks like the kind of girl Mike would date, but have you read Jewel's poetry? The truth of the matter is that Mike wrote two great books -- A Thousand Benjamins and Our Poor Sweet Napoleon -- then stopped writing. He won't talk about it, but he had his heart broken by a girl he went to law school with and just lost the desire to write. Don't remember her name, but she's one stupid chick. Maybe he'll write another book someday, which is why I check this website every once in a while, but I wouldn't bet on it. He will always be one of the sweetest, kindest, most generous people I have ever met, and by far the FUNNIEST. And, Mike, if you happen to read this review -- still love ya, baby!

What an overlooked gem. I haven't seen a better rookie performance since Tony Conigliaro. Splendid character development on top of an intricate plot line. Clearly, the author has tremendous potential and is a force to be reckoned with. I hope he surfaces again soon.Ann Tyler, look out!!!