Nothing Is Terrible

This book was fast-paced and relatively easy to read, yet decidedly unnerving and creepy. Creepy, not because of the characters, who are often downright wholesome and sympathetic. But because, as it turns out, these modern-day Jane Eyre-like folks end up doing things that make most of us uncomfortable thinking about, no less doing ourselves. One can't help identifying with the innocence pervading each decadent and/or criminal relationship. The most frightening thought that crossed my mind was that somehow this book reflects the innocent decadence of our time. To sum up: entertaining throughout and mind-expanding, thought-provoking stuff. A great book.

I'm actually a poet and have never written a fiction review, but this book really struck me. It is gorgeous, clever, original, and a surprisingly quick read (considering how unusual the characters are). Sharpe should be given credit for his writing style, wit, and depth, but most of all, he should receive high praise for working with material that is sui-generis, completely ambitious, and utterly risky. In this novel, he is like a gymnast doing a very difficult routine on the balance beam -- and he pulls it off. Brilliant technique, arresting grace, flawless dismount.

For those who think there's no beautiful, vital fiction being written any more, that the modern novelist is getting tripped up by his or her own cleverness, or is stumped by the challenge of emotional honesty, think again. Matt Sharpe has given birth to a fictional hero who could hold her own against Huck Finn. Nothing is Terrible is an understated masterpiece with all the wit, feeling and literary slyness of Catcher in the Rye. This book deserves to be read; and once read it will certainly be remembered.Summary: One of my all time favorites.

This story would perhaps be considered bizarre if it were not for the calm, beautifully rendered voice of Mary, the narrator. Sharpe blends a strikingly original storyline with humorous wit. It was a delight to read and was never strange enough to lose any of its simple beauty. One of the most original novels I have ever read.

For the last few decades, U.S. novelists have unsuccessfully played catch-up with the Latin American Boom writers of the 1960s--Fuentes, García Márquez, Borges, Cortázar--often applying their magic realism in embarrassingly mannered, academic ways. Sharpe, though has found the key. The fantastic visions of Mary (Paul) make perfect sense after a few tabs of acid. Wise, witty, daring, Matthew Sharpe takes the novel back for the gringos.