Topsy Dingo Wild Dog

-- but WOW, is it quite a read on its own merits! Author Camilla Carr is an actress I identify with low-budget, regional shot-in-Texas horror flicks such as KEEP MY GRAVE OPEN and POOR WHITE TRASH PART II, et al. Part of this life experience is present in the book, as her actress heroine has a background in exploitation films. Really dug the references to Larry Buchanan's "A Bullet For Pretty Boy" with Fabian (which exists) and "Don't Look In the Incinerator" (which doesn't). Mary Shadey, the novel's protagonist must return to Uncertain, Texas, her hometown to film the last commercial of her contractual obligation as Miss Peanut Butter Cup. It goes without saying that Uncertain has characters that would make Eudora Welty and Flannery O'Connor envious. The most shocking revelation comes in the meaning behind the book's title -- go on, this is one mean read. Worth the travel.

I usually read history books, not novels, but i picked this book up because of the title. It was and is the funniest book that I have ever read! I grew up in a small town and this book could have been written about this town. I gave it to my sister and she woke her husband up belly laughing! I lend it to all of my friends with an off-beat sense of humor and they all love it as much as I do. I can still laugh until I cry thinking about some of the dialog! I just wish that Ms. Carr would write more!

An entertaining book filled with quirky characters. A little over the top, maybe, but that's what makes this book so fun. Not for the rigidly moral. Sort of a black comedy-type book.

This book is HYSTERICAL ! A friend lent it to me to read and I told two friends, and so on. EVERYONE who has read it has LOVED it ! It's like Greater Tuna meets Tennessee Williams meets Pedro Almodovar. (okay, so none of these are book references !) Maybe it's funnier to people from the South, or anyone who survived their small home town ! Mary Jane Shady does not want to go home and face her small town woes and fears, but suddenly finds herself en route from New York City to Uncertain, Texas to film a commercial! For peanut butter !