Your Sparkle Cavalcade of Death

I suspect the title throws people off a bit when they're wondering what kind of book this might be. William Kotzwinkle calls it "a weird and wonderful book" and that got me to read it when it was released in paperback in 1975. It's unique in its humor, as funny as any written during the period and I'd be willing to say anyone who considers himself (or herself) knowledgeable and well read who hasn't read this book has missed one of the great ones. Yes, this is off the wall, full bore satire, a send up of 70's mainstream culture along the lines of a Nathanial West (Miss Lonely Hearts), a Terry Southern (The Blood of a Wig) and a William Kotzwinkle (The Fan Man). I'll throw in Hunter Thompson as well. You may say that's pretty far over the top comparison, but I'm saying if you recognize the writers mentioned (and have read their books), you need to read Shiarella. The worst that can happen is you only rate it one of the great works of satire of the last fifty years as opposed to one of the very greatest. Yes. I'm serious.

I read this book in 1974 and 35 years later I still remember it and laugh out loud about it. I hadn't thought of it for some time and was talking with a friend tonight and it came up in the conversation. I looked it up - hoping to get a copy of it to read again - and saw a 3 star review. Shameful!! Any book that has a staying power of 35 years has got to be worth reading! Lewd and Fila Noogie (I hope I spelled their names right!!) rule and if you want to read a hysterical book this is one you should consider.