|
|
|
What the Heart Sees
Manufacturer: Janice Zick
ISBN: 978-1-936000-66-1
Length:
Short Novel
Category:
Humorous
Sub-Category:
Contemporary
Rating:
Sweet
Photography/Artwork:
Jenifer Ranieri
Release Date:
August 2010
Price: $4.99
$4.99 EPUB
$4.99 HTML
$4.99 PRC
$4.99 PDF
$4.99 LIT
|
How do YOU rate this book?
Ansel, an aspiring stand-up living in L.A. uses what he considers his unfortunate looks and his sad memories of childhood -- particularly Christmases past as fodder for his comedy routines. Often rejected on the basis of his looks alone, he is only attracted to tall, beautiful, svelte women he can only get by default compliments of his handsome, best friend Kirk, who “goes through women like socks.” When he dumps them, he gives Ansel their phone numbers; and because they’re devastated and on the rebound, they agree to go out with him because he makes them laugh.
When Greta, a slightly chubby, slightly stout, Midwestern girl moves into Ansel’s apartment building, they become ‘buddies.’ Or that’s what Ansel thinks. Greta has other ideas.
EXCERPT
My name is Ansel Deusledorf, so you can see how I had a strike against me from the very beginning. I can't blame everything on my name. I realize that. There's the way I look, too. I look just like you'd expect someone to look with a name like Deusledorf. They should have named me Icabod instead of Ansel. Icabod Deusledorf -- it has a nice ring to it, don't you think? Except that every bully who ever picked on me during my entire childhood probably would have called me 'Icky' for short. I don't think I would have liked that.
Anyway, I have a rather skinny neck, a prominent Adam's apple and a somewhat beakish nose, both of which stick out farther than my whatzit does when it gets excited. My teeth are a little too big for my face and slightly buck. Suffice it to say, I never get the girl. Unless you count the ones I get by default -- compliments of Kirk Hanson.
If I sent my picture to the producers of that Extreme Makeover plastic surgery show on television, they'd take me straight away. Or that's what I thought, because I've heard the more work you need done, the more likely it is they'll choose you. They like dramatic changes in the after picture.
Actually, I sent a video to that program a few months back. They said and I quote: "We generally like to select people who have some potential."
I used this incident in my monologue once thinking I'd get a laugh. Instead, the entire audience said, "Awwwww." It wasn't the response I wanted. It was laughter I was after.
I saw a psychic on television the other day -- Saliva Tan I believe her name was -- who claims a soul picks its own parents. But, I can't imagine being allowed to select any two people from maybe a billion candidates and saying, "I'll take the homely ones standing over there by that tree -- the woman with the humungous nose and the skinny guy with buck teeth". Evidently, that's what I did.
So if you only like stories about good-looking people, you should probably stop reading right now. Readers and moviegoers like attractive protagonists -- that's a fact. Although I think you could get used to my looks if you gave me half a chance. And if you're one of those people who habitually cheers for the underdog -- if you secretly wished Ducky in Sixteen Candles -- or was it Pretty in Pink -- had ended up with Molly Ringwald, then you've come to the right place. Pop yourself a bag of Orville Redenbacher, grab a can of Old Milwaukee and make yourself at home.
"Four words in, and you’re hooked! After all with a name like the hero’s – you notice it! Ansel Deuseldorf! And with that you know you are in for a chuckle... I smiled, chuckled and down-right laughed my way through the whole book. For all their quirkiness, the characters in this story are well-rounded, enjoyable to spend time with and have you yearning to ensure they all get what they deserve. This book is a keeper."
Fennel - Long and Short Reviews
Rating = 5 Books - Nominated for BOOK OF THE WEEK!
"This is Janice Zick's debut novel. It is uniquely written... The idea of the characters both being so different from each other made the novel distinctly different. The main characters were presented so believable that it was impossible not to fall for them. The comical slant to the secondary characters kept the interest high. It was easy to believe the people were real...I look forward to reading more from this author. I can recommend this book to almost anyone—especially if you enjoy quirky, fun-loving books. You won't be disappointed in this book or this author."
Brenda Talley - The Romance Studio
Rating = 4 Hearts
"How can you resist a book with a narrator who challenges you to stop reading if you only like books with good-looking people? With self-deprecating humor and zany illogic, Ansel Deuseldorf recounts his journey from a man who happily exists on the drop-dead gorgeous though dim-witted castoffs of his roommate to one who learns to see with his heart. The setting moves from a downtrodden and jaded LA, whose residents nonetheless see it as the glamor capital of the world, to a snowglobe perfect Wisconsin at Christmas time. Along the way, you will be charmed by Greta, the heroine, and exasperated by Ansel's slow appreciation of her charm. But every step is paved with fun and fresh observations that will have you nodding in appreciation. Treat yourself to this book. You won't regret it."
Barbara Scott, author of Listen With Your Heart, and West of Heaven (Coming April 2011)
Visit Janice's Author Page
|
|
Lost your password? | Register
