Review by camwilliams -- Culture Man by Guy Cook
-
camwilliams
- Posts: 16
- Joined: 25 Feb 2020, 12:24
- Currently Reading: Triple Zero
- Bookshelf Size: 19
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-camwilliams.html
- Latest Review: Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon
Review by camwilliams -- Culture Man by Guy Cook
[Following is a volunteer review of "Culture Man" by Guy Cook.]
Culture Man by Guy Cook is a whimsical story that weaves together elements of history, superpowers, mystery, and self-discovery. The adventure begins when Rob Griffin, a Winchester resident, tennis player, and avid culture blogger, stops by his ex’s house to pack up his things. While packing Rob makes himself a quick snack and accidentally eats part of a research project that his ex, Marianne, is working on in secret. Rob begins to notice dramatic differences in his body; his aches and pains are gone, he can move at incredible speeds, and he can fly. Rob reveals his new powers to Paul and Kate, his best friend and physical therapist, and together they learn what it means to have superpowers. Meanwhile a mysterious masked man has begun to steal cultural artifacts from Winchester and surrounding areas. Rob must choose to either take action and use his powers to help others or continue down his own path alone and safe from the growing danger surrounding the masked thief.
I rate Culture Man 4 out of 4 stars. The story was well-developed and there were very few grammatical errors. The characters were distinct, with a wide range of character-types from an average working-class man who plays tennis during his free time to a mysterious villain with a flair for the dramatic and a strong sense of honor. The storyline was easy to follow but had enough twists and turns to avoid being predictable. Elements classic to superhero stories -flying, fighting, witty banter- are mixed with everyday drama and themes of self-discovery.
My favorite aspects of the book were the relationships that Cook developed between his characters. They were complicated without being confusing and fluid enough to keep me guessing on romantic interests or the character’s underlying motives. The end of the book is very satisfying and tied up very nicely while still allowing for a sequel if Cook chooses to continue with his narrative. Culture Man is also full of historical knowledge and demonstrates Cook’s appreciation for Winchester, art, and by his own term, culture.
There was very little about the book that I did not like. One point of contention would be an unexplained debt that one character owed to another that affected how they acted. This debt was never elaborated on but as much of the plot hinged on the interaction between those two characters it would have enriched the plot to explain how that debt came about. There were a couple instances when Cook’s description of a piece of art or history got long and did not necessarily pertain to the plot of the story, but as a whole those instances did not detract from the book.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys light-hearted fiction and fast-paced action. Readers from ages middle-school and up would be able to follow and enjoy this story. There are a few instances of mild language. Overall this book is a great read and a very fun story.
******
Culture Man
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Culture Man by Guy Cook is a whimsical story that weaves together elements of history, superpowers, mystery, and self-discovery. The adventure begins when Rob Griffin, a Winchester resident, tennis player, and avid culture blogger, stops by his ex’s house to pack up his things. While packing Rob makes himself a quick snack and accidentally eats part of a research project that his ex, Marianne, is working on in secret. Rob begins to notice dramatic differences in his body; his aches and pains are gone, he can move at incredible speeds, and he can fly. Rob reveals his new powers to Paul and Kate, his best friend and physical therapist, and together they learn what it means to have superpowers. Meanwhile a mysterious masked man has begun to steal cultural artifacts from Winchester and surrounding areas. Rob must choose to either take action and use his powers to help others or continue down his own path alone and safe from the growing danger surrounding the masked thief.
I rate Culture Man 4 out of 4 stars. The story was well-developed and there were very few grammatical errors. The characters were distinct, with a wide range of character-types from an average working-class man who plays tennis during his free time to a mysterious villain with a flair for the dramatic and a strong sense of honor. The storyline was easy to follow but had enough twists and turns to avoid being predictable. Elements classic to superhero stories -flying, fighting, witty banter- are mixed with everyday drama and themes of self-discovery.
My favorite aspects of the book were the relationships that Cook developed between his characters. They were complicated without being confusing and fluid enough to keep me guessing on romantic interests or the character’s underlying motives. The end of the book is very satisfying and tied up very nicely while still allowing for a sequel if Cook chooses to continue with his narrative. Culture Man is also full of historical knowledge and demonstrates Cook’s appreciation for Winchester, art, and by his own term, culture.
There was very little about the book that I did not like. One point of contention would be an unexplained debt that one character owed to another that affected how they acted. This debt was never elaborated on but as much of the plot hinged on the interaction between those two characters it would have enriched the plot to explain how that debt came about. There were a couple instances when Cook’s description of a piece of art or history got long and did not necessarily pertain to the plot of the story, but as a whole those instances did not detract from the book.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys light-hearted fiction and fast-paced action. Readers from ages middle-school and up would be able to follow and enjoy this story. There are a few instances of mild language. Overall this book is a great read and a very fun story.
******
Culture Man
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon
