"Ugly Bungalow" is a series of short, sharp stories, illustrations, character studies and observations by Chicago-based writer Vincent Truman. Drawing inspiration by such disparate icons as Spaulding Gray, David Sedaris, B. Kliban and Mark Leyner, Truman's essays specialize in turning left when you are expecting them to turn right, such as dealing with sensitive issues with a brazen, definitely un-politically correct demeanor. Highlights include a diary of a cross-dressing immigrant named Olaf and his search for his daughter, a series of letters from a fellow called Wallace who becomes unnaturally devoted to women, usually after the first date, and a very unusual holiday tale entitled "My Christmas With the Cannibals." About the author: Vincent Truman was born the third of two children and currently lives in limbo with his pet peeves.
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By Harry Truman
Jan 10, 2012
This book really deserves a more fitting title. Something like "Exactly One Inch Thick" would have suited it well. It's colorfully written, so much so it's like crayons were used in the original draft(s). It's also much longer than I expected it to be, though not particularly shorter either (especially when you consider the title I suggest). Truman effectively incorporates sophomoric humor into what could be considered graduate level themes. Though I am not certain from which level they have graduated. Graduates of Erlenmeyer, it would seem. Anyflask, it is steeped with characters which you will only fully understand if you are. It's a slippery slope.
"Hilarious and inventive" This book is hilarious! My favorite parts are the V-Unit Mysteries, where the jokes are so dense you don't have time to laugh! I also particularly like the comic strips.
"Really?" I will admit that I did not finish this book, and I find it hard to believe that any self-respecting individual would consider it to be a tolerable read. Humor clearly is a transcendent abstraction for Mr. Truman who deliberately writes what he believes should be funny (because it's polemical, or because it's strange), while ignoring the organic and natural qualities of true comedic intellect. This truly is a laborious read, and I feel bad for Mr. Truman, a man who ostensibly wants to make people laugh but lacks the ability and inherent gifts to do so.
"Great debut!" I will admit that I DID finish the book and found it thoroughly enjoyable cover to cover (and, bonus, I am a self-respecting individual, with all due respect to Mr. Dry Pontification below). The short stories are funny, the character bits are unique and biting and the handwritten bits are wonderfully original.
"Pretty good debut" I have seen Vincent in person as a member of The Suspicious Clowns so I knew he was a writer. Though this book does not have any of the scripts from those shows, it's still a very good collection of short stories and drawings. Some are quite weird, and the one problem I have with Vincent's stuff is that I never know if he's serious or not. It's like he tells a lot of jokes but only with a straight face. Still, I enjoyed the book alot (esp. the cartoons) and hope he does another soon.
