Blue Heaven

by Joe Keenan

Book Overview

Set in contemporary New York, Blue Heaven is the hilarious tale of a most unlikely couple and their brilliant plan to earn a fortune in gifts on their way to the altar.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0140107649
• ISBN13: 9780140107647
• Release Date: August 1988
• Publisher: Penguin Group
• Length: 279 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.1" x 7.8"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

THE funniest story I know!

When we were seven and eight, my brother and I used to be Lucy and Ethel as the outer space moo-moos who landed on top of the Empire State Building and this book turns the same trick: people I know who read it, cite scene after scene, quoting Philip, Moira and Gilbert with glee. Every time I read this, I remember my excitement when as a kid I watched a new episode of I LOVE LUCY and laughed my heart out.This is THE funniest and most entertaining story I know. The proof is in the fact that I have read it at least three times and it's powerful humour has never flagged. I have given this book to scores of people and every single person has raved about it afterwards. As a social commentary on New York, on contemporary lifestyles, gay and otherwise, it is unbeatable. From the opening line to the last page, this books delivers pure hilarity.It is pointless to discuss the plot or reveal the jokes. All I can say is that it's the most successful piece of laugh therapy I know.

Wodehouse meets Noel Coward

Essentially,this is a tale of two Idiots and a Vixen.Plus the glamour of the filthy rich,plus the grisly menace of the underworld.But I see marvellous comic art,still unparalleled,in the charachter of the Duchess :this is pure Absurd,but a gay (in both meanings)absurd,and that is really rare.I think Joe Keenan is the greatest author of gay comic novel.See how he makes fun of the itchyness and bitchyness of certain gay people,in a manner still perfectly politically correct!But the sexual orientation of Philip and Gilbert is of very little consequence.The fun thing is...they're Murphy's Law in action!

Wonderfully ludicrous!

In Joe Keenan's first book, "Blue Heaven", he introduces us to characters void of scruples, totally motivated by their own greed, and wholly, unabashedly hilarious. No, it's not a group of politicians, but gay Gilbert and irascible Moira, two societal climbing spendthrifts who decided to hitch up for the great gifts in a sham marriage. What ensues, through several unexpected plot twists and deceiving and conniving, is a fictional farce that works so well, you actually laugh out loud. The writing is witty and brilliant, fast-paced and timeless. Most admirable is how Keenan takes these rotten people and truly makes them horrible, back-stabbing folk, yet in a way, you do actually like them.If you are looking for a light-hearted romp, read "Blue Heaven", as I have been telling all of my friends since diving into this treasure.

One Of The Funniest Books You'll Ever Read!

Joe Keenan has an incredible talent, not just for keen comic timing and rapier-sharp dialogue, but also for constructing a hysterically labyrinthine story in such a way so that the reader can actually keep track of it! Lies, manipulation, extortion, greed--this book's got it all!All the characters manage to be lovable somehow, even though they have few (if any) redeeming qualities. I couldn't stop turning pages because I was dying to see how these people would deal with each seemingly-insurmountable obstacle that gets thrown their way. It reads like an episode of "Frasier" on acid--which makes sense when you realize Keenan went on to become supervising producer of that television show.I would LOVE to see a movie based on "Blue Heaven", but I'd much rather have Keenan crank out another crackpot adventure with Gilbert and Phillip! "Blue Heaven" and "Putting On The Ritz" are great--but I want more, damnit! :)

Far and away the funniest book I have ever read.

A good friend introduced me to the madcap world of Gilbert Selwyn and Phillip Cavanaugh seven years ago. Since then, I have given away more copies of "My Blue Heaven" and "Putting on The Ritz" than I can count. The first time I read "My Blue Heaven" I actually woke up my next door neighbors (in an apartment building) with my laughing.The plot is wonderfully convoluted, and just when you think you might have things figured out, Keenan throws another hilarious curveball your way. Mr. Keenan's characters are incredibly vivid -- they manage to be loathsome yet endearing at the same time. Every line is well crafted, and the one-liners fly by with such frequency you will find yourself having to stop and catch your breath.I re-read "My Blue Heaven" at least once a year. I have to admit it, I am powerless over this book.A word of advice: Buy several copies. Your friends and family will undoubtedly ask why you are laughing so hard, and it is easier to give them a copy than to stop reading long enough to explain.