Double Wonderful

by John Swartzwelder

Comedy western novel by John Swartzwelder, the author of "The Time Machine Did It", and 59 episodes of The Simpsons. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0975579924
• ISBN13: 9780975579923
• Release Date: April 2005
• Publisher: Kennydale Books
• Length: 156 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 5.3" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Painfully Hilarious

For all those who have ever read any of his other books or seen any episode of the simpsons he has written then you know that you will be entertained and laugh out loud at least once per page.

Swartzwelder rides again

There seems to be a consensus that this book isn't as good as Swartzwelder's Frank Burly books, and I kind of agree, but this books is still hilarious. The old west town of Slackjaw just can't seem to get famous. Everyone knows why--nobody there is talented or special in any way--but they still want to do something about it. When an old west novelist comes through town, it sets off a ridiculous string of events that eventually makes Slackjaw the most famous town in the old west, then eventually makes it crumble to nothing.

out of control!

so funny that i wished the book was much longer. but it is just long enough to make me laugh uncontrollably most of the way through. a brilliant writer, Swartzwelder plays on physical and mental mayhem throughout the book with some twist that you can't expect but from the brilliant mind of John. very well writen with a great, silly plot. i seriously would burst out laughing mostly through the story. i couldn't put it down until i finished and i continue to read it for a great chuckle.

A Swift read

"Honest John Turley" (rhymes with Burly), mayor of Slackjaw Kansas, opens Double Wonderful with a "Modest Proposal" to some of the worst villains the Wild West has to offer, including Cole Younger, John Wesely Hardin, the Dalton Boys, Black Bart (a name the criminal Charles E. Boles took from a dime novel), and several others: "I realize you've got a lot of robbing to do... so I won't bother you. I just wanted to let you know that the town is completely at your mercy. The bank is right there. Or you can rob the jewelry store first. If you're worried about the law, don't be. We buried our sheriff last week up there on Sheriff Hill." (pp2-3) Slackjaw is located near the surrealistically perfect Double Wonderful ranch. The locals can't stand the owners, Buck and Betty, because they have everything the townsfolk crave: fame and fortune. Unfortunately, the locals have absolutely no talent, and as Gore Vidal once observed: "Having no talent is no longer enough." Enter Ned Buntline (the real nom de plume of Edward Zone Carroll Judson, the originator of the dime novel [and the survivor of a lynching]): "I'm not going to make one of your famous: I'm going to make all of you famous. I'm going to tell the world that Slackjaw Kansas is the home of the drunkest town drunk, the most law enforcing sheriff, the most accommodating prostitute, and the most... uh... prescriptive druggist in the whole United States. You're all champions, the best at what you do." (pg. 40) After a misguided governmental "might makes right" takeover, Buck and Betty invoke an even mightier might to give Slackjaw a complete "do-over," bringing this swift little satire to a Double Wonderful conclusion.

"Say, who's the Old West guy here anyway?"

This new "Wonderful" book from John Swartzwelder revolves around the folks of Slackjaw, Kansas & their search for something more. Not only are they unable get their town as famous as Dodge City or Tombstone, they can't seem to get it noticed at all. Even the outlaws they've invited to town (some of the most infamous, from Billy the Kid to Billy No-Pants) were scared off because the citizens of the town were over-eager (everyone pretending to be dead in the streets, leaving the bank vault wide-open). They've tried everything but their tourist trade is still doing terribly. The world-famous Betty & Buck Wonderful, owners of the Double Wonderful Ranch, can't seem to help them, either (though they sell them plenty of high quality Betty & Buck merchandise at cost). All seems lost until a stranger shows up to town & changes their lives, forever. A hilarious satire of not only the Old West, including many Old West stereotypes the author successfully flips on their heads, but of fame & celebrities. Add to that Swartzwelder's often absurd, off-beat comedy throughout and you end up with a thoroughly delightful read. Highly recommended, not just for fans of the Old West but for fans of great comedy.