Recommend for "twenty-somethings" going on "thirty-something," music lovers, Romantics, and anyone who enjoys a good laugh.

The paperback cover winked at me from the shelf, and my eyes came alert: could it be? Yes! After weeks of tossing aside books that didn't hold my interest past one cup of coffee (we've all been there, haven't we?), I found the one to end my reading slump.

Louise Wener is an author I discovered late last year when I followed a
recommendation to read her novel The Perfect Play. Although I loved it and highly recommend it, I somehow never bothered to search out other works written by this witty Englishwoman. It was only a matter of time, though; I believe that I was destined to meet Wener's second novel, Goodnight Steve McQueen. At its core, this novel is a romance, the story of two people who are madly in love but who unavoidably confront questions about their future together.

Danny McQueen is comfortable in his life as a wannabe pop star floating through days of cartoons and nights behind the video store counter. Uneasy about where this life is leading, Alison delivers him an ultimatum: he needs to find a "real job," one with stability, or else find a new girlfriend. Danny turns to the only profession he can imagine growing old with. So begins his quest: land a record deal in six months, or die trying.

Fortunately, Wener doesn't fall prey to the trap of giving Danny an egotistical voice; instead, he's vulnerable yet determined. He never gives in to doubt because losing his love is simply not an option. Wener's brilliant humor keeps every moment honest. Especially gratifying are the surrounding personalities, my favorites being  Vince, the bitter bandmate best friend, and an eighty-year-old Kung-Fu enthusiast named Sheila. With each turn of the page, I was consistently surprised and never disappointed.

Review by Meridith Jones, April 14, 2005

Read Bruce's review of Wener's The Perfect Play: http://www.watermarkbooks.com/review0704-002.html

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