The novel, which is based off of Seth MacFarlane's upcoming comedy of the same name, was just released yesterday, so I decided to give it a read*.
*-Just a little bit of a pre-face, I don't DO books. Not to say I don't like reading or can't read, I actually read quite a bit! It's just that my reading material is usually in the form of an article or essay. I rarely find myself engrossed into longer stories, so finding even a short novel that I am interested in - especially to the point where I read the whole thing in one night - is quite the event!
The story follows local sheep farmer (and coward), Albert Stark, and his life in The West (Southern Arizona) in 1882. As far as Albert is concerned, "Everything out here that's not you, wants to kill you.", and for the most part he's right. Each day in the small town of Old Stump and all across the Western Frontier, people die as a result of anything from gun fights, bar brawls, and even the doctor. The list of terrible things about Albert's life in The West is endless, but is topped off when Albert's longtime girlfriend Louise dumps him for the owner of the local moustachery, Foy Ellison. Now Albert must find the courage to win her back, with the help of the new-girl in town, Anna Barnes.
Now before you get the idea that this is a heartfelt tale of courage and finding one's self (which in fairness, it TECHNICALLY is), don't be swayed to the wrong idea. This is a slapstick comedy. I couldn't contain my laughter whilst reading this book. I would get hardly a page before I'd lean my head back howling in laughter at yet another crude sex joke. So if raunchy humor is not your cup of tea, AVOID THIS BOOK. This novel is also chock full of offensive humor. I'll save you the pain of any examples, but just know that this is not the book you recommend to family.
However, if you're a fan of MacFarlane's "Family Guy", and/or his 2012 comedy "Ted", you are sure to love this book. While not the most intellectual and thought provoking read, it follows MacFarlane's classic style of 8000 jokes a minute. It is worth noting that the book is adapted from (an upcoming) film, and not the other way around as is in most cases. The plot is much better framed for film, and the novel lacks vivid, descriptive detail which would give the reader a better experience. There is little character development other than the two protagonists, and the plot has points where it seems incredibly rushed, but as stated earlier; this is not a book for intellectual thought. If anything, I would highly recommend watching the trailer prior to reading the book, just from experience. To me this helped paint a better picture of what was going on (Or don't. I only know that I did and enjoyed it. Maybe it's EVEN BETTER if you don't! I don't know. Someone let me know if you do.).
So overall, "A Million Ways To Die In The West" is certainly a fun, crude, and enjoyable read. MacFarlane has a knack for comedy, and it definitely translates over to his literature. My biggest complaint with this book is it's length. I was able to breeze through this novel in a single evening. Even though I was so into that it I couldn't put it down, I wish it hadn't ended so quickly. Also, as stated earlier; the descriptive detail leaves something to be desired. All in all though, I encourage you to read the book. Besides, even if you don't enjoy it, you can still walk into the theater on May 30th, and boast about how you already know what happens like the hipster you are.
Did you read "A Million Ways To Die In The West"? Let us know what you thought of the novel below!
The book can be found here;
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
iBooks
Google Books
Finally, be sure to check out the film (starring Seth MacFarlane himself in the lead role) on May 30th!
Check out this past Friday's review of Lea Michele's debut album "LOUDER", here!
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