Supermarket
By Bobby Hall
The Short Take:
Hall is imaginative and the story line of this novel about a would-be-writer working in a grocery story is fresh, but the writing of this psychological thriller felt like a first draft.
Why?
I was attracted to this book by its cover, which reminded me of my old paperback copy of Catcher in the Rye, with its yellow type of a plain red background. Plus it was a debut novel and I liked the premise. I can’t say I hated this novel because I did enjoy the story arc and the ideas behind it. However, the writing lacked any kind of polish.
Before reading, I did not know Bobby Hall is also a rapper who goes by the name Logic. I listened to some of his numbers online and he certainly can write tighter, better prose. I have to wonder why his editor and publisher didn’t work to refine this work. Perhaps they figured purchases by his music fans alone would take care of their bottom line? If so, they did him a great disservice in the name of financial gain.
In his acknowledgements he admits to having a short spurt of binge reading and then deciding to write a novel. He was gently advised he couldn’t do it. I can’t agree with that assessment but a little more work and care would have elevated this novel substantially.
A Little Plot:
Slacker writer Flynn is deeply depressed after a big breakup and is living at home. Miraculously he gets a huge publishing offer for a novel that takes place in a supermarket, so he gets a job in a supermarket for material.