Dave Harrison

Dr. Strangelove meets... Petticoat Junction?

Revisado: 10-12-17

It was the best of times, it was the end of times. Just like Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities, but nothing like it at all. No, this one's a classic! This is the tale of two Presidents. Of two 'divided' United States. Yes, of America. (Hmm, not such a bad idea.) A Red States President, a Blue States President. Forget any vice president, one of them's got enough vices of his own -- to fill a massive secret cavern 443.2 meters underground in a small town in North Dakota, you might say. Speaking of Vice Presidents, Al Gore makes a brief cameo. How author Jim Yoakum managed to pull that off, I don't know. Connections, I guess. Anyway, I digress. This is the tale of a giant asteroid, hurtling toward earth. In one month's time we will all, most certainly, die.

The Myoshi Effect. Science fiction, or science friction? Friction between two Presidents. Friction between cabinet members. Friction between Countries. Canada at war with the U.S. (or North Dakota, at least). Friction (at first) between the Queen of England (Kate Middleton) and the Canadian Prime Minister. Friction between Queen Kate and the Hollywood tabloids. Friction between a student's lips and a Rocket Pop. Friction between Charles Dickens and... no, wait, scratch that. Anyway, can Doctor Apophis save the day(s)? Will the giant asteroid wipe out all humanity? Would that be such a bad thing? Well, you'll all just have to listen to the audiobook to find out for yourselves, now, won't you!

So, QUICK! Buy this book before it's too late!

If you enjoy a good laugh (and who doesn't?), author Jim Yoakum's the man. I found myself laughing from cover to cover, despite it being an audiobook. All characters brought to life and acted out wonderfully by narrator David S. Dear.

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Fusarium, Wilt Fusarium.

Revisado: 01-13-17

I've had Jim Yoakum's collaborations with the late great Graham Chapman (of Dangerous Sports Club fame) in my collection for years, so I decided to see what he's been up to lately (Jim, not Graham). So I read his audiobook, Joe Perk, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I liked it so much, in fact, that I loaded up the ol' iPod with another of Jim's books just prior to a much needed do-nothing vacation. The Banana Massacre. I liked the title. Knew nothing about it, but liked the title. So it was somewhat of a happy coincidence as I found myself, a graduate in advertising, in the Caribbean, listening to the story of ad man Wilt Fusarium sent on assignment to the Caribbean. I could almost "see" the island of Costa San Rica from the beach where I was listening!

Based on a true massacre (Google it!) that occurred in the 1920's, Jim's version of The Banana Massacre includes a bit more humor than the original -- along with intrigue, suspense and a lot of mistaken identity. This is the story of ad man Wilt Fusarium (Google him!), a man who doesn't like bananas, sent to save the Choad Banana account. This is not the story of Carter, Inman and Adams, the "agency" bosses who sent him there against his wishes, nor is this the story of Jose Martinez, manager at the Choad Banana plantation. This is not the story of Jacobo Gomez, el Presidente de Costa San Rica, nor is this the story of his half brother, the revolutionary Alejandro "Chi-Chi" Lopez, former pitcher for the Yankees with a chip on his shoulder who now plays the game by a slightly different set of rules. This is not the story of Satine Santa Rosa, once engaged to "Chi-Chi", nor is it the story of her father Miguel, or of Chet, even, the spy, keeping a close eye on the clueless Wilt. No, this is the story of Wilt Fusarium and his cab driver, Emilio Chavez. Wait, hang on, scratch that. This is not the story of the cab driver. Nor is this the story of the hotel desk clerk. One thing for certain, this is definitely not the story of famous author, Rita Fulstrom. But hey, they're all in it. And it wouldn't be much of a story without any of them now, would it? And what a story it is!

I loved it! They say the book is always better than the movie. So read it now, before it's a movie! Or if you don't want to read it, listen to it!

Highly recommended reading by Jim Yoakum, and well read by Pavi Proczko (Google him!).

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Laughed so hard, coffee came out my nose!

Revisado: 12-08-16

I must admit, books on tape have never been my cup of tea -- but then again, neither has tea.

This, though, this is coffee! And like Joe Perk, the well-intentioned, unassuming hero of this delightful caffeinated tale, author Jim Yoakum really knows how to serve it up!

It's the story of good versus evil, a pure cup versus the corporate corrupt, a modern day David and Goliath. With a twist!

The story percolates, the aroma permeates, and suspense follows close on the heels of Joe's innocence as he feels his way into the great unknown. From working the ground on the failing family farm (and his failing family) in rural Oklahoma to working 'the grounds' as he vies for the coveted title of Barista Champ at the big competition in the Big Apple. Will Joe Perk succeed, or will his own naivety nix all his hopes and dreams? The latter I would say, in all probability!

The complexity of the characters, like their very names (Cappuccino, Macchiato, Froth, Shakes, Joe Perk) seem to evoke the essence of the coffee bean. Some are bold, intense and robust, others smooth and more balanced. And then there's the sweet and refined. (Will Joe mess up his chances with her?!) It's a path and plot unpredictable, and sure to awaken the senses at every step of the way.

The author is well versed in the coffee culture and uses its vernacular to great comic effect and timing. From the story's slightly bitter first impressions (Can you taste that, at the tip of the tongue?) to its nice smooth finish (Yes, that's right, back of the tongue, on the pallet!) you'll find yourself laughing out loud throughout. I know I did!

I look forward to more of Jim Yoakum's books on tape as, great thing is, they're all "digital" these days! So no more stretching out that narrow tape from its cartridge, holding it up to the light and trying to read the words. I could never see 'em! Special kudos goes out to Tim Halligan, narrator of Joe Perk, for reading the tape to me!

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