Review and Free Giveaway: Everything Hurts
By Kristen on Feb 10, 2010 in Reviews
Everything Hurts by Bill Scheft
Release date: 2009 / 269 pages
Synopsis (from back cover): Phil Camp has a problem. Not the fact that he wrote a parody of a self-help book (Where Can I Stow My Baggage?) that the world took seriously and that became an international bestseller, or that he wrote the book under a phony name, Marty Fleck, and the phony name became a self-help guru overnight. Phil cannot be Marty Fleck. He can barely be himself.
First line: “Let’s get something straight.”
Review: 
When the publisher contacted me about reading this work, I was familiar with Scheft from his interviews on Letterman and considered him a funny guy. After reading this, I still think he’s a funny guy, and probably know more about his psychological journey then I do about many of my friends and family members. This is a novel, so I’m sure much of what I read is fiction, but Scheft’s preface to his Acknowlegements would imply that much of the narrative is indeed based on his life.
Honestly, I’m probably not quite the target or ideal reader for this. While I’ve visited New York City and appreciate its unique stature in our country, I’m really a midwestern gal at heart. In addition, I only went to a therapist once — after my brother suddenly died — and while I think the experience was quite helpful, one session seemed about right. I’m more drawn to behavioral therapy (identify the problem and then figure out how to act in a way that will solve the problem) – then a more analytical approach. This may be why I love reading fiction so much — how much easier to read about others’ challenges and issues than work on my own! 
So, while I did find Scheft’s novel funny, I also didn’t quite know what to think about it. Strange comment, I know, but I wasn’t quite sure I “got it.” Again, I’ve been blessed with a pain-free (physically) life up to now — and any family issues in my life are neither consuming nor insurmountable. So, I think many readers would enjoy this quite a bit more than I did, even. I do love Letterman, but I think the fact that he was raised in the Midwest, has lived in or around NYC for decades, but chooses to recup in Montana, keeps him grounded in many different parts of our country. This works for me. Straight up New York City, not so much…
So, sound like something you might enjoy? If so, drop me a comment and I’ll choose a winner by the end of the week!
Welcome back!
Kristen
This sounds like my kind of book–I would love to win it!
I understand your comments about straight up New York City, that made me laugh.
I grew up on Long Island and dreamed about being able to go into the city with my friends. When we were teenagers, our moms let us take the train into the city to spend the day. We had a ball and felt much like Lewis and Clarke must have felt on their incredible journey. That was just the first of many wonderful trips exploring New York. Now I live in New Jersey but still enjoy going to “the city.” Glad I get to come home, too.
Thanks,
Carolyn
Carolyn Hammer | Feb 10, 2010 | Reply
That sounds like a good book
Steve | Feb 10, 2010 | Reply
Sounds like a book I’d really enjoy. Thanks for the opportunity.
Theresa | Feb 10, 2010 | Reply
I would love to be in the running for this one please.
~Renee
Renee | Feb 10, 2010 | Reply
this sounds great thanks
mindy | Feb 10, 2010 | Reply
This book sounds like one I would enjoy. Please enter me. Thank you.
Sandra | Feb 10, 2010 | Reply
This sounds completely up my alley. I love books with a psychological bent! Please enter me in the give away.
I don’t know that you might find them interesting but Yalom (a psychiatrist who works at Stanford University) has written tales of fiction to expose ideas and philosophies in therapy. “When Nietzsche Wept” is easily a favorite of mine and was my first trip down the path of buying all fictional works by Yalom.
Kimberly | Feb 10, 2010 | Reply
Sounds like a great book, thanks for the chance to win.
susan | Feb 10, 2010 | Reply
Would love to get my hands on this book! Please enter me in the giveaway
VK | Feb 10, 2010 | Reply
Thanks for the chance to win!
melanie | Feb 10, 2010 | Reply
Please count me in!
Lisa G | Feb 10, 2010 | Reply
I’d love chance to win — thanks!
Cori | Feb 10, 2010 | Reply
I’m really looking forward to reading this book!
etirv | Feb 10, 2010 | Reply
Hi Kristen
This doesn’t sound like my ususl read, but I would like to read it anyway, so please count me in.
Suzan | Feb 11, 2010 | Reply
I remember seeing the thumbnail of this cover somewhere online- it immediately caught my attention. This looks like my kind of book. Quirky and interesting. Thanks for the chance to win it.
wakeupangel at gmail dot com
Bonnie M. | Feb 11, 2010 | Reply
This sounds like one of those great books for a Saturday afternoon snowstorm. Thanks for the chance
jason(at)allworldautomotive(dot)com
Jason Nickolay | Feb 11, 2010 | Reply
This is the kind of book I need right now.
Thanks for the chance.
sharon54220@gmail.com
Sharon Walling | Feb 12, 2010 | Reply
Sounds like a good book. Thanks for the giveaway.
Mia J. | Feb 20, 2010 | Reply