I loved Marc Acito's debut - How I Paid for College - so much that we made him an honorary chick lit writer (oh yes, we have the power). I've been waiting for the follow-up - Attack of the Theatre People - for ages so when I finally got my hands on it, I settled down expecting a treat. And I wasn't disappointed.
How I Paid for College was the story of Edward Zanni and how he resorted to "embezzlement, blackmail, money laundering, identity theft, fraud, forgery and (just a little) prostitution" in order to realise his dream of studying acting at Juilliard.
Attack of the Theatre People begins with Edward's suspension from Juilliard for being "too jazz hands". In other words, he's always performing rather than acting naturally. Devastated, Edward gets a job with a party planner as a "motivator" basically getting the party, bar mitzvah, whatever, started. Unsurprisingly, he's very good at it, but he soon meets a man who suggests Edward might like to pass on some of the business information he hears at these parties. Edward, being unaware of the crime of insider trading, doesn't see the harm.
Obviously, things come to a head and fall apart and get out of hand with, yes, hilarious results (there is one line that actually made tea come out of my nose). Edward is a charming narrator - just as sweet and funny as he was in the first book. The supporting characters - including Nudelman and Paula - are wonderful too and it's set in 80s New York - what more could you want? Well, another book would be good...
Rating: 5/5
Like this? Try My Lucky Star by Joe Keenan
