Selfish and Perverse

( 3 )
Hardcover
$26
BN.com price
Marketplace (New and Used)
from
$0.99
$26.00 List Price (Save 96%)
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
All (27)  
Used (21)  
New (6)  
Close
Sort by
Page 1 of 3
Showing 1 – 10 of 27 (3 pages)
$0.99
(Save 96%)
Big River Books
Seller since 2010

Feedback rating:

(1384)

Condition:

New — never opened or used in original packaging.

Like New — packaging may have been opened. A "Like New" item is suitable to give as a gift.

Very Good — may have minor signs of wear on packaging but item works perfectly and has no damage.

Good — item is in good condition but packaging may have signs of shelf wear/aging or torn packaging. All specific defects should be noted in the Comments section associated with each item.

Acceptable — item is in working order but may show signs of wear such as scratches or torn packaging. All specific defects should be noted in the Comments section associated with each item.

Used — An item that has been opened and may show signs of wear. All specific defects should be noted in the Comments section associated with each item.

Refurbished — A used item that has been renewed or updated and verified to be in proper working condition. Not necessarily completed by the original manufacturer.

Good
2007 Hardcover Good Cover and pages may have some wear or writing. Binding is tight. We ship daily Monday-Friday.

Ships from: Powder Springs, GA

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

  • •Canadian
  • •International
  • •Standard, 48 States
  • •Standard (AK, HI)
  • •Express, 48 States
  • •Express (AK, HI)
$0.99
(Save 96%)
Goodwill Industries of SF
Seller since 2012

Feedback rating:

(119)

Condition: Good
2007 Hardcover The cover may contain minor wear, and the corners may have some light degree of damage. If there are any notes present, they would only be penciled and only ... visible on a few pages. There are no ink markings of any kind, but there may be a remainder-mark on the outside edge of the pages. Proceeds benefit non-profit Goodwill Industries of San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin Counties. We create solutions to poverty through the businesses we operate. Your purchase creates jobs and transforms liv. Read more Show Less

Ships from: San Francisco, CA

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

  • •Canadian
  • •International
  • •Standard, 48 States
  • •Standard (AK, HI)
  • •Express, 48 States
  • •Express (AK, HI)
$1.99
(Save 92%)
Wonder Book
Seller since 2008

Feedback rating:

(13616)

Condition: Acceptable
May contain some marks or highlighting.. Acceptable dust jacket. Former Library book.

Ships from: Frederick, MD

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

  • •Canadian
  • •International
  • •Standard, 48 States
  • •Standard (AK, HI)
  • •Express, 48 States
  • •Express (AK, HI)
$1.99
(Save 92%)
Hall Street Books
Seller since 2012

Feedback rating:

(150)

Condition: Good
2007 - Hardcover - - - - Used - Good - - - -

Ships from: Brooklyn, NY

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

  • •Canadian
  • •International
  • •Standard, 48 States
  • •Standard (AK, HI)
  • •Express, 48 States
  • •Express (AK, HI)
$1.99
(Save 92%)
New Chapter Recycling
Seller since 2010

Feedback rating:

(3293)

Condition: Good

Ships from: Lakewood, WA

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

  • •Canadian
  • •International
  • •Standard, 48 States
  • •Standard (AK, HI)
  • •Express, 48 States
  • •Express (AK, HI)
$1.99
(Save 92%)
Free State Books
Seller since 2012

Feedback rating:

(1010)

Condition: Good
Book has a small amount of wear visible on the binding, cover, pages. Free State Books. Never settle for less.

Ships from: Halethorpe, MD

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

  • •Canadian
  • •International
  • •Standard, 48 States
  • •Standard (AK, HI)
  • •Express, 48 States
  • •Express (AK, HI)
$1.99
(Save 92%)
AtlantaBookCompany
Seller since 2009

Feedback rating:

(8063)

Condition: Very Good
Light wear to edges and pages. Cover and spine show no easily noticeable damage. A tradition of southern quality and service. All books guaranteed at the Atlanta Book Company. ... Our mailers are 100% recyclable. Read more Show Less

Ships from: Atlanta, GA

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

  • •Canadian
  • •International
  • •Standard, 48 States
  • •Standard (AK, HI)
  • •Express, 48 States
  • •Express (AK, HI)
$1.99
(Save 92%)
GreenEarthBooks
Seller since 2009

Feedback rating:

(4878)

Condition: Good
Light shelving wear with minimal damage to cover and bindings. Pages show minor use. Help save a tree. Buy all your used books from Green Earth Books. Read. Recycle and ... Reuse! Read more Show Less

Ships from: Portland, OR

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

  • •Canadian
  • •International
  • •Standard, 48 States
  • •Standard (AK, HI)
  • •Express, 48 States
  • •Express (AK, HI)
$1.99
(Save 92%)
RiverCityBooks
Seller since 2008

Feedback rating:

(2244)

Condition: Good
GOOD with average wear to cover, pages and binding. We ship quickly and work hard to earn your confidence. Orders are generally shipped no later than next business day. We offer a ... no hassle guarantee on all our items. Read more Show Less

Ships from: Tualatin, OR

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

  • •Canadian
  • •International
  • •Standard, 48 States
  • •Standard (AK, HI)
  • •Express, 48 States
  • •Express (AK, HI)
$1.99
(Save 92%)
Free State Books
Seller since 2012

Feedback rating:

(1010)

Condition: Like New
Nearly brand new book that shows only slight signs of wear. Free State Books. Never settle for less.

Ships from: Halethorpe, MD

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

  • •Canadian
  • •International
  • •Standard, 48 States
  • •Standard (AK, HI)
  • •Express, 48 States
  • •Express (AK, HI)
Page 1 of 3
Showing 1 – 10 of 27 (3 pages)
Close
Sort by

Overview

Nelson Kunker is trapped in his job as the script supervisor on Aftertaste, the low-rated late-night sketch television show. His life in Los Angeles has come to a halt because he's unable to finish the novel he's writing, doesn't have a boyfriend, and, at the pivotal age of thirty-four, has reached the juncture where he has to decide whether he's really talented or just gay. One day he meets Roy Briggs, a part-time salmon fisherman/full-time archaeology student who's visiting from Alaska. When Nelson attempts to make small talk with the handsome Roy, he references an obscure but haunting story about bowhead whales that startles the science nerd in both men into suspecting that they might ...

See more details below
Sending request ...

More About This Book

Overview

Nelson Kunker is trapped in his job as the script supervisor on Aftertaste, the low-rated late-night sketch television show. His life in Los Angeles has come to a halt because he's unable to finish the novel he's writing, doesn't have a boyfriend, and, at the pivotal age of thirty-four, has reached the juncture where he has to decide whether he's really talented or just gay. One day he meets Roy Briggs, a part-time salmon fisherman/full-time archaeology student who's visiting from Alaska. When Nelson attempts to make small talk with the handsome Roy, he references an obscure but haunting story about bowhead whales that startles the science nerd in both men into suspecting that they might be soulmates. Unfortunately, Nelson discovers his soul is a bit of a slut when he also meets the guest host of that week's show, the surprisingly bookish movie star Dylan Fabizak, freshly paroled after a drug bust. When the three end up at Roy's home in Alaska, hilarity, love, and debauchery ensue. Wooed by both Roy and Dylan, Nelson comes to strongly identify with the salmon they are fishing for — another insanely driven species that will overcome every hurdle in its search for love.

Editorial Reviews

Bay Area Reporter
Selfish and Perverse is Smith's first novel, yet it's written with skill and flair honed by his years as a comedy writer and performer....Smith has the swift, casual style that moves some slightly implausible plot-points forward with only intentional clunks and crashes. Despite the author's claims that his stand-up work is different from his fiction-writing, there is a bounty of hilarious, funny, and wry one-line insights that our narrator shares; so many, in fact, that it's easy to gradually take them for granted. Toward the finale, things do get more serious, and not so funny, but certainly touching and poignant.
EDGE Boston
Smith has a clever way of...combining his narrative skills with humor....Smith isn't shy about showcasing his erotic storytelling skills. The end product reads like something Penthouse would run.
More Reviews (3) Fewer Reviews
Publishers Weekly

Standup comedian and television writer Smith, who published the Lambda Award-winning memoir Openly Bobin 1997, throws his hat into the gay fiction ring with this absorbing, funny and smoldering romantic comedy. Nelson Kunker, a miserably single, mid-30s unproductive novelist and Hollywood script coordinator for late night TV's Aftertaste, is burning out: endless cat-fighting at work, a boss from hell and the nagging notion that he's either "really talented or just gay." Safeguarded by best friend Wendy (a "gigantic" lesbian), Nelson's love life finally gets a boost after a chance meeting with burly Alaskan salmon fisherman-cum-student archeologist Roy Briggs, cousin to Aftertaste's star performer Joe Benedetti. The two are immediately smitten, but Nelson gets fired for smoking marijuana with sexually ambiguous guest star Dylan Fabizak, on parole and postrehab after a drug arrest. Cut to Nelson, Roy and Dylan at Roy's home in Coffee Point, Alaska, with all the sex, danger, salmon fishing lore and sarcastic dialogue one reader could want, and an appearance from mother-hen Wendy to sort it all out. Pithy zingers (and a fair share of apparently intentional groaners), a chatty gang of likable characters, a simple yet sexy plot line and camera-ready prose combine with panache in this immensely entertaining story. (Sept.)

Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information
Library Journal

Comedian Smith, whose Openly Bobnosed out other humor collections by David Sedaris and Alison Bechdel for a 1997 Lambda Award, achieves mixed results in his wisecracking debut novel. When Nelson, assistant on a second-tier sketch comedy show (think MADtv), meets Roy, a sexy Alaskan salmon fisherman, he wonders if his long romantic drought is over. When he also falls for guest host Dylan Fabizak, an actor struggling to put his drug addiction and prison time behind him (imagine a blonde Robert Downey Jr.), he wonders whether he has a chance with the Hollywood bad boy. Or is Nelson simply indulging in "swishful thinking"? Since Dylan plays a fisherman in his next film, the romantic triangle plays out over a summer in the land of the midnight sun. Smith-as-novelist has a knack for pacing and observation, and his love for the milieu is undeniable, but the comedian in Smith has a compulsion to work in punch lines every page or two (call it the chocolate chip cookie aesthetic), which results in contrivances and breaks the mood as often as it entertains. Not to every taste but a solid beach read; recommended for large popular and gay fiction collections.
—Stephen M. Sposato

Kirkus Reviews
A gay L.A. writer finds himself fishing for salmon-and men-in Alaska. At 34, Nelson Kunker thought he'd be doing more with his life than fetching coffee as a script supervisor for a mediocre TV show, ignoring the novel he's been claiming to write for a decade and searching wistfully for the boyfriend he claims he has no time for. But one fateful day, two promising men walk into the studio. Roy is a colleague's cousin-a salmon fisherman and archeology student from Anchorage who all too conveniently shares Nelson's love of science and kissing in elevators. Dylan, a theoretically straight movie star with a drug habit, is the much-anticipated guest star on the show. The three end up smoking pot in Dylan's trailer, which gets Nelson fired and sets in motion a trip to Alaska following Roy's return. Nelson and Roy quickly become committed boyfriends. But Dylan throws them both for a loop when they find out that he is not only gay but a nymphomaniac who is trying to steal Nelson from Roy (and sleep with Roy, too, while he's at it). The trio leaves Anchorage for Coffee Point, where Roy spends seasons as a commercial fisherman, and Roy's mother hires Nelson as a part of her crew. There, Nelson finds himself in a quandary. He still loves Roy, but, amazingly, despite his incorrigible cockiness and obnoxious disregard for the Alaskan culture and landscape, he is falling for Dylan, too. A visit from his best friend, Wendy, brings unexpected news-Nelson's former boss had finally read his script and wants him to return to L.A. to talk about it. And, after the inevitable threesome, Roy and Nelson learn that Dylan isn't exactly what he seems. The fishing world of Coffee Point is an interesting setting,particularly for a gay love triangle, but all its merit is drowned out by endless insipid banter, as much gratuitous sex as Smith can squeeze in and a complete lack of plot. Less selfish & perverse than slow & pointless. Agent: Elaine Markson/Elaine Markson Literary Agency

Product Details

  • ISBN-13: 9780786720408
  • Publisher: Da Capo Press
  • Publication date: 8/28/2007
  • Pages: 304
  • Product dimensions: 6.20 (w) x 8.90 (h) x 1.30 (d)

Meet the Author

Born in Buffalo, Bob Smith has the distinction of being the first openly gay comedian to appear on The Tonight Show and also have his own HBO Comedy Half-hour. Other TV appearances include Politically Incorrect, The Late, Late Show, Entertainment Tonight, Tom Snyder and Comedy Central's Out There.

Bob's Lambda Literary Award-winning collection of essays, Openly Bob, was published to acclaim by Rob Weisbach Books/William Morrow, and his most recent Lambda Literary Award-nominated book, Way To Go, Smith!, was published by HarperCollins.

He's written for Amblin Films, The MTV Video Awards, Dennis Miller, Roseanne and was a staff writer for Fox's MAD-TV. His sketch, The Zapruder Films, was recently featured in The Best of MAD-TV. Bob's comic essays have appeared in the anthology America’s Best Contemporary Humorists: Mirth of A Nation and 101 Damnations published by St. Martin's Press. His most recent essay, "The Test" appears in When I Knew edited by Robert Trachtenberg.

Bob is a regular contributor to Out magazine where he writes the popular monthly list column and feature articles. He recently appeared in HBO's documentary about the first gay and lesbian family cruise, All Aboard — Rosie's Family Cruise.

In 2007, Bob will be doing standup on Logo’s series Wisecracks, and he’ll also be one of six gay male comics featured in the Logo documentary film Laughing Matters – The Men.

Customer Reviews

Average Rating 4.5
( 3 )

Rating Distribution

5 Star

(2)

4 Star

(0)

3 Star

(1)

2 Star

(0)

1 Star

(0)

Your Rating:

Review Guidelines
Add Recommendations
Your Name: Create a Pen Name or Leave Anonymously

Barnes & Noble.com Review Rules

Our reader reviews allow you to share your comments on titles you liked, or didn't, with others. By submitting an online review, you are representing to Barnes & Noble.com that all information contained in your review is original and accurate in all respects, and that the submission of such content by you and the posting of such content by Barnes & Noble.com does not and will not violate the rights of any third party. Please follow the rules below to help ensure that your review can be posted.

Reviews by Our Customers Under the Age of 13

We highly value and respect everyone's opinion concerning the titles we offer. However, we cannot allow persons under the age of 13 to have accounts at BN.com or to post customer reviews. Please see our Terms of Use for more details.

What to exclude from your review:

Please do not write about reviews, commentary, or information posted on the product page. If you see any errors in the information on the product page, please send us an email.

Reviews should not contain any of the following:

  • - HTML tags, profanity, obscenities, vulgarities, or comments that defame anyone
  • - Time-sensitive information such as tour dates, signings, lectures, etc.
  • - Single-word reviews. Other people will read your review to discover why you liked or didn't like the title. Be descriptive.
  • - Comments focusing on the author or that may ruin the ending for others
  • - Phone numbers, addresses, URLs
  • - Pricing and availability information or alternative ordering information
  • - Advertisements or commercial solicitation

Reminder:

  • - By submitting a review, you grant to Barnes & Noble.com and its sublicensees the royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable right and license to use the review in accordance with the Barnes & Noble.com Terms of Use.
  • - Barnes & Noble.com reserves the right not to post any review -- particularly those that do not follow the terms and conditions of these Rules. Barnes & Noble.com also reserves the right to remove any review at any time without notice.
  • - See Terms of Use for other conditions and disclaimers.
Search for Products You'd Like to Recommend

Recommend other products that relate to your review. Just search for them below and share!

Create a Pen Name

Your Pen Name is your unique identiy on BN.com. It will appear on the reviews you write and other website activities. Your Pen Name cannot be edited, changed or deleted once submitted.

Your Pen Name can be any combination of alphanumeric characters (plus - and _), and must be at least two characters long.

Continue Anonymously

We're sorry, but penname is already taken.

Please select one of the following:
Your Pen Name can be any combination of alphanumeric characters (plus - and _), and must be at least two characters long.

Continue Anonymously

penname is available!

By visiting the BN.com website or marking a purchase on BN.com, a User is deemed to have accepted the Terms of Use.

Continue Anonymously

Welcome, penname

You have successfully created your Pen Name. Start enjoying the benefits of the BN.com Community today.

Sort by: Showing all of 3 Customer Reviews

  • Anonymous

    Posted April 20, 2008

    Perfect Beach Book

    Bob Smith's 'Selfish and Perverse' is the perfect book for this summer at the Beach. Alternately funny and sexy, the author never fails to entertain. The quick wit and understanding of human nature (particularly male human nature) endears the reader to all Smith's characters including the ones who are obviously flawed. I look forward to other works by this author.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted November 3, 2007

    A Wonderful Way with Words but ultimately Disappointing

    Bob Smith is a witty writer who creates some brilliant sentences. I found myself admiring his creativity and the care he brings to his craftsmanship, rather than laughing, but there is great satisfaction in seeing an intelligent and highly articulate individual play with language in an expert fashion. Unfortunately, despite Mr. Smith's intelligence, his careful approach to his plot and characters, and his facility with language, the book is somehow fails even as a light entertainment. The novel resembles a well-written television comedy which one admires for the writing but doesn't really enjoy. Of course, compared to the mostly terrible gay writing going on at the moment, Bob Smith is exceptional. At the same time, he can't move beyond the coterie of beautiful, gym bodies that ultimately bore. I hope in his next book, Mr. Smith will be braver, tying his abilities to language with a plot that is populated by more interesting and unusual characters. I suspect Mr. Smith was hoping that an unusual location well depicted would compensate, but it does not. My advice: check the book out from the library or wait for the paperback.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted December 14, 2008

    No text was provided for this review.

Sort by: Showing all of 3 Customer Reviews
If you find inappropriate content, please report it to Barnes & Noble
Why is this product inappropriate?
Comments (optional)
500 character limit