The search for love is never out of season in Confessions of a Farmers Market Romeo. Set in Gettysburg during the 1970s and 1980s, Confessions of a Farmers Market Romeo tells the story of Jim, an unlikely Romeo, as he pursues “complete unfetteredness” in eight binge-worthy episodes spanning two decades. From his ill-fated encounter with first love at fat camp (“Pilot Episode”) to his six-hour romance of a gospel singer (“I Never Knew How Much a Man Needed a Woman”) to his disastrous season of excess with a sexy animal-rights activist (“Decadent Times Parts 1 & 2”), Confessions of a Farmers Market Romeo will leave you laughing as Jim ponders the cosmic irony of love, farmers markets, and life’s most perplexing road trip question: What if the wrong Elvis died?
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING:
“A mix of uncommon eccentric characters, deep-dive knowledge of classic hard rock and loads of laughs… who needs more than that? Indeed I loved the love questing, and there’s a flash of rapier wit on every page (with a bonus shot of sly observation), but it’s Jim’s perceptions on ‘70s rock that had me nodding in agreement or pondering that he’s right and I’m wrong and why didn’t I come up with that? But even if it’s not the music know-how that impresses you, the elevated level of vivid description, character construction and interesting dialogue Jim executes can’t be overlooked. Like I say, there are many shiny facets to Jim’s writing; he’s got a great future in this.” —Martin Popoff, music book writer
“The dialogue is witty and the characters relatable and fun." —Christy Dietz, author of Serpentine
"A blend of humor, drama, and 'foodiness,' this novel romps through uniquely astonishing episodes like a TV sit-com. Quitting his parents' farmers market gig, teen Romeo Jim flings himself into weird flights and great expectations on his way to finding romance and 'new beginningness.'" —Jean Harkin, author of Night in Alcatraz and Other Uncanny Tales
by James R. Dubbs
Page Count: 240
Trim Size: 6 x 9
Publish Date: July 31, 2022
Imprint: Milford House Press
Genre: Rural Humor
FICTION / Coming of Age
FICTION / Humorous / General
FICTION / Romance / New Adult
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I absolutely loved this book. So funny. So thoughtfully crafted. Each chapter is a joy to read. I really liked seeing the characters age. Following characters from childhood well into adulthood afforded an opportunity to show how something as simple as a boy comparing himself to tofu could become a permanent fixture in his psyche. It’s funny but it’s also one of his stumbling blocks.
Jim’s love life is a hysterical, relatable, endearing mess. The ties back to the farmers market are always perfect. Really, the farmers market is Jim’s bedrock. I liked the inside scoop on farmers market customer habits. Very perceptive. But this whole book is perceptive. I loved the short cuts to romance Jim eventually figured out. There were so many times I laughed out loud. But this book has real depth too. Anyway, I’m not going to spoil anything, just do yourself a favor and read it.
Filled with nostalgia, teenage angst, and food…oh the food. Reading Confessions of a Farmer’s Market Romeo reminded me of a seamless collection of Tom Robbins stories. With clever TV script title connections, this novel begs you to penetrate the lust-filled mind and forever-famished body of its narrator. His appetite knows no bounds as the more he aches for the women in his life the more they seem to narrowly elude him. Check out this delectable quick trip down memory lane. It will sate your appetite for a an eclectic, tongue-in-cheek Bildungsroman.
"Confessions of a Farmers Market Romeo" by James R. Dubbs is a charming, picaresque and ultimately very moving novel that details the coming-of-age misadventures of Jim as he pursues love and a purpose to his existence. Brimming with humor and occasional bursts of pathos, this period piece, spanning the 1970s to the ‘80s, is a superb ode to a young man trying to forge a sense of direction in a world where he seems to be adrift.
I especially enjoyed the chapter devoted to teenaged, lovestruck Jim eating himself into oblivion so he will be sent to the same fat camp where his crush, the daughter of a neighbor, will also be for the summer. And, as someone who grew up around the same era, I chuckled at the recurring references to Columbia Record Club, a mail order music brand that was also close to my pubescent heart. Even when Jim and his best friend, aspiring rock star Wayne's schemes don't go off as planned, you can't help but root for these two callow souls to finally get it together. Using superbly evocative prose and culinary descriptions so rich and palpable you can practically see, smell and even taste the food Jim eats, "Confessions of a Farmers Market Romeo" is an entertaining delight, a marvelous read that will both touch your heart and tickle your funny bone. It is mostly highly recommended.
The title and cover of this early memoir are only part of an entertaining, off-beat look at a life that is only just beginning. With a framing worthy of a playwright, and storytelling that reminds one of Jean Shepherd, Dubbs takes us through the pivotal chapters of his adolesence and young adulthood.
A staple of Pennsylvania agricultural and social life, the farmer's market is the focus of Dubbs' tales. They involve family, a search for self, and the quest for love. We follow the author in his pursuit of various crushes, with vivid depictions of the characters, settings, and also the music that provides the soundtrack of the time.
A surprisingly smooth read which will remind any reader of their youth, whether they wanted it or not, Dubbs tells many stories in this fine, and fun work.
This hilarious, coming-of-age story reads a bit like a memoir, especially since the protagonist shares the name of the author. But it's also a well-written romance, complete with a satisfying HEA.
Jim is a teenager growing up in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in the 1970s and 1980s, and the author does a good job of creating the atmosphere of this era, especially with the music and cultural events (such as the deaths of Elvis and Jim Belushi). His parents sell baked goods at a local farmer's market, and their children grow up in the family business. Overweight and socially awkward, Jim is a bit of a food snob, often expounding on proper cooking techniques and essential seasoning.
The novel is populated with quirky, memorable characters: Viking (Jim's fat camp counselor who was actually a camper), Wayne (Jim's wannabe rockstar best friend), Brie (Wayne's younger sister who constantly reminds Jim that he's ridiculous), and Tina (animal-rights activist/pretend vegetarian who moves in with Jim without an invitation).
An enjoyable read. Highly recommended.
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