Confessions of a Farmers Market Romeo is charming, with touches of wacky humor, pathos, and romance, all wrapped up in a story that draws you in and makes you care about its young protagonist. This Coming of Age story features a hero who seems to take a little longer than most in his reluctant journey towards adulthood. But the steps forward and back in his journey are interesting and relatable. The small-town setting, breezy prose, and easy style make this modern roman a clef a great read. Foodies, farmers market enthusiasts, and rock and roll fans -- this one's for you!!!

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.