Ain’t Life Swell?

Kevin Bartelme

ISBN 13: 978-1887276-81-8 • $ 19.95


Exactly what happened in Japan in 2011 and what kind of mess did it leave behind and how can it possibly affect life in the USA today? Find the answer between the covers of Coolgrove’s latest release.

Advance praise for the ‘Swell’ and just what is it about (?)

“A delightful blend of wicked, often outrageous humor, mixed with some fairly sobering social commentary. Think of it as George Carlin meets Stephen Hawking. Riveting.” —Dave Macaray.

“Ain’t Life Swell? is page after page of perfect pitch black observations about our existential insanity. I laughed till I puked.” —Lech Kowalski

Three generations of the Howell family, originally from California, manage to get in trouble with everyone from the CIA to the Mexican mob to Big Nuclear in a wild, farcical romp through the time zones, inviting us to reflect on the mess the human species has got itself into. Is there any escape from this seemingly inevitable impending train wreck?

“I loved it! An important wake-up call with light touch and steely resolve as required.” —Karen Stack

“Stop it! You’re making me think!” —Simon Feeney

This timely tome tries to ignore the question and will make great, light summer beach reading for anyone with their head in the sand.

About the author:

As an admirer of Marcel Proust, the author Kevin Bartelme has spent the last few years in a cork lined room fasting and meditating on his numerous previous sins which, if revealed, would fill another book or two. Other titles by this author: The Great Wall of New York, O’Rourk, The Great Redstone Forthcoming Fiction: The Tin Hat (Fall ‘18) Let them Eat Rubbish (Spring ‘19)