ISBN: 978-1616958121
Published by Soho Press, 2020
Genre/Format: Surrealism, Fantasy, Speculative Fiction/ Paperback, Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook
Awards
Kirkus Reviews Best Young Adult Novel, 2020
Reading Level Ages 14+ (NoveList)
Plot Summary: Me & Mr. Cigar chronicles the surreal-life adventures of 17-year old Oscar Lester III and his magical dog, Mr. Cigar. All alone after his dad's death and his mom's move to be with her boyfriend, Oscar must find his own way in the world. With the help of his friends, Carla, the brilliant scientist, and his best friend and pun-artist, Lytle, Oscar must escape his Texas hometown to flee from Nostril Man, the government agent on the hunt for Mr. Cigar. Oscar's escape has him headed to New York City to rescue his older sister from kidnappers.
This is a fast-paced adventure story told with a great deal of humor, but there are poignant moments that remind you that, at its heart, Me & Mr. Cigar is a tale of a boy becoming an adult. The crazy obstacles Oscar must overcome and endure symbolize the real-life obstacles faced by teens as they move into adulthood.
Author Background: Gibby Haynes is best known as a founding member and lead singer of Butthole Surfers, a notorious punk band from Texas in the 1980s and 90s. Me & Mr. Cigar is Haynes' first novel, but he also is a visual artist and filmmaker.
Critical Evaluation: Me & Mr. Cigar's surrealist style, with chapters that are only a couple of pages long and interspersed with Haynes' pencil illustrations, makes for an adventurous read. With all its ups and downs, it feels like you're on a roller coaster: buckle up because you're in for a wild ride.
Speed-Round Book Talk: Me & Mr. Cigar chronicles the surreal-life adventures of 17-year old Oscar Lester III and his magical dog, Mr. Cigar. With all its ups and downs, it feels like you're on a roller coaster: buckle up because you're in for a wild ride.
Library Program: This book will be part of a Spotlight on Surrealism Week which will culminate in a painting party for teens. They will be given a canvas and all the other necessary supplies to either create their own surrealist painting or they can follow along with the leader's directions to create one.
Potential Challenges: This book will most likely be challenged because of its detailed description of drug use, as well as the violence and other illegal activities. My response is that consequences exist in the novel, and Oscar and his friends must contend with them. This book is the perfect opportunity for parents to discuss these issues with their teens.
Reason for Inclusion: Me & Mr. Cigar is unlike any other YA I've come across recently. It will appeal to teens who are looking for something different, who want a fun quick read, and most likely to reluctant readers. Teens will appreciate reading about how Oscar contends with the issues facing him to become an adult.
Click on the photo for Spin Magazine's Interview with Butthole Surfers.
References Greer, J. (1993). Butthole Surfers: Our 1993 Interview. Spin.
Soho Press. (nd). Gibby Haynes. Soho Press. https://sohopress.com/authors/gibby-haynes
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