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Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Zen and the Art of Anal Bleaching: A Backdoor Journey from Darkness to Light by the author known as Old Hairy Jesus is a humorous novel exploring self-discovery amid Silicon Valley's chaotic lifestyle. The protagonist, Toby Tenderhill, has his ambitions upended when poor choices drive him into an existential crisis. With a colorful cast, including Eddie, a homeless Vietnam vet, and a former addict girlfriend, Toby is forced to question his beliefs and confront his failings. This dark comedy invites readers to laugh at Toby's bizarre, often painful journey as he seeks clarity and growth in the most unexpected ways. Old Hairy Jesus brings a refreshingly irreverent voice to contemporary fiction, balancing an outrageous style of humor (that certainly lives up to the author's name) with surprising amounts of wisdom, poignancy, and emotional depth.
The satirical take on Silicon Valley culture hits its mark while maintaining genuine compassion for the characters' struggles, and I was consistently impressed by how the author managed to find profound truth in the most absurd situations. The scenes are described with sharp wit and incredible attention to detail in all those little things that set the oddest tone, keeping a smile on my face so constantly that it made my cheeks hurt whilst reading. The eclectic cast of characters also adds rich layers of energy and vibrancy to the story, each one contributing to Toby's growth in unexpected ways and with brilliant narration and bold dialogue moments. What I found most remarkable was the use of humor to disarm readers just before delivering genuinely bold insights about self-discovery and personal growth, and this created moments of unexpected wisdom that stay with you long after you've finished the book. Overall, Zen and the Art of Anal Bleaching is a boldly original comedy that will both entertain readers and challenge their perspectives on modern life, and I certainly recommend it.
