Right versus wrong, good versus evil, and peanut butter versus jelly—these are just a few of the many eternal struggles this book tackles.

But don’t worry, based on the NFL’s recent concussion scares, all this book’s characters were made to wear helmets before these hard-hitting issues were tackled.

Some central questions will be answered, like:

Who is Dark Jar Tin Zoo, and why is he trying to take over the world?

Will Jackson Jackson Jackson be able to thwart Dark’s diabolical plans? And why does he have a last name for a first and a middle name?

Is Abby Norma Sykes simply too sexy to be featured in such a dramatic thriller such as this book clearly is?

Finally, is it improper to refer to a dwarf as a midget? And what is the shortest height you can be without technically being a dwarf? Is it really as tall as 4’11”? Does that make a person who’s 4’10” the World’s Tallest Dwarf?

This book doesn’t actually discuss such serious social issues as I alluded to in the last paragraph, but it should. I’ll speak to the author immediately, and maybe he’ll address them in the sequel.

“Combining absurd, farcical and surreal humour with some more serious and thoughtful musings the book is a firework of clever lines and quirky episodes.

The Mandrake Hotel has a room for everyone, whatever your desires, hobbies and preferences are. It is a madhouse and a world of liberty: Whether you want a room made of sand, one with specific collectibles or a floor full of nudists – the hotel has got it.

I wondered for a long time if the hotel was written as a fantasy world for lazy and hedonistic people (as one reviewer suggested) or as a wider symbol for the world as it is; a statement not unlike the questions of all questions in Douglas Adams book. The world population is exploding, so are we sitting on a powder keg that will go off once the resources run out? Can humanity survive? Are we sane in doing what we are doing?

A lot of ideas are covered in this book at a fast pace, highlighting absurdities and having a good laugh at them.

The author draws you into the book with his wit and once I had handed over total logic to the valet and stopped trying to make sense of every line that was thrown at me – at times very fast paced and confusing – I eased in to the rhythm of the story. It reminds me of the great Eugene Ionesco and Haruki Murakami, without wanting to imply that the style is close to either of them.

‘Resort to violence’ refers to the plot as it thickens. Our hero of many names and his date Abby decide to fight Dark, the villain from the 13th floor and here a more structured narrative continues.

The book is hugely entertaining, clever and will probably divide the audience into those who appreciate it and those who may not ‘get it’. Luckily I was part of the latter group.”  Diebus

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

What are the main themes of your book?

The main themes of my book are global overpopulation and power, though the manner at which I get at those issues is rather absurd.

Who or what inspired your story?

Many things inspired my story. The overpopulation portion was inspired by a few articles by Chris Martenson who discusses exponential growth and the grim realities this subject imposes on us. The love section was there to sort of cushion the reader so as to not get too bummed out by the serious implications of what I was talking about. One of my favorite things to write about is love, and since Dark jar Tin Zoo is an anagram of my name, I thought it would be funny to have DJTZ connive to publish a book of love quotes, which the reader could then delightfully discover really happened and the book is actually for sale on Amazon.

What do you like best about your primary characters?

The thing I like best about my primary characters is the fight they have in them. In the midst of chaos and paradigm collapse, they push back against a power greater than them and they prevail. Well, for the most part.

What are their worst peculiarities?

The worst part about my protagonist and antagonist is that at this point, the characters are as flat as Kansas. But as the series continues in new books, the characters will slowly get fleshed out.

How does your main character evolve?

The characters change, if only subtly. Through situational tugs, my characters are forced to adapt and react in a proactive manner. The story allows the characters to change, though ultimately they are the same people at the end of the story that they were at the beginning, though if they could foresee upcoming events, I don’t think they’d think they have what it takes to overcome the odds.

What’s the principal message you want to send to your audience?

The main message is the world was evil when you were born into it, and though it seems easier to just go with it and try not to think about it, if every single person tried to make a positive difference, the world would be a dramatically different place.

Where can we purchase it?

It’s available on Amazon.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Born in Salt Lake City on March 5th, 1982, Jarod grew up in Jacksonville, Florida and graduated with an English degree from the University of Florida. He has written many ‘books’ but likes to use the term loosely; describing them as mostly just compilations of his random thoughts and one-liners. (Editor’s Note: Don’t believe a word of it, he’s brilliant!) A master of modesty, he probably won’t mention that (among his many writing achievements) he once sold a line of pithy t-shirts to Urban Outfitters. With characteristic humility, Jarod says, “But my story is just beginning. I plan on failing my way to success. I have been rejected by literary agents, publishers, MFA programs, and all sorts of women. But still I keep writing. Share yourself with the world. If there is one thing I like to impress upon people, it’s that you can do it, even if you can’t. Just keep can’ting until eventually you can. And you can quote me on that.”

For more info and a great selection of his funny quotes, visit Jarod’s website or follow him on Facebook, Goodreads & Twitter.