DNF at 70%. The author seems to love description, and granted, there are some delightful sentences. I've laughed at times and enjoyed the characters, but I honestly could not tell you what the hell is happening.

To provide an example: at one point, the main character Mark Spitz is asked why that's his nickname. It takes him so long to get around to saying why that, even in the story, he is told twice to get to the point. I finally hit the point where he basically said (paraphrased) "and that's why I'm Mark Spitz. Maybe if I'd done something else, I would have gotten a different nickname." And I could not tell you why that is his nickname.

The author seems enamored with his ability to turn a sentence, and I admire his ability, truly. I just wish it accompanied some ability to actually tell a story at the same time.