I actually read this book before I read the first in the series, but I was pleasantly surprised by its engaging nature. The first few chapters made me think it would be a traditional small-guy-versus-the-big-bullies book, but then the plot took a fascinating (albeit absurd) turn, and I was hooked. Barry has a comical, light-hearted writing style that makes it easy to keep reading, and I found that I accidentally finished the book in a day. I was actually disappointed that it was over! As strange as this book became, I would recommend it to the right kind of friend.