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Peck & Peck

The irresistible new novel from the author of global bestseller LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY

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Peck & Peck

By: Bonnie Garmus
Narrated by: Bonnie Garmus, Kate Mosse, Seth Numrich
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Summary

This edition includes an exclusive interview between the Bonnie Garmus and Kate Mosse, and questions from early readers.

Saving humanity. It takes the right type.

It's 1982, New York City. Crime is on the rise, muggings are in the streets, and Batter Gray, recent college graduate with a skill that no one wants-an 'ear' for poetry - is worried about his future. While all his friends have real jobs, he's folding T-shirts at the Gap. As for love? No. Not unless you count Sallie Mae, the student loan tyrant. He hears from Sallie all the time.

But when Batter gets a dream job at Peck & Peck, the most prestigious poetry quarterly in the world, his life moves into the literary fast lane. Soon Batter is knee-deep in the secret war between the two Editors in Chief, the famous Peck brothers - twins and enemies - as well as being privy to the private affairs of their thirty-nine editors, whose professed mission is the same: Find originality. Reward creativity. Burn the rest. And by 'burn', they mean incinerate.

Because at Peck & Peck, 'good' isn't good enough, 'interesting' doesn't cut it, plagiarists aren't tolerated, and parolees run the mailroom. Still want to submit your poem? Go with God.

Welcome to another dazzling and unforgettable novel from Bonnie Garmus. Hugely original, brilliantly funny and peopled with unforgettable characters, Peck & Peck is both a passionate ode to the written word and a heartwarming exploration of all that makes us human.

Coming of Age Family Life Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Literature & Fiction Satire Urban Comedy Funny Heartfelt Witty Feel-Good
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Critic reviews

Laugh-out-loud funny - and a paean to the power of poetry . . . It is impossible not to be beguiled by Garmus's irrepressible humour and the freewheeling exuberance of her imagination
The author of Lessons in Chemistry returns in triumph . . . Another superb novel with a new hero for our times. I predict another bestseller
Charming, uplifting, soulful, and original, Peck & Peck is the perfect successor to Lessons In Chemistry. If you loved Elizabeth Zott, you will adore Batter Gray.
This novel is everything: a love story, a literary thriller, a brilliant satire that's full of humor and heart. Only Bonnie Garmus can write like this.
An absolute triumph of storytelling, writing and characterisation, Peck & Peck had me from the first sentence. This is a glorious celebration of, and plea for, the creative arts, with a cast of truly unforgettable characters, from the eponymous Peck and Peck to the excellently named narrator Batter Gray. I won't forget this book. Ever.
It was an absolute delight to escape into Bonnie Garmus's world of delinquent poets, demented publishers and recherché fonts. Her exuberant comedy and freewheeling imagination reminded me of John Irving in his prime. Many congratulations - no 'difficult second album' for Bonnie Garmus - I thought it was even better than her first.
One of the best books I've ever read. Genius level clever. A superbly crafted, intricate story about life, love and standing up for what you believe in. I absolutely loved it.
All the elements that made Lessons in Chemistry a runaway success are here: an eccentric cast of characters, punchy dialogue and a series of workplace capers you're completely invested in
Delightful. Reading it was like living in a world of poetry and words, where a building that captured the feeling of both could exist. Also, where a dog can make a difference. Too real to be fantastical, yet fantastically different. I loved it, from the opening page with the various definitions of 'peck'. Perfect
Magnificent. Captivating, funny, wise and wonderful. Peck & Peck is the book the literary world has been waiting for, and it delivers on every level. I couldn't love it more.
All stars
Most relevant
Lessons in chemistry was my favourite book of the decade so was really looking forward to this.
Just struggled with it . Didn’t warm to the characters. The dog stories just for me didn’t work. Sorry.

Wanted to love it but

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I liked the storyline and deep dive into fun things like typeface. Quirky characters brilliantly drawn by Garmus, as usual. Loved that she wove a dog again into the story even if the name Batter became a slightly annoying running gag. But for me the real let down was the tedious narration of Salton Peck. It was a whiny, shouty monotone for most of the book and the character is integral to the narrative. Yes, he is a bully and needed to be depicted as such but Jeez Louise some light and shade in the shouting would have been a welcome relief. I struggled through a first listen and decided to listen again (listened to L in C 6X) but couldn’t finish. Will have to read it the old-fashioned way, I guess, as I just love Bonnie Garmus’ work.

Great storyline and quirky characters but…….

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I loved Lessons in Chemistry. and if possible I love this one even more. I always think it's a huge indicator of a book when you slow down towards the end because you can't bear the idea of saying farewell to the characters, environment and time. This is another phenomenal tale from Bonnie Garmus and a definite must listen / read.

Amazingly entertaining

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Peck and Peck took me somewhere I never expected to go. The main protagonist was infuriating and inspiring in equal measure, keeping me emotionally invested and turning pages. This book will stay with me for so many reasons. I loved and abhorred surrounding characters... absolutely genius. Yes.. there is a dog in this one too. But not the kind of dog you expect!

You dont need to love poetry to love this. Captivating!

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Everything a book should be, every word, every sentence truly does count. I loved Lessons in Chemistry and this surpasses it.

Book of the year for me

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