Text Me, Guido in The Indie Bookshelf

Aug 01, 2012 Adriane rated it it was amazing

I must admit that I was really excited to read Text Me, Guido, and the longer it sat on my Kindle, the more I itched to start reading it. Don't think that my interest in Adrian's book was solely based on the fact that we share the same name... Okay, that fact had a little to do with my wanting to read and review his book, but ultimately I wanted it because it sounded fun.

So after sitting here in my lovely little reading area and staring at my Kindle instead of working like I should have been, my I must admit that I was really excited to read Text Me, Guido, and the longer it sat on my Kindle, the more I itched to start reading it. Don't think that my interest in Adrian's book was solely based on the fact that we share the same name... Okay, that fact had a little to do with my wanting to read and review his book, but ultimately I wanted it because it sounded fun.

So after sitting here in my lovely little reading area and staring at my Kindle instead of working like I should have been, my excitement grew into a need and, I started to read it. And then I couldn't stop reading it! I stayed up all night. Literally! It was THAT good! And I laughed so hard I was actually crying. Believe me when I say that it takes true talent to make that happen to me and Adrian Staccato isn't just talented, the man is brilliant on top of that!

I just had to know what his inspiration for writing Text Me, Guido was. He had this to say...

"As far as the idea goes: I grew up on MSN and text-messages, so I decided to try my luck telling a story that way. It felt natural to me. And it's not just a gimmick either. A major theme of the novel is the decline of intellectual standards in modern times, and I think the crude text-messaging style in which the book is written serves to illustrate that point quite well. LOL"

I am inclined to agree with you, Mr. Staccato. Here's why...

I think that Text Me, Guido gives us an even better glimpse into today's society and how different social interactions are today as opposed to say, 20 years ago. I liked that Adrian wasn't afraid to point out the flaws in his characters. His book shows that college grads, or those facing graduation rather (as is the case in this book) , can be just as immature as teenagers. It shows that based on the advancement of technology, physical social interaction is declining rapidly. With cell phones becoming more advanced and with social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter, there is virtually no need for physical interaction. Instead of taking the time to converse face-to-face and verbalize what we're thinking, we've developed an even shorter short-hand and a code that we use to get our points across to others. Just point, click, and there you have it.

In Text Me, Guido, we get to know Enzo, Giulia, Sofia, Claudia and Phil. We really get to know them. So much so that it's like they're real. Adrian dated, timed and referenced the current events and pop culture of late 2010 and early 2011.

The end of the book took me by complete surprise! I'll be the first to admit that while the story was unfolding there was no way for me to know, or even begin to predict, the ending. I was crushed! Devastated. Heartbroken. The list of adjectives is never-ending, but I think we can all get the point. I actually felt like I was living the experience, and I firmly believe it's because of the way Adrian has written it. In fact, I am sure of it.

In short, Text Me, Guido is a great book! It is absolutely hilarious and nothing short of fabulous, and what makes it so much more special is the fact that it's written in an all too relatable way. It will show you about love, trust, friendship, loss and commitment that in a way you won't see or read about anywhere else. It is definitely a must read! ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Aug 27, 2012 Adrian Staccato rated it it was amazing · (Review from the author)

I knew my book would divide people, so I’m not surprised by the mixed reviews. Written entirely in text-messages, the book follows a group of rude, crude, and generally unlikeable people as they complete their final semester of school. It is, in my opinion, an accurate depiction of what life is like for some members of the “Guido” subculture. In other words, if you’re looking for explosions and car chases, look elsewhere.

The book was written with the text-messaging generation in mind. If you ar ...more

Like · see review