Being Alexander

By Nancy Sparling

Alex was a pushover. Alexander pushes back. Alex was a chump. Alexander is a champ. Alex moved in the gutter. Alexander hits the fast lane. Everyone likes Alex Fairfax. He's dependable, friendly,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0345450647
• ISBN13: 9780345450647
• Release Date: July 2002
• Publisher: Ballantine Books
• Length: 367 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.2" x 0.8" x 5.5"

Customer Reviews

Great Debut Novel

Recently having read the great novel Free Lunch by the same author I eagerly looked forward to reading Nancy Sparling's first ever novel Being Alexander. I was not disappointed and thoroughly enjoyed this novel as well. It is written in the same first person narrative style as Free Lunch. Being Alexander also reminded me of the classic novel Syrup, by Maxx Barry which is also about a young guy in the communications industry although he was in marketing (Alex in this novel is advertising) who was also wronged by an unethical competitor and used his fast wit and intelligence to gain revenge and become extremely successful. This book is an extremely enjoyable and entertaining light read. If you liked this also check out Syrup and if you haven't read Free Lunch by Sparling, get it too. Paranoia by Joseph finder also has a similar theme and is up there quality wise as well but if you only check out one other book of this style get Maxx Barry's Syrup.

Being....entertained!

Nancy Sparling rolls out the doormat in her novel "Being...Alexander"...and his name is Alex. Alex Fairfax, to be exact. Alex is a corporate cut-out doll, a pushover, a Mr. Milquetoast for the twenty-first century. But unlike that legendary character, Alex gets pissed and decides not to take it anymore. When he walks in on his nefarious and backstabbing boss having sex with his girlfriend, something in Alex snaps. And thus is born Alexander. Sparling does an excellent job of making Alex an unlikable git at the beginning of her novel, and an equally excellent job of making the reader root for him as he is born again...with great, giant balls. His endeavor for revenge against all those who've walked over him is a wonderful exercise in revenge. Sparling doesn't wimp out at the end either, by offering some overused and trite moral comeuppance...but allows the story to run its course naturally. For that reason, "Being...Alexander" is a great story; entertaining and perfect for anyone who's been used as a doormat in their life.

Review of Being Alexander

Revenge is sweet, or so they say. "Being Alexander" is all about revenge, but I don't think it really was sweet. Alex Fairfax was a wimp and all his life he let people walk all over him. In a very short time he had lost his friends, his girlfriend, his car, all his belongings and then his job. Alex then decided to change his lifestyle and wanted to be know as Alexander Fairfax instead of just plain Alex.In one week Alexander had a new job making more money than he could imagine, a new place to live, a new girlfriend (several actually), a new look and most important, a new attitude. He then began to seek revenge on those who had done him wrong throughout his life. Alexander wants to stay at the top of the world so he starts hanging out with all the right people, gets engaged to the right girl, and looks for a house in the right neighborhood.However, something is missing and Alexander isn't happy. He feels that he has been given a second chance when something happens in his life and makes him realize that he is really still the same person on the inside that he was when he was known as Alex. He still has the same values and dreams. He learns that a name is nothing. A new name couldn't change who he was or who he wants to become. So he just tells himself that he is going to be a success and stay on top of the world. But he is not going to be like everybody else and lie and cheat his way to the top. Alexander is going to be someone who is kind, someone others can rely on, a friend to all, and he will never take advantage of those who are weak again. He wants to love and have someone love him for who he is and what he does.This book is really about who we are, not what we are and those who read this book will be thoroughly entertained by Ms. Sparling's first novel with her quick wit and humor. We learn, but should already know, that appearances can be deceiving and that actions speak very loudly and we are judged that way.

Everyone's Revenge Fantasy

Yes, yes, this novel is one note. Yes, most of the supporting characters are not fleshed out. Yes, the title character can sometimes be difficult to stand. And you know what? I love it.This is the revenge fantasy we all want to live. Alex reinvents himself as Alexander, a take-charge, no-holds-bared kind of guy who's not going to put up with anyone's BS anymore...his own included. Yes, the denouement is trite and predictable, but the book is thoroughly enjoyable in a I-stayed-up-all-night-to-read-this way. The dialogue is witty, the action swift, and the prose accessible and biting. If this is a mediocre debut, then I wish most debuts were positively deplorable.Bottom line? This a fun read that won't tax your imagination, and will make you stand up and cheer more than once.

Witty, fast moving and fun

If you want a can't put-down book, this is the one for you. It's hip, entertaining and very funny. And by the end of it, you're re-evaluating your life, deciding whether you're more of an Alex or an Alexander and hoping (for me anyway!) that you're actually an Alexander. He just has so much more fun!I read it in one sitting. It's the best book I've read for a long time. Recommended.