I Want to Buy a Vowel: A Novel of Illegal Alienation

By John Welter

Book Overview

Kurt Clausen has worked as a salad girl, a porn salesman, and -- perhaps most reluctantly -- a journalist. In this terminally irreverent (Richmond News-Leader) novel, he finds himself taking on... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 156512118X
• ISBN13: 9781565121188
• Release Date: January 1996
• Publisher: Algonquin Books
• Length: 314 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.3" x 1.3" x 5.5"

Customer Reviews

His best book

I wanted to make a few brief comments for now, having recently finished this book. But I intend to write a more complete review soon as this book is certainly deserving of it.Of Welter's three books this is by far and away the best. It has a sweetly surrealistic quality reminiscent of a Frank Capra film (such as It's a Wonderful Life), as Welter uses the predicament of a young Latino immigrant to pillory everything from organized religion to American politics and immigration law.The book has some interesting characters, especially the high-school son of the local fundamentalist minister, who, unknown to the town, is behind the recently discovered evidence of a practicing Satanical sect on the outskirts of town--specifically, evidence of Satanic rituals which he is setting up as an elaborate practical joke. The local town, of course, doesn't see it that way, and the newspaper is continually abuzz with alarmist stories about possible Satanists in their midst.The pair of little girl characters are an especially nice touch, as much of the book unfolds through their eyes and we see the humor and absurdity of the adult world reflected in their own naivete. Then there's also the kindly and worldly local sheriff, who just wants to avoid any violent lynchings of supposed Satanists (he is the only one in town, other than the son, who suspects it's a prank.The book has many funny scenes and Welter has a nice idea for the ending. This book is definitely worth your time and money.

Absolutly Funny

Alfredo crosses the border into Texas and settles into a small town. He hides out in an old cabin in the woods. People begin hearing his singing and talking and begin to get scared. Then strange things begin to happen. Signs of the Devil begin to appear around the town. People find Alfredo and begin to accuse him of these acts. Is Alfredo guilty or not. You'll have to read to find out.

ONE OF MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITES

This book is one of my favorite books of all time. It is truly hilarious and just an altogether fun book. Maybe it's not destined to become some great literary classic, but for a good read, it is just great. I have recommended it to ALL my friends, because it is witty and personable, and I just love it!

A short, fun, makes you think kinda book.

Somethings are very hard to laugh about. This book makes you laugh at most of them religion, law, politics, descrimination, and such. But it also makes you think. As I read this book I felt relieved to be a citizen of the USA, where things were fairly prosperous. But also ashamed that this great country of ours turns away millions of people seeking a better life for themselves. At the end I was crying with joy, and also sadness.

Stunningly Funny

Wow. Alfredo doesn't know English, but from watching Wheel of Fortune, he is convinced that if he bought a vowel, eventhough he is not sure exactly what that is, he's going to end up with a new American car. And the story begins...laugh out loud book, beautifully and intelligently written, one of my favorites!