Textual Healing by Eric Smith

Paperback: 280 Pages

Publisher: AuthorHouse

ISBN: 978-1-4520-6245-7

My Rating: 4/5

Few people have to deal with a haiku-speaking flower-shop-owning ninja every day on their way to work. Unfortunately for Andrew Connor, he is one of those people.
And poor Andrew, his week has been a rough one. His former bestseller, Chasing Fireflies, is on clearance at Barnes & Nobles for only $1.37, his girlfriend left him for a corporate America action figure, and he's been tricked into joining Textual Healing, a support group for writers who can't seem to write anymore.
Dealing with his employees at his failing used bookshop, a strange new love interest from the Midwest, and a pet sugar-glider that has somehow managed to destroy his entire apartment...when will he ever find the time to put pen to paper again?
A quirky comedy set in present day New York and New Jersey, Textual Healing follows the story of Andrew, a self-depreciating, once famous author, his small bookstore in Hoboken, and the colorful characters that surround him.

'Textual Healing' is a romantic comedy set in New York City and Hoboken, New Jersey. It's a really enjoyable, quick read. I found myself continuosly laughing throughout at the main character, Andrew (or Ace), who is completely full of quirky jokes and one-liners. I found it was easy to relate to most, if not all, of the characters. I liked all of them, literally. Which isn't a usual thing for me. I tend to find myself annoyed with at least one character but that wasn't the case with 'Textual Healing.'

The story is told through Andrew Connor, or as his friends call him, Ace. This guy has THE worst luck ever. I mean, it's not bad enough that he's down but you have to kick him too! He gets his heart broken, terrible news, loses his business, has writer's block, it just goes on and on. Andrew is a former best-selling novelist. He hasn't written anything in three years and it's due to lack of inspiration. When you're surrounded by bad people, or one person in his case, it's hard to get inspired to do anything! Andrew is a great character, very well developed and pronounced. He definitely stands out...he's not like any other characters that I've read in books so far!

Andrew isn't the only character that has serious depth, they all do! Every character has a completely separate  personality and attitude. Daniela, Andrew's ex, is an egotistical bitch! She's stuck up, snobbish, and she's only worried about herself and where that next dollar's coming from. Hannah is amazing! I mean, she easily became my favorite character in 'Textual Healing.' She's so "matter-of-fact" and just tells it like it is. And I love that about her. It doesn't matter who she's dealing with or how sensitive they are, she gives it to them straight and tells them exactly what they need to hear! The side story of Brian "the Pantara" and Valerie was incredible! I found myself cracking up about so many things involving them. Oh, and we can't forget about the haiku speaking ninja. I know that she speaks in 5-7-5 haiku's so I counted it almost every time she spoke. I couldn't help it!! lol. I was waiting for her to mess up, or like, all of a sudden just start talking normally or something! lol. I'm glad she didn't!

The only bad thing I can say about 'Textual Healing' is that the jokes can seem a little overwhelming. At some points they are a bit...excessive. But, for the most part, Smith knows when to draw the line and enough is enough. Maybe I don't have a great sense of humor...Other than that, 'Textual Healing' was absolutely fabulous! I loved every minute of it. So, I'd suggest it to almost everyone. I mean, it's not a YA but it's still amazing. If you like a fun, humorous, quick read, then absolutely check out 'Textual Healing' by Eric Smith.