Satires are fun books to read because they poke sticks at our sacred cows, at the way we live our lives, at the single-mindedness of our nature. Let’s face it, at one moment or another we have all considered ourselves to be the center of the universe. In the scheme of things, the world does not revolve around us and, frankly, it does not hurt any of us if we are knocked down a peg or two. With luck, such a comeuppance makes us better people and is especially useful if we can laugh at our actions.
With that in mind, if you are seeking a book to read this summer while on the beach, in the mountains, or on your veranda, consider Pretty Ugly, a new book, by native Kentuckian Kirker Butler.
This is a satirical novel about a dysfunctional southern family, with many laugh-out-loud moments. This bit of whimsy guarantees two things: you will definitely laugh and most likely something in the book will offend you. That’s okay. It is the kind of book that makes us examine who we are. It helps us analyze the attributes we believe in and that’s a real strength.
Here’s the gist of the book: After eight and a half years and 323 beauty pageants, Miranda Miller has become the ultimate stage mom. A former beauty queen herself (by default), Miranda’s mission in life is to insure her nine-year-old daughter Bailey continues to be one of the most successful child pageant contestants in the southern United States.
This often funny and frequently irreverent book will make you chuckle. It combines the eclectic antics of several key characters: an overbearing mom (Miranda), a nine-year-old beauty queen, a wacky and uncommon grandma, and a cheating husband whose teenaged girlfriend is a pill. Also, because it’s about the south and the southern way of life, you will find passages about Jesus, too.
The title, Pretty Ugly, has a double meaning. On one hand, the book is an impertinent glimpse at the pageant life in America, something few of us ever really consider. On the other hand, it is the reflection of a pretty ugly lifestyle. Something you have probably witnessed, regardless of your walk of life.
Another point, if you are a fan of television shows like The Family Guy, The Cleveland Show, and The Neighbors, get ready for a print version of that genre of humor. Pretty Ugly, filled with mockery, is what you would expect from one of the key writers of those aforementioned television satires.
The book’s main character Miranda has a no-nonsense, get-things-done-and-do-it-now attitude. She considers herself a leader and often the most innovative person in the room. Here’s an example of Kirker Butler’s narrative:
“Look at me!” Miranda roared at her doctor. “Do I look like I give a good [expletive] if my husband’s here or not?” Her voice was used sandpaper, raspy and torn. It was just past eleven o’clock, and despite having no clue as to Ray’s whereabouts, Miranda was insisting she give birth immediately. “Get this girl out of me before midnight! Cut her out if you have to!”… There was no way on God’s green earth she was going to let her daughter be born on September 11.”
This is a funny, irreverent book. Butler does not pull punches in this expose of a segment of our American culture. Published by Thomas Dunne Books you can find Butler’s novel in book stores and on popular book websites.
Donald Then, a novelist and experienced editor and journalist, is NKyTribune’s literary editor. He will review books written by local authors or those with a Northern Kentucky setting. Reach him at author@djamesthen.com Visit his website at www.djamesthen.com.