Acclaimed Canadian fiction writer and humorist, David Munroe, has been entertaining readers for many years.Dave is a Toronto-based writer whose work is has been widely appreciated by critics and readers alike (see below for reviews).His writing has been compared to that of Mordecai Richler (Barney’s Version), John Irving (The World According to Garp, Cider House Rules, etc.) and Nick Hornby (High Fidelity, About a Boy).
Dave is a writer with a perspective that is just right for today's marketplace.While the hot topic these days is the economic crisis, Dave has, for over two decades, represented the voice of the average person who has lived through layoffs, loan rejections, bankruptcies and unrealized dreams.Dave's writing gives the “average Joe” element of society a voice on the written page again, providing the prototype for this century's genre of "Chump Lit" (i.e., acurrent day Ring Lardner or Raymond Carver). To read the first part of of Dave's novel, The Unexpected and Fictional Career Change of Jim Kearns, click here.
Book Reviews for Jim Kearns and Mahoney in Control
“Everybody Loves Raymond meets Mordecai Richler” – Dundurn Group
5 Stars - "Ultimately about coming to grips with what life is really all about and why it is so precious ... Highly recommended" - Midwest Book Review (Oregon) "Munroe gives us many bursts of fine writing while drumming sympathy for his disagreeable protagonist." - George Fetherling, New Brunswick Telegraph-Journal "Munroe's prose is pitch-perfect and direct, much like the character of the working-class stiff he depicts. And stiffs like this one do not get much room on the pages of Canadian fiction lately. It's a relief to read about a regular guy for a change." – Antanas Sileika, Globe and Mail, Canada's national newspaper “Munroe’s prose doesn’t mess around.It’s direct, simple and stunningly fitted to his subject.In one of the most refreshing novels of the year, we get a taste of Toronto and a chance at redemption.Which isn’t half bad for one excellent debut novel.” - Andrew Armitage, The Sun Times “Wonderful sense of humor …” - W.P. Kinsella, Books in Canada “One of the most refreshing urban novels.” – The Sun Times, Read This! 50 Best Canadian Novels “Shades of the television show My Name is Earl ... An enjoyable, light read ... All decent and easy-going charm on the surface with a repressed violence underneath.” – Eric McMillan, Town Crier
“An impressive debut of a gifted Canadian writer with an enormously bright future.” - Thunder Bay Times-News
"As welcome as a gust of fresh air in a public washroom. Just the thing to rekindle your appetite for solid mainstream fiction.” - Vancouver Sun. Readers' Comments
"Great book! ...my life's ill-twisted fate had me reading [this] book, while living parallel lives with jim kearns. i was laid off, with no notice, and no explanation given other than my contract had come to an end. ...i really enjoyed all the familiar musical and other references made. and because jim and i were living parallel lives, i almost made my own list to follow, ha!" - Laurie F., Lunenburg, NS
“Thank you for creating such an enjoyable read!I really liked your trim and tight style as well as the (not so) disguised settings.The brooding Jim's contrariness as a wryly cynical character as well as an insightful and sensitive man made him real and sympathetic to me - a man with depth!” – Susan A., Toronto, ON
“It really was a fantastic read.” – Chris N., Australia
"Funny and accessible." - Jane W., Toronto, ON
“I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's sometimes sad and often funny but definitely captivating.Despite Jim Kearn's cynical outlook and hot temper, I could not help but like this character and I found myself cheering for him right to the end.Great book and anxiously awaiting David Munroe's next novel.” – Audrey V., Oakville, ON
“David is clearly a writer with a lively and often comic touch for portraying the concerns of the common man, but he also seems to explore the darker side of the everyday in interesting ways.” – Iris T., Toronto, ON
“I read the book and thoroughly enjoyed it.I have to agree with the [Globe] - it really is a relief to read about a regular guy for a change.It is great to be able to relate to a character in the book -- that doesn't happen often.” – Michelle B., Toronto, ON
“It's a very fine novel. David is mining new territory here.” – Don S., Halifax, NS
“I thoroughly enjoyedreading ‘The Unexpected Career Change of Jim Kearns’. Munroe’s sense of humour had me laughing out loud in many places. I thoroughly enjoyed the book’s depiction of urban Canada and its various citizens. The characters were well rounded and their actions totally believable. I was sorry when Kearns’ adventures came to an end and eagerly await this talented writer’s next novel. – Lynn B., Burlington, ON
“I loved it - very well done, funny and poignant.Looking forward to the next one!” – Virginia D., Toronto, ON
“I liked your slow, sometimes painful, sometimes humorous working through to the next few months ... So many parts of our lives at so many levels.It was a pleasure to read and I don't say that often.And I had never written a letter like this before.Thank you for a lovely book that has given pleasure and thought in an important, self-assessment time of my own.” – Jane S., Fredericton, NB
“I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book ... It’s a lovely novel.” – Laura S., Annapolis, MD
“Your strength is in your character development which becomes evident as we join the title character's journey.The reader feels the joy and angst experienced by Jim K throughout the book.Consequently you identify with and care about our protagonist while having more than a few laughs along the way.A read that's both fun and thought provoking.” – Bill A., Oakville, ON
“Jim Kearns - the guy you hate to love.This average Joe story was totally well written – I loved it from start to finish.I also read, and thoroughly enjoyed David Munroe's earlier short stories collection.Looking forward to more!” – Maggie F., Bowmanville, ON
“I must say I thoroughly enjoyed it.I thought it was extremely well written and very funny.In fact, by the end of the first page, I knew I was going to like it (excellent set up for the rest of the book).I love ‘a day in the life’ kind of books - real, yet entertaining.” – Anne Marie H., Toronto, ON
“Just a short message to let you know how much I enjoyed your novel!I found it delightful.You are an excellent writer- in my humble opinion - and should continue to do much more.It is a good story and I was amazed at how the really funny bits appeared so unexpectedly!I found myself absorbed in the story and then dissolving in laughter!What an imagination!Also, the short story within the novel - Marathon Man - truly excellent and I am not surprised that it won an award.” – Carline O., Toronto, ON
“His humor is sharp and warm, and the kind of humor that has a mass appeal.” – Nick O., New York.
“Interesting and easy to get through (not pulp or Joyce - which is nice as you often have to pick between the two extremes). ... very funny in parts and touching in others.A great story about a cynical, somewhat bitter middle-aged guy who realizes ... the world is a generally shitty place populated by assholes.I look forward to reading your next book.” – Chris H., Toronto, ON
“Munroe is a great writer, and I love the premise of the book.” – Erika I., New York.
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