A new book by first-time author, Mark Svartz, is one that will more than likely find its way on to the big screen or as a new comedy series on the small screen. The book, I Hate You, Kelly Donahue (Adams Media, 2012 ISBN: 978-1-4405-2754-8) has all the makings of a pop culture entertainment venture.
Svartz’s bio says he’s an author, artist and award winning advertising creative. The book is written in a personal journal style including being hand written along with amusing drawings and graphics. It starts with Svartz’s first day at a new job. He amusingly never mentions the particular job that he is starting.
The Saga Begins
He meets Kelly Donahue on the elevator on the way to his new job. She says “Hi” and he immediately thinks he want to “physically defeat her in a physical fight to the death.” Which is man-speak for he wants to sleep with her. He does sleep with her in the fictional story.
He also appears to stalk her, continues to profess his hatred of her (or love for her, remember the fine line between love and hate) and his desire to become responsible for her demise. Svartz includes plenty of lists in his journal. There is a list of potential weapons such as a pencil, scissors, or a phone cord. There’s a list of pros and cons for eight different ways Kelly Donahue “should reach her ultimate death.”
Svartz begins to date Kelly Donahue and provides a drawing of her apartment along with a list of places he can hide the body or body parts, escape routes and places he can fight her. The journal ends with list of five death plans the author has devised.
Good Idea for Journaling
Most writers keep a journal of some sort. Be it a daily journal of everyday events or a journal of quotes or interesting facts, figures or favorite writings from authors, journals are generally a writer’s best friend. This author has given a new meaning to journaling. It’s funny and original while at the same time seemingly true.
Kelly Donahue is a fictional character the author created to journal his thoughts of hatred and murder all done in a laugh-out-loud manner. It’s a fun read and I’d recommend it for anyone looking for something different and funny to read. And, before you judge, who among us hasn’t hated someone at the office or workplace at one time or another?
