In March my husband and I took our two small children to Sea World for spring break. Now… growing up in Texas you tend to get used to the heat, summers range anywhere from 99-110 degrees on a daily basis, and the “season” (and I use that word very liberally) itself generally last from February to October, so our decision to tottle around an amusement park in 100 degree heat may not have been the wisest of decisions we have made, (or are likely to make in the future,) but the fact remains that we did. However, it was not until finishing this novel that I finally found the comfort I needed to put MY weeks worth of hecticness behind me and thank my lucky stars that “at least it wasn’t Disney World.”
For those of you that are parents you can relate to what I’m about to say. Nothing sucks more than tiny children, 300 strollers and hour long lines for 45 seconds of cheesy graphics and rickety (held together by a 14 year olds welding job) rollercoasters. Don’t get me wrong… I am an adrenaline junkie to the fullest extent, but trying to harness those feelings while at the same time trying to change a dirty diaper on your lap is not exactly the bee’s knees!
In “Snodgrass Vacation” Dave Conifer takes his audience on the ride of a lifetime in his fictional (yet very similar) play on “The Happiest Place On Earth” (complete with ridicules costumes and hyperactive newbie parents) While throwing in the (cheeky) pursuit of an “ambulance chaser” (who just happens to be at the same hotel as them) we get to experience the pluses and pitfalls of family vacations.
Dave is a diplomatic clean freak, his wife Marcie has had an encounter with Mother Nature, Vinnie is um… less diplomatic and more “you gotta fight for your right to party” and Nancy is like a Nazi version of Tinkerbelle barking marching orders at every corner and demanding compliance. Just your average American families right? (ha!)
Conifer’s writing was witty and at times slap stick funny. The plot, even though it was ultimately just a weeks worth of “which ride is next” didn’t make you feel like you were the one waiting in line and in the end… I found myself genuinely smiling at the blatant reality of this work of “fiction.”
This is not a difficult read, it’s more sassy and beach’y than anything else, but if you have ever found yourself in the position of line maneuvering or 30 minute potty breaks then you are sure to find yourself chuckling at these 2 (very different) families take on togetherness.
If you…have children, have ever been to a major amusement park, find yourself with some free time, and a couple of extra bucks in your pocket… this one is for you.
Happy reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: if you find yourself in an underground tunnel sporting an oversized dwarf head… something has gone terribly wrong.
For a complete book description click image
[Rating:3/5]
