Maverick Jetpants in The City of Quality

By Bill Peters

Rochester, 1999; a mystery surrounding arson; a hilarious and heart-breaking friendship based on a language of inside jokes.

". . . Bill Peters belongs in the ranks of serious literary artists."—New York Times Book Review, Editor's Choice

"One of the most inventive novels published this year."The Los Angeles Review

Rochester, New York, 1999: An arsonist is loose on the streets of a city in decline. Gone are the days of Rioting in the Vomit Cruiser, searching for a possible Tokyo Rocking Horse. In this hilarious, wildly original debut novel, Nathan Gray and best friend Necro live by the code of Joke Royalty, a system of in-jokes known only to a select few. But as the reality of full-time employment, possible spouses, and Neo-Nazis encroaches, their friendship unravels, threatening their dreams of becoming Kodak Park Winjas.

Among the gravest Hellstacheries: Necro’s strangely vicious drawings and his sudden interest in a group of weapons enthusiasts who may or may not be responsible for the fires erupting through downtown. With no Holy Grail Points left to his name, Nate ventures into Rochester’s strangest corners to find out if his best friend is a domestic terrorist Pinning Bow Ties on the Dead or simply Maverick Jetpantsing on with his lifeperhaps even beyond The City of Quality.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Black Balloon Publishing
• Release date: Oct 9, 2012
• ISBN: 9781936787036

Bill Peters

Vinny Pezzimenti is a former sports writer for the Centre Daily Times in State College , Pa. , where he covered Penn State football and high school sports. He started his career in 2004 at the Olean (N.Y.) Times Herald, where his main responsibility was covering St. Bonaventure and Atlantic 10 basketball. He moved to State College in 2008 and now resides in North Chili, N.Y. Vinny grew up a short walk from St. Bonaventure's campus in Allegany , N.Y. He was a fan of the Bonnies from a young age, watching as the team ascended from the depths of the Atlantic 10 to a participant in the NCAA tournament. Vinny graduated from St. Bonaventure in 2004 with a degree in journalism/mass communications and served as a four-year manager for the men's basketball program. ----- Bill Peters was an assistant college basketball coach for four years. He started his career in 2004 with the first two years at Division II Franklin Pierce College in New Hampshire. He spent the next two years at Schenectady County Community College in New York. He moved down to Charleston, S.C. in 2008 to begin a new career with Allstate Insurance. Bill grew up in Albany , N.Y., where he started is coaching career at the age of 17 as an assistant coach for the Voorheesville high school boy’s basketball team. Bill graduated from St. Bonaventure University with a degree in business management and served as a four-year manager for the men’s basketball program.

Reviews for Maverick Jetpants in The City of Quality

[uanbookaddict · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

As you see, I gave this book a two-star rating. Now before you let this rating sway you from the book, let me explain.
The overall plot of the book is a decent one. However, the follow through to get the plot across is very hard to understand. This group of friends has their own language and sense of humor that is not easily understood. I found myself more confused than understanding throughout the book. I think the target audience for this book is more likely those that seem to like the fantasy world of superheros. Overall, it was a decent book. It definitely a slow and hard read. I think when the final editing is done on this book, maybe it will be written a little clearer?

[anothersheart · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I am giving Maverick Jetpants in the Ciry of Quality a 3 star rating. The book was a bit slow of a read, and the humor a bit off to me. I can't say I particularly liked this book but I didn't hate it either...and I did finish it! :)My rating system is as follows:5 stars - Excellent, Worth Every Penny, Made It Into My Personal Library!4 stars - Great book, but not a classic. 3 stars - Good overall, generally well written.2 stars - Would not recommend based on personal criteria.1 star - Difficult to read, hard to finish, or didn't finish. Wouldn't recommend purchasing or reading.In accordance with the FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, you should assume that every book I review was provided to me by the publisher, media group or the author for free and no financial payments were received, unless specified otherwise.

[rachael.smith · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

If you like words, this book will probably make you laugh out loud. It will also probably make you feel slightly nauseous and embarrassed in an adolescent kind of way. Maverick Jetpants is smart and sweet without being lame--not an easy balance to strike. One of the best things I have read this year.