California Closing: A Novel

You won't regret diving headfirst into into the muck & divinity that is Robert Wintner's hilarious take on the life of the rich and famous in Northern California. His narrative comes across like an intimate conversation with an intellectual comedian who possesses insight of the human psyche in spades. The complexity of his leading man, Michael M, demonstrates the author's ability to deliver a character with the complexities and extremes that makes us all human.

Robert Wintner has penned a hilariously entertaining send-up of the many excesses of life in Southern California. In "A California Closing," Michael Mulroney appears to be at the top of the heap. As a used-car magnate, he has opened multiple locations and his face is all over billboards and TV screens. He lives at the top of the hill - the most prestigious spot - in an outrageously expensive neighborhood. The problem is that he is over-leveraged, and the economy is in the toilet. He is only days away from foreclosure and disgrace. He needs to pull a rabbit out of the hat.The action of this fast-paced novel takes us through his schemes to raise some quick cash, his obsession with the expensive bicycle fitness craze, his dalliance with the rich widow down the hill. Wintner peppers the narrative with a spicy variety of memorable characters and caricatures. Surface beauty often meets underlying ethical ugliness in this tongue-in-cheek morality tale. It is wonderfully entertaining social commentary about the worst abuses of the Southern California lifestyle.I enjoyed reading it, and plan to check out some of Mr. Wintner's other works.

A California Closing by Robert Wintner is a hilarious yet realistic telling of man in business. The story reads well. However, the beginning felt dragged out in slow motion. I didn't feel as entertained until I got further into the novel. Life isn't easy nor always a party. But here, readers get a glimpse into Big M's life. Living each day as it comes and goes. Everybody strives not to be poor. The reach for the highest point possible. This book was different than my normal reads...but it offered work, dreams, and desires. There interesting points woven into this book.

This was a smart, funny story about Michael, his life as a used car salesman, his bicycle, and the excesses of the rich residents in Southern California. I loved the humor and the "realities" weaved throughout the novel, but parts of it were somewhat slow for me, specifically the bicycle parts. Overall, this was a unique read that was very entertaining!

Highly recommend this novel for entertainment value. Robert Wintner's characters are easily imaginable and ridiculously funny. Underneath the humor is a great narrative about a very (human) individual who simply wants to make it and enjoy a little pleasure in life.

As a schmoozer at heart I truly enjoyed Michael Mulroney's insights into working a deal and Wintner's humor is devilish. His descriptions of the joys and pitfalls of cycling seemed drawn from very detailed reality and there is never a dull moment in the life of the Big M... Enjoyed it very much.

Really enjoyable and funny. A great look into the life of a successful business man. Loved it.

Wintner does it again. A great story filled with humor and a writing style like you won't find anywhere else. I'll be waiting for his next one.