Getting Huge
by John Young
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Pub Date 01 Apr 2023 | Archive Date 01 May 2023
Guernica Editions, Guernica World Editions
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Description
Beaten down by his affluent and perpetually disappointed deacons, six-foot-eleven Reverend John Crackstone finally cracks. What begins as backyard diversion swells into an absurd obsession: to grow the world’s largest pumpkin and, with the help of an entrepreneur friend, build a pumpkin empire to make everything from snacks to toilet paper—and win him fame and fortune. Crackstone sees his pumpkins, especially the giant named Schwartz, as his shot at greatness.
While often comic, Getting Huge is also a cautionary tale for our times. The pursuit of ill-defined success overrides judgment—until we, like John Crackstone, are jolted into clarity and head for the hills.
This romp of a novel is for all who have worked with the wrong people in the wrong place. And ached to escape—to start something new—to find a sense of belonging.
A Note From the Publisher
Of interest to: all readers of literary fiction, as well as entrepreneurs, farmers, gardening aficionados.
Advance Praise
"In Getting Huge, John Young explores both existential and moral issues in a way that’s humorous, entertaining, and ultimately moving. Bottom line, it’s a terrific yarn well told."
- Angelo Pizzo, Screenwriter of the films Rudy and Hoosiers
"Young deftly shows how, in the wrong soil, all of us can grow into monstrous versions of ourselves. His eye for detail, humor, and good will keep the pages turning fast."
- Kelly Blewett, LA Review of Books and Cincinnati Magazine
"A provocative and hilarious novel about the meandering that is essential to finding our way in the world—and to finding ourselves."
- Don Tassone, author of the novel Francesca
"An impressive creation with a singular voice that blends the serious and playful. With Getting Huge, Young reveals himself to be a true romantic. It’s a terrific read."
- Paul Kroner, artist and avid reader
Past Praise:
“It’s a rare coming-of-age novel that strikes an elegiac tone—the trembling anticipation of youth, a decidedly modern hero’s journey, in combination with a grief-struck plunge into conscience—but John Young pulls it off. This novel, like its main character, makes its way from early promise to settled accomplishment, from a staggering opening to a quiet self acceptance that seems wholly earned—and leaves the reader grateful.”
- James Carroll, National Book Award Winner and author of The Cloister
“Original, eloquent, erudite, entertaining, memorably thoughtful and thought-provoking, Fire in the Field and Other Stories showcases author John Young’s impressive mastery of the short story format.
- Midwest Book Review
“I said, ‘Let me read a few minutes of these stories before I start dinner.’ At midnight, I was still crying, laughing, and fond of Young’s ability to take me with him.”
- Connie Shakalis, The Bloomington Herald-Times
“Young writes with an exceptional clarity and deep sympathy for his characters. There is a vein of humanity running through every page of the book… There were many moments where my jaw dropped because of an excellent twist, or I laughed out of nowhere at a witty remark.
-Erin McCracken, My Life Within the Pages
Marketing Plan
Author tour: Bloomington IN, Chicago IL, Cincinnati, OH.
Wide mailings and pitches to media and reviewers across the US (with a focus on OH, IL, IN).
Author tour: Bloomington IN, Chicago IL, Cincinnati, OH.
Wide mailings and pitches to media and reviewers across the US (with a focus on OH, IL, IN).
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781771837798 |
| PRICE | $17.95 (USD) |
| PAGES | 308 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Educator 364311
"Getting Huge" is a delightful read about finding and losing one's way. Minister John Crackstone longs for more, and believes his escape lies in building a pumpkin empire. Insight comes from a fellow minister and mentor through which he may find redemption or at least, his humanity. I wish everyone would read this. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
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