Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

Step Away from the Pizza by Richard Holeton is a fascinating collection that spans nearly four decades of experimental storytelling. The book is thematically organized into sections like "Future," "Father," "Found," and "Frolic," each offering a unique lens through which Holeton explores human experiences, societal quirks, and the absurdities of modern life. The thematic arrangement creates a dynamic reading experience, bouncing between conventional narratives and experimental forms, including hypertext-inspired pieces, erasure poetry, and multimedia fiction. Holeton’s writing is marked by sharp wit, intellectual depth, and a playful approach to language. Stories like "Plastic Life" and "Velcro World" showcase his ability to blend speculative fiction with biting social commentary, while "Ham Again and Again" and "Postmodern" reveal his knack for literary experimentation.

Richard Holeton’s background in electronic literature is evident throughout the collection, as he incorporates elements of interactivity and digital storytelling into his work. Pieces like "The Winograd Matrix" and "Frequently Asked Questions about ‘Hypertext’" challenge traditional narrative structures, inviting readers to engage with the text in unconventional ways. Holeton’s writing is impressive and engaging. He tackles topics ranging from environmental degradation to the absurdities of corporate culture, often with a surreal twist. While the experimental nature of some pieces may not appeal to all readers, the collection offers a wide range of styles and themes, ensuring there is something for everyone. The author’s mastery of language and his willingness to push boundaries make Step Away from the Pizza a compelling read for those who appreciate inventive storytelling and literary risk-taking.

PRAISE FOR FIGURSKI AT FINDHORN ON ACID:

"One of the most unique and quirky interactive novels of the early 21st century."

—Dene Grigar, PhD, Director of the Electronic Literature Lab

"Funny, crazy, ultra-postmodern satire."

—Mariusz Pisarski, hypertext scholar, translator, and publisher

"Belongs in the tradition of screwball comedy, but it raises that tradition to the level of metaphysics—a cross between Borges and the Marx Brothers."

—Michael Tratner, author of Modernism and Mass Politics; Deficits and Desires; and Crowd Scenes

"Blurs the boundaries between fiction and reality."

—Dr. Chelsea Miya, University of Guelph, Ontario

"A comic, frantic narrative that recalls Monty Python in its absurdity and erudition."

—Mark Bernstein, Eastgate Systems

"Trippy epic built with mathematical precision and profound insight into the psyches and odysseys of a murdering grad-student-ex-con, a matryoshkan cross-dressing international spy, and a paralympian-level Vietnamese cup-juggler."

—Bill Bly, author of We Descend

"Magic in the lasting, a rubbery kind of elastic stretched to the limit of the funny bone."

—Rob Swigart, author of Little America and Mixed Harvest

“Whoa . . . Wow . . . . Hmmph.”

— Frank "Many Pens" Figurski, at Findhorn, on Acid