A PIECE OF THE ACTION

by Herb Gardner ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 23, 1958

Ousted from Charming Displays, Lou Gracie finds himself gainfully employed in the design room of Sweetie Toys, bossed by a fast-talking, rough and honest magnate of the commercial toy and gift industry. Her waning business forces her to merge with a television sharpie to form a ""new and vital concept""...Characters Incorporated. Lou, the young, creative but undiscovered talent is discovered by sharpie Lowshak and taken under wing. His figurine, the Slob, is revised, refined, publicized and drained of its original vitality. Lou, stepping quickly up, is introduced into the field of glamour, Jaguar cars, slinky female opportunists and the nausea of mass-production. In the battlefields of conferences held at exclusive clubs he begins to see the hypocrisy of the leaders and decides that his own integrity as an artist is more valuable than the lushness of a tempting Burbank job offer and the loss of his girl friend Nina. Somewhere between New York and California he makes another excellent clay Slob, turns the car eastward and homeward. Mr. Gardner's style makes up for any deficiencies he may have with plot. This light novel is funny, entertaining and serious at the same time.

Pub Date: Oct. 23, 1958

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1958

Categories: FICTION