Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm’s Larry David gave this book rave reviews. If you know anything about Larry David than that should tell you everything you need to know about this book. 

Though the famous adage warns against drawing to hasty a connection between a book and its cover, in this case judging it by its title may in fact be quite apropos. Greenland dramatizes apparent contradictions without ever fully resolving them and emphasizes the darkness in even that which is held to be most holy. The Angry Buddhist explores the uniquely mangled personal histories of a cast of dysfunctional characters. 

This unwavering plunge into harsh and imperfect realities artfully juxtaposes a congressional campaign, corrupted in nearly every way imaginable, with the glossy veneer of Palm Springs’ well manicured lawns and ladies. Sardonic and acerbic from start to finish, this gritty tale’s dark humor is cathartic to the cynic inside all of us. Europa Editions wins again. 

The Angry Buddhist: 6.4/10

Bottom Line: While The Angry Buddhist drips with disdain and discontent, it manages to do so without being depressing and pulls off a satisfying resolution if not a happy ending with a bow.