Philip Gaber’s, Epic Sloth: Tales of the Long Crawl, is nothing short of an intriguing collection of vignettes and poetry. As you peer into the unknown narrator’s thoughts, you’ll begin to observe a recurring pattern of identity struggle, writer’s block, and failed relationships. Throughout the book, many short stories and scenarios unfold, all relating back to similar situations that the narrator is going through himself.

“I’m sorry, Your Honor, but there are a million different ways to live your life. I can’t help it if you don’t understand or appreciate my idiosyncrasies.”

Epic Sloth: Tales of the Long Crawl is not an ordinary book; it’s exceptionally unique. Gaber’s compelling martyr attitude and relatable life scenarios make for a book that I felt I could connect with. However, it was also confusing at times. I would feel a bit lost, questioning the purpose of a vignette. It is definitely possible Gaber’s work is meant to be left to interpretation and that some readers will understand it better than others. The brutal honesty that flows page to page is refreshing, particularly when the narrator admits that he rejects women to get revenge on past lovers for rejecting him, or that his writing might just suck. Underneath the illusive, depressing tone, there is a message: follow your dreams.

Overall, this book is aimed towards readers that look deeper than what just sits on the surface. I would recommend this book to anyone who has ever doubted themselves or didn’t know exactly where their life was going; to the people without a plan. Gaber’s moody and charismatic book is something everyone should read at least once.

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