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Rating: 
Summary: Waste of Money. Waste of Time
Review: "[A] rich, vast, and slyly comedic novel that leaves you laughing and weeping...Read and rejoice."The above quote by "Malachy McCourt" (whoever the heck that is), printed on the front cover of the book, is an absolute lie. Any eight year old could write a better book than this. There were about 20 different times that I was about to just throw this stupid book away, but I pressed on and read just to see if old Malachy (what a name) was right. He wasn't. Please don't waste your time with it. If I can spare just one person the burden of this stupid book, I'll feel a little better. If you're looking for a good soul searching book, read "Ishmael" by Daniel Quinn.
Rating: 
Summary: Not any new ideas ...
Review: ... but a three and a three quarter star book anyway. Other reviewers complain about the lack and intelligence and an excess of silliness in the novel, but honestly, they themselves couldn't have thought up some new and revolutionary theory to life, so what do they expect? The Hope Valley Hubcap King is a bunch of ideas concerning life in general, all compiled into a story about a guy looking for his uncle who owns a ranch and collects hubcaps, (hence the title). Sean Murphy masterfully puts these very down to earth and philosophical ideas into his story through not a drawn out plot line filled with sorrow and searching, but a funny story. The characters Bibi Brown meets along the way are extravagant. There is nothing better to bring these deep philosophical view points to the reader's eye than a healthy dose of humor. You'll be laughing. And because this is a compilation of ideas, it is very quotable. This is a book to highlight not because of thoughtful statements to ponder upon, but because of humorous ones which at the same time make a great deal of sense. Sadly though, Sean Murphy hasn't thought up something original. It is a good novel, yes, but not a mind opener. Mostly, it is just a good, funny story, with a bit of philosophical humor thrown in.
Rating:
Summary: Not any new ideas ...
Review: ... but a three and a three quarter star book anyway. Other reviewers complain about the lack and intelligence and an excess of silliness in the novel, but honestly, they themselves couldn't have thought up some new and revolutionary theory to life, so what do they expect? The Hope Valley Hubcap King is a bunch of ideas concerning life in general, all compiled into a story about a guy looking for his uncle who owns a ranch and collects hubcaps, (hence the title). Sean Murphy masterfully puts these very down to earth and philosophical ideas into his story through not a drawn out plot line filled with sorrow and searching, but a funny story. The characters Bibi Brown meets along the way are extravagant. There is nothing better to bring these deep philosophical view points to the reader's eye than a healthy dose of humor. You'll be laughing. And because this is a compilation of ideas, it is very quotable. This is a book to highlight not because of thoughtful statements to ponder upon, but because of humorous ones which at the same time make a great deal of sense. Sadly though, Sean Murphy hasn't thought up something original. It is a good novel, yes, but not a mind opener. Mostly, it is just a good, funny story, with a bit of philosophical humor thrown in.
Rating:
Summary: What Nonsense!!!!
Review: I am 56 years old, and an avid reader. I have often not liked a book I have read, but this is the first time I have ever wished I had not read one. It is a very derivitive book - a combination of "Candide" (to which the jacket reviews compare it) and John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress" (which they do not). If one has read these, one does not need to read this. The author, Sean Murphy, works hard on trying to impress us how clever he is, and fails miserably. What he deems as cleverness is, again and again, just "cloyingly cute." Two examples from just one chapter - the one he calls "The Shape of Tuesday" - calling the man who founded of an institute which studies time "Julian Calendar," and, at a banquet which honors time having food seasoned with "parsley, sage, rosemary." PLEASE!!! And every chapter is like this. If zen, for you, means trite allegory and confusion, have at it, but, otherwise, avoid this book at all costs.
Rating:
Summary: What Nonsense!!!!
Review: I am 56 years old, and an avid reader. I have often not liked a book I have read, but this is the first time I have ever wished I had not read one. It is a very derivitive book - a combination of "Candide" (to which the jacket reviews compare it) and John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress" (which they do not). If one has read these, one does not need to read this. The author, Sean Murphy, works hard on trying to impress us how clever he is, and fails miserably. What he deems as cleverness is, again and again, just "cloyingly cute." Two examples from just one chapter - the one he calls "The Shape of Tuesday" - calling the man who founded of an institute which studies time "Julian Calendar," and, at a banquet which honors time having food seasoned with "parsley, sage, rosemary." PLEASE!!! And every chapter is like this. If zen, for you, means trite allegory and confusion, have at it, but, otherwise, avoid this book at all costs.
Rating:
Summary: I enjoyed this book
Review: I've recommended this book to a few friends, but only certain ones. If you like books that are a little off the wall then give it a shot. I picked the book up to keep me company on an airplane and it did its job wonderfully. Have I grown as a human because of it? No, I don't think so. Was it a good read? Yeah, definitely.
Rating: 
Summary: Zen Heart
Review: In Hope Valley Hubcap King, Sean Murphy takes us on a long walk with a character of elemental simplicity, a few quirks and a huge heart named Bibi Brown. The book is a lovingly humorous painting of human nature and the sweet-crazy beauty of existence on Earth in the 21st Century, in the midst of much that seems not so beautiful. It was for me a Great Medicine book. Murphy's use of the language opens up the magical in every moment of the novel, which for me lingered beyond the reading in a renewed sense of the infinite miracle in everyday things. Tears came for me at the end of Hubcap King, mostly because I was going to miss Bibi's company, though his feeling has stayed with me. I very much look forward to more from this author.
Rating:
Summary: read this book!
Review: In The Hope Valley Hubcap King, Sean Murphy manages to convey a deep sense of peace as the main character, Bibi, goes through some serious life changes. This is all too pertinent in the present day with our world seemingly plunging into chaos. Sean's book stirs up hope and awakens reasons to believe in the beauty of our human race. I highly recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: Glad I read it!
Review: It looked quirky and entertaining, and besides it seemed to have some Zen stuff to it, so I bought it. I enjoyed it. Murphy isn't Hermann Hesse, and Bibi, the protagonist, is not Siddhartha, but they are brothers under the skin...think Siddhartha meets Don Quixote! But aside from the laughs and the fun of the journey, it brought me back to my center and reminded me of some central truths. I tend to think about what I'd rather be doing, rather than being what I am doing. So I came away having had a good time and perhaps a little better for it. Not a bad investment.
Rating:
Summary: The quest for the hubcap king
Review: Sean Murphy is a brilliant teacher, whether it's zen or writing. His work -- especially in this cult classic of a novel is exemplified by his character Bibi Brown and the adventures he has as he searches back and forth across the country for the answers to life's big questions and his uncle -- the hubcap king. The book has everything, love, loss, hilarious and very serious characters . . . plus a mother who's love for her son transcends everything. There's artistry, mystery, science and geographic landscapes as wide and wild as any place left in the U.S. It's futuristic and yet blatantly appropriate to this very moment, and to each of us. Keep an eye on Sean Murphy, he's a man worth following closely.
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