The Peculiar Memories of Thomas Penman Published by: Overlook, 1999 (HC) HarperPerrenial, 2000 (TPB) Amazon Books' Synopsis: The Peculiar Memories of Thomas Penman is a smart, hilarious, and heart-flicking debut that revolves around the scatological misadventures of the spry and spunky working-class boy, Thomas Penman. Published in England to rave reviews, the novel chronicles the title character's Salingeresque search for his grandfather's legendary pornography collection, a quest that ultimately reveals intimate secrets much darker than any Thomas could have imagined. From The Publisher: In a family of eccentrics in which husband and wife wage silent war with each other, thirteen-year-old Thomas, alongside smoking his first cigarette and downing his first drink, pursues the object of his affection, the gorgeous Gwendolyn Hackett. In the course of his quest, he forms a special bond with his beloved grandpa, who is a bit touched due to a wartime head injury and who is prone, perhaps, to nasty habits. Through what begins as a routine search for his grandfather's legendary pornography collection, Tomas learns the truth about his family life even as it collapses around him. To read real descriptions and genuine reviews, click here