Reviews
Over the years, my writing has received acclaim from both critics and readers:
The Unexpected and Fictional Career Change of Jim Kearns:
“Packed with humor as well as social and personal insights … and it comes with a candid honesty” – MBR, Oregon
"Munroe gives us many bursts of fine writing while drumming sympathy for his disagreeable protagonist." – G. Fetherling, New Brunswick Telegraph-Journal
"Munroe's prose is pitch-perfect and direct, much like the character of the working-class stiff he depicts.And stiffs like this one do not get much room on the pages of Canadian fiction lately." – A. Sileika, Globe and Mail (Canada's National Newspaper)
"Munroe's prose doesn't mess around. It's direct, simple and stunningly fitted to his subject - one excellent debut novel." – A. Armitage, The Sun Times
"One of the most refreshing urban novels." - The Sun Times, Read This! 50 Best Canadian Novels
"An enjoyable, light read ... All decent and easy-going charm on the surface with a repressed violence underneath." – E. McMillan, Town Crier
“Wonderful sense of humor” - W.P. Kinsella, Books in Canada
“Comparison to Nick Hornby rings really true” - Cary D., Toronto
More Praise for Dave’s writing:
“The stories effectively create a world in which everyday details lead to profound moments. We appreciated the range of the collection and its carefully modulated playful tone.” – Coach House
5 Stars - "Ultimately about coming to grips with what life is really all about and why it is so precious ... Highly recommended." Midwest Book Review, Oregon, WI
"Really awful. Smartass, profane, and barely a narrative." - Michael Curtis, The Atlantic Monthly (there is a cute little story behind this)
"Munroe’s clean prose propels each story toward a neat conclusion with energy and conviction. I admire his ability to distil such a range of human experience into a few pages." - T. Mayer, New York
"An impressive debut of a gifted Canadian writer with an enormously bright future." - Thunder Bay Times-News
"This first collection of David Munroe's short stories is as welcome as a gust of fresh air in a public washroom - just the thing to rekindle your appetite for solid mainstream fiction." - Vancouver Sun
"Everybody Loves Raymond meets Mordecai Richler" - Dundurn Group, Toronto
“He’s clearly a talented writer” - Andrea S., New York
“the writing was droll and quick-witted, and the casual tone made for an enjoyable read” - Ben G., New York
“He’s a fine writer with a winning sense of humor” – David Y., New York
“He’s a talented writer and I found his voice engaging and authentic” – Amy T., New York
“Munroe is a great writer, and I love the premise of the book” – Erica I., New York
“Comparison to Nick Hornby rings really true for us, and we also felt it resembled the successful Will Ferguson novel, Happiness tm” - Cary D., Toronto
“His humor is sharp and warm, and the kind of humor that has a mass appeal” – Nick O., New York
“David is clearly a writer with a lively and often comic touch for portraying the concerns of the common man, but he also seems to explore the darker side of the everyday in interesting ways” – Iris. T., Toronto
“Munroe is a fine and funny writer ... he has a cleverness with dialog lacking in lesser writers and a quality sense of character and social awareness” - Tom M., New York
"Great book! ...my life's ill-twisted fate had me reading [this] book, while living parallel lives with jim kearns. i was laid off, with no notice, and no explanation given other than my contract had come to an end. ...i really enjoyed all the familiar music" - Laurie F., Lunenburg, NS
“Thank you for creating such an enjoyable read! ...The brooding Jim's contrariness as a wryly cynical character as well as an insightful and sensitive man made him real and sympathetic to me - a man with depth!” – Susan A., Toronto, ON
“It really was a fantastic read.” – Chris N., Australia
"Funny and accessible." - Jane W., Toronto, ON
“I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's sometimes sad and often funny but definitely captivating. Great book and anxiously awaiting David Munroe's next novel.” – Audrey V., Oakville, ON
“I read the book and thoroughly enjoyed it. I have to agree with the [Globe] - it really is a relief to read about a regular guy for a change. It is great to be able to relate to a character in the book -- that doesn't happen often.” – Michelle B., Toronto, ON
“It's a very fine novel. David is mining new territory here.” – Don S., Halifax, NS
“Munroe’s sense of humour had me laughing out loud in many places. I thoroughly enjoyed the book’s depiction of urban Canada and its various citizens. I was sorry when Kearns’ adventures came to an end and eagerly await this talented writer’s next novel. – Lynn B., Burlington, ON
“I loved it - very well done, funny and poignant. Looking forward to the next one!” – Virginia D., Toronto, ON
“I liked your slow, sometimes painful, sometimes humorous working through to the next few months ... So many parts of our lives at so many levels. It was a pleasure to read and I don't say that often. And I had never written a letter like this before. Thank you for a lovely book that has given pleasure and thought in an important, self-assessment time of my own.” – Jane S., Fredericton, NB
“I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book ... It’s a lovely novel.” – Laura S., Annapolis, MD
“Just a short message to let you know how much I enjoyed your novel! I found it delightful. I was amazed at how the really funny bits appeared so unexpectedly! I found myself absorbed in the story and then dissolving in laughter!” – Carline O., Toronto, ON
“thought it was brilliant … Your novel was a real treat, I could see its movie version playing in my head. I look forward to reading more of your work.” - Luke P., NF
“Excellent read” - Leilani V.
