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Hyperbole Kindle Edition

4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 74 ratings

The most violent comedy since The Bible.

DC gets destroyed.
Harland gets wasted.
America gets the leader it deserves.

This pitch-black satire follows a disillusioned pothead and his friends navigating an American minefield of domestic terrorists, power-grabbing opportunists, and meaningless dead-end jobs. Philosophical, irreverent, and sometimes oddly hopeful, Hyperbole explores what might become of the laymen when America's head gets chopped off.

Fans of transgressive fiction and dark humor should grab this book with both hands and not eat or sleep until it's consumed.

"Hyperbole" is the debut novel by author Ryan Parmenter, who has performed in and around Detroit, Michigan as a comic improviser, a teahouse musician with JRS, and as leader of the defunct progressive band Eyestrings.

A must-read if you are a fan of ...

  • Comedy
  • Mystery
  • Satire
  • Narrators who don't sugar-coat anything
  • Plot Twists

The reviews don't lie. You'll laugh a lot. Get it today!

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Ryan Parmenter began writing in elementary school, to begrudgingly fulfill the required daily journal quotas. A typical conclusion to an entry read: "There, 3/4 of a page. Are you happy?" In high school Ryan began recording music using MIDI sequencing, as well as performing in his high school's annual Pop Concerts. He released his first solo album, "Helvetica" under his initials RCP, at age 17. As he graduated from the University of Michigan with an English degree (which degrees, he likes to joke, can be found on rolls next to the toilet), he began musical jamming with friends, which led to the founding of the progressive band Eyestrings. Eyestrings played Metro Detroit venues and found some fans in the eastern United States, playing the first Rites of Spring festival in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania in 2005, and twice playing Orion Studios in Baltimore, Maryland. Eyestrings released the albums "Burdened Hands" (2004) and "Consumption" (2005). The band broke up and Ryan turned back to prose, completing his first (and yet unpublished) novel "Hole Filler" in 2007. Ryan released the solo albums "The Noble Knave" (2006) and "Sad Men" (2009). He joined the Second City improvisation training program, graduating from the Second City Conservatory program in 2009 along with the woman who would become his wife. Ryan performed as an improviser and wrote and performed in original stage shows, including the bizarre variety show "Shim & D'rothy" (2009, again with his future wife) and the one-man character revue, "Jerks" (2011) at Go Comedy in Ferndale, Michigan. He has played live music as part of the trio JRS since 2010. Ryan also wrote the musical score for the satirical "RoboCop: The Musical," which had two successful runs at Go Comedy. In 2010, Ryan began writing what became "Hyperbole," a novel exploring themes such as terrorism, divorce, suicide, meaningless employment, relationship fidelity, and happiness. He e-published the novel in 2012 along with a 7-song album, "Hyperbole: The Original Novel Soundtrack," based upon song titles mentioned throughout the novel. Ryan then produced and recorded the audiobook version of the novel. In 2013, "Hyperbole" got its first print release under the imprint Rype, along with the audiobook and e-book.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00H1C8SE0
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Rype; 1st edition (November 1, 2012)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 1, 2012
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1022 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 277 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 74 ratings

About the author

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Ryan Parmenter
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Ryan Parmenter published his debut novel, "Hyperbole" as an eBook in 2012. The following year, the author-narrated audiobook and the trade paperback formats were released. A creative jack-of-all-trades, Parmenter created the artwork for the cover of "Hyperbole" and also recorded an album of 7 songs based upon song titles mentioned throughout the book.

Parmenter graduated from the University of Michigan and later graduated from The Second City Conservatory as an improvisational performer along with the woman who would become his wife.

Parmenter lives in Michigan with his wife and a bunch of pets.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
74 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book engaging and well-written. They describe it as a suspenseful read with humor that keeps them laughing. The writing is described as clever, imaginative, and believable. Readers appreciate the rich and colorful characters that are easy to identify with. The story unfolds at a steady pace that allows for character development.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

27 customers mention "Suspenseful writing"23 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the book's suspenseful writing style. They find the plot engaging and the author's storytelling skill to be captivating. The writing is described as raw, daring, thought-provoking, and engrossing.

"...us to a wealth of intriguing characters that are both instantly endearing and eerily recognizable as real people...." Read more

"...It doesn’t feel pretentious, it isn’t heavy handed, it’s real, raw, and definitely like Irvine Welsh’s books, only a bit more simple, if that can be..." Read more

"...I was enthralled with the author's skill and approach at describing things and the insight that shows the workings of a brilliant and observant..." Read more

"...This is a lush, refreshing and lively read that uses strong dialogue, memorable characters and a thoughtful yet funny plot to make an impression...." Read more

26 customers mention "Readability"26 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and enjoyable to read. They describe it as a fun, lively read with strong dialogue. Many readers consider it an excellent first novel from an author they look forward to hearing more from. The book is described as real, raw, and like Irvine Welsh's books, though simpler.

"...Whether you like it or not, it’s an important book and it’s worth reading, even if it’s only to see, to feel what many people in this country are..." Read more

"...it isn’t heavy handed, it’s real, raw, and definitely like Irvine Welsh’s books, only a bit more simple, if that can be a term used here...." Read more

"...It was a fun read, it just wasn't an incredibly memorable work." Read more

"Great book. Awesome writing unlike any I've read before, but other reviewers have compared Parmenter to whatshisname who wrote Fight Club...." Read more

24 customers mention "Humor"24 positive0 negative

Customers find the humor in the book masterfully crafted and engaging. They appreciate the insightful satire, dark comedic disasters, and off-the-wall characters. The book is described as witty, bizarre, and absurd, with an accurate portrayal of the author's sense of humor.

"...does not do it justice, it does paint a very accurate picture of the author’s satirical and incredibly witty sense of humor, which prevails..." Read more

"...I found it to be hilarious at times, and not just because of absurd jokes or anything like that, you get realism that is just interesting...." Read more

"...Read this book if the idea of something dark, sarcastic, cynical and uniquely funny appeals to you. Highly recommended!..." Read more

"...reading this dark comedy and its inner commentary on life, politics, mayhem, career prospects for the "disillusioned" subset and so much more." Read more

19 customers mention "Intelligence"19 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's intelligent writing and insightful commentary. They find the world believable and imaginative, with memorable characters and a thought-provoking plot. The book is described as captivating, creative, and professional.

"...There are countless passages that are so well-written, so brutally clever, that there were times in which I was jealous, actually envious that he..." Read more

"...Chuck Palahniuk novels, Ryan Parmenter establishes his bleak and believable world of the not-too-distant future within the first few lines...." Read more

"...You’ll find it funny, and enjoyable. It is honest, that’s about as good as I can describe it to you without getting too much into the plot and twists..." Read more

"...things and the insight that shows the workings of a brilliant and observant mind...." Read more

13 customers mention "Character development"13 positive0 negative

Customers find the characters engaging and recognizable as real people. They appreciate the distinct voices, personalities, and quirks of each character.

"...the angst-ridden narrator, introduces us to a wealth of intriguing characters that are both instantly endearing and eerily recognizable as real..." Read more

"...a lush, refreshing and lively read that uses strong dialogue, memorable characters and a thoughtful yet funny plot to make an impression...." Read more

"...We follow Harland --- a very real character... not necessary a hero and not necessarily the most likable guy... a guy much like people you know ---..." Read more

"...Despite loving the characters, I wished for deeper character development...." Read more

6 customers mention "Pace"6 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's pacing. They say the story unfolds smoothly, like an accordion opening slowly.

"...It’s part comedy, part mystery, part regular life, and really flows well...." Read more

"...This story unfolds like a slowly opening accordion, seeping out a steady stream of fascinating and compelling notes...." Read more

"...The dark comedy novel has a smooth and flowing tone that never ceases in keeping you engaged, laughing your booty off as the characters navigate..." Read more

"...The story evolved and unfolded at optimum velocity. It was smooth because never once have I questioned the veracity or logic of something...." Read more

4 customers mention "Ease of reference"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to understand and relatable. They describe it as straightforward, funny, and quick.

"...realism and you may start to get the book that is set up in a very straight forward, and funny way...." Read more

"...being unique to each other, are hilarious and most of the times easy to relate to...." Read more

"The characters are very colorful and easy to associate with. The more you read the more you feel like you know and can relate to them...." Read more

"...It's smart, it's quick, it's disgusting and touching...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2014
    Some time ago, I decided it might be fun to start doing reviews of contemporary authors’ work. This is actually kind of a stretch for me because 1) I acquire most of my books used for $2/bag at my local library’s twice-annual sale and 2) It’s rare for me to read a book that’s less than ten or twenty years old. However, I see so many free e-book promotions on Twitter nowadays that it seems a shame not to read some more modern works, and in addition, I thought it would be the best way to get a handle on what’s happening in the indie author community.

    The only problem is, most of the books I’ve acquired so far – how can I say this politely – stink. It turns out that there are, in fact, some solid reasons why indie authors don’t get the respect that traditionally published ones do, and it’s precisely because so much of the work that’s being released is so poorly done. It’s not just bad writing; I’ve begun books that were so rife with grammatical and spelling errors that they made me want to contact the authors and beg them to let me edit their work just so no one else on the planet would ever have to be exposed to such abominable English. Oftentimes you can see the beginnings of a good story, but the mechanics simply aren’t there to support it. And to me, I don’t care how great the plot is - if it’s torture for me to try to muddle my way through the bad language, I’m not going to force myself to keep reading. And it makes me very sad just how many of these books I’ve had to stop reading.

    Hyperbole by Ryan Parmenter is the exception. An exception, and a truly exceptional work. Here is a book that is so professional, on every level, that it is virtually indistinguishable from a traditionally published book. Indeed, any publisher should have been honored to print it.

    I don’t know why Parmenter chose to go the indie route instead. Perhaps he suffered the usual indignities heaped upon debut authors seeking publication, or perhaps, like me, he simply tired of all the waiting. What I do know is that Hyperbole has moved on to the second round for Amazon’s Breakthrough Novel Award. And having read the book, I can tell you that this doesn’t surprise me in the least.

    Parmenter has dubbed his novel “the most violent comedy since The Bible.” While this description does not do it justice, it does paint a very accurate picture of the author’s satirical and incredibly witty sense of humor, which prevails throughout the book. There are countless passages that are so well-written, so brutally clever, that there were times in which I was jealous, actually envious that he wrote them and I didn’t. And that is perhaps the greatest compliment one author can pay to another.

    Don’t get me wrong. Although there are moments that will make you laugh out loud, the book has its dark side, too, and a very dark one it is. Hyperbole takes place in the aftermath of the tragedy of “7/11,” in which Washington D.C. was obliterated, leaving a tremendous vacuum not just in the government, but in the lives of everyday Americans. The results of this catastrophe? A group of characters who might best be described as “slackers,” youngish people who lack drive or purpose and spend a great deal of time getting high. Indeed, whether it was intentional or not, there’s a definite Generation X/Y sensibility about the book. It reminded me quite forcibly of my own youth, in which many of us never bothered to make long-term plans because we figured that with the Cold War and all, the world was going to end before we grew up anyway. Imagine our surprise when the Soviet Union broke up and we suddenly had to find something to do for the next several decades, and you’ll understand how lost the characters in the novel feel in their own meaningless lives.

    Yet they do find meaning. In strange, circuitous, unexpected ways, Harland and his friends somehow manage to do something, to contribute something to their vastly altered universe. And although they ultimately fail to accomplish their intended goal, such as it is, in the end what matters is that they make the effort. They find a reason to be, to continue to be. And that, it turns out, is enough.
    Some readers might not enjoy Hyperbole. They may not appreciate the often dark sense of humor, or they may be offended by the rampant pot smoking, or they may not even care for the somewhat roundabout path by which the plot and the fate of the characters unfolds. But those readers will be the exception. And even to them I say, give it a try. Whether you like it or not, it’s an important book and it’s worth reading, even if it’s only to see, to feel what many people in this country are feeling. To understand the apathy and hopelessness of our generation, to comprehend how we, too, are struggling to find meaning. And most importantly, to recognize, as Hyperbole does, that the choice of who we want to be, of how we want to live, is ultimately ours. We merely must choose to make it.

    It’s not a book for everyone. But everyone should read it.

    -- Lori Schafer
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2013
    With a style reminiscent of the best Chuck Palahniuk novels, Ryan Parmenter establishes his bleak and believable world of the not-too-distant future within the first few lines. Harland, the angst-ridden narrator, introduces us to a wealth of intriguing characters that are both instantly endearing and eerily recognizable as real people. The several WTF things taking place in Harland's life had me at the end of every chapter wanting to immediately dive into the next. Parmenter plays the payoff on each of them like a winning hand of poker. I look forward to whatever he's cooking up next!
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2014
    This dark comedy hits you hard and fast. Imagine “Half Baked” mixed with “The Jerky Boys” movie with a little more realism and you may start to get the book that is set up in a very straight forward, and funny way. It’s part comedy, part mystery, part regular life, and really flows well. I found it to be hilarious at times, and not just because of absurd jokes or anything like that, you get realism that is just interesting.

    If you read “John Dies At The End”, you get a sense for how Ryan Parmenter creates flowing narrative with outlandish humor that just makes sense at times, and at others just pummels the senses. It’s almost as though my friends were captured in our college years and we wrote a novel. It doesn’t feel pretentious, it isn’t heavy handed, it’s real, raw, and definitely like Irvine Welsh’s books, only a bit more simple, if that can be a term used here.

    I loved the book, it’s raw, it’s telling, it’s daring. You’ll find it funny, and enjoyable. It is honest, that’s about as good as I can describe it to you without getting too much into the plot and twists. It’s just enjoyable, raw, adult fun. I wouldn’t be surprised if this one gets optioned for a movie.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2014
    Reminded me of Pahlaniuk's works, but not quite as good or imaginative. The romance aspect of the plot felt trite and done-to-death, but maybe I am just cynical. It was a fun read, it just wasn't an incredibly memorable work.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2014
    Great book. Awesome writing unlike any I've read before, but other reviewers have compared Parmenter to whatshisname who wrote Fight Club. So maybe there is other writing out there like this - I just haven't seen it yet.

    This story unfolds like a slowly opening accordion, seeping out a steady stream of fascinating and compelling notes. Unfortunately, I felt that the ending was like the accordion being slammed shut, with a mild re-opening.

    But the journey to reach the ending... fantastic. I was enthralled with the author's skill and approach at describing things and the insight that shows the workings of a brilliant and observant mind.

    Somewhere I read that the book was about Harland and his friends going on an adventurous quest or something along those lines and I wish I hadn't read that because the whole time I was reading, I kept waiting for this journey to begin. (Not that I wanted it to. I was reading the book despite it allegedly being that type of story.) I wish I knew where I read that because it's completely false.

    The characters do take a trip near the end of the book, but the story is not about that trip or based on it. It's more of the climactic event.

    Read this book if the idea of something dark, sarcastic, cynical and uniquely funny appeals to you.

    Highly recommended!

    I can't wait to see what comes next.

Top reviews from other countries

  • hawk5284
    2.0 out of 5 stars booooorrrrrrring
    Reviewed in Canada on July 1, 2014
    this is one of the most boring books I have read in ages....I got halfway through it and then archived it.....if there is a plot I couldn't find it....I would recommend it to anyone who has trouble sleeping hence the two stars and not one
  • glp
    3.0 out of 5 stars A lot of potential but...
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 10, 2014
    I'm sad that overall I didn't find it as engaging as the other reviewers. I started out feeling Harland's voice was going to be interesting if not unique but gradually he irritated me more than amused me and eventually I preferred it when he was with others diluting his self obsessions. To be a successful comedy the plot needs to click along like clockwork but there were times when we appeared to be getting nowhere. Of course there were plenty of places where I smiled and laughed - I'm game for gross out and his Christmas eve disaster in the jewellery store worked in that way. And the scene when Nestor nearly dies was great. So it pulled me to the end. It had potential for sure but not a finished article for me

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