I laughed... some of it the kind of nervous laughter like that part in swingers where Mikey kept calling his ex-girlfriend and leaving messages. You just want to grab Malcomb and tell him to stop. I can totally picture the theater, 2-flat apartment and characters in this story. Really enjoyable. Thanks!

Monti has done amazing work with this book. I am anxiously awaiting more! Everyone, young and old should read this book...it is excellent!

I read the manuscript of "The Sweep of the Second Hand" about ten years ago, when I was just out of grad school and working in a literary agency. I LOVED IT; the agent did not. Though I lobbied hard, she was not about to expend the effort based on my opinion. So, this is one of those books where, when people say "did you ever pass up on a great book that went on to get published to great acclaim, etc?", I can finally say YES.

The story is hilarious. Though it was years ago, I still remember it clearly: Malcolm's neuroses; the bees in the wall; the band called the Circadian Rhythm Section; Malcolm's movie theater, where he only showed depressing Bergman films to keep people away; the girl at the concession stand... Laugh-out-loud funny and so well written.

I give this 4 out of 5 stars because, after editing, it is not the exact same version that I read.

Mr. Monti, if you read this, congratulations on finally getting your wonderful book published!!

This book is a pretty good read. The story moves quite quickly, and I share the character's disdain for bees. The main problem I had with the book is that it feels like the author is trying too hard to reach for the next level of prose. It read quite natural, but sometimes, you just find yourself in a passage feeling that the words just do not fit. All in all, an enjoyable read.

Watch out if you go on vacation with this book. I took Monti's book along with me on a trip. I ended up laughing out loud on the plane - more than once. And I don't usually burst into laughter while traveling alone. Every time I picked up the book I was glad I did, because Malcolm always ended up in an amazingly awkward situation. Sweep of the Second Hand is very refreshing and clever because the author described Malcolm's life in such a real way. I can't wait for Monti's next work. Who knows what he will think up next!