Notes on Richard's Review of "The Troop" by Nick Cutter

Introduction

• Review hosted by Richard on Richard's personal page.
• Book reviewed: The Troop by Nick Cutter, a national best-selling author.
• Richard's assertion: Nick Cutter does not deserve the title of "best-selling author".

Richard's Conclusion

• Overall rating: 2 thumbs hard down.
• Richard found the book to be a waste of time.
• Completed reading the book in 2014, noted for his speed as a proficient reader.

Personal Experience

• Richard engaged in outdoor activities (camping, hiking) in Upstate New York while contemplating the book.
• He created a detailed 66-page review of the book on his blog in the same year.

Book Synopsis & Themes

• Book centers around climax issues with themes of unfathomable crops and a narrative similar to works of Stephen King and Lord of the Flies.
• Richard criticizes the book for being derivative, lacking originality.

Richard's Critique of Nick Cutter

• Beliefs on artistic contribution:
  • Nick Cutter fails to bring new ideas.
  • Richard suggests MacTutter's writing resembles poor adaptations of classic stories.
• After five years, Richard plans to sell or give away the book due to disappointment.

Book Design and Condition

• Book cover design:
  • Described as shady and resembling a cheap B-movie or Bollywood film.
  • Richard views the design negatively, contributing to his poor evaluation of the work.
• Book's physical condition deemed to be very good, apart from the design.

Praise for Other Authors

• Richard has positive reviews for other authors like Charles Bukowski, noting that Nick Cutter’s work doesn’t compare.

Pricing Assessment

• Book priced at $16 USD / $22 CAD, which Richard considers acceptable.
• If priced higher, Richard would find it unjustifiable.

Final Thoughts

• Richard emphasizes that he found nothing of value in The Troop.
• Cautions listeners against purchasing the book as it is not worth the time.

Conclusion

• Final assessment: The Troop by Nick Cutter is possibly one of Richard's worst reads.
• Richard encourages viewers to avoid wasting their time with this book.