The Russian Debutante’s Handbook by Gary Shteyngart is probably the most entertaining book I’ve read so far this year. I read his Super Sad True Love Story a couple years ago and enjoyed it, but Handbook (his first novel, from 2002) was even better.

RATING — 5 out of 5

PROS
♦ I legit laughed out loud several times
♦ loved the peek inside a bizarre and unusual character’s head
♦ some of the phrases were so good I had to stop and take a picture of the page
♦ didn’t want it to end!

CONS
♦ none, get out of here

COVER ART RATING — 1 out of 5

I mean, WTF? The graphic style is obviously dated, but on top of that, did the designer/art director/publisher even read the book before green-lighting this design? Is it supposed to be ironic?

Would I recommend? Yes! I think I’d have a hard time finding someone who wouldn’t enjoy this book.