Jibba And Jibba Paperback – November 18, 2011

Dan Donatelli is an artist with words. I found JIBBA AND JIBBA to be a very fun read, the pace is smooth and the content literally had me laughing out loud. The story is read in the first person, as the author narrates a wonderful story about friendship, philosophy, and self reflection. I think I liked JIBBA AND JIBBA so much because the author is truly a "picture painter". Donatelli has a deep reserve of creativity and originality AND when mixed with intelligence and structure he is able to entertain and enlighten, which I appreciate as a reader. I have no reservations in recommending this book to my friends and family. (*Besides my mom and grandma; there is a lot of vivid sexual imagery and play with words that makes Andrew Dice Clay sound like a young school girl) - Chad K. Breeden

Essentially two novelettes in one, Jibba and Jibba tells the story of two young men, both named Jibba, both grappling with their own depressions through humor, drugs and self-destruction. In other words, the only tools most people have, and the ones Hunter S. Thompson preferred. This book is filled with some of the darkest humor and some of the most clever prose I've ever read. Themes of isolation, childhood, sex, religion, suicide and family are explored. Obviously, the humor is dark and not for the faint of heart. In a world where everyone is expected to be happy and positive, or at least try to be, both Jibbas are sad and pissed and have a permanent case of the Mondays. And that's their charm, such that they have any.

This book was unlike anything I had ever read. I spent the whole time wondering where the book was going to take me and enjoying every word along the way. It made me laugh and question all my theories of life, love and death at every turn of the page. The writing is so beautifully conversational that you feel like you are being told a story from a good friend. And you don't want the story to ever end. A story full of yearning. The desire for something better. Something more fulfilling that seems so unattainable. The search for meaning and love in a life full of confusion, disappointment and emptiness. "Jibba and Jibba" will leave you with wonderful questions about life and the need to read the book over and over again to find the hidden answers.

I just finished this author's other book "Bears" and dove right into this one. The storytelling is even more pointed and takes on a unique style that I wouldn't expect from such a young new author.A total page turner to the end. A very sharp story, that gives a look into the sorted ways of american/suburban life in the 21st century written by an author that obviously understands subtly and bizarre humor. The message isn't so overt and the characters are less than perfect. But it's true to life. I hope a bunch of people buy this so mr. Donatelli writes more.

At times dark and twisted, while at others hilarious and heartbreaking, "Jibba and Jibba" is an engaging debut from an author whose voice captures existential despair and human resolve in a way that's refreshing to this reader.