Couldn't disagree more with Aaron from Chicago. I found this book to be a knock your socks off stunner. This book exposes a side of "maleness" that most men wouldn't dare show. Think of a man who is desperate to be in love, cannot function without a relationship and is in a constant state of anxiety. Sounds like the stereotype that is put forth about women, right? That is what makes this such a one of a kind read--you see feelings expressed by a man that most men would deny they even have--and certainly wouldn't show if they did.
I found Lasner's descriptions of his emotions and vulnerabilities deeply affeting. And yes, I loved the references to Joyce that are snuck into the book.

I think that the problem some people have with this book is that it is offensive, and thus they criticize it in order to deal with their own feelings of being offended. Yes, the book does have a hard edge, and the "confessional" tone does make for many uncomfortable moments for both writer and reader. But overall, I think that this novel is an all too rare example in today's publishing marketplace of a book with a heart, albeit a broken one.