Hot Air Book Review: A Novel by Marcy Dermansky
If you’re look for a book that’s so absurd it’s good, then look no further. You’re going to want to check this one out. With a unique cast of characters and a character driven plot, the audiobook had me amused for house while I was driving to my brother’s house last weekend. So keep reading for my full Hot Air book review. It’s a funny story with messy characters.
I didn’t really see any of it coming, and I’m sure you won’t either!
What is Hot Air by Marcy Dermansky About?
A joyfully unhinged story of money, marriage, sex, and revenge unspools when a billionaire crashes his hot-air balloon into the middle of a post-pandemic first date.
Joannie hadn’t been on a date in seven years when Johnny invites Joannie and her daughter to dinner. His house is beautiful, his son is sweet, and their first kiss is, well, it’s not the best, but Joannie could convince herself it was nice enough. But when Joannie’s childhood crush, a summer-camp fling turned famous billionaire, crash-lands his hot-air balloon in Johnny’s swimming pool, Joannie dives in.
Soon she finds herself alighting on a lost weekend with Johnny the bad kisser, Jonathan the billionaire, and Julia, his smart, stunning wife. Does Joannie want Jonathan? Does Julia want her husband? Or Joannie? Or Joannie’s beautiful little girl? Does Johnny want Julia? Does Jonathan want Joannie, or Julia, or maybe, his much younger personal assistant, Vivian, who is tasked to fix it all? A tale of lust and money and lust for money, Hot Air is as astonishing as it is blisteringly funny, a delirious, delicious story for our billionaire era. (from Amazon.com)
My Initial Thoughts
I listened to the audiobook while I was driving to my brother’s house a couple of weeks ago. I don’t normally drive long distances so the two hours drive seemed daunting. But as soon as I got into the story I was delighted to have something so fun to listen to. The story is told from the different points of view of all the characters and it’s so absurdly fun. By the time I got to my brother and sister in law’s house, I didn’t want to get out of my car. I just wanted to listen to my audiobook! Lol.
It really has everything. Unique main characters. Crazy rich people. And last but not least, bad decisions that are made by everyone.
And you know what? At first I thought it was kind of weird how entranced Joannie was by Johnny’s pool. But after a while I was like, I get it. Swimming and being in water is Joannie’s way of relaxing. Get this lady a backyard pool!
Such a Funny Introduction
This story begins with a couple on a lovely backyard date. Johnny is doing his best to make a good impression on Joannie, his date for the evening. It’s a first date, in fact. The two of them are out on the patio while their kids (both of them are single parents) hang out in the basement. But suddenly, a hot air balloon starts getting lower and lower. It crash lands in Johnny’s swimming pool and it’s a whole debacle to make sure that everyone is safe and dry.
What a beginning of a book. Haha. I feel like it deserves a slow clap or something? It caughy my attention and it was a seamless transition into the fast-paced story about characters who just aren’t quite sure what they are doing with their lives.
The hot air balloon crash might seem like the biggest issue in this story. But it’s not. The main issue is the uncertainty and confusion of the four main characters about their lives. This story is the definition of a fun time.
The Characters
The main characters in this story are four people who come from very different backgrounds and make very questionable decisions. Lol. But when thrown together, they form an unlikely friendship with each other.
- There’s Joannie. A single mother who is on a first date with Johnny. She has an 8-year-old daughter who she insists on coming with her, so she hangs out in the basement with Johnny’s son.
- Then there’s fellow single parent Johnny. A seemingly good guy. But Joannie’s first kiss with him is not so good. His actions after the balloon crash are also a bit questionable.
- Jonathan is part of the hot air balloon crash. He planned a special anniversary outing with his wife which ended badly. So very badly.
- And finally there’s Julia! She’s a big of a conundrum to be honest. A part of her character is that she always wished to be a mother but was unable to conceive because of her husband. She takes a liking to Joannie’s daughter a tries to form a relationship with her. She even offers to take her to Universal Studios. It’s all very weird.
This Book is Not Going To Be for Everyone
I really don’t think this book will be for everyone. And that’s okay. This is a piece of literary fiction that is purely based on the characters. The plot really takes a second place to the character. It dives into each character and explores what they are looking for in life. Joannie is a single mom. She’s on a date, so she might be trying to expand her social circle.
Take Johnny. He’s also on a date but seems to have different motives. His ex wive lives directly across from him. And while that’s helpful for coparenting, it also makes it weird for dates? Especially a first date of sorts, which is he currently having with Joannie.
Jonathan is connected Joannie because they first met when they were kids. In fact, he was her first kiss when the two attended summer camp together. So when the balloon crashes, he is the last person that she expected to see.
And add in Julia. She’s just a little bit distraught about her marriage. So this story is like a fun ride that goes weirdly wrong for her. And I’m okay with that. This book’s plot is a wild ride for everyone involved.
I’m Not Familiar with this Author’s Work
Marcy Dermansky’s Hot Air is a perfect blend of subtle comedy and evocative storytelling. The plot was really out there, and yet it really dove into the complications of what it’s like to behuman.
I definitely want to chek out more of this author’s work because I like her direct style. I’m adding Hurricane Girl and Bar Marie to my TBR list on goodreads.
In Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed my Hot Air book review. The edgy comedy in this story really made me laugh and Iloved how delightfully weird the characters and their interactions were. It’s fun how we got to see each of their perspectives and got to know what they were searching for in their lives. It’s made for an interesting read that kept me entertained for days, because I couldn’t stop thinking about it after I was done.
