Press
Genuine Chit-Chat Episode #140:
Dead cats, anarchy and cynicism are topics merely scratching the surface of what Jesse McKinnell’s works of fiction delve into – Mike had an amazing time speaking with the author from Maine and this conversation is sure to pique your interest of his 2 current books and the ones to come!
Dead Cats was the 2018 NYC Big Book Award winner for comedy. Click here to see the full list.
MOST ON-THE-ROAD STORIES DON’T INVOLVE FATHERS, DENTISTS, OR DEAD GRUNGE ROCK IDOLS—OR AN ATTEMPT TO RETURN TO NORMAL SUBURBAN LIFE—BUT THIS UNUSUAL AND WINNING NOVEL TURNS THE GENRE INSIDE OUT.
The writing here is sharp, knowing, and bitingly funny with dead-on, quick, and funny character studies. Even minor players are well defined.
The author of this unlikely, funny novel is one to watch.
10/10
- The Booklife Prize
Book Reporter
“It is a fever dream of a story...a promising start for Jesse McKinnell, who deserves respect for turning out something truly original for his debut novel.”
“Dead Cats may raise grave issues about wealth, happiness, masculinity and male privilege, but it is also seriously embedded with a stream of dark humor...readers may find themselves hooked. When a story begins not with descent but seemingly at the bottom, where else can it travel but upwards?
Cyberlibrarian
"I have spent several days trying to come to terms with what I want to say in this posting about Dead Cats."
WOCA Radio Interview
Sun Journal
Maine author releases debut novel - Lewiston Sun Journal
Host Cyrus Webb welcomes author Jesse McKinnell to #ConversationsLIVE to discuss his book DEAD CATS AND OTHER REFLECTIONS ON PARENTHOOD and what it's been like to see the support.
Author Jesse McKinnell is interviewed about his experience writing Dead Cats and Other Reflections on Parenthood.
j bronder book reviews
"This is a dark comedy about the things in life that we value more than the things that are truly important... a great read."
Book Pleasures
"McKinnell's novel is quite intelligent and thick with frank observations with a great comedic vein running through it. It is a witty commentary that tackles some serious themes concerning happiness and what it means."
Reviews by Amos Lassen
“‘Dead Cats’ is both very very funny and very horrible at the same time. It is not your usual novel but it is a total experience that I hope many will get to explore.”
Scituate Mariner Interview
Jesse McKinnell is interviewed about his new novel Dad Cats: And Other Reflections on Parenthood and whether or not he really hates cats or dentists.