I came across Ryan Potter via the Asymmetrical Community and when I clicked through to his book on Amazon I thought, why not?

The Cleaner introduces us to Spinks Webb who is approaching his mid-thirties, still living at home, and too scared to venture outside the town in which he grew up.  Spinks runs a thrift store with his best friend Danny who is fascinated by competitive eating.  It turns out that Spinks has quite a knack for gorging and soon makes a name for himself in his home town.  Danny encourages him to enter the famous July 4th Hot Dog eating contest, but that would require Spinks to travel all the way to New York.

To be honest, it seemed a slightly ridiculous premise but it was an entirely enjoyable tale.  It’s weird, it’s funny, it’s touching.  The book is populated with well-crafted characters, each unique and complete – no bit parts here!  While you might not identify with a competitive eater, the depth of characters and situations depicted in The Cleaner means there is something here for everyone.  And even though it gets a little serious at times, it truly is a feel-good read.