This is one of my favorites. When I was looking for my next book that would end up as this one, I had never heard of it before, then found a website that recommended the funniest books with this on it. Then I read of the tragic backstory of Toole, and as much as I hate to say it, it dimmed my interest a little bit. I expected a difficult to read, struggling genius with a "hmm indeed this quite humorous" kind of humor. Instead, I got the book and was pleasantly surprise that it was a raucously funny tromp. I could not put it down, loved all the character, it as perfect. Now I view the tragic story of Toole in a different way, and I feel like more people should know the perfection that is this book.