Title: A Million Ways to Die in the West
Author: Seth MacFarlane
First published March 4, 2014
224 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781782113584 (ISBN10: 1782113584)
Rating: 3.45
Overview
“A Million Ways to Die in the West” is a hilarious take on the classic Western genre, with an added modern twist. Join a timid farmer on his journey as he enlists the help of a gunslinger’s wife to win back the love of his life.
With author Seth MacFarlane at the helm as producer, director, and star, this film is sure to be a wild ride. Currently in post-production, “A Million Ways to Die in the West” is set for release on May 30, 2014.
About the Author
Seth MacFarlane is a multi-talented American actor, animator, writer, producer, director, and singer. He is best known as the creator of the popular television show, Family Guy, which has been on the air since 1999.
He is also the co-creator of American Dad! and The Cleveland Show, both of which have been successful.
MacFarlane grew up in Kent, Connecticut, and attended the Rhode Island School of Design where he studied animation, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. After graduation, he was recruited to work in Hollywood by development executive Ellen Cockrill and President Fred Seibert.
He worked as an animator and writer for several television shows, including Johnny Bravo, Cow and Chicken, Dexter’s Laboratory, and I Am Weasel.
In addition to his work in television, MacFarlane has made guest appearances on several shows, including Gilmore Girls and The War at Home. He is also a science fiction and fantasy enthusiast and has made cameo and guest appearances on Star Trek: Enterprise and in Guillermo del Toro’s Hellboy II: The Golden Army.
MacFarlane is also a talented singer and has performed at several venues, including Carnegie Hall and the Royal Albert Hall. He has won several awards for his work on Family Guy, including Primetime Emmy Awards and an Annie Award.
He is a supporter of gay rights and occasionally speaks at universities and colleges throughout the United States.
In 2012, MacFarlane released his first feature-length comedy film, Ted, which starred Mark Wahlberg as an adult whose teddy bear comes to life. MacFarlane voiced and provided motion capture for the bear.
The movie was a huge success and became the highest-grossing original R-rated comedy of all time.
MacFarlane is also a musician and released his debut album, Music Is Better Than Words, in 2011. He began a revival of Hanna-Barbera’s The Flintstones for the Fox network, but production has been indefinitely delayed due to his schedule.
Editoral Review
A Million Ways to Die in the West is a satirical western novel written by Seth MacFarlane, a well-known American writer and comedian. The book was first published on March 4, 2014, and is MacFarlane’s first venture into the literary world.
With its humor and satire, A Million Ways to Die in the West takes readers on a comedic journey through the wild west. The novel is set in 1882 and follows the story of Albert Stark, a sheep farmer in the town of Old Stump, Arizona.
With a lack of courage and a fear of the many ways to die in the west, Albert finds himself in trouble when he challenges a notorious gunman, Foy, for the affections of his girlfriend, Louise. Amidst the chaos that ensues, Albert crosses paths with the beautiful Anna, who enters his life and challenges him to find his courage and face his fears.
MacFarlane’s writing style is witty and engaging, with plenty of humor and sarcasm. The dialogue is well-written and the characters are well-developed, with detailed backstories and motivation.
The setting is also well-described, giving readers a vivid picture of life in the old west. However, despite its humor and engaging characters, A Million Ways to Die in the West suffers from pacing issues.
The plot meanders at times, losing the reader’s attention and making it difficult to stay engaged. Additionally, the book’s use of modern language and cultural references can take readers out of the historical setting of the story.
Despite these flaws, A Million Ways to Die in the West is an entertaining read for fans of the western genre and fans of MacFarlane’s humor. The book explores themes of courage, love, and redemption in a unique and entertaining way.
It should be noted, however, that the book may not be suitable for younger readers due to its adult language and themes. Overall, A Million Ways to Die in the West is a fun and humorous addition to the western genre.
While not perfect, it provides a unique take on the old west and is well worth a read for fans of MacFarlane’s humor or the western genre. The Washington Post gives this book a rating of 3 out of 5 stars.
