Just a Couple of Days

"An amazing book about everything. You can tell the author had a great deal of fun." --Ana Matronic of The Scissor Sisters plugs Just a Couple of Days in an interview about her favorite things in Marie Claire. Click the attachment below to read the full interview.

What exists beyond language, beyond illusion? This is the thematic quest of Just a Couple of Days. The original cover art from the Bast Books edition represents this effort to discover what is meant by the ineffable.

The symbol floating in the center of the mandala is called the Cosmic Egg. All Arabic numerals and alphabetical letters are contained within its ellipse, demonstrating that everything that can be numbered or named is contained within one form at the beginning. Originating as a piece of mystical iconography, it represents the Logos, the realm of all experience and knowledge.

Thanks to Anna for sending us a picture of her beautiful tattoo!

The graffiti that inspired the title of Just a Couple of Days first appeared on both sides of an overpass just outside of Athens, Ohio on U.S. Route 33. It remained there untouched for almost two years, and meant something different every time someone saw it. As far as anyone can tell, Just a Couple of Days means whatever you want it to mean. It is a reflection of your current consciousness, and its message depends entirely on your mood, your state of mind, and your recent thoughts.

But of course, there is more to the phrase than this. Just a Couple of Days refers to nothing, it is true, but it has nevertheless inspired at least one tale of unfathomable merriment in which the author attempts to answer that most vexing of all questions, “Just a Couple of Days till what?” Tony is forever indebted to the anonymous ninja vandal who inspired the title of his story.

Thanks to Modest Muse and friends for taking the time to carve Just a Couple of Days in stone.

The following is reprinted from The Post, Ohio University's student newspaper.

“Just a Couple of Days is a most intriguing book; well-written and daring. It's the kind of ground-breaking work we look for in these awards.” --Independent Publisher

“Just a Couple of Days is a lyrical, thoughtful, viral meme of a book. Read it!” --Christopher Moore, bestselling author of Lamb and A Dirty Job

“Tony Vigorito's inventive debut novel [is] a madcap adventure of a sinister government plot and an apocalyptic vision worthy of Kurt Vonnegut... Vigorito's research is impressive, and the narrative pops with linguistic acrobatics reminiscent of Tom Robbins... Vigorito engages in consistently dazzling wordplay, and readers will eagerly follow the narrative as it moves beyond the conventional boundaries of storytelling ” --Kirkus Reviews.

“Vigorito's...irreverent, whimsical style...has attracted a cult following... The final apocalyptic vision is a twist not seen since Kurt Vonnegut's Cat's Cradle. ” --Library Journal.

“This is the kind of literary enjoyment so many people say you shouldn't have, and then worry about when you start to draw larger conclusions from. Tough luck for them. This is fun and meaningful. I'd go so far as to say that this novel is 'folk heroic' and should be read by anyone who still values their capacity to think for themselves--and the ability to appreciate books that aren't neatly laid out for them by the New York mill. Real writing speaks for itself--and to us. This does.” --Kris Saknussemm, author of Zanesville

“Tony Vigorito's brilliant novel is a Dr. Strangelove for the biotech century, a witty and wise end-of-the-world romp that manages to be optimistic--even joyous--yet cynically dystopian at the same time. Just a Couple of Days is savvy, wickedly funny, and profoundly disturbing. An absorbing, thought-provoking read. .” --Richard Heinberg, author of The Party's Over and Powerdown

"Zombies and vampires and evil viruses, and nary a divine awakening in sight..." --Mark Morford plugs Just a Couple of Days in his column in The San Francisco Gate.

The inaugural episode of Ink & Quill discusses Just a Couple of Days. Download the full podcast here.

“Like a technologically-savvy modern-day Rabelais, Vigorito gives humanity a swift, playful, and long overdue slap on the ass... Just a Couple of Days is so damn good it's one of the books that made me want to be a writer.” --Chris Genoa, author of Foop!

“I was well entertained along the way... the writing is smooth and funny, and there is enough in the mix to get your mind pondering...” --Listen and Be Heard Weekly.

“One is immediately impressed with the book... Vigorito laces his writing with a satirical touch, adding levity to the heady subject matter.” --Columbus Alive

“Just a Couple of Days is unpredictably adventurous and singularly ambitious novel. Especially recommended reading for anyone with a literary interest in the surreal and metaphysical.” --Wisconsin Bookwatch

“[A] humorous apocalyptic novel... reminiscent of Tom Robbins... Vigorito has a similar facility in putting together colorful and creative metaphors... Just a Couple of Days provokes thought and laughter and shows that freedom is, indeed, a bigger game than power.” --Zenzibar.

“If you enjoy quirky characters, twists you didn't see coming, a story you will think about long after you've closed the book and find you can't wait for the author's next novel, this one is for you... Vigorito has an imagination you'll want to examine.” --Armchair Interviews.

“Vigorito's narrative style is a fun, lyrical experience, and the short chapters move the reader quickly.” --The Montgomery Advertiser.

“Enjoy the language! It is sheer beauty... Read every line! Grab a dictionary if you must... The read is worth every moment.” --Fangirl Magazine.

“Though Just a Couple of Days starts out as a lighthearted political satire, somewhat reminiscent of the works of Terry Pratchett or Douglas Adams, it doesn't remain so... [F]ascinating in terms of both philosophy and style... Vigorito breaks storytelling conventions as he gently introduces his philosophies, and something along the way is bound to grab everyone's attention.” --Curled Up with a Good Book.

“Read it. Love it... The prose flows forth in a beautiful symphony of description and narrative, and there is a lot of irony contained in this story. Overall a great read...” --Almost Every Word.

“A linguistic river of enjoyment... this book could have been about anything, and I would have been filled with the same elation just for the opportunity to have read it.” --Gaia Community.

[M]ade my brain orgasm... utterly geeking out on the fabulosity of the verbiage and the kickass WIN of the plot... --Daisybones.

“Vigorito displays a fiendish cleverness, a love for preposterous situations, and a definite profound streak...I don't think it's a great book, but it was a marvelous book...” --Beernink.

“And Tony Vigorito... I have no clue, he might be dead. I can find no info on anything about him, and I really, really loved his book...” --from a great essay on modern literature on The Weblog.

“Philosophical, hilarious, eye-opening, mesmerizing, vastly intelligent, scary, and intriguing... The power of language, philosophy, God, human stupidity, government conspiracy, and Zen freedom has never been so intimately interlaced with such amusement... I think it's sheer unadulterated genius.” --Sheltered Sanity.

“(Just a Couple of Days) is about the wonder and stupidity of humanity. It is about living life completely and careening out of control. It is a Zen lesson...” --Nerdle.

“This book majorly changed my life and the way I look at the world. It is my favorite book ever...mind-blowing...” --UF User Diary.

“There's plenty to think about - but, one gets the impression, not too seriously - and the main plotline is clever. Good fun...” --Redbrick!

“This witty book is a combination of hip philosophy, science fiction, and wordplay that keeps your gray matter busy.” --Hippy.com.