A man on vacation with his girlfriend at a remote island resort faces chaos when the sun explodes, leading to a struggle for survival and a battle against class tensions orchestrated by a ruthless leader. As the unlikely hero, he must navigate through humor, social satire, and unexpected twists to determine his path in the face of the end of the world.

Reader Review Summary

What an absolute riot of a book! "Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend" is a wildly entertaining satire that takes no prisoners. From the very first pages when the sun inexplicably explodes while Dan and his girlfriend Mara are on vacation at a luxury island resort, you know you're in for a truly bonkers ride.

Right off the bat, Wassmer's writing shows a deft blend of humor and heart. Dan comes across as an immensely likable sad sack - a self-professed underachiever coasting through life without much ambition. His running interior monologue full of self-deprecating quips had me laughing out loud throughout. Yet there's something innately decent about Dan that makes you root for him to finally find his inner hero. His relationship with the caring but no-nonsense Mara provides some grounded emotional ballast amid the increasingly zany plot machinations.

Speaking of zany, the parade of over-the-top supporting characters Wassmer trots out is a true delight. From the villainous pyramid scheme boss Lilyanna taking control with an iron fist, to the motley assortment of hapless vacationers caught in the crossfire, the entire ensemble pops off the page. Particular highlights for me were the loudmouthed New Jersey guy Lenny and the resourceful older lady Gloria. I could vividly imagine the sorts of quirky actors who might play them in a film adaptation.

While the basic premise — ordinary people stuck in an extraordinary situation as resources dwindle — could easily have devolved into grim territory, Wassmer's deft satirical touch keeps things feeling fizzy and fun even as the stakes ramp up. There are some overt hints of Lord of the Flies-esque societal breakdown as the resort's rigid class divides intensify. But rather than taking potshots, the book seems to be winking at these tropes while keeping its criticisms more toothless.

That's not to say Zero Stars doesn't have a few moments where it bites down harder. The religious fanaticism of Lilyanna and her preacher husband tips into genuinely creepy cult territory at points. And a few passing bits of commentary questioning gender norms or depicting characters being callously racist/homophobic show flashes of more pointed cultural criticism. But by and large, the novel prefers to stay squarely in romp territory.

Which brings me to one of my biggest kudos for the book - the audacious tonal tightrope walk it manages to pull off. From the opening lines, you accept that you're in for an over-the-top, high-concept lark. But then Wassmer effortlessly pivots into more grounded emotional moments between Dan and Mara or ratchets up the dire stakes of their predicament. Just when you think things can't get any more ridiculous, a shocking act of violence reminds you how tenuous their situation is. It's a tricky balance to strike, but Wassmer's dextrous writing constantly keeps you off-kilter in the best way.

All of this builds to a truly bonkers final act that I simply wouldn't dare spoil. Let's just say that the sheer narrative chutzpah on display had me alternately gaping in disbelief and pumping my fist with giddy glee. It's the kind of go-for-broke gambits that could easily have fallen flat, but Wassmer totally sticks the landing in my opinion. I had an absolute blast reading it.

In the end, "Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend" is a book that revels in subverting expectations at every turn while still providing genuine heart and humor. For those looking for a palate cleanser from more ponderous literary fiction - a refreshingly unpretentious romp that's sheer popcorn fun but with some subtle smarts baked in - you'll get your money's worth here. M.J. Wassmer is a new novelist to watch, delivering a crackling debut that had me clamoring to see what he'll cook up next.