GRQ is a sharp, satirical novel that follows a morally slippery narrator who peddles dreams of fast money through dubious crypto schemes and financial manipulations. The story centers around Marlon, a hapless husband and father with a penchant for bad decisions, who spirals deeper into chaos as his lies unravel and his life crumbles. Through absurd vignettes and dark humor, Bernstein delivers a biting critique of capitalism, self-delusion, and the fragile façade of success.

Reading this book was like listening to a charming con man talk circles around the truth while you laugh and cringe in equal measure. The narrator’s voice is hypnotic. It’s funny, fast-talking, and flawed. Bernstein’s writing feels conversational and unfiltered, filled with tangents, wild lists, and jabs at everything from labradoodles to General Tso’s chicken. It’s brilliantly messy. The narrative never tries to be neat or linear. That looseness works in its favor. It mirrors the chaos of the characters’ lives and thoughts, making the humor land harder and the emotions hit sharper when they sneak in.

What I really liked was the sadness beneath the jokes. The book feels like it’s laughing through tears. Behind all the posturing and bluster, there’s a real ache about failure, about loneliness, about the longing to be seen and believed. Bernstein doesn’t offer tidy redemption arcs. Nobody learns their lesson. And that’s part of the power. It’s raw. It’s painful. It’s hilarious. It’s frustrating. And most of all, it feels true. That tension between comedy and despair gives the book its edge. It sneaks up on you, and when it does, it cuts deep.

If you enjoy books that take risks, characters who spiral gloriously, and writing that dances between clever and chaotic, this one’s for you. I’d recommend it to fans of dark comedy or people who loved Catch-22 or The Sellout.

Pages: 142 | ASIN: B0F4ZNWPCW