Reviews (25)

Not So Much
I had been looking foward to reading this book for quite a while. From the great reviews I've read here and Laurie Notaro's thumbs up (Inside the book), I thought I had picked a winner. Like another reviewer stated, I may have cracked a few smiles but it just was not that funny to me...and I am southern! Bless her heart.

On the Mark
S. Murphy was wrong to give this book only one star!The South does have niches of different culture - if you'll notice, this book also portrays many facets of living in the South!Many of which are RIGHT ON THE MONEY!
Extremely Disappointing
I feel compelled to get in touch right now to let you know that if you have not obtained a copy of We're Just Like You, Only Prettier, I recommend that you do not go to the trouble.This book does not begin to live up to the positive reviews that were listed on Amazon.Having read the book, I am puzzled as to what the title refers.In my opinion, the blather of this book has nothing really to do with being "southern" except for every 10 chapters or so making an oblique reference to "southern".It seems to be rather just a collection of the ramblings of a sort of lazy, not-nearly-on the ball, "rednecky `wannabe' and proud" type person.There's nothing wrong with that, but I am disappointed that this book is/was marketed to be representative of southern culture and literature.I'm no expert on "being Southern".In my opinion, there are no experts on this because each area and region of the south has different characteristics.For what it's worth, I grew up in South Carolina and North Carolina. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American wit and humor    2. Anecdotes    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Form - Essays    6. Humor    7. Personal Memoirs    8. Rivenbark, Celia    9. Social life and customs    10. Southern States    11. Women    12. Women's Studies - General    13. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (5)

Funny collection of acts made by stupid Americans!
There's a statistic that says that one out of every three people out there in the nation is stupid. Consequently, if you look to the left and then look to the right . . . and if either person isn't stupid . . . then you must be the one who is.
American Outrageousness
Brother and sister act Kathryn and Ross Petras have made a name for themselves in the publishing business by writing books about the silly, the outrageous, and the incredibly stupid members of society. This book follows that trend with chapters on stupidity as it relates to government, law, business, education, entertainment, taxes, and other subjects. Absolutely LOVED this
This is really funny!I really don't know what to say except that I laughed a lot.This is a VERY funny book!(I wish I could be more eloquent, but clearly I am not cut out to be writing reviews! I am trying to think of smart things to say, but I can't. Maybe I should be in this book!. LOL!) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American - General    2. American Satire And Humor    3. Anecdotes    4. General    5. Humor    6. Stupidity    7. Topic - Political    8. United States    9. Humor / General   

Reviews (4)

One of the best joke books
Unlike some of the joke books that only have a few hits among a lot of misses, this book has many, many very funny jokes!
This is a good joke book
This joke book has really good jokes.It's one of the better ones I've seen.

The Unsuitable Joke Book
I thought the book would have more material that I could use with preteens. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American wit and humor    2. Form - Jokes & Riddles    3. Humor    4. Jokes    5. Wit and humor    6. Humor / Jokes & Riddles    7. Jokes & riddles   

Editorial Review

Reviews (100)

The author needs to follow what she says...
The authos like someone has said earlier is a good observe of human behavior and practices. Each time she re-enforces the idea that people are extremely impolite about things... I just wonder if she herself does follow it. There is no notion of not ranting about one thing over and over again. This is "effing" joke for the intellectual mind. To summarize the author actually is very good with english, in that she creates an entire book out a material that is worth about a page and a half at its very best.
Talk to the Hand and Look into the Mirror
Lynn Truss has written another witty book that will stick well beyond the initial read. "Talk to the Hand" is a good whack to the head. In "Talk," Truss defines and analyzessix areas in which our dealings with strangers seem to be getting more unpleasant and inhuman.
Are people really that bad?
I started the book and laughed at the beginning. Then she became to me somewhat egocentric. Now, this is a Brit writing this and I'm sure they are different than us. First, service people tend to be nicer here in America and don't behave as boorish. If for no other reason if enough people complain to the management, they would be fired. I know once I complained about a service person at the supermarket they were fired on the spot (not my intention but apparently she was a repeat offender). And I've never had a stranger tell me to "EFF OFF"...yet. And never had a small child swear at me.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Courtesy    2. Etiquette    3. Form - Essays    4. Humor    5. Interpersonal Communication    6. Reference    7. Humor / Essays   

Reviews (9)

Feldman does it again!
As a kid, asking inumerable "stupid" questions was sure to get a weary "Go look it up" from a parent. Unfortunately, as a kid, I didn't have the innumerable resources at the fingertips of the Imponderables crew. As always, David Feldman and his team of information hunters have compiled questions from all over, some of which kept me going until I read the answer!
Everything You've Ever Wanted to Know..And Then Some
Do Penguins Have Knees? is a great book with a great concept.It answers all of life's little imponderables that you always wanted to know the answer to but never knew who to ask.The questions range from, "Why do cats like to be scratched behind the ears?" to "How did they keep beer cold in the Old West?".In the back of the book are Frustables (Imponderables that have not been solved), a Frustable update (new answers to old Frustables), an index to this book, and an index to all of the other Imponderables book.Why someone would put all of that in a book beats me.You look at the big book only to find that 1/3 is spent on things other than Imponderables (such as the complete index to all of the books, which I think is a stupid idea).The only flaw in this book is that there might even be too much information.They give you the answer and they keep rambling on. Some of the answers took up 2-3 pages when they had answered the Imponderable on the first page.Also, all of the names and places where they come from, for example: Bob Smith from the University of Learning Things in Yourtown, USA, seemed to clutter up the page and take away from the answer.I think this book had a great concept, but with a poor format.

Pondering the Imponderables
The author has a good formula going here.He takes an offbeat question and consults various experts, coming up with a plausible answer.Most of these I never would have thought to ask, but I still found myself intrigued by the answers.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Curiosities & Wonders    2. General    3. Humor    4. Questions & Answers    5. Questions and answers    6. Reference    7. Games / Trivia   

Reviews (4)

Hilarious!
If you like to laugh, you will enjoy this book--it doesn't matter if you are red, yellow, black, white or blue--Ms. French's commentary on diversity in America will have you rolling on the floor.

A Must Read for All!
The misadventures of a southern girl who ventured into "blue state" territory will have you laughing out loud-whether you are a conservative or a liberal! I can't wait to read more from Nancy French!

Truly made me laugh out loud
Nancy French makes me laugh out loud while reading and that's not an easy thing to do.She blends southern charm and her aquired northern tact for a book that brings out the best from all sides.Whether you are a political junkie or just a fan of fun books, this is one to be enjoyed and shared.I hope we'll be reading much more from this Southern Liberty Bell who has a knack for being able to throw in a zigger right when it's needed! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 21st century    2. American Journalism    3. Authors, American    4. Biography    5. Biography & Autobiography    6. Biography / Autobiography    7. Biography/Autobiography    8. General    9. Humor    10. New York (State)    11. Pennsylvania    12. Personal Memoirs    13. Philadelphia    14. Political culture    15. Women    16. Women In The U.S.    17. Women journalists    18. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (113)

History is fun!
A look at the history of U.S. presidential assassinations.Part history, part comic commentary, Ms. Vowell extensively documents her visits to sites (official or not) associated with these events.The history of the assassinations alone is interesting and details are often overlooked (or not looked at at all - e.g., Garfield, McKinley) when these events are presented / captured in popular forums.It is a quick read that will shed light on and insight into these assassinations that you never considered before.

I will buy this book from you if you don't like it
I read this book aloud to 5 pre- and teenagers on a grueling road trip down south over Easter. Not only did it hold their attention the entire time it was an incredible coincidence to pass an important site in the book at the EXACT time we were reading about the capture of John Wilkes Boothe. Because of the author's exacting description we were able to arrive at the exact site she describes in such detail and VOILA, nearly living history. (Of course, being uncouth Northerners we allowed our dog to pee on the shrine in question and one child left eggs from his Easter basket on the marker).This book compelled me to read three or four more books about Lincoln, Booth and assorted others Vowell writes about. She captures history in such a remarkably approachable manner, I've since bought copies for every history teacher in our school district. Every American should read this book and even if you think you know about our first assassinations, you will learn something, and laugh while learning it. Spectacular.

Move over Bill Bryson, there's stiff competition
Assassination Vacation is one of the best books I've read this Summer. Ms Vowell should take up teaching American history. Her brilliant and expert knowledge of her subjects (normally written about in stententious and serious tones given the subject matter) is quite impressive. But, it is the wit and humor and unusual angle of expression and personal observations that is the most captivating. I was amazed to learn so much more about the Lincoln assassination and conspirators (despite more than 35 years of reading and research on the subject) and view it from a different and less reverent angle. But even more, I was entranced by the Garfield and McKinley coverage - which added huge amounts of information to my very limited knowledge of either of these presidents or their assassins and the events surrounding them. Garfield came off so much better than I ever knew - which was very little. And his hilarious "disappointed office seeker" far more ambitious (Ambassador to France?) and political (Stalwart for Grant) than I ever knew. Don't know how one can make an account of assassinations hilariously funny? Read this book - and don't assume that it isn't historically accurate, because it is. This one is a real keeper and I am thinking of buying it on tape - just so I can listen to it while stuck in traffic, so that fellow travellers can see someone who is having fun while in the midst of DC rush hours.Have fun with this book and share it with everyone you know who loves history and has a good sense of humor. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Assassination    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Essays & Travelogues    6. Homes and haunts    7. Murder - General    8. Presidents    9. Presidents & Heads of State    10. Special Interest - General    11. Topic - Political    12. Travel - General    13. U.S. President    14. United States    15. United States - General    16. Biography & Autobiography / Presidents    17. Crime & criminology    18. Travel writing    19. USA   

Subjects:  1. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    2. Comics & Graphic Novels - Superheroes    3. Graphic Novels    4. Graphic Novels - Superheroes    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. Comics & Graphic Novels / General    7. Fantasy   

Reviews (149)

If a Constitution falls in the woods when no one is listening, does anybody care?
I am unfortunately not suprised by any of the revelations in this book.It seems that the vast majority of Americans simply do not care what kind of scumbags claim to "represent" us.Unfortunately, I do not own a multibillion dollar corporation, so I suppose I do not deserve representation.Hey, didn't the Declaration of Independence say something about people not being represented properly?
Finally--an investigative reporter takes on the important issues
This book is a terrific volume for understanding what's gone wrong in America over the past 30 years.Unlike many best-selling authors, who spout only uninformed opinions and vitriolic ones at that, this guy actually does substantive research on his issues and helps us understand the deeper context behind them: the history, the players, their connections to other folks.What good is that you'll learn how much of our world is being controlled/destroyed by people and regulations that you've never even hear of or about.If everyone read this book and spoke up, we might actually preserve this democracy and live better lives.We'd understand what in our democracy and world is going wrong and have some ideas as to how to fix this.
You Can Count On It
Actually, you can't according to Greg Palast who challenges the results of the 2000 election in which he charges Jeb Bush with instituting his own style of Jim Crow laws to ensure that his brother would get elected. It's unique because time and again conservative papers and organizations conducted studies to show that Bush would have won anyway. Palast concedes that a recount of the actual votes would back that up. But Palast is concerned with the voters who were not allowed to vote, and the votes that were not counted.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Corporations    2. Corrupt practices    3. Political Ideologies - Conservatism & Liberalism    4. Political Ideologies - Democracy    5. Political Science    6. Political corruption    7. Politics / Current Events    8. Politics/International Relations    9. Topic - Political    10. United States    11. Political Science / Democracy   

Reviews (41)

different
The book is funny at points. I expected more recipes. I listened to the audio version, read by the author herself. She employs liberal use of the callback, so much so that she latches on to a few key phrases and repeats them to the point of browbeating. The recipes are sickening. I could barely stand to listen. If those women actually eat that way, it's no wonder they are all saving for lipsuction. If I heard her say "one runningoverteaspoon of vanilla" one more time, I was gonna find her and punch her in the face. Just say a teaspoon and a half of vanilla! The part about her mother having a stroke makes her seem incredibly selfish and coldhearted. Maybe being dispassionate is just her way of coping.

Delish!
The good thing about this book is that it has alllll of the old standard recipes (Death Chicken, Chocolate Stuff) and a bunch of fabulous new ones... some that wouldn't clog your arteries with the first bite!As always, the side-stories and "financial advice" are hilarious and you'll find yourself wanting a ceee-ment monkey.

The Sweet Potato Queens' Big-Ass Cookbook (and Financial Planner)
Jill Conner Browne has done it again. She and the "Tammy's" will take you to laughter city with this one. She couldn't be any funnier!Of course, I love any book about queens, or being the the Queen! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American cooking    2. Cookery    3. Cookery, American    4. Cooking    5. Cooking / Wine    6. General    7. Humor    8. Regional & Ethnic - American - Southern States    9. Humor / General   

Reviews (70)

a lighthearted read
The book was a lighthearted read, meant to make fun of all of the "overachiever" moms out there. It inspired me to think about what is really important, but more than that, it made me laugh. Wish I had read this one before I spent $80 on my son's infant "gym" toy....

I'm so happy for Muffy
It must be fabulous, simply FABULOUS to have perfect children and be practically perfect in every way!!
Don't Fall for This Marketing Gimic!
This book is not for the modern mom:the mom who plays with her children, looks for the best schools for them, tries to prevent them from injuring themselves, and actually takes photos of them.Muffy proudly denounces all of these practices.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Child Care/Parenting    3. Child Development And Rearing    4. Child rearing    5. Family & Relationships    6. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    7. Mead-Ferro, Muffy    8. Mothers    9. Parent And Child    10. Parenting    11. Parenting - General    12. Parenting - Motherhood    13. Topic - Family    14. United States    15. Child care & upbringing   

Reviews (5)

FANTASTIC
This book provided the information I needed to run an efficient food establishment. It also gave me the secrets on what to look out for in the latest restaurant and bar scams. Great authors. A must read.

Short book could have been shorter
It seems that the editor wanted to have as many pages in this booklet, so he could call it a book, that he could muster.Large type, small pages, and liberal use of white space still couldn't get it even to 100 pages.The editor even started counting at the title page, so by the time you get to chapter 1, you're already on page 21.I guess the editor took some of the lessons from the authors, about how to rip-off the customers, to heart.I don't read very fast, and spent less than two hours to completely study this novelette.
So much more than a Scam Bible
Wow! Having worked as a waiter and bartender all over the country, through college and even supplementing my income as a struggling entrepreneur, I am so happy to find a book, at last, that truly does this rich environment and unique subculture justice.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Humor    2. Topic - Business and Professional   

Reviews (21)

This just makes the rest of us feel better...
This is a must have for home cooks, would-be chefs, and people who just love the kitchen. In this humorous collection of stories, many chefs that have no reached the pinnacle of their careers share tales and snippets of life that include moments they were less than perfect. How many of us have ruined a dish by putting too much salt in the pot, or burned a turkey (or served one raw)? Turns out those sins are mild compared to some of the things these gods of food have done.
Mixed Plate
Some of the pieces in this book are really funny, such as a tale of what happened when a hollandaise delivery met up with LA rush hour traffic. Many remind the reader than even the greatest of chefs is still human. Some of the pieces will amaze you with chefs' creativity in the face of diaster (one chef, for example, stuck with a ruined wedding cake, calls in the dogs). Unfortunately, some of the pieces are just plain boring. In one, for example, the "disaster" is that the narrator gets yelled at for throwing away some onions. I'm sure it was painful to him, but it's just not that much fun to read. In total, I'm not sure the good parts of the book make it worth shelling out money for. I borrowed mine from the library.

Fun read about tales of mayhem in the kitchen.
Cooking at home has become it seems, a very big business indeed. Turn on the television and you find networks that show chefs demonstrating cuisines and styles, vendors hawking the multitude of cookware and gadgets, and in bookstores shelves abound with volumes that cater to every whim, fad, fashion and idea. Sometimes, what you get is junk. And rarely, you come across a jewel of a book that digs down into the heart and mystery of food, and you find something that's utterly new and bewitching.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Anecdotes    2. Cookery    3. Cooking    4. Cooking / Wine    5. Cooks    6. Essays    7. General    8. Cooking / General   

Reviews (9)

A fun bit of light entertainment
I enjoyed the book for light entertainment.Best read in short segments. A fun little read.

For Every Grandmother
A very quick reading book , but by far one of the funniest I read. It's a book for all grandmothers everywhere and when the grandmothers are finished pass on to your daughters who will also enjoy the read. It hit home in so many ways, with truths that moms and daughters everywhere share as they grow up together. Just an enjoyable hour well spent reading why I love being a grandmother (well really a grandjoy)
Another great gift...
Purchased this for the wife of a business associate who was becoming a grandmother for the first.She loved it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anecdotes    2. General    3. Grandmothers    4. Humor    5. Parenting - Grandparenting    6. United States    7. Family & Relationships / Grandparenting   

Reviews (10)

Great for the Coffee Table
If you like Get Fuzzy you are going to love this book.I laugh everytime I read it.

Get Fuzzy
This would have to be one of the funniest books.I love cats, I have two of them but they are not the right animal for a lot of people and this little book explains why.I loved it.

Perfect for pet owners with a sense of humor!
All of the bad reviews for this book complain that it's not a normal comic book.Well, no - as it says in the description, it's a palm-sized gift book.It's not meant to be a gigantic comic strip book highlighting the best Get Fuzzy strips.What it is, though, is an excellent gift for a cat or dog lover that appreciates sarcasm.Darby Conley is a genius, and this book is perfect as what it's meant to be. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American wit and humor, Pictor    2. American wit and humor, Pictorial    3. Caricatures and cartoons    4. Cats    5. Comics & Cartoons    6. Humor    7. Topic - Business and Professional    8. Humor / General   

Reviews (21)

Am I evil? Yes I am!
There are times when you need to give yourself a break and grab a book that does not need so much attention; an easy-going one, with illustrations and a very good sense of humor.
Not Just For Evil Doers
Are you a brand new Superhero who's just hooked up with the archenemy of your dreams? Then this book is for you. 'How to Be an Evil Villain' will help you understand your new nemesis and predict his/her preference in secret lairs and evil master plans, not to mention the tactics they will most likely use against you.

How to Be a Villain

Read more

Subjects:  1. Criminals    2. General    3. Humor    4. American English    5. Humor / General    6. Humour    7. Works by individual poets: from c 1900 -   

Reviews (6)

Frank Warren
I hope this book will inspire you as much as it, and the whole FOUND project, has inspired me.

Addictive
It is impossible to put this book down. I'd read one page, then promise myself "Just one more...." I'm not sure what makes this book so addictive. Some of the entries are hilarious, some poignant, some just plain mysterious. I find myself imagining scenarios that could have led to the creation of some of these objects.
Lost and what?
This book is soooooo awesome.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Catalogs    2. General    3. Humor    4. Lost articles    5. Popular Culture - General    6. Satire And Humor    7. Humor / General   

Reviews (2)

Very Entertaining!
This book has become a well-known companion in my bathroom! I have had a number of visitors comment on the interesting and often little known facts you find in this book. There is quite a bit of information you can gain just by occassionally glancing through its pages. It has replaced many of the magazines we used to keep in the bathroom with one single book instead!

Book Review, 9A, Bradbury
This book was very trivial. It was also humourous. It would be an very good book to get material to develop a comedy routine for. It is not in fact a bathroom reader for say, one could read this as a humourous read to class reader, or just to make fun of the stupid law suites. If you are looking to gain some completley random knowledge, or just to laugh, I highly reccomend this book.
Read more

Subjects:  1. American wit and humor    2. Curiosities and wonders    3. General    4. Humor    5. Topic - Adult    6. Humor / Topic / Adult    7. Humour   

Subjects:  1. Comics & Graphic Novels    2. General    3. Graphic Novels    4. Graphic Novels - Superheroes    5. Humor    6. Comics & Graphic Novels / General    7. Fantasy   

Subjects:  1. Dating (Social customs)    2. Humor    3. Interpersonal Relations    4. Love & Romance    5. Topic - Relationships    6. Humor / Topic / Relationships    7. Humour