Reviewed by Louanne Piccolo for Readers' Favorite

Lite Whines and Laughter: Mild Rants and Musings on the Mundane by Lee Gaitan is a collection of essays with a unique humorous spin proving to us that real life is always better than fiction. It will appeal to women from baby boomers to young mothers, and anyone else with a wacky sense of humour. Lee is a 62-year-old grandmother who teaches English as a second language. She uses her own life as the backdrop to her musings, making us howl with laughter. In the space of 42 chapters, Lee compares her present Colombian husband to her ex-husband, discusses parenting, grandparenting, rebel squirrels, a voyeur possum, customer service, becoming invisible with age and mad hair. It's guaranteed to spice up your reading list and leave you chuckling long after you've finished it.

I loved this book. Fans of Erma Bombeck will love Lee Gaitan's perception of the world. She has a knack of targeting the mundane and making it joyously wicked. I'm certain she had a whale of a time writing Lite Whines and Laughter. The pace is quick and the essays short, like a good joke. I particularly enjoyed the extended metaphors and clever turns of phrase used to create light-bulb moments that had me exclaiming, “But this is MY life!” As a teenager, I read all of Erma Bombeck's books and was devastated to realize there would be no more, but with the discovery of Lee Gaitan, I have found a new laugh-out-loud guru to entertain me with her tongue-in-cheek humor and mischievous way of relating to the world.

Reviewed by Geoff Habiger for Readers' Favorite

The Ultimate Guide For The Avid Indoorsman offers an exploration of the Great Indoors and how you not only can survive indoors but can thrive and reach the pinnacle of becoming an Avid Indoorsman. John Driver encourages you to first complete the “Indooreagram” to test your level of Indoorsmanship and get the most out of the book. Driver lays out the differences between the Indoorsman and the Outdoorsman and the dangers that each one faces, but the bulk of the guide offers important advice for the aspiring, or avid, Indoorsman, from how to dress and act like an avid Indoorsman, creating a healthy indoors routine, handling miscellaneous situations, and connecting with people.

This is a fun, tongue-in-cheek look at what it is like to be an Indoorsman. But as Driver stresses, being an Indoorsman doesn’t mean you have abdicated all contact with the outdoors. “Contrary to popular belief, the great Indoorsmen of the world are not necessarily anti-Outdoorsmen. They may be hunters, fishermen, runners, golfers. In other words, they may have conquered the outdoors.” Becoming an avid Indoorsman means you are able to handle the stresses and challenges we all face in our modern world. From dealing with the greatest dangers an Indoorsman will face (such as FOMA – or the Fear of Miscellaneous Assembly) to how to dress and act like an avid indoorsman, the Ultimate Guide stresses the best ways to live life to the fullest in the 21st century.

Part humorous take on our modern life and part useful guide to living (the advice and facts presented are very helpful), The Ultimate Guide For The Avid Indoorsman should be a must-read for anybody wanting to navigate our perilous modern world. John Driver makes learning how to handle the pitfalls of a modern, technological world fun and exciting so that you too can become an Avid Indoorsman.

Reviewed by Lesley Jones for Readers' Favorite

In Porcelain Travels by Matthew Felix, enter the weird and wonderful world of avid traveler Matthew as we follow his backpacking adventures around the world. Whether he is in Morrocco, Copenhagen or Paris, Matthew doesn't require many luxuries, and he is the eternal optimist, but his expectations for basic toilet and bathing facilities always seem to fall short. Matthew proves to be quite resourceful in whatever situation he finds himself. From showering in a rubber bucket in Paris and maneuvering himself like a gymnast in filthy restrooms, to utilizing a plastic bottle when he was caught short while traveling in Turkey, Matthew's dignity and openmindedness are always tested, and even getting a massage proves to be far from relaxing. A simple visit to an internet cafe is filled with danger and a swim in the Dead Sea leads to the police being called. Matthew seems to attract disaster wherever he goes, and there is never a shortage of strange characters waiting to introduce themselves and their anatomies to him.

Porcelain Travels by Matthew Felix is a truly hysterical book from the outset. Matthew always seemed to prepare himself for the worst-case scenario but the reality was always much worse than he could imagine. I did want to empathize with his plight but I was too busy laughing to do so. The characters he encounters are colorful, to say the least, especially the exhibitionist in the Dead Sea. I absolutely adored his writing style; he describes situations and the emotions he felt so vividly. If you have ever traveled on a budget and stepped outside the comfort of a hotel, you are definitely going to relate to the embarrassing and cringe-worthy situations he encounters. This book will make you glad you are not in Matthew's shoes. It definitely puts a whole different spin on the term 'sightseeing' as he sees sights that you wouldn't wish on your worse enemy. I highly recommend this book to anyone that has a dry sense of humor and loves reading about others' embarrassing misfortunes.

Reviewed by Neil A White for Readers' Favorite

When reading an author’s recollection of the sudden, awful realization she is having a stroke, and of the ensuing fear and uncertainty associated with how one’s life may forever change, roll-on-the-floor hilarity isn’t the first reaction that comes to mind. However, Kimberly Davis Basso manages to produce such a gem with I’m a Little Brain Dead. It should be said, in all seriousness, that suffering a stroke is no laughing matter. A shame no one informed Ms. Basso. Walking the reader through her experience from the initial event, to her first of numerous hospital visits, an untold number of medical practitioner interactions, plus an MRI freak out, we’re treated to a wonderful lesson in how keeping one’s sense of humor can get one through even the toughest of situations. And as an added bonus, how to survive the zombie apocalypse – I promise I won't spoil the surprise here.

I’m a Little Brain Dead is not without its poignant and serious moments. Ms. Basso’s life was saved by her 8-year-old daughter knowing the procedure for dialing 911. An accompanying Appendix provides many important tips when faced with a medical emergency. And when facing surgery to repair Ms. Basso’s hole in her heart? Well, who better to laugh in the face of danger than our intrepid author, even though she may quite possibly be dehydrated – you really need to read the book. In fact, I had so much fun reading Ms. Basso’s romp through the fields of medical practitioner double-speak that I’m thinking of scheduling a procedure for next Tuesday.

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

Weedgalized in Colorado: True Tales from the High Country by Johnny Welsh explores what happens to a community when weed gets legalized. Written by a bartender, someone who has spent nearly two decades mixing and serving drinks in Frisco, Colorado, in the very heart of Colorado ski country, this book shows readers what denizens of Colorado unwittingly unleashed when they voted for the Colorado Amendment 64, known as the “Regulate Marijuana like Alcohol” Act on November 6, 2012.

The author writes about the history of pot, explores the legal implications of recreational cannabis and its impact on the economy, shares insights on when and where to buy marijuana and who can carry it, including the legal quantity. Readers will encounter dealers in marijuana and listen to their stories. The author also shares contact information of these marijuana dealers. While this book captures the climate and the social atmosphere with the legalization of recreational cannabis, it lays bare the pros and cons of this cultural phenomenon. It’s hard to believe this book is written by a bartender, because the writing is clean, polished, and the turn of phrase unique and enjoyable. The voice is strong and authoritative and the author has a laid-back tone that is charming.

The author brings together stories he’s shared with people — and people tend to like talking to bartenders — and allows them to unveil the soul of Colorado after the legalization of marijuana. Readers will understand what happens to the business and how it becomes a threat to drug lords. Weedgalized in Colorado: True Tales from the High Country is both informative and entertaining, packed with information, and offering readers a picture of what it feels like to be in Colorado.

Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite

I Still Want Fireworks: A Single-at-60's Odyssey Through Life, Love & Online Dating by Judith Hill is a compelling memoir that takes readers on a rollicking ride down the path of online dating with the author, a well-published fiction writer. It all starts as a joke and the protagonist convinces herself that this could be the path of inspiration for her next book, a how-to for online dating. But it isn’t long before she is pulled into a dizzying world where the line between reality and fantasy blurs. Follow her adventures as she meets and dates guys she finds online and as her mindset shifts. Question is: Can she really meet in real life the men who are what they pretended to be in virtual space?

Judith Hill’s book is packed with wisdom and insight, powerful lessons from the experiences of a woman who once hungered for love — perhaps desperately. I have read many stories about online dating, but haven’t read anything as exciting as I Still Want Fireworks, even close to it. And readers will love how the author weaves the themes of romance, online dating, online security, fraud, and a lot more into this memoir. What does it really feel like to be single at sixty? The author’s reply will surprise readers and make them change the way they look at relationships. The story is written in a very enjoyable tone and it is very engaging. Fast-paced and injected with a rare sense of humor, this book will keep you up all night.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Accidental Travels of a Single Woman is a nonfiction travel memoir written by Terry Woods. When her doctor advised her that she needed to avoid the heat of Las Vegas summers, Woods weighed up her options and decided to opt for extended travel rather than spend her summers hiding in her air-conditioned home. At first, she used the time to visit friends and take trips she’d been planning on, but she soon realized she needed other ideas. Woods found the Affordable Travel Club and learned about European home exchange opportunities. Between the two, she’s been able to spend her summers meeting new people, having unforgettable adventures and becoming a part of some remarkable families as a result of her extended visits. This book reflects the sixteen years she spent traveling, which began with a month-long home exchange visit to Milan.

Terry Woods’ nonfiction travel memoir, Accidental Travels of a Single Woman, will delight armchair adventurers and, no doubt, tempt many of them to consider their own membership opportunities in travel clubs, housing exchanges and other travel opportunities. Her stories are wonderful and soon had me imagining each of the places she describes so well. Woods seems to have an affinity for people; something which has made her travel much more than just seeing the sights in other places. As she shared her stories about the people who quickly became good friends and family, I found myself in awe of her gifts for empathy and congeniality. I loved visiting Lake Louise and other parts of Canada with her, marveled at the resurgence of New Orleans and laughed with her at the awful Mimmo and her escape from the highly overrated Vico del Gargano. Accidental Travels of a Single Woman is well-written, engaging and quite entertaining. It’s most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Charles Remington for Readers' Favorite

The title Launching Sheep by Sarah Angleton continues: And Other Stories from The Intersection of History and Nonsense. The volume is comprised of eighty-six informative, fascinating and entertaining articles taken from the author’s weekly blog, which were published over a period of more than four years up until September 2016. They cover a mind-boggling variety of subjects from the history of tandem bicycles and the development of fire hydrants, to why Scottish bagpipes were considered weapons of war and the origins of the phrase ‘bringing home the bacon.’ In the opening article, ‘History’s Pants Are on Fire,’ Sarah quite rightly points out the random and often unreliable nature of historic records and the inclination of historians, where hard fact is lacking, to simply make things up. At the same time, she dismisses any claim to her being a serious historian in the academic sense. Her articles are more the type of weekly columns found in many newspapers over the years, centuries even, by authors and journalists like Helen Fielding (Bridget Jones’ Diary), Giovanni Guareschi, James Thurber, and others too numerous to mention. Like Guareschi, she weaves her family life into the storylines and manages to produce a mixture of interesting facts, history and day-to-day life in the Angleton household, all blended into a series of charming, sometimes thought-provoking, and often amusing vignettes.

As a bit of a trivia nut, I much enjoyed Launching Sheep - it’s the sort of book that you can read from cover to cover or dip into at random and keep at your elbow for future reference; a perfect travelling companion, and a treasure trove of useful information that will never leave you short of an interesting anecdote. But what I particularly liked about the book is the way that, as we go along, we get glimpses into Sarah Angleton’s family life, her birthdays, and those of her husband and two young sons, the rainy day traumas of finding them something interesting to do, the anniversaries and Christmas celebrations. All are woven into articles such as how women’s high heeled shoes were first made for a vertically challenged princess, how President Lincoln was an insomniac, or how Pluto got its name. A thoroughly enjoyable book from a talented author, and highly recommended.

Reviewed by Jessyca Garcia for Readers' Favorite

I completely related to Stop Licking That! by Karin Mitchell who comically shares her experiences of being a parent to two young boys. Parenting is not easy, but Mitchell handles it with some sort of grace and a whole lot of sarcastic humor. I decided to read Stop Licking That! because I was hoping another soul would have had some similar experiences to raising a child like mine. I was not looking for a normal “how to be a parent” guide and Mitchell did not disappoint. Too often I found myself sharing similar thoughts with Mitchell. Her sarcastic attitude throughout the book was something that I really liked. My favorite chapter was “Stop Licking That.” I do think she has me beat on things she has said not to lick to her children. Mitchell’s short story “The Splash Pad” was a friendly reminder why parents cannot go to the bathroom by themselves, ever!

The book is not all about Mitchell’s experiences in being a mom. At the end of the book, Mitchell gives some friendly advice, such as dealing with anger and how to fly with kids. I also thought her list of swearing substitutions was pretty clever. However, Mitchell’s advice about the food will not work on my child so I am going to send my daughter to her to see if they can work something out. I enjoyed this book. Too often parenting is taken too seriously. It helps to laugh at our mistakes and experiences. If you have kids, then I recommend you read this book! Also if you never read “About the Author” in books, I suggest you read Mitchell’s. It is funny and totally worth it.

Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite

What a fun read you’ll find in Lori B. Duff’s You Know I Love You Because You’re Still Alive! Although some readers might not like the fact that Lori checks her troop of kids out of a “nasty hotel” and into a clean Holiday Inn, how many of us wouldn’t do the same as long as we can afford it? Or who among us hasn’t thought that mowing the lawn in killer heat is stupid and wished there was a way to rid ourselves of such an awful job, only to find we couldn’t come up with a better or more affordable way to ease the task? And then there are those “common courtesies” that seem to have disappeared in this rushed, modern world, like holding a door open for someone coming behind you, or letting someone go ahead of you in the grocery line if they have only one item and you have a full cart?

If you’re honest with yourself like Lori is, you won’t deny wishing you could have one deep sleep in which your husband’s snoring doesn’t keep you awake. Nor will you deny doing a double-take when your 13-year-old son decides he’d like to have his ears pierced! And really, have you never thought your son or daughter is the most talented, most intelligent or most beautiful child around? If you haven’t, it’s a pity you haven’t found something to be proud of in your offspring. Somehow, that’s impossible to believe…or alternately, very sad.

Of course, one could say, “Well I don’t tell the world about how I feel about everything in a book!” But here’s the thing: by writing so honestly about what she feels and observes, Lori B. Duff speaks to and about a huge number of parents who will find themselves thinking Lori sounds so much like them that they could have written You Know I Love You Because You’re Still Alive. Lori’s ramblings, if you want to call them that, are like those favourite newspaper columns that give readers a needed break from all the bad news bombarding us in the media. They are welcome relief. So is Duff’s book: she’s simply published all those “columns” in one very entertaining collection.

Lori B. Duff has the guts and ability to capture human reactions to everyday life cleverly, honestly and humorously. An objective reader recognizes that ability and applauds it, enjoying for instance her son’s argument for getting his ears pierced: “Earrings on a boy are not alternative or counter-culture or rebellious like they were when the earth was still cooling and I was thirteen.” Statements like that make you sit back and laugh, not at Lori B. Duff, but with her as you also laugh at yourself…if you’re honest and, above all, objective.