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Recommend this book:
A Trip to the Hardware Store & Other Calamities
Quirky Essays for Quirky People
Barbara Venkataraman
2014 Honorable Mention
50 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Reviewed by Ginna Lamkie for Readers' Favorite
A Trip to the Hardware Store & Other Calamities by Barbara Venkataraman is a book of short stories that reflect on her family and some of her quirks, and ideas.
I love love loved this book! I felt like I was listening to a dear friend talk while I was reading it. I felt that Lazy Bones was about me. I am a short-cut taker and I always joke that it is because I am efficient. Where Did the Time Go was very heartwarming. When Venkataraman talks about how her dad is losing it a bit, but that it's a good thing because it means he is more carefree, it instantly made me feel better about ageing. I always watch my kids and envy how carefree they are. I had never thought about the elderly that way before. It made me happy. Beyond Belief was very cute and had a really charming dynamic between husband and wife. I really feel Venkataraman saved the best for last though. High Finance was my favorite. It showed such a wonderful family bond.
I really like Barbara Venkataraman’s writing style. She conveys so much heartwarming emotion without spelling out what she wants you to feel. This is a great read. I would recommend it as a purse book. Stuff it in your purse and pull it out and read it in line at the bank, or in the waiting room at the pediatrician. It will definitely bring a smile to your day.
A Trip to the Hardware Store & Other Calamities by Barbara Venkataraman is a book of short stories that reflect on her family and some of her quirks, and ideas.
I love love loved this book! I felt like I was listening to a dear friend talk while I was reading it. I felt that Lazy Bones was about me. I am a short-cut taker and I always joke that it is because I am efficient. Where Did the Time Go was very heartwarming. When Venkataraman talks about how her dad is losing it a bit, but that it's a good thing because it means he is more carefree, it instantly made me feel better about ageing. I always watch my kids and envy how carefree they are. I had never thought about the elderly that way before. It made me happy. Beyond Belief was very cute and had a really charming dynamic between husband and wife. I really feel Venkataraman saved the best for last though. High Finance was my favorite. It showed such a wonderful family bond.
I really like Barbara Venkataraman’s writing style. She conveys so much heartwarming emotion without spelling out what she wants you to feel. This is a great read. I would recommend it as a purse book. Stuff it in your purse and pull it out and read it in line at the bank, or in the waiting room at the pediatrician. It will definitely bring a smile to your day.
Recommend this book:
Intelligent Life on Earth?
The Search Continues
Barbara Cohea
2014 Bronze Medal
206 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Reviewed by Lee Ashford for Readers' Favorite
Intelligent Life on Earth? The Search Continues by Barbara Cohea is FUNNY! This entire book is a collection of short essays about… well, about almost everything. All the way through this book, I kept thinking, “This woman should be a newspaper columnist.” After the conclusion of the book, I was delighted to see that she is, indeed, a humor columnist for a magazine called Outreach NC. However, that’s not good enough. She should be a nationally syndicated columnist, appearing in newspapers all across the country. Her astute powers of observation, particularly where the absurd is concerned, should be designated a national treasure. She has a sense of humor that would make a lemon laugh. Even my wife thought she was funny, and that’s saying something.
Intelligent Life on Earth shines a light on such globally significant concerns as putting a life vest on a cat, or tasing a rampaging camel. She covers in detail an incident where a swan was used as a weapon of assault, and another case where a fox shoots a hunter. And that was just in the first few pages! There are many important topics discussed in this book: milking a mouse; giving giant chocolate Madagascar hissing cockroaches to your Valentine; how to keep your baggy pants from falling off, even when the crotch is down below your knees; and the sheer stupidity of the multi-layered “security” questions you have to answer just to tell the phone company they overcharged you. Good luck with that one, by the way.
I have an assignment for you, America. Buy this book; remember, it’s called Intelligent Life on Earth? The Search Continues. Read it. Then contact your local newspaper and convince the editor he/she needs to start carrying Barbara Cohea’s humor column. Let him read your copy of the book, if necessary, but I think we all need a daily dose of this kind of humor. With all due respect to her state, Barbara Cohea’s talent should not be kept solely in North Carolina.
Intelligent Life on Earth? The Search Continues by Barbara Cohea is FUNNY! This entire book is a collection of short essays about… well, about almost everything. All the way through this book, I kept thinking, “This woman should be a newspaper columnist.” After the conclusion of the book, I was delighted to see that she is, indeed, a humor columnist for a magazine called Outreach NC. However, that’s not good enough. She should be a nationally syndicated columnist, appearing in newspapers all across the country. Her astute powers of observation, particularly where the absurd is concerned, should be designated a national treasure. She has a sense of humor that would make a lemon laugh. Even my wife thought she was funny, and that’s saying something.
Intelligent Life on Earth shines a light on such globally significant concerns as putting a life vest on a cat, or tasing a rampaging camel. She covers in detail an incident where a swan was used as a weapon of assault, and another case where a fox shoots a hunter. And that was just in the first few pages! There are many important topics discussed in this book: milking a mouse; giving giant chocolate Madagascar hissing cockroaches to your Valentine; how to keep your baggy pants from falling off, even when the crotch is down below your knees; and the sheer stupidity of the multi-layered “security” questions you have to answer just to tell the phone company they overcharged you. Good luck with that one, by the way.
I have an assignment for you, America. Buy this book; remember, it’s called Intelligent Life on Earth? The Search Continues. Read it. Then contact your local newspaper and convince the editor he/she needs to start carrying Barbara Cohea’s humor column. Let him read your copy of the book, if necessary, but I think we all need a daily dose of this kind of humor. With all due respect to her state, Barbara Cohea’s talent should not be kept solely in North Carolina.
Recommend this book:
Mindy's Musings
Mindy Levy
2014 Silver Medal
64 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
Mindy Levy offers readers a candid look at her family. She readily admits that there are two important F words in her life, Food and Family. Mindy’s family is Jewish. Even though I had read about some of the Jewish holidays and traditions, reading this book quickly showed me how much I did not know. Every event seems to surround food. Mommom is Mindy’s grandmother; when she was extremely hungry she would say, “I’m not very hungry” and then she would eat everything in sight. Mindy’s mother collects a keepsake from the table when they eat out: it could be a butter knife, salt and pepper shakers or the small coffee creamer. Laughter seems to be the bond that cemented her family together. It is amazing how laughter can make a difference in a family. When Sarah accidentally threw her two diamond rings down the garbage chute she hysterically called Mindy for help. After Mindy found the rings Sarah laughed hysterically, admitting that she would not have done the same for Mindy. Life as a step-mother is even funnier.
This book will have readers laughing out loud. I have only shared a few of the antics Mindy writes about. Life often takes us by surprise; we can become upset or we can laugh. I prefer Mindy’s method for handling life in general. Mindy and her whole family laugh and they have plenty to laugh about. "Mindy’s Musings" is an enchanting read. There are only 63 pages in this book but each page is filled with real life happenings that will keep the reader smiling if not laughing. Author Mindy Levy has a lovely manner of storytelling.
Mindy Levy offers readers a candid look at her family. She readily admits that there are two important F words in her life, Food and Family. Mindy’s family is Jewish. Even though I had read about some of the Jewish holidays and traditions, reading this book quickly showed me how much I did not know. Every event seems to surround food. Mommom is Mindy’s grandmother; when she was extremely hungry she would say, “I’m not very hungry” and then she would eat everything in sight. Mindy’s mother collects a keepsake from the table when they eat out: it could be a butter knife, salt and pepper shakers or the small coffee creamer. Laughter seems to be the bond that cemented her family together. It is amazing how laughter can make a difference in a family. When Sarah accidentally threw her two diamond rings down the garbage chute she hysterically called Mindy for help. After Mindy found the rings Sarah laughed hysterically, admitting that she would not have done the same for Mindy. Life as a step-mother is even funnier.
This book will have readers laughing out loud. I have only shared a few of the antics Mindy writes about. Life often takes us by surprise; we can become upset or we can laugh. I prefer Mindy’s method for handling life in general. Mindy and her whole family laugh and they have plenty to laugh about. "Mindy’s Musings" is an enchanting read. There are only 63 pages in this book but each page is filled with real life happenings that will keep the reader smiling if not laughing. Author Mindy Levy has a lovely manner of storytelling.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/aging-with-humor-and-grace&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51%2BXI6pS0YL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=If you are looking for an inspirational book about gracefully coping with the less than appealing aspects of aging, Andrea Partee's "Aging with Humor and Grace" isn't that tale. Instead Partee provides hilarious insight into the pitfalls of aging in a self-deprecating way to which we can all relate...or will eventually be able to relate. You don't ...){kind=link}
Aging with Humor and Grace
Andrea Partee
2013 Bronze Medal
164 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Reviewed by Natasha Jackson for Readers' Favorite
If you are looking for an inspirational book about gracefully coping with the less than appealing aspects of aging, Andrea Partee's "Aging with Humor and Grace" isn't that tale. Instead Partee provides hilarious insight into the pitfalls of aging in a self-deprecating way to which we can all relate...or will eventually be able to relate. You don't have to be a woman of a certain age to enjoy her witty, and often embarrassing, take on wayward hair growth, bodily functions, pregnancy and child-rearing among dozens of other frighteningly funny topics.
Partee's book is aptly named because she deals with embarrassment, insecurity and tragedy with both humor and grace. Subtly touting the grace that comes from the ability to laugh at oneself, "Aging with Humor and Grace" is a refreshing take on a genre typically focused on how to reverse the clock and make your fifty year old bum look twenty again. Written in a fast-paced, acerbic manner, this book allows women to laugh about the inevitability of aging in an effort to accept what comes. Instead of pretending as though she has found the secret to aging gracefully, Partee simply provides her funny take on the things we are often afraid to talk about in public. When the time comes for you to cope with the hazards of aging, skip the self-help section and pass by the plastic surgeon's guide to aging gracefully and go straight to the humor section where Partee will happily guide you down the road to aging gracefully and hilariously.
If you are looking for an inspirational book about gracefully coping with the less than appealing aspects of aging, Andrea Partee's "Aging with Humor and Grace" isn't that tale. Instead Partee provides hilarious insight into the pitfalls of aging in a self-deprecating way to which we can all relate...or will eventually be able to relate. You don't have to be a woman of a certain age to enjoy her witty, and often embarrassing, take on wayward hair growth, bodily functions, pregnancy and child-rearing among dozens of other frighteningly funny topics.
Partee's book is aptly named because she deals with embarrassment, insecurity and tragedy with both humor and grace. Subtly touting the grace that comes from the ability to laugh at oneself, "Aging with Humor and Grace" is a refreshing take on a genre typically focused on how to reverse the clock and make your fifty year old bum look twenty again. Written in a fast-paced, acerbic manner, this book allows women to laugh about the inevitability of aging in an effort to accept what comes. Instead of pretending as though she has found the secret to aging gracefully, Partee simply provides her funny take on the things we are often afraid to talk about in public. When the time comes for you to cope with the hazards of aging, skip the self-help section and pass by the plastic surgeon's guide to aging gracefully and go straight to the humor section where Partee will happily guide you down the road to aging gracefully and hilariously.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/the-long-and-whining-road&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/5107GSfQ2ZL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="The Long and Whining Road" by Simeon Courtie is one of the best books I’ve read in recent years. The story of how a family of five threw caution to the wind and launched into a trip around the world, busking Beatles beats for UNICEF while exploring the culture and meeting the people of the countries they travel to had me laughing out loud at alm...){kind=link}
The Long and Whining Road
Simeon Courtie
2013 Gold Medal
335 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Reviewed by Eduardo Aduna for Readers' Favorite
"The Long and Whining Road" by Simeon Courtie is one of the best books I’ve read in recent years. The story of how a family of five threw caution to the wind and launched into a trip around the world, busking Beatles beats for UNICEF while exploring the culture and meeting the people of the countries they travel to had me laughing out loud at almost every page. Simeon, his wife Jill, and their daughters Edie, Bethan and Ella share their experiences as they come face to face with different cultures, peoples and situations while traveling on their reliable (most of the time) VW "Penny."
Dry English humor and puns aplenty await the reader lucky enough to come across this book. Beatles references dot each chapter, interspersed with fun facts that will make anyone bit by the travel bug smile in amusement. The book takes readers to the back alleys of India, to the marvels of Europe and to the dangers of Syria. It takes them to shark-infested waters, unreliable garages and warm, welcoming strangers’ homes. It is a rare book that makes readers want to revel in every little detail of each and every page. Simon Courtie is a great narrator, employing numerous tiny devices to make the reader actually feel like they are part of the Beatnik Beatles. The generosity of the people the Courtie’s encountered during their adventure is inspiring. Weird housemates and corrupt officials are turned into funny experiences. No author can ask for a better material to craft a book from and perhaps no other author can take such experiences and make it as interesting and as inspiring to read. The book is a mosaic of many things, both beautiful and ugly, but I what I took away from reading it is that it doesn't matter where you are, or what’s happening around you; what matters is that you’re with friends and family.
"The Long and Whining Road" by Simeon Courtie is one of the best books I’ve read in recent years. The story of how a family of five threw caution to the wind and launched into a trip around the world, busking Beatles beats for UNICEF while exploring the culture and meeting the people of the countries they travel to had me laughing out loud at almost every page. Simeon, his wife Jill, and their daughters Edie, Bethan and Ella share their experiences as they come face to face with different cultures, peoples and situations while traveling on their reliable (most of the time) VW "Penny."
Dry English humor and puns aplenty await the reader lucky enough to come across this book. Beatles references dot each chapter, interspersed with fun facts that will make anyone bit by the travel bug smile in amusement. The book takes readers to the back alleys of India, to the marvels of Europe and to the dangers of Syria. It takes them to shark-infested waters, unreliable garages and warm, welcoming strangers’ homes. It is a rare book that makes readers want to revel in every little detail of each and every page. Simon Courtie is a great narrator, employing numerous tiny devices to make the reader actually feel like they are part of the Beatnik Beatles. The generosity of the people the Courtie’s encountered during their adventure is inspiring. Weird housemates and corrupt officials are turned into funny experiences. No author can ask for a better material to craft a book from and perhaps no other author can take such experiences and make it as interesting and as inspiring to read. The book is a mosaic of many things, both beautiful and ugly, but I what I took away from reading it is that it doesn't matter where you are, or what’s happening around you; what matters is that you’re with friends and family.
Recommend this book:
Mindy's Musings
Mindy Levy
2013 Silver Medal
64 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
Mindy Levy offers readers a candid look at her family. She readily admits that there are two important F words in her life, Food and Family. Mindy’s family is Jewish. Even though I had read about some of the Jewish holidays and traditions, reading this book quickly showed me how much I did not know. Every event seems to surround food. Mommom is Mindy’s grandmother; when she was extremely hungry she would say, “I’m not very hungry” and then she would eat everything in sight. Mindy’s mother collects a keepsake from the table when they eat out: it could be a butter knife, salt and pepper shakers or the small coffee creamer. Laughter seems to be the bond that cemented her family together. It is amazing how laughter can make a difference in a family. When Sarah accidentally threw her two diamond rings down the garbage chute she hysterically called Mindy for help. After Mindy found the rings Sarah laughed hysterically, admitting that she would not have done the same for Mindy. Life as a step-mother is even funnier.
This book will have readers laughing out loud. I have only shared a few of the antics Mindy writes about. Life often takes us by surprise; we can become upset or we can laugh. I prefer Mindy’s method for handling life in general. Mindy and her whole family laugh and they have plenty to laugh about. "Mindy’s Musings" is an enchanting read. There are only 63 pages in this book but each page is filled with real life happenings that will keep the reader smiling if not laughing. Author Mindy Levy has a lovely manner of storytelling.
Mindy Levy offers readers a candid look at her family. She readily admits that there are two important F words in her life, Food and Family. Mindy’s family is Jewish. Even though I had read about some of the Jewish holidays and traditions, reading this book quickly showed me how much I did not know. Every event seems to surround food. Mommom is Mindy’s grandmother; when she was extremely hungry she would say, “I’m not very hungry” and then she would eat everything in sight. Mindy’s mother collects a keepsake from the table when they eat out: it could be a butter knife, salt and pepper shakers or the small coffee creamer. Laughter seems to be the bond that cemented her family together. It is amazing how laughter can make a difference in a family. When Sarah accidentally threw her two diamond rings down the garbage chute she hysterically called Mindy for help. After Mindy found the rings Sarah laughed hysterically, admitting that she would not have done the same for Mindy. Life as a step-mother is even funnier.
This book will have readers laughing out loud. I have only shared a few of the antics Mindy writes about. Life often takes us by surprise; we can become upset or we can laugh. I prefer Mindy’s method for handling life in general. Mindy and her whole family laugh and they have plenty to laugh about. "Mindy’s Musings" is an enchanting read. There are only 63 pages in this book but each page is filled with real life happenings that will keep the reader smiling if not laughing. Author Mindy Levy has a lovely manner of storytelling.
Recommend this book:
Swygert
Growing Up in the Middle of Nowhere in a Little Town Nobody Ever Heard Of
Jeffrey Harold Utterback
2012 Finalist
208 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Reviewed by Joy Hannabass for Readers' Favorite
Wow! The memories of growing up in a town where there are only a few houses scattered around, a cemetery, a church and maybe a country story or a junkyard? Well, author Jeffrey Utterback grew up in a small town in the middle of nowhere in Swygert, Illinois, a small town where the population was under one hundred. Can you imagine going to a school with only twenty-two students in all, from Kindergarten to sixth grade? That could be really good, or it could be really bad. In his book “Swygert,” Jeffrey Utterback gives us a taste of what it was like growing up in his small town. And he does it in a collection of stories about things that happened in his life. If you grew up in a small community, you will laugh and cry at the heartwarming memories this author brings to life.
Having grown up in a small town, I loved reading this book because it brought back so many memories. Jeffrey Utterback is a gifted story teller and you will find yourself amazed at the way he takes us on a journey back to his childhood years. Like burning trash outside? Kids today would cringe at that. Along with the 'Garbage' story, my other favorites were the 'Christmas Junkie and Roasting Weenies', and of course the 'Red Neck 4H club'. I highly recommend this book for just a good, fun and clean read. Sometimes it is great to find a book like this to read that will cause you to forget about the fast pace of life for just a little while. Why not grab a copy and enjoy?
Wow! The memories of growing up in a town where there are only a few houses scattered around, a cemetery, a church and maybe a country story or a junkyard? Well, author Jeffrey Utterback grew up in a small town in the middle of nowhere in Swygert, Illinois, a small town where the population was under one hundred. Can you imagine going to a school with only twenty-two students in all, from Kindergarten to sixth grade? That could be really good, or it could be really bad. In his book “Swygert,” Jeffrey Utterback gives us a taste of what it was like growing up in his small town. And he does it in a collection of stories about things that happened in his life. If you grew up in a small community, you will laugh and cry at the heartwarming memories this author brings to life.
Having grown up in a small town, I loved reading this book because it brought back so many memories. Jeffrey Utterback is a gifted story teller and you will find yourself amazed at the way he takes us on a journey back to his childhood years. Like burning trash outside? Kids today would cringe at that. Along with the 'Garbage' story, my other favorites were the 'Christmas Junkie and Roasting Weenies', and of course the 'Red Neck 4H club'. I highly recommend this book for just a good, fun and clean read. Sometimes it is great to find a book like this to read that will cause you to forget about the fast pace of life for just a little while. Why not grab a copy and enjoy?
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/101-reasons-to-leave-new-york&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51voDCYpfZL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="101 Reasons to Leave New York" by Howard Jordan, Jr., is a funny, true and very accurate picture of life in the city. It is a very wonderful book. I am a proud native-born New Yorker”. I left New York many years ago and I am now living in the good old south country of Mississippi, but am still guilty of being a New Yorker at heart. This book bro...){kind=link}
101 Reasons to Leave New York
Howard Jordan, Jr.
2012 Gold Medal
72 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Reviewed by Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite
"101 Reasons to Leave New York" by Howard Jordan, Jr., is a funny, true and very accurate picture of life in the city. It is a very wonderful book. I am a proud native-born New Yorker”. I left New York many years ago and I am now living in the good old south country of Mississippi, but am still guilty of being a New Yorker at heart. This book brought me home for a little while. It made me smile, made me shake my head in agreement and made me feel good. Mr. Jordan has given us 101 reasons that make New York what it is with explanations and details that hit the nail right on the head. Each of the 101 reasons to leave New York is a good reason to leave but also a great reason to stay. My personal favorite No. 65 is something I find myself saying at least once a day and no one but another New Yorker will understand and accept it without taking offense. New York is a tough place and “101 Reasons” points out the beat of the city.
This is a book for anyone who is interested in what makes New York tic. It is a great book for anyone who dreams of moving to the Big Apple. If you have left the Big Apple it is a special remembrance of what you left behind. Howard Jordan has written an entertaining book with touches of humor, truth and love for the wonderful place known as the best city in the world – New York. “101 Reasons to Leave New York” is a five star winner. It is a great book to read out loud on a long car trip. It is a great book to read on a dreary rainy day to put some sunshine in the room. Howard Jordan has written a book that everyone who ever heard anything about New York will love.
"101 Reasons to Leave New York" by Howard Jordan, Jr., is a funny, true and very accurate picture of life in the city. It is a very wonderful book. I am a proud native-born New Yorker”. I left New York many years ago and I am now living in the good old south country of Mississippi, but am still guilty of being a New Yorker at heart. This book brought me home for a little while. It made me smile, made me shake my head in agreement and made me feel good. Mr. Jordan has given us 101 reasons that make New York what it is with explanations and details that hit the nail right on the head. Each of the 101 reasons to leave New York is a good reason to leave but also a great reason to stay. My personal favorite No. 65 is something I find myself saying at least once a day and no one but another New Yorker will understand and accept it without taking offense. New York is a tough place and “101 Reasons” points out the beat of the city.
This is a book for anyone who is interested in what makes New York tic. It is a great book for anyone who dreams of moving to the Big Apple. If you have left the Big Apple it is a special remembrance of what you left behind. Howard Jordan has written an entertaining book with touches of humor, truth and love for the wonderful place known as the best city in the world – New York. “101 Reasons to Leave New York” is a five star winner. It is a great book to read out loud on a long car trip. It is a great book to read on a dreary rainy day to put some sunshine in the room. Howard Jordan has written a book that everyone who ever heard anything about New York will love.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/life-on-grayson-island&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41tMUBxg3aL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="Life on Grayson Island" by E.R. Champion is based on true events and real characters and places although names have been changed for obvious reasons. It is the story of one gated community that thought they could do nothing wrong in the eyes of the law. As we follow the life of one special policeman thoughout the seven years he worked for the forc...){kind=link}
Life on Grayson Island
Turtles, Snakes, Dogs and Flakes. Seven years in the land of OZ
E R Champion
2012 Finalist
222 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Reviewed by Lynette Fowlston for Readers' Favorite
"Life on Grayson Island" by E.R. Champion is based on true events and real characters and places although names have been changed for obvious reasons. It is the story of one gated community that thought they could do nothing wrong in the eyes of the law. As we follow the life of one special policeman thoughout the seven years he worked for the force we meet up with some hilarious characters and happenings. When they thought it was teenagers tossing lawn furniture into swimming pools they soon found out it was different, but they never seem to haul them into jail. From Fourth of July parties to teenagers having drinking parties out on the causeway, and the Yacht Club’s Regatta to removing snakes or turtles from out of harm’s way, life was never very dull on Grayson Island.
I found this book to be a hilarious read and managed to finish it in one evening. The characters in their own way lend much to the book. Of course with the name change we have the different police chiefs, Uno, Dos, and Treys. Remember that names have been changed to protect those who were at fault. The antics that the characters carried on reminded me of a rich gated Mayberry community and the Special Policeman of Andy. If you are looking to read a novel then this is not the book for you. The book is written as if the author is sitting with you on your front porch, with a cup of coffee in hand and discussing the happenings that went on. They say that laughter is the best medicine and I have to agree that even if you don’t laugh out loud, you will get a giggle or even a smile. The book is refreshing, and I would recommend it.
"Life on Grayson Island" by E.R. Champion is based on true events and real characters and places although names have been changed for obvious reasons. It is the story of one gated community that thought they could do nothing wrong in the eyes of the law. As we follow the life of one special policeman thoughout the seven years he worked for the force we meet up with some hilarious characters and happenings. When they thought it was teenagers tossing lawn furniture into swimming pools they soon found out it was different, but they never seem to haul them into jail. From Fourth of July parties to teenagers having drinking parties out on the causeway, and the Yacht Club’s Regatta to removing snakes or turtles from out of harm’s way, life was never very dull on Grayson Island.
I found this book to be a hilarious read and managed to finish it in one evening. The characters in their own way lend much to the book. Of course with the name change we have the different police chiefs, Uno, Dos, and Treys. Remember that names have been changed to protect those who were at fault. The antics that the characters carried on reminded me of a rich gated Mayberry community and the Special Policeman of Andy. If you are looking to read a novel then this is not the book for you. The book is written as if the author is sitting with you on your front porch, with a cup of coffee in hand and discussing the happenings that went on. They say that laughter is the best medicine and I have to agree that even if you don’t laugh out loud, you will get a giggle or even a smile. The book is refreshing, and I would recommend it.
Recommend this book:
, love, tenderness, truth and fantasy within its pages.
Diagnosed with Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy at age seven, Ricky has witnessed the gradual wasting of his muscles as a result of this cruel, incurable disease. When he lost th...){kind=link}
Ridiculous
The Mindful Nonsense of Ricky’s Brain
Ricky Tsang
2012 Honorable Mention
422 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Reviewed by Janet Jensen for Readers' Favorite
Ricky Tsang’s book is a journey into a brilliant mind: the reader will find humor (dark/bawdy and/or hilarious), love, tenderness, truth and fantasy within its pages.
Diagnosed with Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy at age seven, Ricky has witnessed the gradual wasting of his muscles as a result of this cruel, incurable disease. When he lost the use of his hands, he turned to writing (with the aid of his computer) to express himself. This book is a result of several years of posts on his popular blog.
I enjoyed his original and creative style, and because of his humor and sense of the ridiculous, the reader does not read about his life with pity but with interest and respect. Though many of his essays are philosophical or humorous, an occasional mention of incompetent nurses (on whom he must depend for every physical need) illustrates the fragility of his daily existence. He finds daily support from his dedicated family, of whom he writes with great love and admiration.
He also writes with great tenderness of love, especially romantic love, and criticizes our cultural obsession with beauty; in a series of essays dedicated to women of every nationality and culture, he expounds upon their particular qualities that he finds beautiful and encourages them to celebrate these features, while expressing his great admiration for them.
This is a touching and intriguing book; no one label can describe this multifaceted look into the genius of Ricky Tsang’s mind. I hope he continues to blog and publish, as his is a most original voice.
Ricky Tsang’s book is a journey into a brilliant mind: the reader will find humor (dark/bawdy and/or hilarious), love, tenderness, truth and fantasy within its pages.
Diagnosed with Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy at age seven, Ricky has witnessed the gradual wasting of his muscles as a result of this cruel, incurable disease. When he lost the use of his hands, he turned to writing (with the aid of his computer) to express himself. This book is a result of several years of posts on his popular blog.
I enjoyed his original and creative style, and because of his humor and sense of the ridiculous, the reader does not read about his life with pity but with interest and respect. Though many of his essays are philosophical or humorous, an occasional mention of incompetent nurses (on whom he must depend for every physical need) illustrates the fragility of his daily existence. He finds daily support from his dedicated family, of whom he writes with great love and admiration.
He also writes with great tenderness of love, especially romantic love, and criticizes our cultural obsession with beauty; in a series of essays dedicated to women of every nationality and culture, he expounds upon their particular qualities that he finds beautiful and encourages them to celebrate these features, while expressing his great admiration for them.
This is a touching and intriguing book; no one label can describe this multifaceted look into the genius of Ricky Tsang’s mind. I hope he continues to blog and publish, as his is a most original voice.
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