Humor Books

Perhaps looking forward to this book raised my expectations. I thought the previous two in this series were simply some of the best space opera combined with social commentary scifi available. This book simply does not deliver.

First, there are continuity errors. In one page of the novel, literally, one page, prepackaged meals are called 'prepacks'; in the rest, they're suddenly 'preheats'. Huh?

Second, she changes POV character waaaay too often. You can't even really call this a Koscuisko novel because he appears in less than half of the scenes, and is very rarely the POV character. I don't mind multiple POV novels, but someone as accomplished as Matthews should know that readers need some kind of clue at the beginning of a section as to who is narrating that section. Even just some geographical locator "on board _ragnarok_" or some such would have been an immense help. Half the time I had to go back after a page, when I'd figured out where and who 'we' were, to realign that information in my brain. Sometimes I had to stop in the middle of a section and wonder if she'd changed POV character on me or just got her pronouns confused (which she did, at least twice).

The whole novel has a sloppy feel to it. There's no compelling plot for Andrej; one never feels an awful lot of empathy for Ivers, and even though the surface plot tensions are resolved at the end, the internal problems for Andrej or Ivers are never resolved. And I don't mean 'unresolved' in a way that screams 'sequel'. She wraps everything up pretty tightly, so that I wouldn't be surprised if this is the last novel in the series--everyone's off to a Brave New World, inside the Judiciary or not, and hope is in the air, and.... all the loose ends are just oh so conveniently tied up. (Except the rioting and bombing and looting and why have a prologue in a place that's never EVER mentioned again in the novel?) It's a fuzzy and unfocussed novel that actually at times was a chore to read. I loved her other Andrej novels, but this...well, I wish I could go back in time to a week or so ago and still have hopeful expectations for this novel.

I think Matthews is taking the Conan Doyle approach and chucking Holmes off the cliff in a hope to be done with the whole mess. A shame, really.

You should buy this book.

HOWEVER, I reccomend doing so only if you've read the other Jurisdiction novels-- Exchange of Hostages, Prisoner of Conscience, Hour of Judgement, and Devil and Deep Space. It's not that Warring States isn't a coherent tale on its own-- it is, and a good one. But you won't enjoy it as much if you don't know the context, especially since a fairly major plot in the book hinges on a conflict begun two books ago. Besides, these are all fine characters who deserve some getting to know.

To those who have read the others-- Warring States is a little different from what we've seen before. There's a little less focus on Andrej Koscuisko, and a little more on the workings of Jurisdiction. It isn't a bad thing. All the old themes are still there-- love, and sacrifice, and willful stupidity, and good intentions. And they're just as satisfying as they've ever been.

As in the previous books, the author demonstrates a really refreshing grasp of a universe that exists outside of her main protagonists. Conflicts do not arise in a void; they exist because of other characters-- whose point of view you also get to see things from. None of the characters in Warring States are just handy plot devices.

One of the really nice things about reading Susan Matthews' writing is that if a person is antagonistic, she does not tell you so. She shows you so, by letting you into their head and letting you see how they understand the world. Look, ma, they've got motivations! Ditto her protagonists, and she doesn't exactly attempt to gloss over their flaws, either. None of these people fell from Krypton to leap tall buildings in a single bound. They're just people-- like the villains-- doing what makes sense to them.

It's nice.

So she's got a bunch of great characters. And? And they exist in a well-planned world. There are well defined cultures and governments and it makes SENSE that thus-and-such a character came out of this-and-such a culture. It's all internally consistent, which means there's nothing to jar you out of what is really a fascinating universe.

In the end, Warring States is a compelling book (and we shouldn't expect anything less of this particular author) and a well written one (ditto) and a satisfying one (see previous).

Well, as satisfying as a cliffhanger could be.

Susan R. Matthews returns, after a long wait, with "Warring States," the latest in her "Judiciary" novels featuring Andrej Koscuisko. It's packaged well--a large-size paperback on good paper, and it solves the murder of First Secretary Verlaine that occurred at the end of "The Devil in Deep Space." This time Andrej, after setting one of the two plots in motion, becomes more or less tempest-tossed as the action switches to the doings of Bench Specialist Jils Ivers, who's part of a convocation assembled to pick the next First Judge (while also being a suspect in the murder).

Ms. Matthews tries hard to overcome the inherent clunkiness that she's set for herself by blending the two plots together, and if she doesn't quite succeed, she certainly fails honorably, and it's definitely worth your time. As before her sense of place is extraordinary (when Jils orders a meal in a luxury hotel suite, you'll almost taste the food; when she descends underground where the convocation is being held maybe you'll feel claustrophobic too), and her chilly prose is as lucid as ever. Unfortunately, Andrej, who's worked hard to overcome his sadomaschoism (he refuses to torture people anymore), is a crashing bore after the tempest starts tossing him about after that opening act of his--he seems to have no willpower, nor control over his own life, and his motivations seem principally to have become those which Ms. Matthews assigns him, rather than having grown organically from the story.

In short, the author probably would have been better off writing two novels instead of cramming two stories into this one.

Notes and asides: Bench Specialist Vogel, who used to be Garol Vogel has become Karol Vogel. The handsome cover, by Christian McGrath, depicts, almost certainly, Jils Ivers, but who the man in uniform is could be any one of several characters. That might just be the point.

This is a thoroughly enjoyble book! Especially if you've been reading Susan Matthews before, you'll like this one.

Why? I think that, in the previous 2, Susan couldn't make up her mind about giving Koscuisko a happy ending or getting him killed. The fact that she couldn't make up her mind, hurt those plots. Now she's made up her mind: not to kill him, not to give him a happy ending and nevertheless to change his entire universe. And that brings so much new freshness to this book...!

The plot? Warring states (I think) refers to colliding realities: the Judiciary order with its rules and regulations versus the chaos and turmoil because of the departure of its Enlightened ruler (the First Judge). Free individuals versus slaves. Loyalty to principles and people, versus loyalty to ambition and selfishness. In Koscuisko the warring states are guilt (over the anguish caused by his legal exercising of torture) versus eagerness to relive the thrill caused by the adrenaline rush provided in the act of torturing.

It's a good book in this series, on many levels. Sometimes it's a bit slow, because the dramatic tensions makes you want the action to speed up (skipping forward solved that problem for me).

You'll enjoy it.

The eagerly awaited next installment of The Life & Hard Times of Andrej Koscuisko is here! All major points having been covered in previous reviews, I'll just add my opinion that Susan has done it again. Our beloved favorite characters are all here (even Joslire through his family), including cameos from those we might have forgotten about. The emotions run just as high or higher than in previous books, despite the reformation of certain characters. Hints of what is yet to happen in this universe will keep you checking to see when the next novel is scheduled for release.

I will reiterate the warnings of previous posts, however. This is a volume of a series, so it's best to begin at the beginning with Exchange of Hostages. Otherwise, some of the shocking page-turners in this book just aren't as shocking.

A great book with many lighthearted, thought provoking stories. It gives real life situations in which everyone can relate. It is definately a book that you would read on more than one occassion. I have recommended it to all of my friends....

This is a great book to read together with a non-Christian. No matter the religious beliefs of your friend, he or she will find Babb's writing witty and entertaining. But the nuggets of Christian truth are written in a non-threatening way that can foster conversation on to something deeper.

This book can simultaneously tickle your funny bone and bring a tear to your eye! The author has laced this book with precious memories and experiences of his own that are relative to mine, and he does it with great perception and wisdom in the "lessons." Both humor and insight--there's not a better combination!

What an uplifting and inspirational book! Martin Babb has a way of making real life situations down right hysterical. Babb has an amazing ability to make you smile and laugh all while learning a valuable lesson. This is a book that I could read over and over!

This book was not only funny and entertaining, but each story had a thought provoking message that hit home. Babb took everyday situations that we all encounter and made us realize how they fit into our life as Christians. This is a book you can read over and over again.

This book was fun to read, quick to read and super to re-read when I need a little extra motivation in my quest for healthy eating.

I love this book. Janice is inspiring and funny and the artwork is wonderful. Very cool! This book has kept me motivated as I am doing my own "permanent fat removal." It's working. Her approach is unique and completely different from "diet" books. It is inspiring and offers a new way of looking at the whole "body image" thing. I get so caught up in the fun and cool way she has of thinking about food and removing fat permanently that I am losing weight without the struggle. It is a wonderful way to think about caring for yourself. I highly recommend this book!

This is a must-read for those who want a fresh, new perspective on weight-loss and "permanent fat removal"! I recommend it all who are looking for a new way to love ones self.

Janice Taylor is simply delightful! She is cheerful, creative, and super-spirited about her work...and all of this comes across in her writing. There is no way to look at, listen to, or read Janice Taylor and be unhappy. No way! I am not on a personal quest for weight loss but "All is Forgiven", I have discovered, encompasses so much more - it's about renewing your outlook on life, your journey and, most of all, your esteem. It is the type of book that I like to take a little bite out of everyday - just for a boost of inspiration or a little yummy food for thought. The art work (graphics as well as Janice's artwork, present throughout the book) is an added boon. Even if I'm not reading, it's fun to just peruse the pictures, marvel at Janice's art, and enjoy how beautifully formatted the book is. If you are battling with your weight however, as many of us are, this book is a MUST READ before you even THINK about starting another diet! Everything about "All is Forgiven" will make you feel good, and better about what might have seemed an impossible journey to "Sveltsville." Sometimes you simply need a change of perspective :-)

I am in the middle of this book and I can't put it down. I am enjoying it so much, I just ordered her first book as well.

I dont want to ruin the book for you. If you loved the show then buy the book. I got it for my wife as a birthday present. Enjoy its funny.

This book is super fun! It has tons of awesome details about the writer and the story's background. Lots of pictures from the show. And I really enjoyed reading the whole script! It's all in here! From "It Sucks to be Me" to "You Can be as Loud as the Hell You Want" to "For Now"! The entire script is there so you can make sure you didn't miss anything from the show!

The only problem with this book is: you may be picking monster hair out of your mouth when you read it! This book is super hairy! But it's all part of the fun!

After seeing the touring version of AVE Q, I had to get this book. It has become my favorite show ranking over Phantom of the Opera and Les Miz. (I nerver thought that would be possible.) The book is colorful, full of fun information and most important the full text of the show. Lots of pictures and interviews including other casts besides the original Broadway cast.

As for the mentions of the orange fur shedding, I immediately sprayed both covers with a couple coats of hair spray and it has not shed at all.

Only fault I have is the book was published before the tour so no pictures of that excellent cast headed by the wonderful Rob McClure.
Don't wait BUY THIS BOOK!

Fun and whimsical, this book servers as a great "coffee table" companion to the play itself. It contains the usual info about the creation of the show and its original cast, as well as the full script. If I've any criticism, it's with the "furry" orange cover, which, though fun, tends to shed.

The show was great - the book is wonderful with the lyrics and such. The key downside to the book is that it sheds.

I am a big matt groening fan so I bought this. One out of every 10 was funny and the others...

This book is really funny,and yet so realistic (apart from the talking bunnies). You can definitly see some simalarities between the charactors in the Simpsons and the characters in the book. I plan on buying all 5 books

I must say, Big Book of Hell is 10 times better than Huge Book of Hell. Funnier, less preachy, bigger, and just plain better. It's honest, and extremely observant of the little stupid things we do every day. Matt's detailed descriptions of school and work are so true, I wish I would have written them. Bongo's anti-school agenda is so funny and true. The strips with the eyes and Bongo strapped in a chair are among my favorites. Another thing Big Book has that Huge Book doesn't, is that it is TOUCHING! Witness the 8 Steps of Handling a Divorce (or something to that nature). I almost cried when I read it. In some ways, its more personal than Huge Book, other times, more universal. Which is why Greoning's work (and the Simpsons) are so brilliant: touching, personal yet universal, bitter yet hilarious, observant without being fake. Big Book also has TREMENDOUS re-read value. I highly suggest anyone looking for a laugh or some delicious insight to purchase Big Book of Hell.

It's one thing to say that life is hell and sit back and sulk. It's another thing to turn it into hysterical, scathing humor. Matt Groening's "... is Hell" series is by far the darkest and funniest exploration into our modern life. If Mark Twain were a cartoonist, this is what he would have produced. Compare these cartoons to those animated yellow people (Bart, Homer, et al.), and The Simpsons are no longer a dysfunctional family.

I've been a huge fan of the Simpsons since they first aired, and recently I decided to check out Matt Groening's other works. I bought this book used and it was worth every penny. The comics here are unlike any other. I particularly enjoy them because they are totally irreverent, yet honest about the state of American society today. Many of the 'School is Hell' series appear in this collection. They are my favorites--they get me through long nights of studying. It makes me wish there was a 'Life in Hell' TV series to go along with the Simpsons.

This is an excellent book detailing Bill Peet's life from a small town in Indiana to becoming an award-winning children's book writer/illustrator.

I am a children's librarian and I am often perusing our collection for items that look interesting. I recently discovered an extremely old copy of "Capyboppy" by Bill Peet and absolutely loved it! As a result, I decided to look for other titles and realized we had his illustrated autobiography. His drawings are heartfelt and comforting and his (seemingly) effortless talent is stunning. His description of various parts of his life are engaging and I believe that children and adults will enjoy the book equally. I can't recommend this book enough.

Bill Pete started out as a daydreaming, doodling boy, and made it all the way to Walt Disney! Bill was born in Grandview and was raised in Indianapolis. He lived happily with his Mother, two brothers, and grandmother. His father was a traveling salesman, and didn't really come into his life until later. Ever since Bill was young, he loved to draw. During class, he would doodle in between the margins, and his books were a big favorite amongst the other kids when he sold them as second-hand. His childhood was fun filled, and he had some big hopes and dreams. First of all, he wanted to go on a safari and sketch the animals, but most of all, he wanted to be an artist. One day, in the summer of 1928, Bill's father returned "home" broke, travel weary, and demanding money. After arguing for many days, Bills mother gave in and paid his father. With that, his father drove away. Not long after that, Bill's grandmother tragically died, which put the family in complete shambles. They had to move, and everything changed. The Great Depression started, and Bills father kept taking money, so he kept them poor. Bill went through school well as a student, graduated, and went to college. That was when the work became harder. Bill was facing flunking some of his classes. One night, he ran into an old friend from school, and was persuaded to start taking some arts classes. Bill began painting, and it is there that he met his beautiful wife Margaret Brunst with which he eventually had two sons. He graduated with flying colors, and took a job as a painter. Finally, he realized he didn't have a steady income, and applied for Walt Disney Productions. He became a good friend of Walt Disney himself! Bill helped create many classics starting with Snow White, and going all the way to Jungle book. As time went by, Bill decided that after 27 years, it was time to leave. Bill had become attached to the company and his job, but mostly Walt. It was hard to say "good bye." About one year later, Walt Disney died. Bill went on to writing stories and illustrating them for children of all ages. They all relate to him in one way or another, but the one that felt the most connected to him was "Chester the Worldly Pig". Chester was who he was, and he had always been so. And like Chester, Pete "had grown beyond his expectations."

I can see myself in Pete sometimes. He never gave up and kept dreaming and kept his spirit alive. He has an easy flow to his writing that makes you feel relaxed and know that you're in for one heck of a good story. I loved his book for the truth that it told, and for the wonder that makes up Bill Pete. Keep dreaming, if you strive, you can reach the stars and soar beyond.

The book that introduced me to Bill Peet as a child and helped in inspiring me to push my art and chase my dreams. A must have for any lover of original Disney art or aspiring artist.

I nevertheless found it quite fascinating and engrossing.

Peet is a self-professed reluctant student, especially of English classes, but he is nonetheless quite the good writer. Peet's illustrations add a lot to the pace and feel of the book and are a joy in their own right. His stories of life in Indianapolis before World War II will be interesting to any native Hoosier (as am I).

However, the most interesting part details his jobs at Walt Disney studios. His descriptions of how they made movies in the old days as well as the insider's look at Walt Disney himself are fascinating. Peet worked on several Disney movies, including Pinnochio, Fantasia, Cinderella (he created the lovable mice) and the original 101 Dalmations.

Peet brushes over his life after he left Disney a little too quickly. I would have liked to have read his descriptions of life in the publishing world as well. Also lacking is much history of his family life.

That being said, it was still fascinating, entertaining and totally worth the reader's time.

I give this one a grade of A-

If you quickly glance through it, it might not seem like a great book. But it's really good, it just uses simple drawings to show idea's. If you want to start a comic strip artist this is a must to add to your collection. If you want to pretty pictures by a comic book, this is to learn to create them.

Before I finished my third book I decided it needed cartoons to visually explain some ideas (a picture is worth 1000 words) and provide humor to a tough subject. I started checking with hiring a professional artist (or student artist) to do the work. It quickly became clear the task would be time consuming, expensive and I may not get what I wanted in the end.

First, it would be difficult to find someone who would be able to take what was in my mind and transfer it to a cartoon

Second, it became painfully clear it would be expensive (even with a student artist). I wanted around twenty five cartoons drawn.

Third, some individuals wanted to discuss contracts and usage.

My best option was to learn how to draw cartoons myself. I figured it would be less expensive (only the cost of books and art supplies), and frustrating and I would get exactly what was in my brain. It would take some time to become proficient, but it sounded like a fun project. I was fortunately right.

The Cartoonist's Workbook by and a couple other books helped me learn how to draw cartoons good enough to put in my latest book.

Robin Hall's common sense approach to teaching drawing made the challenge fun. There were also a tremendous number of different sketches in the book that helped jump start ideas for potential cartoons.

Robin Hall provides many excellent sections that helps teach drawing techniques. Some the sections that I found especially helpful were: The Expressions section, The Useful Outdoor References and The Gag Situations.

After finishing my sketches, I used Adobe Elements software to polish up the work. I was very pleased with the final cartoons that went into my book...and there have been many positive comments about the cartoons from people who have the book.

Overall, this is a great resource for learning to draw cartoons!

The Re-Discovery of Common Sense: A Guide to: The Lost Art of Critical Thinking

Drawing on the Funny Side of the Brain : How to Come Up With Jokes for Cartoons and Comic Strips

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Cartooning but Were Afraid to Draw (Christopher Hart Titles)

This book is very helpful. I've had some experience before with attempting cartooning and I've been drawing seriously for years. However, this book teaches a different method for cartooning and drawing that is different than what I've been using before and reading it inspires me again to do more cartooning.

The way he writes is just encouraging, friendly and it is quick to get to the point. He accompanies his writing with illustrations that look comfortable and accomplished. The author is obviously a capable cartoonist and it allows you to feel like you are being taught well. He assumes you know nothing and I'm certain that his methods would seem comfortable to even the most inexperienced artists.

The gag writing section of the book is interesting too but it isn't as good as the rest of his book. This is understandable given the nature of writing humor. Even though it doesn't do as well as the drawing sections, it still is the best guide to writing humor I've ever seen. Like the rest of the book, it inspires me to write humor of my own. It's shortcoming though is that unlike the cartooning section, the examples don't seem accomplished. Though the methods he teaches seem promising with practice, his own stuff is not very funny.

Regardless of the flaws in the humor-writing sections, the whole of the book is just so inviting that it makes the book a great purchase. It's a useful and fun book and I'd have gladly paid twice what I did for it.

the cartoonist's workbook is a great book that just about goes over every thing needed to make a cartoon. of course since the book is only around a 100 pages it doesnt go into great detail on every issue. its a great recourse as it has around 20 pages of just gag ideas, useful poses etc...

Anyways the book teaches you a very 90's looking type of cartoon which i happen to like. I would recommend this book for anyone trying to draw some cartoons. This book assumes you know almost nothing and cant draw so its for absolute begginers. i highly recommend this book.

I've worked with fine art for years, and I was looking for a way to loosen up a little, do some simple sketching. Among art books there isn't much to choose from if you want to draw loose! I came across this book at a bookstore and I just liked the drawing style. I brought it home and within hours the looser style I wanted to achieve had emerged. If it's helped me this much, I can imagine what it would do for someone who actually wants to draw cartoons! It's a great reference for the simple basics of drawing everything from people to common objects. A great book!!!!

We recieved a copy of this book as a present when our baby was born. Honestly, the art is not my thing at all. Its that weird collage style. So, if it was up to me, I would give this book 3 stars but my daughter absolutely loves it. She's 8 months old and always gets so excited when we read it that its on heavy rotation. I like how it teaches about animal sounds but with a fun rythem. Eventualy, you just don't notice the art that much. In the end, I am forced to give it 5 stars.

This book has very simple text, but my 16 mo old twins love the rhythm. They both dance around as I read it aloud and have me read it over and over again. Like other reviewers, my son laughs and dances over to look at the picture when we get to the "Bee Buzz Honey" page. We used to get this book from the library but decided we needed a copy in our personal home library.

Cow Moo Me contains images of animals paired with text using a rhyming pattern to display the name of each animal and the sound the animal makes. For example, an image of a bumblebee flying around flowers is paired with the text, "bee buzz honey, bee buzz zoom, bee buzz busy, bee buzz bloom." This book would be appropriate for infants ages newborn to 24 months. The rhythmic patterns, bright colors, and familiar animals make this book ideal for this age group. In addition, the rounded edges are very appropriate for young infants who like to explore books themselves. I would recommend using this book in the library as part of a lapsit. The artwork is made of bright, colorful collages. The images are cute and silly, fitting well with the simple text.

My 2 year old LOVES this book. He can practically recite it back to me! He laughes when we get to the Bee Buzz Honey part! Although most of the reviews are for babies much younger, my son continues to enjoy this book, in fact, even more now!

My daughter is 7 months old and for the last month this book has been among her favorite playthings. She laughs and waves her arms when I read it to her and her eyes light up just looking at the pictures. I turn the page to "Bee Buzz Honey" and her eyes find the bee and she smiles. Not great literature, no. But a book a baby could love.

With each new Bone book I get, I never get disappointed. Each book is more and more engrossing. While the black and white issues are the originals, the colors add more to the overall story than I would have guessed. The art is great, the epic story is amazing and the colors just help bring everything together even more.

I gotta say that once you get into the Bone series, it's hard to stop reading it, and I really enjoyed this volume, which is mostly about the antics and schemes of Phoney Bone as he tries to swindle people out of their money, hurting others along the way as things backfire terribly. Definitely great stuff!

The Bone series really hits its stride in this volume. Continuing the excellence from previous volumes, the story deepens and builds into a truly great fantasy tale, on par with classics of the prose fantasy world. I'd give this volume more than 5 stars if I could. Highly recommended.

Side note: - While I understand the all ages appeal of the Bone series; I find it odd that these books get shelved (and buried from a wider range of readers) in the young adult sections of the major chain stores. It would be better to shelve them with Graphic Novels or SciFi/Fantasy.

Jeff Smith's BONE: THE DRAGONSLAYER provides another fine graphic novel in Book 4 of the Bone series. Here the forces of evil are growing - and the roots may be within the Bone family itself. Full-color graphic novel pages entice kids to read the Bone adventures, and even newcomers will find it easy to jump in.

Action, suspense, mystery, with a winning plot and great characters, this beautifully mastered chapter in the bone series is top notch! I can't wait for the next book in the (assumed nine-part) series to come out!

I have been a faithful FoxTrot reader for years. Roger, Andy and their kids Peter, Paige and Jason are always good for a reality check with a large dose of laughter. I've got two girls and let me tell you, I see a lot of my kids in Paige with, I believe, even a healthy dose of Jason thrown in. And they have Peter's bottomless stomach. Of course, they're faithful FoxTrot readers too. I used to read the strip to them, explain what was going on, but now they get it just fine and we three all laugh together. Then my girls try and explain the strip to their dad, who pretends he doesn't get it.

The FoxTrot folks are a great family, one we sort of got used to checking up on every day, so we took the news that Mr. Amend was going to cease daily distribution of his wonderfully funny people and turn his strip to Sunday only, with a bit of sadness. Still, we have these terrific FoxTrot books to keep us going with our FoxTrot fix. Mr. Amend is to be commended for his great gift to our culture and his great gift to so many lives. I truly believe a laugh a day, helps keep the blues away and the FoxTrot gang are always good for a laugh. Heck there are a lot of laughs in the FoxTrot books. I know, I have them all and I am, along with my girls and my hubby dear, eagerly awaiting the next one.

Oh yes, I forgot to mention, we don't have an iguana, but my girls do have a pet gecko and, you guessed it, his name is Quincy.

I've been a Foxtrot reader for a long time and personally I think there is something suspiciously wrong with people who don't find Bill Amend's characters funny as all get out. If you want a good laugh, check out Bill in your local newspaper, or better yet, get one of the Foxtrot books. They are all great, really, they are.

Like many of Mr. Amend's fans I'm a bit disappointed he's switching his strip to Sunday-only, but fortunately I can still read him daily in the Foxtrot books. Get them one and all and you can keep right on a laughing.

FoxTrot follows a family of five through their bizzare everyday lives. Roger, the father, is a mid-level office worker, and his wife Andy is a successful columnist. Peter, the oldest child, is a high school senoir with a passion for sports but without the skill. Paige, the middle child, enjoys shopping but hates schoolwork. Jason, the youngest child, enjoys schoolwork and harrassing his sister.

Bill Amend had been writing Foxtrot for about four years when he drew the comic strips in this collection, so at this point he had refined his humor without needing to reuse any older storylines. Most of the comic strips play up the sibling rivalry between Peter, Paige, and Jason very well. The book also features a number of comic strips that feature Peter's girlfriend Denise, who is not featured as much in more recent strips, and it also includes a large number of references to pop culture. The longer storylines in the book include two vacations by the Fox family: one to an amusement park, and one to the hot desert in the summer. Amend also drew several new panels for the center of the book that show Paige's dreams about her idealized French lover Pierre. The book still occasionally tocuhes on serious subjects, too, such as when Peter experiments with chewing tobacco.

Overall, this is classical Foxtrot humor. Foxtrot fans should definitely buy this book, but even casual readers of Foxtrot comic strips will find something to enjoy in this book.

If there's one cartoon comic book you should get, it's "Enormously Foxtrot." Entertaining, witty, and comical, it's the perfect reading during your spare time. Jason continues to play tricks on his sister, Paige continues to physically torment Jason, and Peter is just a regular teenager who has an appetite of a vacuum cleaner. Meanwhile, the parents try to deal with them and their own lives and still be a happy family. This gigantic collection is enjoyable and would help you pass those long hours at home.

Yet another amazing foxtrot anthology, The best word to describe it is just plain funny, this is a good long book, so the humor goes on and on.