Humor Books

Coming of age tales usually focus on becoming a responsible, respectful member of society - not a sarcastic smarty pants. "Little Miss Smarty Pants" is a different sort of coming of age novel, filled with gay friends, drag queens, and a whole assortment of strange characters one encounters in life are what the protagonist faces in this quirky, offbeat novel. Riveting in it's hilarity from first page to last, "Little Miss Smarty Pants" is highly recommended for community library fiction collections with a focus on chick lit.

Don't make the mistake I made in trying to read this book in public-You will be either laughing or crying or maybe both and people will start to wonder about your mental health! Suzanne Kopoulos has written a poignant book about her life, a brave and touching story that is completely engaging to the reader. I highly recommend this book!

LITTLE MISS SMARTY-PANTS is touching and heart-breaking, while also being completely hilarious. I don't know that I have read another memoir that caused me to feel such a range of emotions. Kopoulos impressively bares her heart to the reader, but without overplaying or hiding behind the sad OR the funny experiences she has had. I enjoyed every page.

Little Miss Smarty-Pants is a semi-biographical memoire about the life and love/friendship of the author. It was a very amusing and touching story, was very entertaining, and emotion provoking. For a first shot at writing a book, this is one HELL of a BOOK. I recommend that any grown adult, especially those with "childhood baggage" should read this book and learn how to get over themselves with humor, love and understanding.
5 Stars.

Little Miss Smarty-Pants is first the memoir I have laughed my way through most of. Suzanne Kopoulos really lets it all hang out. She didn't hold much, if anything, back. As you might expect, she did change the names. I give her a lot of credit. Granted I didn't have as diverse a life as Suzanne, but I couldn't sit down and write about my life like she has. Give Suzanne Kopoulos a gold star for guts!

She may be about 10 years older than I am, but I could relate to a lot of what she talks about in Little Miss Smarty-Pants. From a high-school boyfriend she calls Joe Trailer, whose only perceivable ambition in life was to own a double-wide trailer, to dying her hair the same orange-red as Lucille Ball. Suzanne develops a close friendship with a guy, Jack aka Pookie, while in her first year of college in 1982; a friendship that lasts to this day.

Giving this book 5 stars was easy. A book that keeps me reading until well past 10pm (I didn't close the book until 1:30am the first night/early morning) is rare. Suzanne made me cry, feel her pain (Dr. Love), laugh and a few other emotions all in 320 pages. Please give this book a chance!

A book is a book, and appeals to individuals based on their preferences. I happen to enjoy the humor of Patrick McManus. The real reason for the review, however, is to acknowledge the seller, who was very curteous and quick to ship. If the opportunity presents itself again, I shall certainly look to do business with them.

I have been a closet Pat McManus fan since the 80's. His short stories always make me laugh out loud, no matter what mood that I am in before I start reading them. These stories are for everyone. You don't even have to fish or hunt and you'll still get it. Anyone who has ever spent any time outdoors will be able to relate to his adventures.

The names of the stories in this book are:
Sequences
The Dumbest Antelope
Out of Sync
Kid Brothers and Their Practical Application
The Fried Flies, Please, and Easy on the Garlic
At Loose Ends
Getting It in the Ear
Garage-Sale Hype
How to get Started in Bass Fishing
As the Worm Squirms
Scoring
A Road Less Traveled By
Gunkholing
Blips
The Night the Bear Ate Goombaw
Water Spirits
Letter to the Boss
Scritch's Creek
The Tin Horn
Cupidity, Draw Thy Bow
Whitewater Fever
Never Cry "Arp!"
Visions of Fish and Game
A Brief History of Boats and Marriage
Boating Disorders
Try Not to Annoy Me

First let me say I found the Patrick McManus stories funny each month as I got that magazine. Maybe it was Outdoor Life,,,,,
Then I read there that I could get books full of his stories.
WOW, I bought all of them.
I must say though that I like this one best.

BTW, If you ever read a story by Pat about being lost in the woods by all means believe him. I am way up here in NW lower Michigan.
A man I know who is a regular fisherman was fishing a local river. He was away from any road when he happened to find a man that had been fishing, but was asking how to get out of there back to a road. After he had told the guy to just follow the river that way for about two more miles the guy introduced himself,,, Guess who? Patrick McManus of course. 8>))

Now, I'm actually from Idaho where this book is actually based off of. Despite all of the Sarcasm, you got Idaho. HAHA LOL. I know this is bad but I hate to read. I had to read this book for an english assignment. But I really like this book. It is non-stop laughter. I think I am going to read all of his books now. I hope that is enough for you to be convinced that this book really is good and should be read by anyone who loves humorous books. HAPPY READING! :)

This book is hilarious. We like to read it to the middle and high school kids. You can hear them laughing about the fur coat, etc. outside the building. It has sparked many a boy into getting Partick's other books and reading for themselves. As a library director I know how hard it is to get middle and high school kids to read for pleasure. Patrick McManus is sure a pleasure. When I read the Goombaw story, and I have numerous times I still can not get through it without tears running down my face.

We are big Doctor Seuss fans and are attempting to get the entire collection for our daughter. Like the book, just too similar to Fox in Socks. Nothing but tongue twisters and no real story.
Great to have if your trying to collect all Dr Seuss books. If completing the collection is not important to you, I would only chose this if you don't already have Fox in Socks

Great book for my 1st grader, he loves the rhyming words throughout.

This book captures literary genius in the form of childish tongue twisters. It proves to be an excellent practice of diction and reading rhythm while providing extreme entertainment for the little listener. The love of words is the beginning of all great literary accomplishment, and this child's book is a step in the right direction.

This book was one of my husbands favorites when he was growing up, and now that we are expecting a child he wanted our son to have the same experience. He was so excited when it arrived that he read it to me as a bedtime story. The riddles start out easy, but by the end of the book your tongue is so twisted it's hard to say anything!! It's a lot of fun and we really look forward to hearing our son try to say these riddles when he learns to speak.

This is a really fun book to read. However, you REALLY have to pay attention to the words or you will mess them up. If you love tongue twisters, this is the book for you. It also is great for young readers, but they may become frustrated with some of the words. It's fun for little ones to listen to and to see how fast you can say these phrases. When you hear "faster, faster," well, you know you're encouraging reading in your child. A very fun book - I recommend it.

Talk about dreams coming true! In "One Little Secret" Ursula Rhoades a suburban housewife and mom has the chance of a lifetime to sing with the great Nik Prevel an awesome rock singer in his own right - son of the great Cristoff Prevelakis who is known as the love ballad king. There's only one small problem Ursula can't seem to tell her husband who is in New York for the summer working on the biggest case of his lawyer career the case that could lead to a senior partnership in his law firm. A dream that Ursula and her husband Don have worked towards all their married life. Yes Ursula had dreams of her own just as we all do. She dreamed of winning a Grammy. But she gave it all up for her husband and children, Victor and Valerie - that is till now.

Who would have thought just one innocent night of standing in for the singer in her son's band would lead to a chance of a lifetime invitation by Nik Prevel who wants to record a CD of love ballads with or without his father's blessing. Ursula agrees after much persuasion to do the project but no one is to know except Nik and his manager Arnie. So she becomes Alexandra Arcano or Alex the mystery woman. Ursula tries all summer to tell her husband but he's so busy they hardly have time for phone conversations. Ursula begins to wonder if God really wants her to tell her husband as something happens everytime she tries. Ursula knows she's lying to her family something she has never done. Deeply religious, all this is tearing Ursula apart.

Wow! the author Allison Bottke does an amazing job on this her second novel the first being "A Stitch in Time" where we first meet Ursula. God is all over this novel! An awesome read for teen girls and adult women alike call it fiction, contemporary fiction or chick-lit this reviewer calls it God's light as this novel has more reference to God than most Christian fiction books I've read in along time and that is so awesome. So find a comfortable chair, maybe some popcorn and sit back and enjoy "One Little Secret" as you won't want to put it down and I promise you'll come away never looking at your own life the same again!

Ursula Rhoades isn't "just" a housewife- she is a gourmet chef with an eye for fashion and a knack for hostessing exquisite events. She is also a faithful wife and mother who is very clear on her priorities, God and family first. Ursula finds herself offered the chance of a lifetime: to record an album with the hottest pop star in the nation- Nik Prevel.

Born into a lifestyle of fame and fortune, Nik is accustomed to getting everything he wants which leaves him feeling strangely empty. It also makes him completely unable to accept Ursula's refusal to work with him. Enter mystery woman Alexandra Arcana... and a secret which will change the lives of Nik, Ursula, and her family forever.

Allison Bottke's novel is a fun indulgence into a lifestyle many of us daydream about. She does a lot of name dropping of designer everything (which is a bit overkill) in the early chapters, but in her defense this sets the tone for a world where image is everything. Central to the storyline are the concepts of sacrifice and gratitude. Ursula reminds women everywhere to never give up on a dream because through God, all things are possible.

If you are a fan of "chick lit" but are looking for a little more spiritual meat, you are guaranteed to enjoy Allison's very delicious One Little Secret. You might even find yourself wanting a second helping!

Ursula Rhodes, last seen in A Stitch in Time, is a regular housewife and mother who's taken the summer off to relax and perhaps even take some opera lessons. Her plans are ruined though when her husband is called away for business and seems to busy to talk to her about his plans. Meanwhile pop star Nik Prevel is looking for a singer who can make an album with him and boost his career. When he hears Ursala's singing at a party, he knows that she's the one. Suddenly the housewife becomes a singing sensation that everyone wants to hear. Mom - lit meets American Idol.

This was a really fun book to read. I enjoyed learning about what goes on in the music industry. Who hasn't had the dream of winning a Grammy? Even if you sing horribly, you always wish that you could be up there singing a duet with your favorite star and then getting rewarded for it. I liked how even though I know that there are negative influences in the music world, this story was able to stay in the positive area. I was proud of Ursula for not backing down with her priorities with Nik. I'm glad that she set down what conditions she was going to follow and not give in to him simply because he was famous. I know that there would have been many women who would have fallen for Nik's advances especially if their husband had been distant like Don. I'm glad that Ursula did not fall prey to him. Although I will admit, I got frustrated that she kept giving in to her family and Don at the end of the book. They keep getting mad at her for keeping a secret yet she didn't seem to explain to them the real reason why she did it. She just kept apologizing when I felt she shouldn't have to. But other than that minor quirk, I really did enjoy this book. Very fun and I learned a lot too! I really loved seeing all the famous celebrities stop by and make little cameos throughout the book. It's more fun than seeing fake names pretending to be stars. They didn't have to interact with the main characters but it was fun to not know who would pop up next. I would love to own a copy of Blissful Love. It sounds like it would be the perfect CD to listen to on a romantic evening or to kick back and relax

Ursula has everything: an upper class lifestyle, a beautiful house, a rich husband, talented children, classic beauty, and she sings opera, to boot--but I like her anyway! A fun read, especially if you're like me and occasionally want to escape to another world. You'll find yourself pulling for Ursula one minute and ready to knock her in the head the next. What a treat! Thanks for the ride, Allison!

"One Little Secret" is fun, fun, fun...and inspirational too! Whether you're going on vacation or you need a little vacation, this is the book to throw in your tote bag. I loved it!
Tracy Klehn, author of "Prayer Starters for Busy Moms" and "Growing Friendships"

Where the heck did Clay Reynolds come from? This is one wild high-octane rush of Texas black comedy, betrayal and bloodshed. Tarrantino meets McMurtry. They'll never cram all this headlong action into a feature-length movie, and if they did it would fry you brainless. Read the book.

A fine plot,interesting,true to life characters and well paced make Players a super crime read.It is not yet up to the better Lawrence Block's or Elmore Leonard's,but I would rate it an 8 if not for the highly distracting use of colons in the punctuation.There are hundreds and hundreds of them.

1)This book is so far the only book that all the readers (including me) who tributed comments to the wonderful and so USER-FRIENDLY cool AMAZON.COM that from top to end, there is only an unique 10 or 10+ ratings. But why Amazon.com never included this wonderfully written book in their best recommanded 50 books? If all the readers of Amazon.com uncontroversially and wholeheartedly said this book is GREAT and only gave a 10~10+, it IS great, OK?! And you don't get any special credit by just writing a shallow negative review.

Players has got be one of the best books written in years. Reynolds ability to keep you thinking shines in this work. The plot is so well done and involved. It is one you will not be able to put down. A 10 without doubt!!!

I was recommended thru the e-mail for a chosen group to read this book. My God, this is the most wonderful book I've ever read, but I chewed it very slowly, because I didn't want to finish it too soon. For years I have been looking for such perfectly plotted, perfectly written, perfectly developed book! This is a real istant modern classic mystery+thriller, because it does not read like most of the so-called mysteries that actually written by retarded imbeciles & morons who dared to call themselves (mystery) writers and their mumbo jumbo craps mystery! This is a book written by a THINKING writer with mature logic. A very complex story twisted with plots within plots, but all were answered logically and completely, making the reading like watching a perfect onion peeled off grdually by a well experienced chef to the core. There was almost no flaw that I could find. This is the first book I could never guess what's gonna happen in the next page or next chapter. Like Carl Hiaassan in Florida, Mr. Reynolds por

Trisha Howell's children's books are always layered, with the sweetest stuff underneath the froth on top. Kids will love the "princess" and identify with her rebellion against changes outside her control ... doesn't that happen to every kid? And the sweet, humorous resolution will bring a smile to the face of every reader. Highly recommended.

My kids love this book!

This book is gorgeous! Trisha Howell did a wonderful job, writing a short meaningful children's story about 2 dogs that rings the importance of sharing and loving each other. All book lovers and parents: I highly recommend you get this book!

And by the way, the quality of this book is super. You should buy it just for the art!

Zev Saftlas, Author of Motivation That Works

The Princess and the Pekinese was a delightful book. My children loved the surprise of who a main character actually was. They performed a magical puppet show based on the book. I know when a book touches my children because it brings out wonderful creativity in drawings or activities they do afterwards, and this book definitely did.

Princess Lillian is a regal little Yorkie who is at the center of her family's love and attention. Then they get a new puppy, and she cannot stand the attention he gets -- or gives her. So she runs away. By the time she returns, she has learned to appreciate the blessings she has.

This is such a beautiful book, from the story to the illustrations. If you have ever had two (or more) dogs, you appreciate the complex relations between them. They truly have their own personalities, and their own objectives. The relationship between Princess Lillian and the Pekinese rings true.

For anyone -- dog lovers or just lovers, of all ages -- this book will touch your heart. And when you read what inspired Trisha to write this story, it will move you.

This is a Trisha Howell classic. Like all of her books, it presents life in its whimsical and glowing aspects. I have enjoyed reading it to several children.

I agree with most of the other reviewers that this was probably the best of the Savannah series, however, even though I know that there is a Christian element woven through the story line, I was appalled at Savannah's "reason" for pushing Joshua away. I can certainly deal with her chastity, but since this is the 21st Century, I had a hard time dealing with her attitude about Joshua and his life before he met Savannah. This plot element felt totally contrived and so unnecessary to this cute story of family and love.

LOVED IT!!!! I can not wait to pass this book down to my niece when she is a little older! Savannah's character is truly inspiring (along with all the other wonderful characters in this book)! This is one of those books that leave you feeling inspired with courage, spirit and hope for weeks after you read it. I hope that Denise continues to write more books in this series. She has done a beautiful job!!!!!

Having enjoyed Savannah From Savannah and been disappointed by Savannah Comes Undone I was intrigued to see if Denise Hildreth could return to the flare and spark that she showed in the first book... well she didn't... she got even better!!

Savannah by the Sea takes us from her beloved Savannah and into Seaside on a 'working vacation' with Savannah's family, Phoebe and of course what would a Savannah book be without Amber? Then of course, as in all chick lit, there always has to be the love interest...

This book is brilliant - it is laugh out loud funny, it is real, it is well written and it has made me desperate for another Savannah sequel to find out what happens next!

Each character seems to come into their own in this book - Victoria, Phoebe, Jake and even Amber all step into their own and become more realistic. The only character who seems to remain slightly one dimensional is Thomas.

Book Three also seems to be able to stand alone much more completely than Book Two did. Though it does help if you've managed to soldier your way through Book Two it isn't entirely necessary to have done so.

From a girl who hardly ever gives a book five stars - this is a fanstastic book and when it comes to Christian Chick Lit is up there with my other all time favourites - Consider Lily and Dreaming in Black and White/Technicolour.

Once again Denise Hildreth gives us a laugh out loud, can't put it down, moving book. I love how she always has to mention her real-life hubby, Jonathan Pierce, in her books. In this book, she actually makes an appearance herself. My one and only complaint with the Savannah books is that they are fiction and not real-life----I want Savannah as my buddy, I want her daddy, I want her best-frined, I DON'T want her mother-but I do want the wardrobe she gets her--LOL!!
Highly recommended series for all the Christian book addicts out there!

Considering that Denise Hildreth had never written a book and published it since this series, I have basically watched her grow. As her main character, Savannah, develops, I see Hildreth develop as well. Her writing has definitely changed since the first sentence of "Savannah From Savannah". I am so amazed at the effort and laugh-out-loud scenes that Hildreth brings to the table that I am writing this review with every single recommendation. That is extremely rare for a young woman who usually stays with known Christian authors or series. But, here it is.

In the third grand adventure of Savannah Philips, it occurs at a place far different then her tourist town. Placed in Seaside, FLA (where my family has vacationed since I was a child!!), the only place in the world you really feel at home, Savannah encounters the one thing that hasn't been chained to a monument or bought a lapdog. As the first two books really focused on Savannah and Victoria, this one zooms in one a new topic: TRUE LOVE. Now, I'm not going to spill the beans, but let's just say these scenes where Savannah is faced with a passion for the opposite sex are incredible. If anyone has objections, you should read something more, slow. Savannah by the Sea is a fast paced installment to a quirky, easy-going series.
Definitely what I would proudly call a 'must-read' or a 'summer read'. Buy it before the beach blankets find their way to the closet again and the bikinis officially go off the racks!!

This is one of the funniest books ever written. I never even saw the show. I frequently quote the book. This is a great book for anyone who has ever left his home state. You can really relate to the depictions of each city and state. Even if you've never left your home town, you should buy this book. I haven't read Harry Potter yet, but I assure you that this is better reading. I would recommend buying a copy for every one of your friends, or two copies for yourself. It's that good.

This was the funniest and best book i have ever read. I was a big fan of the show and this book made me like it even more (if that's possible). You have to read it if you like the show or just in a bad mood. It will cheer you up. I read this book over 8 times during work. BUY IT!

Being a huge fan of the TV show, I greatly anticipated reading this book. Amazingly, the book exceeded all my expectations. It is without a doubt the funniest book I've ever read. I've found that opening to a random page and reading for a minute always leaves me laughing out loud. If you're into humor that is a little offbeat and subtle, this book is definitely for you.

This is hands down THE funniest book I have ever read. I meant to just read a little bit, but when I picked it up I couldn't put it back down. I finished the whole book in a day.

It is totally unique. They certainly have a perculiar sense of humor, but I think that anyone who is not easily offended would find it funny.

The whole thing is written as if it were completely factual a completely factual account of a trip through the U.S., which of course it isn't.

If you enjoyed the T.V. show, you have to read the book. It is unforgetable.

This book is crucial to every aspect of my life. Most importantly, it determines those with whom I "hang." When I meet someone new, I let them flip through my copy for a few minutes. If they aren't on the floor laughing and begging me to borrow the book for a day within just a few moments, they are automatically excluded from receiving the benifits of my friendship. (They don't know yet, but there aren't really any.) In severe cases, I will have offenders arrested. This book is my life.

but it's just a book full of simple phrases of things that suck like

bar of soap breaking in half
socks falling down
underwear falling down
Michael McDonald
Applebee's

I don't think these are in the book but you get the idea. Mind you this book made me laugh and I did enjoy it - it's just not what I was expecting and that sucks for me. I'm sure it's probably made clear in the description above that I probably just skimmed over so I guess it's really me that sucks. One cool thing about this book is there are blank pages on the left which to me is best suited to writing things that suck which are not already in the book [the above are my additions], your favourites of things that suck, grocery list, whatever..

I came upon this looking for a darkly funny book...I'd recommend A Dirty Job.

A friend of mine had a copy of this - and as soon as I picked it up we immediately started a discussion of what else should be in the book...a long and very entertaining list of things in your life that suck. Hilarious!
I believe the author also has a website where you can add your own things that suck to the collection - a great idea. This is the kind of list that is truly endless - and also a lot of fun. Pick one up and put it on your desk.

Jason Kaplan is a comic genius. A friend of mine gave me Things That Suck after a particularly sucky week, and as I read it, I laughed out loud more times than I could count. I never thought I could be so entertained by a "mere" list. David Letterman should be ashamed of himself.

This book literally made me laugh out loud, which was a bit uncomfortable as I was attempting to read it in the midst of a meeting. Warning: Do not read this in the misdst of a meeting. You will laugh out loud, and then you will be filled with an unrelenting need to grab the person next to you and point to the line that made you laugh, see if they laugh as hard as you did, and when they do, force them to listen to you read every line you thought was funny. Again, not conducive to a meaningful meeting.

True, this has "bathroom reading" written all over it, but I spend a lot of my life in that room! Kaplan's knack for spooling off a list of similar frustrations--and then jumping to a radically different--but equally annoying--apsect of life is what repeatedly brought a smile to my face. Great stuff.

If you like chickens, you'll love a "A Tale of Two Cities!"

i have already read dean sluyter's zen commandments and thought it was wonderful. but this book why the chicken crossed the road was even better. it was very funny, eyeopening and enlightening. it made me see things i never saw or thought about before. it showed how caught up we get in details of our beliefs.. this book was not about beliefs. it was about living them.. i would recommend this book to anyone. i wish it was still in print. i would send it to many of my friends.. i will be re reading as well. it has so much to it.. a blessing of a book...

My father bought this book for me when I was going through spiritual difficulties in High-School. I still read it when life gets tough.

Dean Sluyter has an uncanny ability to make the mundane mystical. He takes phrases and songs, slows down time, and holds the words up to the sun turning them over in his hand and inside your mind to extract a much deeper meaning. His deconstruction of Row Row Row Your Boat is worth the price of admission alone. I am as college educated as the next guy and I was giggling like a monkey by the time I had completed the book. Then I gave it to a repairman, a friend of mine, mechanically a genius but completly unread, and he retured it the next morning at 7am because he 'just had to talk to somebody about it, about life, about meaning" and we had a conversation like philosophers over a cup of my horrible coffee. So I say again, Thank you Dean Sluyter. If you are ever in Newport Oregon please stop by. You seem like the coolest guy in America.

This may be the smartest, funniest, and most practical guide to the spiritual path I have ever read. By using funky American pop culture (knock-knock jokes, "Doggie in the Window," etc.) as his jumping-off point, Sluyter manages to present enlightenment in a way that anyone can connect with. He writes with a wonderful openness that embraces Zen, Jesus, rock 'n' roll and Mad magazine in one big hug - yet he never goes New Age sloppy, but lays out the What's What of spiritual development with precision. A must!