Humor Books


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Related Subjects: Perelman, S.J. Barry, Dave Grizzard, Lewis Wodehouse, P.G. King, Florence Bryson, Bill Keillor, Garrison Bombeck, Erma O'Rourke, P. J.
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Humor Books sorted by Average customer review: high to low .

Humor
Sherman's Lagoon: Ate That, What's Next?
Published in Paperback by Andrews McMeel Publishing (1997-09-01)
Author: Jim Toomey
List price: $10.95
New price: $4.49
Used price: $1.80

Average review score:

Blood in the Water
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2000-05-20
While it is nice to see a book that is not all nice - where shark meets human beach ape. Where else would you read that a shark would not want to eat a person because she is a Redhead and he is allergic to redheads. Will buy the next book.

Garfield ... With fins.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2000-05-03
I love sharks. I think they are one of the most beautiful creatures to inhabit the ocean. And when a friend told me about a cartoon about a fat, lazy shark and his wacky friends, I thought he was joking. He wasn't, but Jim Toomey was, and was it ever so funny. Sherman's Lagoon takes potshots at peoples perceptions of sharks, pop culture, and the battle of the sexes, interspliced with comments on the eviroment, and a keen sense of humor that surprised and delighted me. So check it out, as Sherman will grown on you and on occasion, that a bite out of your side.

a loveable shark!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2000-05-22
Do yourself a favor. Get this book.

Toomey has an incredible knack for turning things around so as you burst out laughing, you think, where does this guy get his ideas?

When you read this book, you are going to root for the shark. I have spent years snorkeling in the ocean, and never imagined I would be enamored of a loveable shark, but here he is, folks, Sherman and his better half, Megan.

Sherman
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2001-12-19
Read it! Jim Toomey rules! Funniest shark in print...and the crab ain't bad either.

Fun for every hairless beach ape!
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2000-09-03
This is the first Sherman's Lagoon collection and is it a hoot! There are several good storylines in here, including the introduction of the sun-loving polar bear Thornton, Fillmore's trip to Ascension Island for mating season, the ongoing tumultuous relationship between Sherman and Megan, the crabiness of everyone's favorite crab Hawthorne and a visit from Sherman's brother Herman. One of the nice things about this collection is that you don't have to be a fan to enjoy this book. It is an excellent introduction to the often hilarious world that Jim Toomey has created and is a testament to his skill as a writer and artist. I love this book, it makes me laugh alot and I am proud to own it. I'm sure you would be too!

Humor
The Space Child's Mother Goose
Published in Hardcover by Purple House Press (2001-08-15)
Authors: Frederick Winsor and Marian Parry (illustrator)
List price: $18.95
New price: $11.82
Used price: $11.82
Collectible price: $18.95

Average review score:

Timeless Parody of the Timeless Original
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-13
One of the guilty pleasures of reading Old SF, is seeing just how badly the imagined futures of the past tend to hold up, "..as the room-sized master computer blinked and clacked in the background, our hero picked up the heavy handset and dialed the number of the rocket taxi company on the black and white rotary video phone...", but you will have to forego such joys with this surprisingly modern half-century old wonder. Not to worry, though, because the timeless hilarity more than makes up for it!

Contained within its covers are some 45 hysterically modernized Mother Goose classics with a few originals tossed in, charmingly illustrated by Marian Parry's deceptively simple line drawings, ending with a useful though slightly warped glossary to help you (or hinder you as the case may be) in getting the jokes. (Some recourse to an unabridged dictionary or a good encyclopedia may also be required.) Open the book, and you will enter a marvelously twisted universe in which Miss Muffet's arachnophobia is eased by a force field, Little Jack Horner extracts cube roots, three men go to sea in a Klein bottle, and Jack builds a Theory.

Defects? None that I can think of! One can argue that many of the in jokes will not be gotten by young children but such is true of the original nursery rhymes: Heavy Words Lightly Thrown: The Reason Behind the Rhyme. Frederick Winsor tragically passed away while working on a sequel, but one might hope to someday see an expanded edition containing whatever he managed to produce before his death. Meanwhile, thanks to Purple House Press, here is a back in print book you won't mind reading over and over to your children...

in fact your children might have to remind you to quit giggling about it all to yourself and share the fun!

A favorite since the '60s
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-11-10
This wonderful little book is one that I have owned several times since I first read it around 1961. Unfortunately, every time I managed to find a copy, I loaned it to someone. Of the several people I loaned each hard-won copy, none ever returned it. I guess that means people like it. For me, it has been a never-ending source of delight, even though I didn't understand most of it when I first read it at the age of 12. (Be warned: This is not a book for children. Nothing offensive; they just won't get it.) This time, I am not loaning my copy. Get your own. (And thanks, Amazon.)

Excellent
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2001-11-04
This book was a big part of my childhood.

Twisted, Charming, Educational, and Just Plain Fun
Helpful Votes: 13 out of 13 total.
Review Date: 2003-08-29
Rubber-band mathematics, telekenisis, Moebius strips and Klein bottles, multi-dimensional space-folds, a model of a scientific theory, postulates and relative time frames would not seem to be material suitable for children, but this slim book will quickly disabuse you of that idea. This book is a marvelous re-working of the old Mother Goose rhymes, updated to today's scientifically oriented world.

I first read this book just after it was published, when I was about eleven years old, and was immediately captivated. It made no difference that I didn't understand some of the terms being used. The thing that caught me was the skill with which these modern-day and science-fictional items were folded into those well known rhymes, how well they fit and gave new, quite twisted, and in many cases hysterically funny meaning to them. Reading them today, these verses are still just as funny, if not more so than I found them to be in my youth, as I now can catch the fact that Winsor buried many sly references to Greek literature, outmoded scientific theories, and even satire about academic politics within their brief lines. My favorite along this latter line is `The Theory that Jack Built', which contains a fatal flaw, hidden by mummery, obfuscation, and bells and whistles, which all gets blown away when the Space Child presses the `Go' button.

The illustrations are just as marvelous, and do much to help someone who might not completely understand the scientific terms to see just what is being referenced, while being very individualistic in style and maintaining the humorous tone of the whole book. Along with these visual aids, there are often `definitions' at the bottom of the page, some even more abstruse than the item being defined, but just as funny.

Don't forget to read the `Answers' at the back of the book, which in addition to some appropriate real definitions, also provide some rather unique explanations of some of the terms used in this book, including one which takes a viscous dig at Congress.

Give this one to your son or daughter, but not till you've read it yourself. You might get a few questions, and there might be a few puzzled frowns, but I'd almost guarantee you'll also be the recipient of some laughs and smiles.

--- Reviewed by Patrick Shepherd (hyperpat)

One of my first books, and still one of my favorites
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2004-12-01
I was born in 1952. This is the second book I remember having owning, after Dr Suess. I can't place the year exactly, but it was in the 50s.

I still have that first copy. I still read it. I enjoy it just as much or more now than I did way back when dinasoars roamed the earth.

Books don't come any better than this.

Humor
Topper: Library Edition
Published in Audio Cassette by Blackstone Audiobooks (2001-04)
Author: Thorne Smith
List price: $44.95
New price: $11.95
Used price: $18.55

Average review score:

Entertaining and pioneering book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-04-12
Topper is a fun story with several interesting sides. First and foremost, it has been credited with "inventing" the American Ghost. The book deserves a great deal of credit for this alone.

It is also the story of a man in what we might refer to as "midlife crises" today. Bored with his respectable existence, he has fun and takes solace in a holiday outside of his behavioral norms. He has middle aged man thoughts- about his wife and a younger attractive ghost woman, that are realistic (to the extent of the propriety of the author) and enlightening. A true triumph of the work, however, is that it does this without becoming so maudlin that it is suitable for an English class.

Finally, it is a comedic book, that is entertaining and worth reading.

I recommend this book, but the reader needs to be prepared to judge it in the context of its day- and from that perspective it is truly remarkable.

better than the TV show
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2005-09-08
and i very liked the show too !!. i remember seeing this book in the private collection of a professor at the university i worked at. so i took it home without his knowledge and read it. it was a very good read. light hearted but with a pleasant sadness.

Madcap haunting
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2002-03-25
I loved this book the first time I read it. This time it was less charming, though still fun. It all begins when Cosmo Topper, the epitome of Humdrum Life buys a car -- and discovers too late that it is haunted. Yes, haunted, and by outrageously adventuresome ghosts as well. Ghosts that drag poor Cosmo from one scrape to another and convert his Humdrum to Mayhem. Great Fun!

Great escapist fare from the jazz age
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2004-02-04
Having never heard of the movie, my initial attraction to this book was actually the cover art. Though there really isn't a date given, I pictured it perhaps in the early 1920's, though the depiction of the automobile as some kind of strange novelty probably sets it in the early 1910's.

Perhaps it's a reflection on myself, but I enjoy stories about ordinary people who are stuck in a rut or who have lived their lives having never followed their dreams and who are given one last chance to shine.

The characters and antics are outrageous, yet likable in a strange way. And the story reads pretty quickly.

While reading this book, I pictured elements of the 20's, 50's, and 80's. In fact, I think they should re-make a movie of this book and set it in a "timeless" setting.

Overall, if you're not prejudiced against reading a book written in the 1920's, I'd recommend it.

A Humour Standard
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2002-11-20
'Topper' is best known perhaps from the Cary Grant movie version. It's a good movie but I like the book even better. The characters delight, particularly in terms of Cosmo's retaining his decorum, in the warmth of Marion's dead-but-still-sexy presence. Anyone who enjoys humourous novels has to put this one on their reading list. Few recent humour novels are as funny as this classic from decades past, but there is one I know of, entitled 'Rastus Reilly', and I recommend that book as well.

Humor
Uncle John's Triumphant 20th Anniversary Bathroom Reader (Uncle Johns Bathroom Reader)
Published in Paperback by Portable Press (2007-10-28)
Author: Bathroom Readers' Institute
List price: $18.95
New price: $5.19
Used price: $5.45

Average review score:

Great read, as with every volume
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-24
Normally I buy a couple of these a year and... well... leave them in the bathroom. But I got bored in the middle of my first chosen read of the year and picked this up off the shelf. Next thing you know, I'm 200 pages in. So it made sense to go ahead and finish it. All 600 pages.

As always, Uncle John delivers top notch entertainment and information. Particularly interesting to me was one of the final extended sections on cancer. Just reading that section filled in a lot of little holes in my knowledge, which I thought was pretty robust given my recent experience with the disease.

Uncle John's -- Always a great read!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-15
This is probably the 5th or 6th Uncle John's bathroom reader I've owned, and it's every bit as good as the rest. The only downside to Uncle John's bathroom reader is that they only come out with a new edition once a year!

If you like tips, tricks, trivia, and tidbits, you'll love this book!

It Was 20 Years Ago Today Uncle John Taught the Band to Play!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-15
For trivia fans, 1988 stands as a landmark year. 1988 was the year "Uncle John" and the Bathroom Readers' Institute published the first BATHROOM READER volume containing interesting and oddball facts. That first book ran to 224 pages and cost $9.95. And now, praise be, here we are celebrating the 20th anniversary with this whooping 597-opus sure to delight all lovers of knowledge.

Edition 20 is the usual, entertaining collection of isolated facts, short two-four page articles on various topics and extended, multi-part articles on subjects like Music industry lawsuits, the history of bread, etc. along with the Word Origins, Court Transquips, Urban Legends, Strange Lawsuits, Bathroom Lore and other sections that have been a regular feature of the series. The series also retains its punny sense of humor as witness the following sections: Gnome Gnews is Good Gnews, The Ig Nobel Prizes and I Walk the Lawn.

Included in Edition 20 are articles on Historical Blunders, Animal Heroes, The Aloha Shirt, Weird Canada, Farts in the News, Odd Buildings, Car Name Origins, Weird Game Shows, Food Origins, Underwear in the News, The World's Oldest Calculator, Weird Wrestlers, Cockney Slang, Dumb Crooks, Comic Phrases and much, MUCH more! And all for $18.95...such a bargain!

You can't go wrong with this latest Uncle John Reader or any of the BR series ("Plunges Into," "For Kids," etc.). Total sales for the whole ball of wax is something like 7 million books so Uncle John & Co. must be doing something right. Pick up a copy of Edition 20, read and enjoy! Here's hoping we have another 20 years of Bathroom readers to look forward to!

Truly Triumphant!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-27
A wonderful book for those who don't want to commit to reading some long novel. Plus, I learned so many new and unusual facts! Like, did you know that the word "calculus" means "pebble" in Latin? Learn that and so much more!

Bathroom Reader
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-24
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who can't go to the restroom without something to read.

Humor
Way to Go, Smith
Published in Paperback by Harper Paperbacks (2000-11-01)
Author: Bob Smith
List price: $13.95
New price: $0.01
Used price: $0.01
Collectible price: $13.95

Average review score:

Way to Go Indeed!!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2005-05-09
I bought this book at a dollar store and it was worth every penny. Oh well, now that you've suffered through my lame attempt at humor move on to Bob Smith's genuinely funny and frequently moving collection of memories of childhood and busted romances. I usually avoid humor books of this sort (the authors usually concoct nothing out of nothing) but Smith has a engaging style of writing and vivid insights that can really take you back to your childhood, especially if you are in the same age range as him. The funniest are his memories of his fourth grade teacher, Mr. McGaffin. "I quickly realized one of the benefits of having a male teacher was that I could look at Mr. McGaffin as much I wanted while he taught...I studied Mr. McGaffin as if I was going to be tested on the geography of his face." Later that year, Smith discovers his semi-conscious crush has a "friend" Jeffrey and is curious about their relationship but too shy to pry, fortunately for him he is around when "Debbie Gruber...a loudmouthed girl and every thought that came into her head fell from her mouth like a letter through a mail slot" bluntly asked "Mr. McGuffin, do you live with Jeffrey?" Later, Smith learns the men live nearby his home and rides by their own their bike and spots Mr. McGuffin mowing the lawn. "I regretted I hadn't asked the inquisitive Debbie Gruber to tag along. She would have demanded, 'Can we see the inside of your house?'"

This book is so funny I might save up a dollar and buy his other one.

Middle of the Road
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2003-12-26
I had high hopes for this book. It started off really well. The stories of Bob's break-up from Tom was actually interesting to read, and was a story I could follow and invest in. I was hoping for a happy ending at the end--perhaps taking this sad event and finding the humor and of course life lessons in it.

Halfway through the book, Bob resorts to childhood memories. It almost seemed as though he was writing two different books, one of memories and the other of his current life. I felt somewhat lost at times. The stories were entertaining, but didn't seem to make sense being plopped down in the middle of the rest of the current day situations. He ends the chapter with "Mom, I have a date." What a great line! It allows the reader to find out with who?? Is he moving on? Is he the man of his dreams? We never get to find out.

Instead, he moves quickly into his childhood, relating stories that are amusing in their own right but highly out of place. It almost makes me wish that the author would take a chance and finish that third book, finish the second book, and rerelease them.

He then skips back to current day with his misadventures of dates...which sort of leaves me wondering what was going on with the childhood chapters in the middle of the story. They didn't seem to go with the rest of the text.

It was enjoyable...but it left me wanting more.

Funny book !
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2002-03-11
I picked this book up at a booksale and really enjoyed it. Bob Smith is a very funny guy that talks about his failed relationship of 10 yrs, his relationship with his family and how he's beginning to date again and getting on with his life. I think his feelings on a relationship ending, on his mother, etc, are very universal and not limited to gay people. I think gay and straight alike can enjoy this very funny book. Find a copy and try not to crack a smile!

Loved it!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2002-06-10
What makes a good author, in my opinion, is his or her ability to capture the human condition in such a way that it comes across as real.

What makes a good comedian, again in my opinion, is to take slices of ordinary life and see the humor in them. Mr. Smith is clearly capable in both areas. While he's not the only person (let alone gay one) to see a relationship end, his ability to harness all of the involved elements (the concerned family, division of the utensils, joint custody of mutual friends and the eventual return to the single's scene) and make them both funny and touching.

It may not be as funny if you can't "relate" .. but for anyone who has ever addressed and gotten through a painful situation through humor, this book is a treat.

Keep 'em coming, Bob...
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2002-06-09
I love this book. Actually, I love all three of his books. This book is a must read for anyone who has recently broken up with a boyfriend and needs a chuckle and a little hope. I love everything Bob writes. I subscribe to 'Out' magazine just to see what he writes next. I'm ready for the next book. Keep 'em coming, Bob.

Humor
Whispering to Witches
Published in Paperback by Bloomsbury USA Children's Books (2005-09-03)
Author: Anna Dale
List price: $7.95
New price: $0.49
Used price: $0.01

Average review score:

Deliciously Witchy
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-15
Whispering to Witches by Anna Dale was a truly enchanting story for all ages. If you or your child like The Wizard of Oz then you most likely love this book. A pure bewitching tale with lots of magic.

Joe Binks is just your ordinary boy living with dad as mum has remarried. Being quite ordinary it is fun when on his way to mum's for Christmas holiday he is singled out by a witch and given a special item of which he has no idea of having such a thing.

Twiggy is a little girl witch who is in training and the witches in her coven totally under estimate poor little Twiggy's powers. Doing menial jobs is supposed to be a learning experience for her but she doesn't really seem how. Twiggy has the curiosity of a cat and seems to have their nine lives also with the little fixes the cutie gets herself into.

The whole mysterious caper starts out on the train that is taking Joe from London to Canterbury and continues right up until the end of the book with lots of magic and who-done-its. Lots of spells and potions, strange ingredients and places along with fairies and animals help make this witchy tale absolutely delightful.

I accidentally came across this book and am ever so glad I did. The author has done a wonderful job at giving us a pure clean tale without scaring us. This book is simple enough for an eight year old but enchanting enough for adult. Not only will it keep your interest but you will not want to put this book down until the very last word.

I really believe this is a book that elementary teachers across the globe should encourage their students to read.

the entire story and ending are worth the read
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-31
if you can get your hands on a copy, get it!!!!! The whole book is based on the fact that sometimes things happen for a reason and are worth the wait. this has been one of the best stories i've ever read!!!! wish i could find more like this.

Book club winner!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-06
I purchased this book for a children's book club (ages 8-10). We read the book over a 4 week period (we meet every two weeks). The kids all really enjoyed this book (we don't find many titles that every member likes, so this is a big deal). The story was fresh and new, and it had lots of twists and turns the kids could follow and appreciate. The chapters went fast (always a plus with kids!). There were a lot of small details that I thought the kids may have trouble noticing and/or remembering, but they did as well (if not better) than the parents! The main characters were very likeable, and their adventure was very extraordinary. If I had to categorize the book, I'd say it is like a shorter, less complicated Harry Potter... but DEFINITELY not a copycat title. Our group really enjoyed this book. (Note: the children in the group are a little advanced for their ages, may not be for all 8 year olds level-wise).

Very good
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-07-10
This is a good book. I read it. It was a little hard to get into.

Spot on! Hopes for a Sequel!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-04-10
Dale's Whispering to Witches is fantastic. The Interesting Cover caught my attention in the library, and then I was winded into Joe's adventure. Perfect with rats, cats, a missing page, and of course, witches, I loved it from the start!

Humor
The Working Woman's Guide to Balancing Kids, Career, House and Spouse
Published in Paperback by Grainne Enterprises (2002-03-10)
Author: Mimi O'Bara
List price: $14.95
New price: $14.95
Used price: $2.35
Collectible price: $14.95

Average review score:

My Wife Read the Entire Book Outloud!!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2004-09-01
I never thought I would like this book because my wife read most of it outloud to me, all the while she was hooting and howling with laughter. She kept saying, "Are you sure she doesn't know you?" It was curiosity that caused me to pick up the book and read it for myself - silently. I found myself chuckling at first and at times, laughing loudly. I really liked her many shades of men that she illustrated in her "Choose Wisely" chapter. I hope that I am a Cowboy.....my wife only rolled her eyes when I announced that I thought it described me to a tee. I sent Mimi O'Bara an email (from her website) and she sent me a very funny answer. She has a great sense of humor and a very realistic view of life. I recommend this book highly!

Rollicking Laugh Outloud Life Strategies
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2004-08-30
I received this book as a gift from my sister who lives in Dallas, who insisted I would find it hilarious. I had my doubts beause I seldom get "Texas humor" however, I was wrong. First this is not Texas humor, this is Life Humor. O'Bara's observations and strategies to cope with a life filled with children, husbands and/or life partners, careers challenges and all the acompanying stresses and strains of everyday life are, indeed, hilarious. She cautions us that these are "survival guidelines" rather than the road to perfection. She celebrates the friendships she has with her woman friends, reminding us that we are obligated to all stick together,laugh whenever possible and cry together, when we must. She actually gives very sensible advice, all the while laughing and waiting for the next cataclysmic event to occur. Her husband, like mine, is an avid golfer and I howled with laughter at her description of "The Golf Effect".....as I read it outloud to my husband he couldn't help but laugh as well...somewhat sheepishly! I believe that I have found a friend....perhaps even a soulmate in Mimi O'Bara and encourage you to do the same.

A Comedic Masterpiece!
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2004-06-05
This book is fantastic for people of all ages and genders. I bought this book for my mother and she read it within a week and liked it so much she bought 12 copies for her friends. This book describes the trials and tribulations a working woman has to go through while trying to balance her children, her job, her husband and her house. If you are looking for a comedic masterpiece for either your mom, your wife or even your girlfriend this book is perfect.

I was wondering why my mother was laughing so hard and I picked it up and read it. Even I thought it was hilarious, a 24 year old law student. Buy this book if you are in for a bucket of laughs!

New Meaning to Multi-Tasking!
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2002-09-26
Mimi O'Bara gives new meaning to multi-tasking. I recognize her family! This book hits home and is a must read for women who think the balls in the air are hitting them on their heads too often. Order two; one for you and one as a gift to give your career colleague who is also super mom and adoring wife and thinks no one understands her plight. Nothing takes the sting out of a bad day better than a good laugh. Mimi O'Bara provides more humor than the Comedy Channel. Kick off those heels and give yourself a fun break. This book made me laugh more than I can explain.

Every Working Woman Needs to Laugh or She'll Cry
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2002-09-25
Opening "The Working Woman's Guide to Balancing Career, House and Spouse" led to the most enjoyable plane ride I can remember! I chuckled, laughed out loud, commisserated and felt I had a friend and soul-mate in Mimi O'Bara. I didn't care that I was not offered anything worthy of eating. I didn't care who was sitting next to me, invading my space. Upon landing, a man sitting across the aisle from me, tapped my shoulder and asked what I was reading that had entertained me so completely for the last few hours. I looked at him, summing up that he fit the description of every scenario described in the book, and told him it was really nothing he would enjoy. He looked a bit hurt and left out, which only made me love my reading diversion even more!

I have read excerpts from this book to friends at parties, given it as gifts to girlfriends coast to coast, office compatriots and relatives. To realize I am not alone out there in the corporate world of men, kids, balancing it all and keeping a smile on my face, was like breathing for the first time in a long time.

I feel that I have a friend in Mimi O'Bara. I hope she is encouraged to continue writing. I'm sure there's more stories to tell. Her humor, insight and reality keeps me smiling!

Humor
The Abilene Paradox and Other Meditations on Management
Published in Hardcover by Lexington Books (1988-09)
Author: Jerry B. Harvey
List price: $23.95
New price: $7.97
Used price: $0.50

Average review score:

the abilene paradox and other medidations on management
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-07
It is an excellent and enlightening book with much food for thought and a precise account of reality in malfunctioning organizations. Also provides suggestions for improving organizations and helping them act in an ethical manner.

A classic and a must read
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2005-11-04
With humor and "paradox" Professor Jerry Harvey does a great job in stimulating personal reflections about management. Among the several tales, see Management and the myth of Abraham ("every time a boss makes a stupid mistake, he sends his administrative assistant to try to rectify it"), my favorite Captain Ashok and the Concept of Grace ("Asoh told the truth, and we are starved for it") and Group Tyranny and the Gunsmoke Phenomenon (our behaviour is related to our fear of separation but we have a choice "when confronted with the possibility of group tyranny"). Enjoy your reading and start thinking.

All Managers should know about Abilene!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2003-06-12
The first time I heard about the Abilene Paradox was back in the early 1980's when Jerry Harvey made a video for use by the government in training management.

I had run into a recent management situation in which our Director wanted only agreement with her. I immediately began to search a reference on "Abilene" and management.

So, immediately, you can see how much this little video lecture influenced me. Over twenty years later, I still remembered the reference that was needed now in 2003, and it was called the road to "ABILENE" or something similar.

A quick search on my favorite reference site "Amazon.com" and voila: I found a book called the "Abilene Paradox".

Jerry writes likes he speaks but *OH* he speaks in such an amazingly entertaining way.

Jerry gives a lot of examples of things that can happen in the workplace that will bring you down a path to disaster. He is amazingly accurate in pointing out the potholes to avoid.

Although, he is a bit shy on things you should do, I highly recommend this book. If all you get out this is that "Yes" men or "Yes" folks are not conducive to good business, then you have learned one gem of management that you will value forever.

Thought Provoking Essays
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2004-12-30
These "Meditations" provide great thinking into how to be a more effective manager. As "Meditiations", this is not a how to cookbook on management, or checklist. There are no promises of improved customer service, or increased efficiency. Rather, by reading them, your thinking about management will improve.

Two examples on the meditations:
1 - The Abilene Paradox essay talks about a family vacation to Abilene. Nobody really wants to go there, but everyone thinks everyone else wants to go there, but is affraid to speak up. The lesson is self evident, but the story conveys it in a manner much more memorable than a directive to "Create an organization with open communication"
2 - The writings of Elliott Jaques. Harvey introduces the concept of the "Requisite Organization", an idea developed by Jaques. This highlights the imnportance of understanding complexity (as defined by the time horizon of projects one is capable of thinking of) and designing an organization where that is the key component to success. That's a deep thought in today's quarter-driven business.

Reading and pondering these meditations will make one a better manager and leader. But it isn't spoon feeding, it takes some thought as well.

Wonderful advice, coming and going
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2004-01-25
The Abilene Paradox... has been one of my favorite books for many years. Whenever I read it, I find something of value in it for whatever challenges I am facing in my work. Plus, it's just fun to read. The first essay (the actual Abilene Paradox) should be required reading for anyone who wonders why groups do stupid things. And the last essay (on teaching future managers to cheat) should be required reading for anyone who wonders how one simple change could make a huge difference in business education, making it more relevant and more solidly ethically based. Everything in between these two essays is worth, reading, too.

Humor
Amphigorey Too
Published in Paperback by Perigee Trade (1980-05-08)
Author: Edward Gorey
List price: $17.95
New price: $8.00
Used price: $4.05
Collectible price: $125.00

Average review score:

It's Gorey
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-23
It's Gorey at his best continued. I am not exactly sure if the book i supposed to be a continuation of Amphigorey, but it has more of Edward Gorey. Content is different from the original Amphigorey, with the exception of the Chinese Obelisk. This book has included draft version of the work, as well as the final one (final one appears in the first book as well).

Good, but not the Best
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-17
This is definitely a quality addition to one's Gorey library. However, if you're going to own only one Amphigorey, make it Amphigorey Also, in which he has truly mastered his own peculiar style.

Glorious Too!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-12-03
This excellent follow-up anthology contains such classic Gorey works as The Beastly Baby, The Pious Infant, The Gilded Bat, The Chinese Obelisks, The Deranged Cousins, and The Disrespectful Summons.

WONDERFUL IN EVERY WAY
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-04-10
I don't care if you've never in your life read Edward Gorey, I don't care if "it's not your thing," I don't care about any silly excuse. If you haven't read this book than you are not complete, and there's only one way to fix the problem.

Edward Gorey is satiric genius, and when he isn't being sarcastic and whimsical then he is beautiful and poetic (although come to think of it, he's always poetic, isn't he?). Being an Amphigorey, this book has loads or nonsense stuff crammed together with some of his best work. I can't imagine that anyone with any kind of imagination could read through it without finding at least one thing that they adored.

The contents of Gorey's collections
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2007-07-24
The contents of Gorey's collections with personal rates for each work:

AMPHIGOREY:
The Unstrung Harp (1953) ========================= ****1/2
The Listing Attic (1954) ========================= *****
The Doubtful Guest (1957) ======================== ****1/2
The Object-Lesson (1958) ========================= ****
The Bug Book (1959) ============================== ***1/2
The Fatal Lozenge (1960) ========================= *****
The Hapless Child (1961) ========================= *****
The Curious Sofa (1961) ========================== ****1/2
The Willowdale Handcar (1962) ==================== ****1/2
The Gashlycrumb Tinies (1963) ==================== *****
The Insect God (1963) ============================ *****
The West Wing (1963) ============================= ***1/2
The Wuggly Ump (1963) ============================ ****1/2
The Sinking Spell (1964) ========================= ****1/2
The Remembered Visit (1965) ====================== ****

AMPHIGOREY TOO:
The Beastly Baby (1962) =================== *****
The Nursery Frieza (1964) ================= -
The Pious Infant (1966) =================== ****1/2
The Evil Garden (1966) ==================== ****1/2
The Inanimate Tragedy (1966) ============== ****
The Gilded Bat (1966) ===================== ****
The Iron Tonic (1969) ===================== ****
The Osbick Bird (1970) ==================== ****1/2
The Chinese Obelisks (Sketch) (1970) ====== ***
The Chinese Obelisks (1970) =============== ****
The Deranged Cousins (1970) =============== ****1/2
The Eleventh Episode (1971) =============== ****
The Untitled Book (1971) ================== ***1/2
The Lavander Leotard ===================== ***
Direspecful Sermons ======================= ****1/2
The Abandoned Sock (1972) ================= ****
The Lost Lions (1973) ===================== ****
Story for Sara ============================ ****
The Salt Herring ========================== ***
Leaves for a Mislaid Album (1972) ========= ***
A Limerick (1973) ========================= ****1/2

AMPHIGOREY ALSO:
The Utter Zoo (1967) ======================== *****
The Blue Aspic (1968) ======================= ****1/2
The Epileptic Bicycle (1969) ================ ****
The Sopping Thrusday (1970) ================= ****1/2
The Grand Passion (1976) =================== **1/2
Les Passementeries Horribles ================ ***
The Ecletic Abecedarium ===================== ***
L'eure Bleau ================================ ***
The Broken Spoke (1976) ===================== ****
The Awdrey-Gore Legacy (1972) =============== ****
The Glorious Nosebleed (1975) =============== ****
The Loathsome Couple (1977) ================= ****1/2
The Green Beads (1978) ====================== ****
Les Urnes Utiles ============================ ***
The Stupid Joke (1980-1982) ================ ****1/2
The Prune People (1983) ===================== ****
The Tuning Fork ============================= ****1/2

AMPHIGOREY AGAIN:
The Galoshes of Remorse (illustration) ==========
Signs of Spring ================================= ***1/2
Seasonal Confusion ============================== ***1/2
Random Walk ===================================== ***1/2
Category (illustration) =========================
The Other Statue (1968) ========================= ****
10 Impossible Objects =========================== -
The Universal Solvent (1989) ==================== -
Scénes de Ballet ================================ ***1/2
Verse Advice ==================================== ***
The Deadly Blotter (1997) ======================= ***
Creativity ====================================== ***
The Retrieved Locket (1994) ===================== ***
The Water Flowers (1982) ======================== ***1/2
The Haunted The-Cosy (1988) ===================== ***1/2
Christmas Wrap-up (illustration) ================
The Headless Bust (1999) ======================== ****
The Just Dessert (1997) ========================= **1/2
The Admonitory Hippopotamus ===================== ***1/2
Negected Murderesses (1980) ===================== ***1/2
Tragédies Topiaries ============================= ****
The Raging Tide (1987) ========================== ****
The Unknown Vegetable (1995) ==================== ****
Another Random Walk ============================= ***1/2
Serious Life: A Cruise ========================== ***1/2
Figbash Acrobate (Illustrations) ================
La Malle Saignante ============================== ****
The Izzard Book ================================= ***


Humor
Animals Should Definitely Not Act Like People
Published in Paperback by Live Oak Media (1991-09)
Author: Judi Barrett
List price: $16.95
Used price: $12.99

Average review score:

Cute title
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-14
Cute title but the book was a little too old for my two year old grandaughter. Not sure she got the concept of animals wearing or not wearing clothes.

Great Read
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-27
I work in a Nursery and I bought this book to read to the children. They loved it! They thought it was hilarious.

Hilarious easy reader
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-17
We use this book in our kindergarten class. The students just laugh and laugh over the pictures of animals wearing clothes.

short and funny
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-08
This book is very short and the pictures just make me and ny son laugh. Well done

A children's classic
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-03
I enjoyed this book as a child, although even then I remember thinking that the 1970s clothing looked goofy on any one, not just animals.

This book is a classic, right down to the vintage illustrations.


Books-Under-Review-->Arts-->Literature-->Authors-->Humor-->28
Related Subjects: Perelman, S.J. Barry, Dave Grizzard, Lewis Wodehouse, P.G. King, Florence Bryson, Bill Keillor, Garrison Bombeck, Erma O'Rourke, P. J.
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