Humor Books

This book was written by someone who understands the real world of corporate America: the world of the cubicles! You will not learn the lessons in this book from corporate trainers. These witty, often hilarious, bits of wisdom come from the core of cube city. Those who have been there will read this book and think: Why didn't I have this when I first started to work? Those who have not been there need to read it to understand what it's really like to be one of the folks who do the work in corporations. A great read!

Lights, Cubicle, Action!: 100+ Directives For Survival In Corporate America is a collection of sound tips and insights by A. A. Cantor into surviving the perils of working for large corporations. Each insightful revelation or sage piece of advice is enhanced with a brief, no-nonsense explanation. From "Employees would rather read a blatant lie than hear incontrovertible truth."; to "Succeed at what you dislike and you will be forever condemned to it."; to "Success breeds success - but a great deal more contempt.", these memorable vignettes offer a true window of perception into the often twisted maze of office politics.

I found it to be very informative and inspirational for looking at our attitudes about our jobs and our dreams. I have been teaching a business course for Middle Schoolers, and it is now required reading in my class. Thank you for writing this book Tony!

A delightful book filled with workplace truisms that will make you think. Each is a paragraph or two, perfect for a quick distraction. Loved it!!

Judging by the cover, LIGHTS, CUBICLE, ACTION! appears to be yet another Dilbertesque comic book making light of the corporate world. Appearances in this case would be very deceiving. A quick perusal of its pages reveals the truth behind corporate rhetoric, unvarnished by any gloss or glamour. Instead, the wisdom offered is hard hitting, intensely critical and remarkable insightful. Indeed, its rather scathing evaluation of the cubeville reveals the harsh truths of cube dwelling that your boss would like you to forget.

A.A. Cantor captures the brutal heart of corporate America in every page. Occasionally amusing, always astute, each page deftly reveals the ruthlessness of business and the keys to survival. Moreover, LIGHTS, CUBICLE, ACTION! offers far more than the cheesy optimism of teamwork and chasing the cheese characteristic of most books within this genre. A must read for all cube dwellers, LIGHTS, CUBICLE, ACTION! comes very highly recommended.

Warm. Funny. Sometimes hysterical. Fascinating. Moving. Caring.
For anyone who wants to know or feel a little Jewish , this is the perfect book.

Fat, full, familiar, funny.

I bought one for each family group in my "clan."

Ellen D .... Chicago

I received this book as a gift! What a joy. On each page there was something to learn, laugh with, cry with. A monumental research task, I applaud the author and the result!

Fascinating!

There are only two types of humor in the world. Irish and Jewish. You can't go wrong by buying a book of either one. This book is typical Jewish humor and very, very funny. Enjoyed it immensely.

Funny, touching, an easy read, this author can write. She tugs at the heart one moment, moves you to tears of sadness and laughter, and is a research mavin to boot.

When I need a lift, I turn to any page and feel instantly better.

Ruth, from Texas

I received A little Joy, A Little Oy as a Hanukkah gift this year and love it! It's chock-full of the most unusual, entertaining, funny and heartwarming pieces. So many Jewish books are either all jokes -- or a heavy read.

The balance of this book is astounding. A terrific read.

I highly recommend it.

Milton Sorenson

MENOPAUSE PINK offers wisdom and inspiration to those of us who are going through perimenopause or menopause itself. It is nice to hear the good things that happen and not just the bad. During this time of life when physical and mental discomforts seem to take over our lives it is helpful to have books like this one to give us hope and realize we are not alone.

My personal favorite is the story by the 85 year old man about what he would do if he had a second chance at life.

Menopause Pink is a book of chuckling aphorisms, cartoons, quotes & stories by & about women passing through the time of their lives & coming out the other end happier, funnier & full of wisdom, vim & vigor!

Terri Malucci's message is timely, lighthearted & heart felt - menopause can be a new beginning. Her visions, candor & humor along with those of many other women, are much needed now so let them lead you laughing on your latest journey of self discovery.

An amusing & thoughtful gift to give your friends when they make the Big 50!

Terri Malucci lends a refreshing humor to the subject of menopause. Laughing at the experiences related in this book will make it easier to laugh at yourself.

It makes a great gift for the friend who is reaching that time of life!

Terri Malucci was unable to find any book about menopause that would help her feel optimistic about entering middle age. During her search she did find clinical data describing the health issues involved with menopause, often focused on health risks, disease, physical deterioration, and the downside of being menopausal. After talking with her mother, grandmother, friends and strangers about their menopausal experiences, she wrote her own book about being in "The Change Of Life". Menopause Pink is the perfect, optimistic, even inspiring introduction to the menopausal experience and highly recommended reading for all women who are anticipating menopause, entering menopause, menopausal -- and their husbands who love them.

What a wonderful book it is. It has really given me great insight into the problems of menopause and the wonderful way that the women in our (men's) lives handle this chemical change in their bodies. I laughed and cried while reading it, and I suspect there are other men who did the same. There may be two important times in a woman's life: birth and menopause, and this book really went a long way towards helping me understand the latter.

I have seen her website and think that it truly expresses the beauty and humor of her book.

Great job!

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.

I have always thought that Patrick McManus is the funniest writer on the planet. I read his stories when I need to laugh or relax. Sometimes I irritate my wife by reading it in bed. I try not to laugh out loud, but I only succeed in sounding like I am trying to muffle continuous sneezes.

However, not everyone gets it. I have been shocked by watching people read McManus without so much as a smile (though most start snorting like wild pigs on acid) . My only guess is that getting McManus requires a couple things. First, it requires some understanding of his experiences. He absolutely nails all of the stupid things 'outdoors men (outdoors people)' do and think, but don't want anybody to know about. Second, you have to see the self-deprecating aspect of his humor. Third, you can't look for great literature in integrated books. Patrick McManus is an excellent writer, if you see these as independent stories simply collected in a volume. They are meant for adults who want to laugh at themselves. So, If you are willing to or already meet the above three criteria, you will love this book.

By the way, I am a professor of clinical psychology and (other than worrying a little about McManus) I sometimes recommend this and other McManus books. I do this with people who have racing thoughts and anxiety at bedtime, and when I believe they have the necessary experiences to find it funny. It often works quite well. I think of his stories as little pieces of happiness. (Oh, that even makes me sick to hear. Sorry)

Upon reading this book, it struck me how eerily similar Murphy's experiences were to my own...and to many other veteran's experiences. I've served in the Canadian Armed Forces in both the Infantry and the Navy and am delightedly surprised how army experiences are so similar - even across national and cultural divides...

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a good laugh and an honest-yet-lighthearted perspective on the military culture and what happens to young folks who volunteer to be groundpounders!

SFC Baker, author of "Pvt. Murphy's Law," has the talent to be a nationally syndicated cartoonist. I bought the book (individual cartoons also can be found in "The Army Times") at clothing & sales at Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo., towards the end of almost five months of Basic Combat Training & Advanced Individual Training. The adventures of Pvt. Murphy echoed what I had just been through. Creating something readers can identify with is a hallmark of excellent cartoonists, and that's what Baker has done. ... Recruiting, the haircut, vaccinations, jargon, fire guard, drill & ceremony, buffers, NBC, weapons ranges, low crawls, details & trips to the PX -- it's all here as experienced by Murphy, whose saving grace is that despite a little naivity & a dose of healthy skepticism he wants to be a gung ho, squared-away soldier. Baker's talent lies in the humor he finds in widely shared experiences, the positive tone he keeps and his cartooning skills as demonstrated in his creative use of perspectives, frames and shading. "Pvt. Murphy's Law" is right on target as only an insider could be. It will be enjoyed by anyone with Army connections. If Baker broadened his subject matter beyond the Army, he has the talent for a national audience.

Cartoonist Mark Baker has penned a wickedly funny and accurate portrait of Army life. Through Murphy's mishaps, misadventures, trials and triumphs Baker sheds light and provides some telling insights about how the average Joe sees the world.

Pvt. Murphy represents a typical soldier. He starts off dumb and clueless, then learns the ropes of Army life and provides an often jaded but inevitably funny running commentary on everything that is wrong (and right) in the Army. He lampoons every target of opportunity in sight---incompetence, bureaucracy and the sheer inevitabilty of the fact that, despite his best efforts, Murphy always finds himself behind the eight-ball. The fact that Murphy maintains his optimism and patriotism against all odds is a tribute to Baker's skill as a cartoonist---and serves as well-deserved recognition to the real-life Murphys in uniform who get the job done in spite of every obstacle that fate throws in their path.

Some readers might have trouble translating Baker's cartoons, since they draw heavily on Army life in general and life in the Airborne in particular. I've shared this book with civilian friends, vets, and current and former paratroopers, and the responses range from "huh?" to "been there, done that," to "oh, man, remember when...". Everyone seems to connect with Murphy at some level, because there's some Murphy in all of us.

I hope this book goes back into print soon. Used copies are hard to come by, and I'm getting tired of having to wrestle my copy back from friends everyime I loan it out. Best of luck to Mark Baker, his loyal readers and all the Murphys out there who make the world go round.

The funniest piece of non-fiction I have ever read. For the times you are sitting around waiting to be released for the day, this is the book you need! Actually reminded me of a lot of the times I HAD when I was Airborne Infantry.

"Pvt. Murphy's Law," by Mark Baker, is a collection of cartoons that follow the career of the young soldier of the title. The cartoons in this book actually tell a continuous story: Baker follows Murphy from his interview with a recruiter, through Basic Training, and through other milestones in the life of a young soldier. Thus, the book could actually be read as a graphic novel.

I have served in the U.S. Army Reserve myself, and have been in a lot of the situations that are humorously depicted in this book. Baker's portrait of the Army is right on target, and very funny. Nearly half of the book is devoted to Murphy's experiences at Basic Training. It's especially entertaining to see new recruit Murphy responding to Army jargon as if it were a "foreign language" (as he calls it). Most of the key Basic Training elements are covered: first meeting with the drill sergeant, standing fire guard, going through the notorious gas chamber, etc.

Murphy himself is a likeable character. He looks a little like a young, thin Homer Simpson, and occasionally has "Calvin and Hobbes"-like flights of imagination. I especially like the fact that Baker makes Murphy on the whole a good, enthusiastic soldier. Baker generally goes for realistic humor, not ... unbelievable laughs.

The book is clearly geared towards an Army audience, and some non-veterans may be a little mystified at some of the Army jargon and abbreviations used throughout the book. But the overall charm of the book should overcome that potential cultural barrier. At any rate, "Pvt. Murphy's Law" would certainly make a great read for any veteran of the U.S. Army experience.

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!!

The book was everything I hoped it to be. It was funny and poignant. I loved every minute while reading it. You will enjoy it too!

More awesome comics in the Life In Hell series. I love these books! I just wish I'd had them as a teenager!

Some of the best humor is based on gross exaggeration of circumstances, which is Groening's specialty. This book of cartoons stars a set of odd-looking "children" who hate school. They do everything they can to ridicule all members of the teaching staff. I am not so old that I have lost my memories of my time in the grades K through 12. These cartoons brought back memories of many of the things we used to say about our teachers. My friends and I used to draw simple and unflattering figures of our teachers and our principal in elementary school was unmarried. We often said, "Well, you can certainly tell why she is a Miss!"
One of the ways we cope with difficulties is to make jokes about it. If you had a difficult time in the early years of school, then this book will provide a lot of coping. Humor is a tonic for stress and there is plenty to drink in this book.

I've always had a love hate relationship with school. I LOVE LEARNING despite enough years of school that I should be a doctor. Groening hit the nail on the head though, that school is about everything but learning. Conformity is king. It kind of makes me sick.
I have a degree in art education, taught school for one semester. Love teaching, love the kids. Hate the system. I don't want to go to "school" the rest of my life. Ironically, I think I picked this up at the end of that semester. I just picked it up and read it from cover to cover a few years later. A wicked gift for someone in education considering a change of career...
His actual diary from elementary school should be "required reading" for anyone in education.

"School is Hell" was a very disturbing book for me to read because of "Lesson 18: The 9 Types of College Teachers." In the grand Aristotlean tradition Matt Groening has devised classification systems for types of teachers for grade school, high school and college, as well as for students at the first two levels. So, of course, I tried to figure out which category applied to me and so far I have narrowed it down to two uncomfortable possibilities. The first is "The Genius From Another Dimension," because I think the loony and entertaining advantages apply, but the warning of turning students into believers just does not apply because I do not believe in anything enough to pass it on. The second is "The Singe-Theory-To-Explain-Everything Maniac" because irony is the master trope of the reality, but I already know that parroting is not learning. Maybe there is a hole in Groening's theory, but that does not seem right since he seems to touch on every other aspect of education in this mini-jumbo compendium of hellish cartoons.

Within the pages of "School Is Hell" there are 48 cartoons from Groening's syndicated "Life in Hell" comic strip circa 1982-87. The main attraction are the 21 lessons of the "School Is Hell" educational miniseries, but there are also the eight parts of "My 5th Grade Diary" ("I decided I'll never be prez of the U.S. so I think I'll stop now"), several pages of "Parental Brain Twisters" ("What's wrong with you?"), and assorted fillers such as "Lies My Older Brother and Sister Told Me" (e.g., "The Alphabet Trick"). Not all of these are school related, but they do feature Bongo, the young rabbit with one ear who has to endure the trials and tribulations of the educational system throughout this volume. One thing that has to be said for mandatory education in this country is that everybody should be able to relate to the subject matters in "School Is Hell."

Obviously students are going to get a big kick out of "School Is Hell," because it embodies the great truth of most of Matt Groening humor, "It is funny because it is true." They will also have an easier time finding themselves in the list of 33 types of grade school students from the teacher's pet to the class clown. Teachers will also learn a thing or two from cartoons like the "Teacher's Guide to Words That Make Kids Snicker" (e.g., "Who can tell us if there are rings around Uranus?"). This is just the sort of book to students and teachers alike get through the travails of finals week. It certainly gives me a sense of nostalgia for grade school humor when being rubber was better than being glue and driving a teacher crazy was the prime directive. These cartoons are wicked bad funny.

Matt Groening is right on the money with his take on school. His sarcastic treatment of the subject is both hilarious and true. For all Simpsons fans, this book, and his other Life in Hell books are necessary reading material. While this collection of comic strips was written well before his Simpsons days, the show's humor is present over each page. You will find yourself laughing out loud constantly, and it is just as funny when you decide to read it again. If you disliked school at any point in your life, this book is for you. A brilliant, witty, and hilarious book that will be enjoyed for years. I strongly urge you to check it out.

My copy of this book is worn, tattered and well-loved. I am even using it as a pedagogical tool in the Scientific and Technical Communication class I teach. When, oh when, will some publisher be smart enough to swoop down and republish this rare gem and its Humanities-based cousin, Culture Made Stupid?

Tom Weller turns science on its head in this timeless tome. The more you really know about science, the more you will appreciate his sometimes subtle, sometimes outrageous, humor. Although there is a version on the web, nothing beats the original.

I agree with the other reviewers: HOW could this comic masterpiece have gone out of print? We have kept it in our hall bathroom for at least 5 years and it never fails to elicit laughter. I think it just gets funnier and funnier -- Weller's parody of Science is so satirically accurate, it's scary. The illustrations are hilarious as well. A fabulous antidote to gullibility about "science."

I suspect that if you could somehow assemble all the photocopies ever made from individual pages in this book by businesses, labs and research houses around the country, you could reassemble the entire book. Every page is a gem. Weller's sense of the style and form of a traditional high or junior high science book is impeccable, and his sense of humor is inspired. "Science Made Stupid" is hysterical and a classic!

All other reviewers are correct. This book is a classic and while I'm glad I didn't have to pay current used prices for it, it's worth doing so if you don't have it. Just be forewarned, it's not terribly long, so you won't be getting a giant tome.

One thing that no-one's pointed out - while its style is very similar to science books etc, the humor of this book was really driven home when a friend was doing a paper on Creationism. He found a book that this one clearly EXACTLY lampoons, from size and layout to ink color to picture style - everything. This makes the blast of Creationism all the better. I don't want to spoil it for those who haven't read it, but the "Evolutionist vs Creationist" bit (p. 65) is completely hilarious, especially as the "Evo" side of the argument is actually one part of the book other than the copyright that is played straight.

It is a tragedy that this is out of print. It's one of the funniest books I've ever read. Anyone with any knowledge of science whatsoever finds it hilarious, and I show it to anyone and everyone who I think can appreciate it. No-one's ever been disappointed. Three thumbs up!

If you love cats, and you love the Web, this book is for you! Innovative, creative and funny! Take time to look over all the Web sites in the book -- there's lots of great material (and great cat photos too!).

In a format that reminds me of the old Mad magazines, Jon Mathis and Mary Shomon have compiled a book of web sites for cats called "Scratching the 'Net" that would make a great gift for anyone who loves both computers and cats. My favorite site was for Ross Purr-oh, who is apparently still running for president (backed by United We Purr, of course!). Shaper Claw has several pages of its on-line catalog, featuring items such as the Spray-Away Robot, for those times when the cat just can't be there to protect its territory.

From the web sites to the tool bar (including such buttons as Back to Sleep, Open One Eye, and Find Toys), this book is definitely a cat's eye view of the Internet.

I give it 5 purrs and a good lick!

Best book to receive for Christmas: light, smart and fun to read! Pokes fun at humans without offending cats; G-rated for the whole family and cat-lovers from 2 to 82. I'll never again sit at my computer without wondering what my cat Tiger has been up to overnight.

This may become your favorite "coffee table" book, as it is not one to read once and put away. You'll find yourself coming back again and again to pore through this devilishly delightful spoof of web pages for cats. Just spend a few minutes absorbing "Deepcat Chowdown's 'The Seven Spiritual Laws of Laziness' " and if you aren't chuckling with delight, you have no sense of humor at all. Every page is designed to tickle and titillate, with outstanding success.

I don't like cats. Never did. I'm a dog person, but reading this funny book (someone gave it to me), made me laugh out loud. I hope the authors come up with something as great for dog lovers! It was a perfect break from the ever so serious world of the net.

As a person who is always on the lookout for the newest Get Fuzzy as well as looking online everyday to see the latest in the world of Bucky Katt; this is a must have book of funny comics. I would recommend this edition to anyone either just starting out on the Get Fuzzy path or for someone who has loved it since the beginning.

I laughed; I cried; I spit up my tuna! A bunch of old favorites, plus a lot that I had forgotten. Hurry and order, before Darby Conley retires, or whatever those cartoonists do when they burn out...

this book is so good that i re-read it again for old times sake! if i need a laugh or smile i just pick a randomn page and read the current comic strip. this is by far the best work of darby conley yet!

As with all previous Get Fuzzy collections, this one serves up more antics of our favorite trio .... the only thing I miss is the full color on the Sunday strips, other than that no complaints and as always, Conley delivers cutting edge wit throughout this collection. A must have for any Get fuzzy fan or anyone who is not familiar with his work I would recommend giving any in this collection a chance.

This is a typical collection of strips, but if you love "Get Fuzzy" (I do) you'll love this.