Humor Books

This is a good FRIENDS book on series 1, although it needs more stuff about the actors of FRIENDS. It would be a lot better if we were given a behind the scenes look at the sets etc. However it's got loads of quotes, and in depth episode guides for series 1.

This book brought all the fun and laughter you remember from the episodes it covers, and more! With absolutely beautiful color pictures of the stars, as well as black and white pictures of some of the scenes from the episodes, and also candids of the stars themselves, a true Friends fan/addict can't go wrong with this one!! Every time I pick it up, it brings a smile to my face and heart! Fantastically written, I enjoy this book from first page to last no matter how many times I have read it. Just like the shows re-runs, I can't seem to get enough!! Thank you David Wild!! and the creator, director, and cast of Friends!

This book could not be more enjoyable, it is the perfect accompaniment to the best TV Show in the World of TV. If you think you know everything about Friends, well you dont know until you've Read this book.

I recently got a chance to read, Friends: The Official Companion and it was great. Everything you wanted to know about the first season of Friends was there. It was packed with all different pictures and side information that normally people wouldn't come across. This book was entertaining and was a lot of fun. I am really looking foward to reading the next one.

All friends fans will LOVE this book, It has a whole chapter "written" by Marcel the monkey, Quotes from season one episodes, a summery of season one episodes and a BIG friends quiz, chock-a-block with brain teasers.Not to mention interviews of all the cast-If you havent read this book you're missing out!

Though I be straight, I adored this book. It's truly laugh-out-loud funny - and thought-provoking as well. Highly recommended!

I cannot believe how hysterically funny this book is. Other books have made me smile, but this one actually made me laugh out loud while reading it at home alone. Congratulations Mr. Perry, you managed a first. Come back to DC for a visit. I'd love to meet you.

The book does tend to lose it at the end a bit. It's still funny, but only brought a smile rather than hearty guffaws. That flaw isn't serious enough to cost it a star.

Mr. Perry manages some absolutely fabulous zingers (there, I said fabulous) and I don't think there is anyone who wouldn't find them funny. He even dares to say what we're all thinking about those guys standing around in the local leather bar. Going to the Eagle will have a whole new meaning for me now. And this book will pop up in my mind the next time I'm walking up Fifth Ave toward Saks.

Mr. Perry is the bear equivalent of Michael Thomas Ford, but funnier. You go, gurl!

An engaging and enormously funny series of essays that kept me laughing out loud. Rarely does a book keep its steam as it moves from story to story, but Perry's book is like a table full of Christmas cookies--each one special and unique yet equally exciting and scrumptious. I'm not an easy laugher, but this book brightened my days and made me smile hours later. A must have!

I just finished this book yesturday and though that it was the most flabulous read i have had in ages. Don't think that the book just caters to the "Gay" perspective, its a fun hetero read as well. The comical Joel Perry humored me greatly throughout the book, with his funny anecdotes, petpeeves, and biographical stories. It's not only a great buy but a great read too. DOn't miss this book the next time you are browsing through the Gay and lesbian section. And if your hetero, try taking a look you might find something that aspires to you. Enjoy!

I cannot believe how hysterically funny this book is. Other books have made me smile, but this one actually made me laugh out loud while reading it at home alone. Congratulations Mr. Perry, you managed a first. Come back to DC for a visit. I'd love to meet you.

The book does tend to lose it at the end a bit. It's still funny, but only brought a smile rather than hearty guffaws. That flaw isn't serious enough to cost it a star.

Mr. Perry manages some absolutely fabulous zingers (there, I said fabulous) and I don't think there is anyone who wouldn't find them funny. He even dares to say what we're all thinking about those guys standing around in the local leather bar. Going to the Eagle will have a whole new meaning for me now. And this book will pop up in my mind the next time I'm walking up Fifth Ave toward Saks.

Mr. Perry is the bear equivalent of Michael Thomas Ford, but funnier. You go, gurl!

I think this is the best Jack Handey book. I should know, I have them all!My favorite story is about when he had his head out the car window and knocked off a dog's head! The only complaint I could possibly make is that it is a little short. Go buy this book nooooooooowwwwwww!!!!!!!!!!!

What can I say, other than thanks to Jack Handey for inviting me to read his book. This here is some side splittin' humor - the type that makes you worry about your guts!! I have to agree with Dirk when he so eloquently stated "this book is funny". Thanks to Jack for giving us never before seen material (Susan the Eubie) and for making this the best EVER!

If you're only buying one Jack Handey book then buy this one. I love them all, but some are better than others, and this one is consistently great from beginning to end.

This Book is funny as well as it should be , it's jack after all
i have all of his books they're all funny , weird this book is no expection . a word to the wise don't drink or eat anything when reading this book . i'm just waiting for the next volume of deep thoughts until then i'll read fuzzy & the others for a laugh.
take care jack & keep martha in line haa . this weird warped journey through childhood for those who don't get dry sense of humor things i would'nt get this book but for those who do than i'd recommend it. it's real treat.

If you're a fan of the Deep Thoughts series, this is surely a must have. Unlike the Deep Thoughts, you now have stories that are as funny as the short quips you've previously seen. I only wish the book were longer because you find yourself wanting to read more and more. My personal favorite is the fried chicken story with his cousin Susan the "Eubie". You truly get a sense of the warped genius that created Jack Handey. This book is enjoyable enough to read again and again whenever you start to feel down. If I could give it 10 stars I would.

THIS IS THE STORY OF THE NEW YORK JETS, HOW FAILURE AFTER FAILURE HAS FILLED THEIR HISTORY. THIS STORY DESCRIBES IN GREAT DETAIL THE FEW SUCESSFUL SEASONS AND THE MANY DISAPPOINTING AND TOTALLY PAIN FILLED ONES. THE AUTHOR DOES A GREAT JOB DESCRIBING AND INTERVIEWING THE PEOPLE WHO WERE DURING THESE DISASTEROUS TIMES. FROM WEEB AND JOE TO THE COMING OF THE TUNA, THIS BOOK HELD MY INTEREST AND I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS FOR ALL FOOTBALL FANS, I FEEL THE JETS PAIN.

This is a well-written history of the New York Jets. It covers the one great accomplishment (Super Bowl III) and the many failures and disappointments. As a fan you love the team and always get your hopes even though you know they will dash them in the end. This book covers those emotions well.

Gerry gave a very honest account of the New York Jets.

You'll enjoy the stories of the early years. Recounting the selling of season tickets from the apartment of one of the original owners, Walt Michaels finding a "good practice field" while flying home from a game (it was located on the grounds of a NYC prison), the press' examination of Joe Namath's knee in the restroom of a local restaurant and many others.

Those who were at that dreadful Miami comeback at the Meadowlands in 1994 will relive that sick feeling in the pit of their stomachs.

Parcells has come and gone and we still don't have another appearance in the Super Bowl. This book might expain why.

But we return each season with high hopes of reaching the big game. Reading Mr. Eskenazi's book will remind all of us of the pain we go through to have some fun on a sunny Sunday afternoon in the Meadowlands (NJ).

Well written, exciting and very difficult to relive all the abysmal moments in Jets history. END

Along came Bill Parcells and New York thought its troubles were over. Last year we were a half hour from the Superbowl and now we're in the cellar again. If you find yourself scratching your head and asking why. This book has the answers--the history of the Gang Green struggle and where we went wrong.

This is just a collection of Garfield comics you can get off the Garfield website. There isn't even any of the new stuff with Luz and John ending up together.

A great book if you like Garfield. I like the cat and the dog too. I didn't like how the man put the collar on the dog, it was cruel of him.

I have been a long time Garfield fan. While sometimes the strip seems to fall a little short, by and large it stays consistently funny. What I especially have liked about Garfield in recent years is that Jim Davis seems to have really cultivated his taste for the bizarre, so recent Garfield strips have often had a Far Sidian quality to them. This can especially be seen in the recent books, including this one.

I think this is a good book if you like garfield. I like when the dog and garfield dance. I didn't like when the men put the shock collar on the dog,that was mean of them.

While i don't have this book it still souds delightful!!!! After many years Garfield still puts a smile on your face! In this book it celebrates that as Garfield get older he still probaly the same and with his good and funny attitude. so enjoy as many others will enjoy i too!

"The Geographer" is a viciously witty exploration of Japanese culture. Jim Riva uses a quirky yet life-like cast of characters to compare and contrast Japanese and American culture. The book follows the hapless geographer Winston, who is as unfortunate as to experience a lifetime of adventure over the span of a few months. Riva artfully educates the reader regarding the positives and negatives of Japan, and I was surprised by how much this book taught me. I especially appreciated the "subtitle" conversation format so that I could read in both Japanese and English.

My only gripe about this book is that there were many sexual references and "vernacular" terms I felt were unnecessary. Despite this, I have rated this book a 5 because it still manages to educate in all its crudeness. The good points far outnumber the bad.

Wow. I work at an English school in Kyoto, and I was told by the teachers there that I had to read this book. They had said that the best time to read it is at the six month mark, but they figured that I (having only been here for three months) was "old enough."

What a fun book. While it is not a true story, it has the ring of truth, obviously from Riva having lived here for a while. He uses familiar settings, such as Kinkakuji and the Imperial Palace, to give it reality, while at the same time injecting it with the surreality that only Japan can provide.

While it is heavily critical of both Japanese and Americans, the good side of both are pointed out. It is not a diatribe against everything, but rather a way of exploring the country and its people through the eyes of a rather helpless Gaijin.

The only thing that detracts from this book are the Japan Facts that are dropped into conversation ("Japan has over 2,000 active fault lines...), which give some of the conversations a rather planned feel. But they don`t ruin the book. Instead, they give the outside reader some information about the country in a fashion that might not appear in many overseas guidebooks.

A defnite must for any Gaijin living in Japan. So true... so true...

The Geographer is a great satire that could only be written by a non-Japanese who has spent considerable time in that country. The Geographer uses humor to capture the challenges you'll experience when you visit Japan as a foreigner. I found myself laughing repeatedly as I read the book. I enjoyed it so much that I read it twice in the same month.

Once I picked up this book, I was unable to put it down until I finished it. I had to explain to my co-workers the next day that the tiredness and bloodshot eyes was from reading (and laughing until I cried) until 4am! It was great, fast-paced entertainment that reminded me of Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse Five. It made me think that someone had to have lived through some or all of the misadventures Winston (the protagonist) experienced (or more aptly suffered through). In addition to the humorous story line, the location of the story and the description of an Americans difficulties with Japanese society were insightful. Jim obviously draws heavily on his own experiences in Japan, making it seem real enough to be more like a twisted biography instead of just a comedy. I would recommend the book to anyone who enjoys Vonnegut, Douglas Adams or has every cracked a smile at a Monty Python skit.

Once I began reading "The Geographer", I could not put it down. It was very insightfull, witty, and just plain entertaining. Whether or not you have visited Japan, this book will surely inform, and enlighten you to the cultural differences between the main American character, and his Japanese colleauge's. The style in which this book is written is unique, yet easy to read. I am a very avid reader, and read the "mainstream" as well as the "offbeat" authors. Jim Riva's style and talent are sure to put him in that "mainstream" group in the future. I hope that Jim writes a sequel to "The Geographer" so that we can find out the whereabouts of Weenstone-san.

I didn't even buy this for myself--I got it for a friend as a gift. But I couldn't help but thumb through a few pages before wrapping it up and it's hilarious! It's full of truthful information concerning that wonderful president of ours and Dick Cheney. It also has questions about what reporters and journalists have said about George Dub-ya. I highly recommend this book, it's very funny and factual!!!

This book, with humor and wit, has a way of ripping the lid off a man who has lead the country into great despair. I wish this were published before he took office and handed to every church group, every republican gathering, maybe he wouldn't have been elected. Oh yeah, I forgot.. HE WASN'T. It's also great to read in jolts, like morning coffee. I bought ten copies and am giving them to all my friends.

This book is as funny as it is terrifying. Can you believe this man is running America? Can you believe this man declares war? Can you believe this man considers himself a torch of hope for the world's oppressed? For those who think that the end of the world has come fear not. The Book of Revelation in the BIble clearly states that the anti-Christ will be a 'handsome and well spoken man'. At least we're somewhat safe for now.

Though this book can be a bit cumbersome, (you have to turn the book upside-down after each question to read the correct answer) the answers will ASTOUND you. Read what came from Bush's own lips as he answered questions about Vietnam, his military service, and his many failed business ventures. But the one question that is truly sad and heartbreaking is as follows. It was asked by a grade school girl...

Q. Mr. Bush, what was your favorite book when you were a child?

A. I don't remember any books in particular.

Sleep well America.

A sample question from the book:

5) What did George W. Bush say was the difference between Americans and terrorists?

A) "They're evil, we're good."

B) "They're ugly, we're pretty."

C) "You can't really simplify it like that.There are just too many factors to be considered, too many different things that happen in people's lives for me to be so presumptuous as to make some sweeping generalization."

D) "They hate things, we love things."

ANSWER: D. To put it in context: "See, we love - we love freedom. That's what they didn't understand. They hate things; we love things. They act out of hatred; we don't seek revenge, we seek justice out of love."

It's embarrassing that this man is our President. BTW, the author has a web site called stampoutbush.com.

The George W Bush Quiz Book is a savagely funny biography of the man some people recognize as the president. The quiz format makes it palatable and participatory, while the unpleasant truths that are revealed drive home the message that we each need to do everything we can to get this smug ignoramus out of office. If a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, this book is a Weapon of Mass Destruction against bully-boy Bush and his gang. Buy many copies of this book and give to everyone -- it's as good as donating to Kerry, but there's no legal limit.

Get Fuzzy is a great comic strip, and having it on your desk every day is great. If you've ever had a daily comic calendar (i.e. Far Side, etc), then you know what to expect. Great for cropping and hanging up on a cubicle wall when you find an especially good daily.

I can't start my day until I read my Get Fuzzy calendar. We have a network of Fuzzy lovers at work and we pass the pages around, keep our favorites and share our chuckles.

Get Fuzzy has to be the funniest strip of all time. Darbey Conley hits the mark every time when he picks up his pen. His material is fresh and always thoughtful. You can't go wrong with it.

I first received this calendar as a gift, from my daughter, a couple of years ago...since then, it has been a regular purchase, every year! I love Darby Conley's strip and this is an easy way to keep up on what his "characters" are up to, day by day!!

I get one of these every year. If you're a Get Fuzzy fan you'll love it. If you're not, get it and you will be!

Even better than the original, "Book of Love," digs deeper into the true passions of the goomba--from food to cars to oh, woman, of course.

What are some goomba characteristics?
It's already pre-determined that the real old-school East Coast Italian-Americans must drive Caddies, wear Fila jumpsuits and sport gold chains. But these "traditions" aren't just done for the hell of it. There are reasons why the guido does certain things...

CLOTHES: Most Italian goombas wear colorful Fila track outfits as casualwear because having an easily recognizable matching uniform is essential. Also, because most guidos are a little on the heavy side, the Filas flatter the body shape and are comfortable all year round. Of course Fila is an Italian company so that is always the best brand. Guido dress-up attire is usually a dark matching suit (with either a tropical print silk shirt underneath or a dark shirt with brightly patterned tie for real formal events). The guido likes to stand out and always lives by the credo that tasteful gaudiness is classy.

ACCESSORIES: Most Italian goombas wear tons of gold because it makes them look like they have some money, even if that's not the case. The money that the guido does carry is in a roll with a rubber band around it with the big fazool (a ten spot) on the outside. Bracelets, watches, pinkie rings, and of course, necklaces are always worn. The religious emblems (Christ on the cross, Holy Mary) are usually around the neck because most guidos are Catholic.

CARS: Most Italian goombas drive old Caddies and Lincolns because they are big, powerful and roomy. Other guidos may pick a Monte Carlo or Mustang or another flashy sportscar but traditionalists will go for the Caddie. Most Mafiosos drive Caddies because they are flashy and represent luxury to the fullest but regular guidos who can't afford brand new ones go for second-handers and spice them up with tints and sound systems. And of course, the red horn is hung from the rearview mirror and the Italian flag decal is on the back bumper. I don't know about guidos outside of my neighborhood, but Jersey guidos never drive Japanese cars, only American cars.

FOOD: Most Italian goombas eat Italian-American food, not Olive Garden garbage but food from old-fashioned local spots run by fellow guidos or better yet, from Mama or Nonna. Meatballs, macaroni, eggplant, pizza, gabagol, and other old-fashioned goodness. Why? Because it tastes the best of course, and is the most filling. The guido will eat other non-Italian foods at times (it must be satisfying) but none of this modern new wave kind of eclectic cuisine is eaten, and an Italian meatball is always chosen before an American meatloaf if the option is given.

ENTERTAINMENT: Most Italian goombas like Joe Pesci and other Italian actors because they are the most relatable. These guys come from the neighborhood and talk, act and look like the local guido. That's why every Italian guido from Jersey thinks they can be on "The Sopranos." The guido has a fascination with the Mafia because of the similarities but also adores non-gangster portrayals as well, like Rocky Balboa and the all-time King Guido: Tony Manero of "Saturday Night Fever." Music is a huge part of the guido lifestyle. Anything Italian from Sinatra to Bon Jovi to Angelo Venuto are listened to. The music is usually light and danceable, none of those deep Celine Dion ballads or country tunes.

ATTITUDE: Most Italian goombas are from the East Coast so they have that "numero uno" attitude. Guidos haggle when buying something to get the best prices, are outgoing, do everything to the extreme, and show pride in all of their interests-the main one being the Italian-American heritage. Guidos never back down from fights and always go after what they want, whether it's a job or a girl or a calzone. Guidos talk with their own slang, use hand gestures, and strut. The guido's life is a constant hustle, book smarts are not always top priority when Italian charm and quick wit can be used instead. And when all else fails, God and mama are always there. The guido loves all the guido stereotypes, plays them up and doesn't give a damn what anyone thinks.

HOME LIFE: Most Italian goombas are married to a guidette who can cook and look hot doing it. Guidettes can give their men agita and turn them on at the same time. The guido-guidette relationship is always emotional, and the harder the fights are the harder the you-know-what is. The bedroom has a Crucifix above the bed, the sofa is protected with plastic and the house must have a leather recliner, a crystal chandelier, a white and red checkered tablecloth, a mini Tower of Pisa statue in the backyard, and an Italian flag on the front lawn. The kids are junior guidos and guidettes of course, and will grow up to be adult guidos and guidettes. There are always cousins and other relatives dropping by. The closeness of family and friends is always evident and the high level of drama exists because the guido is emotional and passionate about everything.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a few good laughs over a few good dumps. What else can a Goomba ask from a book sittin' on the back of the cammode.

I knew guys like this growing up! This book is HILARIOUS!!!

I loved this book. I found it to be very funny (..). Great entertainment.

Well known to countless fans of television's The Sopranos as Bobby "Bacala" Baccilieri, Steven Schirripa turned to the world of books and penned "A Goomba's Guide To Life," a top seller not only for Sopranos aficionados but others who enjoy smiles mixed with neighborhood sagacity.

Now, Mr. Schirripa follows with "The Goomba's Book Of Love," read by the only voice to share this wisdom - Mr. Schirripa himself.

Love in the goomba lexicon refers not only to the attraction between male and female but his undying love for his mother and her pasta sauce, deeply felt affection for his children, and his car (he cautions that no one better be caught eating in it).

The goomba, it seems, is a veritable wellspring of love - for his neighborhood, his friends, his extended family and, of course, broads. The criteria for a real goomba broad? "She'd go to the chair for me."

For the uninitiated, the dictionary defines a goomba, also "goombah" as the senior member of a criminal gang. Also, for the uninitiated, "The Goomba's Book Of Love" is pure entertainment. If you want sex tips, consult Dr. Ruth. If you want laughter and good humor, listen to this.

- Gail Cooke

Of the many books I have borrowed from my dad, this was one that I have read repeatedly. Unlike some humor, I still chuckle every time I read "A hunker is not a squat" or the one about the grasshopper trap. This is one of three of Pat's books that I regularly give as gifts to those young men of impressionable age in their pre-teen and teen age years. Hopefully reading this book will enlighten both their minds and hearts.

I picked this book up at a liquidation sale at a used book store mainly because I liked the title and not knowing anything about the author. This was my first reading of Patrick McManus and now I just have to read more of his works. My better half was trying to watch TV while I was reading this and I kept interrupting by reading sections of the book. His comment was "I can relate to that." I got to the point where I couldn't read any more until I wiped my eyes. This is a must-read for anyone who needs a good laugh.

A book filled with humorous stories, this compilation of experiences was a treat to read! The Grasshopper Trap is only the second book I've read by Patrick McManus but now I want to track down all of his stories. McManus writes humor without the obscene, offensive language that seems so common everywhere these days. It's a refreshing, fun read with stories that entertain as well as remind us of a simpler, less frantic way of life.

The title of these comments is from one of the tales in this third collection of short stories I have read by Mr. Patrick F. McManus. The author has been writing the yarns and his versions of his childhood "true" stories for decades, and has now produced 12 collections of these essays in book form. Many of the stories are about being outdoors and failing miserably as a hunter and fisherman, but one gets the impression that to the extent he fails, he does with seeming intent. It's the outdoors he loves, not harming it or its inhabitants. When he does speak of a successful outing with his friends he complains so much about the "success" that again you can tell coming home empty handed is his real goal. A collection of stories is what he is after.

The best stories here range from his childhood when speaking of why an 8 year old is perfectly competent to own his first knife, while even one day short of the 8th anniversary would be nothing less than a felony were a knife to be given to such an infant. He goes on at length as to how men delude themselves in to their thinking they have convinced their wives how their gun collections multiply without a single purchase. And in a story entitled, "A Hunker Is Not A Squat", he explains how with the correct posture, a stick and a dirt floor, The United Nations would be unnecessary, and world conflicts would end.

Mr. McManus writes for everyone who enjoys a good laugh, uncontrived humor, and just simple observations about human nature. He does not preach about the solutions to world problems, claim a cure for the common cold, or how to get rich. He just gives the reader the gift of laughter, an invaluable gift.

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)