Parodies Books

The chapters on religion and litigation
are right on the money. Unfortunately
the book is a one joke affair which eventually
becomes too repetitive.

Author X. Crement gives the real poop on assholism using tongue-in-cheek observations, book references, & recommendations to provide the reader with good belly laughs yet food for thought as well. He extrapolates his theory (a parody of numerous other books & schemes) to point out the perils of assholism (applied narcissism IMHO) to both the sufferers, their co-dependents, & others who have the misfortune of meeting them. The book has some fine lines--p. 64: "They are as full of contradictions as a porcupine selling balloons," "quotes"--p. 138: Oliver South--"The most entertaining fiction I read is in the newspaper every morning," psychological observations-- p. 66: "Many neurotics & depressed people are nothing more than the victims of assholes," conclusions--p. 4: "People become assholes because asshole behavior seems to work," & statistical challenges--p. 80: "The majority of people are assholes." But he also provides a humorous 12-step program to address these problems. It's one of the funniest books I've read, up there with Grant Naylor's "Red Dwarf: Infinity Welcomes Careful Drivers." Enjoy, & share with your many suffering friends (sufferers & victims alike).

It's not you! It's them! I was given one copy, read it, then bought 3 to pass along to friends in need of education. Enlighting book.

This parody on self-help books is well written and very funny. It's observations are frighteningly accurate and the author's advice is useful. Considering how common Assholism is in America I'm surprised this book is not a National Bestseller.

At first I was shocked, then I found myself laughing. So funny, and hits the nail on the head. You'll recognize every obnoxious person you ever dealt with, even (uncomfortably) yourself. I highly recommend it - and if you buy one copy, you'll buy ten to give away.

Cartoonist Cheryl O'Donovan and satirist Tom Wolferman combine their talents in The Estrogen Underground: Join the Mid-Life Revolution, an irreverent, chuckle-inducing look at issues affecting over-40 women in today's society. From dealing with disinterested, dour, dazed or doofusy young male clerks ("Tell him Santa will bring him a plasma screen TV if he checks the inventory stock for you") to reasons why one should not engage in plastic surgery ("Some people die while undergoing plastic surgery" - general anesthetic can potentially be fatal) to new age meditations for old age, The Estrogen Underground combines its mirth with humorous black-and-white sketches and photographs. A first-rate giftbook especially for beloved mothers, aunts, and grandmothers with a hearty sense of humor.

Genre: Humor

Title: The Estrogen Underground

Author: Cheryl O'Donovan & Tom Wolferman

This hysterically funny book begins with the Estrogen Anthem.
I, your name, avow to become my best essence ever, to rail against ageism, youth narcissism, to embrace my inner goddess, to find humor in life...........

Aimed at menopausal women, this book would be enjoyed by women of all ages. Filled with easy to identify situations, characters and metaphors it will have you laughing from beginning to end.

Puns, metaphors and illustrations all contribute to the hilarious content. One of my favorites being: Swan Song Hungry Model Chickpea Pot Pie-No pie just one pea....for one chick and of course, we must not forget "Hot Flash Magazine- elastic waists are always in season."

Cheryl O'Donovan, humorist and cartoonist and writer/satirist Tom Wolferman collaborate to bring women everywhere a humorous, satirical look at one of life's most discussed subjects. Give yourself a gift and pick up a copy today, and then you can spend the afternoon with your female friends laughing and enjoying this wonderful read.


Reviewer: Shirley Roe, Allbooks Review

May 2006

Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (4/05)

All 40 million plus baby boomer women need to have this book to help them laugh their way through the so called `estrogen crisis.' Based on the variety of experiences of most woman who have gone through the cycle, "The Estrogen Underground: Reinvention" points out things like aging gracefully being a "friggin' myth" considering chin whiskers, spider veins, flabby body fat, and `parched and sags' most women get.

For the latter the authors suggest to Vaseline every pore and encase oneself in all-body sock (Illustration provided). That's the cheap version. The pricey version,...squander the kids' inheritance. Pursue your narcissistic whims with abandon. Put the plastic surgeon on speed-dial. Flounce around the kitchen with your daughter's pom-poms, shouting: "Two-four-six-eight, gonna photo rejuvenate, one-two let's all squeal, mama's getting' a facial peel." Repeat until your husband shrieks for mercy.

On the exercise scene O'Donovan and Wolderman compare the "Flawless" and "Frowsy." Of course, the "Frowsy" depicts most of us experiencing the estrogen crisis. For example, the Flawless wears a perfectly coordinated, ultra-snug outfit, whereas the Frowsy wears her husband's old XXXL t-shirt and irregular shorts she bought at a garage sale.

The authors included a section with Q & A by the internationally renowned Dermabrasia. Her answer on the safety of Botox is "I undergo injections of the Botox to such maximum my eyebrows are stuck in `90s. Not so bad. Having no facial expression keeps fifth husband always guessing!"

Filled with cartoon like illustrations, quotes, and humorous anecdotes about estrogenic invisibility, dieting, exercising, fashion, careers, and meditation, this book had me grinning at every page. Not only full of laughs "The Estrogen Underground: Reinvention" is full of truths. This book is a must for a girl's weekend away - I can promise you, this book will even take precedence over shopping!

You would think that the authors had read my mind and lived my life. It was great to read other people have had the same experiences I have had and can make them funny.

Cheryl and Tom have a word with telling it exactly how it is. I can't describe how funny it is to see such candor! A great read to keep beside the bed or on a coffee table for all to view. I'd much rather read this over and over again than read any fashion magazine out there. Go women and I can't wait for Book Two!

I just finished writing a book on women yesterday, and going through the endnotes made me think of writing something here about Life Sentence. While none of his arguments or positions made it into my book I ended up citing J.D. Smith about three times due to the outstanding and entertaining quotes he had concerning women that he used to precede each chapter. Some of them were real gems. Life Sentence is a fun, little ditty that offers up a light-hearted and whimsical look at women and marriage. A lot of what he has to say here is very true I think. And for the price, well you can't beat it. By the way, I think I spent 10 bucks for mine back when I got in 1999. Oh well.

this was a quick, funny book that both my HUSBANDand I loved. If I wasn"t already married I would have bought it for him anyway . Some really great stories that made us really laugh. I suggest this book to all men, married,engaged,divorced and to women too.

The only other book that has caused me to laugh out loud as much was, "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas." Sadly, this information is as frightening as it is funny.

I've already purchased two to give to friends, and I'll have to get more. Any male who is about to get hitched should read this and weep. It's the terrible truth. I know. I've been there.

As a psychiatrist, and as a guy who's been married and divorced twice, I think this is one of the funniest and most profoundly truthful books I've read in recent years. I'm looking forward to more from Mr. Smith. He a has a quality of writing that reminds me of PJ O'Rourke. I hope he can turn his sense of ironic wit to other topics as well.

This book is not what I expected, which was a light-hearted look at relationships and a few digs at both sexes. What I found was a one sided view of how we are all doomed from the minute we make eye contact from across a room. I was depressed after learning that my sex life is, according to the author, going to wane right after we say "I do." If you are looking for reasons not to enter into that sacred institution, then this is the book for you.

As The Lost Blogs is fictional, so is Davidson's washed up career as a comedian, author and blogger. Men in Midlife Crisis Davidson even creates fake fans on his site he chats with because he has no life.The Lonely Guy He accuses retired celebrities Little Darlings of stalking him The Paranoid's Pocket Guide and lives in a dump neighborhood in Sherman Oaks. When he's not on his blog creating fake fans to adore him on forums, he organizes flaming parties of people who see through his little act.

Davidson's publisher wasn't interested in investing much money into promoting his book so he has to buy his own copies to hand out for free to try and keep up the sales figures to below a 500,000 ranking on Amazon.The Masquerade Overture

Need your internet fix? Need a good laugh? Wonder what Socrates (and other historical notables) would have written in his blog? Paul Davidson has hit your triangle of needs with his book, "The Lost Blogs." It is hilarious--and if you happen to be reading it on the can you'll have people wondering why there's laughter coming out of the bathroom.

It's a bit odd to read a "blog" (which is born out of an electronic format) in print, but the content is so marvelous that you forget it immediately! And best of all, no carpal tunnel syndrome from vicious mouse clicking.

There are amazing stats that say most writers only write one good book, and that the 2nd book is an enormous hurdle. But...the guy who wrote Consumer Joe, has struck again!

I thought it would be a good idea to have some milk while reading this hilarious book. BIG MISTAKE.

I started laughing in mid-drink and instead of going down to my tum-tum, the dairy exploded from my nostrils and doused the person sitting next to me on the airplane.

Several apologies and cocktail napkins later, I put the experience behind me and once again immersed myself into the funny.

The book reads so easily and is so engaging, it lulled me into compIacency and I started taking several long drinks of milk without thinking. I was reading the Ghandi entry, it made me start laughing and SHWOOOSH!! Milk squirted all over my lap and splashed my neighbor once more. This time, he wasn't quite as understanding. The vibe was icy all the way to JFK.

Oh well, at least he had the window seat and I had the rest of "The Lost Blogs" to read.

I lost my copy of The Lost Blogs. I read it way back in March during SXSW because, hey, what better time to read a blog book then when I'm out amongst the blogeratti? I whipped through it and chuckled regularly, smirking often and unable to stifle full blown laughter in a few points. It appears I'm a sucker for 2 types of nerdy blog humor: Historical blog entries from extremely positive but naive people (when John Lennon blogs about his first meeting with Yoko Ono) and accurate portrayals of blog & web geekdom ( the 3am comment war between William Randolph Hearst and Orson Welles on Welles's Citizen Kane Blog). Paul writes lots more in that style and you should be greatful for that. Too bad I couldn't keep my head together enough to remember to pick it up off the night stand before I got in a cab and got on a plane.

I'm a little wary about books that read like blogs. The blog, by it's nature, requires some action by their readers. Click here. Respond to this. Watch this video. See these pictures. There are some points in The Lost Blogs when I want my mouse. I want access to Moses' webring. I want to see the pictures and tech specs of his Holy Portable Communication Device. The blog is a unique medium. It is not quite like writing for print which is why many bloggers turned authors aren't very good and don't produce quality work.

Thankfully, Paul is accomplished and talented in both worlds and The Lost Blogs is still an excellent read despite it's lack of hotlinks.

Maybe in the future we'll have full creative fiction blog projects adeptly put together by both skilled writers and witty web professionals who can create a real honest-to-goodness blook. Until then, though, we'll keep reading The Lost Blogs and like it.

That is if I hadn't lost our Lost Blogs in Austin.

As the proud of owner of a rather beat up copy of Consumer Joe, I was giddy with excitement when I received my pre-ordered copy of The Lost Blogs and let me tell you, Mr. Davidson did not let me down.

He is one funny man. I have giggled out loud and have even had a few guffaws come out of me while reading this book. I think it would make a great gift and I plan on putting it in our reception area, much like I did Consumer Joe. Clients love to read it and it makes me happy to have clients have a good laugh while they are at my place of employment. Don't we all need a good laugh sometimes?

Thank you, Paul Davidson, for making me laugh.

Go buy this book.

Buy this book and then learn to RELAX into the rat race, laugh a LOT more, and have a much better time of it.
Humorous but totally on the mark.
HikerBob

No doubt, this is a funny book. It is an easy read and I managed to laugh a few times throughout the hour or so that it took to get through it. I actually read it in the book store because I didn't think that the book was worth $10 (in stores) since a lot of these "how to be an slacker" tips have been around for quite some time on the Internet and in various places (George Costanza anyone?)...

I have no problem with the book as a satire/parody of the overachiever mentality. But I have a problem when it becomes another one of the "self-help books", disguised in humor. As far as the self-help goes, it is extremely weak in that it doesn't ask anybody to think about what they need to be happy and just admonish blindly underachieving. In my mind, this is just as bad a mentality as blindly overachieving.

Congratulations on the entertainment value, but it's a good thing that not everybody follows the advice in this book because this great country would be going down the drain...

this provided me a nice reminder of what really matters in life and how to achieve it...by underachieving. I like what this book has to say and am glad that I bought it. I couldn't give it 5 stars, because that wouldn't be the underachiever's way. :)

This book keeps me sane. If you're overworked and burned out, you need to read this book. Display it on your workstation or keep it under your notebook during one of those "productive meetings". There's more to life than work. It's that simple!

I am a type 1 personality who is, in many ways, the typical overachiever. This book was given to me as a gift and I almost read it completely in one sitting - it's that good (and short). While much of the book is prone to hyperbole and satire, there is a great message that can be found underneath the well-timed humor: sometimes you just need to relax. The humorous reminder that no one is perfect is refreshing in the face of a busy life with many demands. Anyone who is extraordinarly pressured by work, family and life-in-general, should pick up this little book - or - pass it on to your favorite overachieving friend.

A stupid and silly spoof on the Lord of the Rings books. With some idiotic humor (that is funny in some placed), this book did not keep me interested. It tries to humorize the epic story of Lord of the Rings with exagerated discriptions of its characters. With every old joke that has been heard a million times, this book tries so hard to humor intellegent people.

The only people that would find this book any good, are simple people that hate Lord of the Rings and that have a very high sence of humor.

An idiotic book for easily amused people.

this book is extremely funny. This was obviously written to make money off stoned freshmen, but instead of being written by stoned freshmen or ignorant pigs, the people who wrote it were intelligent. The name changes and chapter names are funny, and the real life refererences are predictable, but in good humour. I don't want to give it away much...so READ IT!

Parodys are always good for a laugh, this one is side-splitting adventure through a world that contains some of the funniest creatures ever thought up. A must read for fans of Tolkien or if you just want a good laugh.

I bought this book when it first came out. Was reading on a long flight. I had to put it away because my out-loud laughter was interferring with other passengers! Once read, you'll never see the original in the same way! Purists beware: this hilarious parody may make you mad if you're humor-impaired.

"...AAAEEEEE! A Ballhog!" This is a true cult classic. You won't find a used book store clerk that doesn't know off the top of the head whether or not it's in stock. I dare any J.R.R. fan read an entire paragraph without busting out in laughter. The poetry is particularly thought provoking, lovely and inspirational.

I am 39 and I thought that at my age I was far too mature to enjoy juvenile political satire. How wrong I was. I started reading this book in the bookstore, and was pleased to find myself laughing and snickering uncontrollably. Sure many of the attacks are unfair and the situation exaggerated, but what else do you expect from a satire? It was still extremely well done and extremely funny. I am outside the U.S. and find it refreshing evidence of a vigorous political struggle going on within the world's superpower; and great to see some American humour which I can relate to, and which can make me laugh.

Very rarely does a novel capture/skewer the essence of contemporary American politics with the unabashed hilarity and intelligence that Citizen You! possesses. Between this novel and Fahrenheit 9/11, I finally feel that I can make an informed decision come November.

Simply put, today's America NEEDS Citizen You!

This book is not only funny but a worryingly accurate portrayal of how those of us who live outside of America and her subversively censored media see your country's immediate future. Those reviewers who believe there are many facts that are `out-right lies' are unfortunately exactly the ones who are being attacked by this book. Yes there are exaggerations but please for the sake of every human being - think for yourselves, and don't be the sheep this book seeks to parody.

Very rarely does a novel capture/skewer the essence of contemporary American politics with the unabashed hilarity and intelligence that Citizen You! does. Between this novel and Fahrenheit 9/11, I finally feel that I can make an informed decision come November.

Simply put, today's America NEEDS Citizen You!

As a fan of the Onion I decided to check this book out. While not what I expected there are some great things here. It would've been easy for the authors to simply satirize the current administration, but they've done some serious research. Hidden beneath the jokes is some scary factual information (most sources are in the back of the book). Don't miss the bit about Rumsfeld and Aspartame (better known as Nutra Sweet). Also surprising is the 9/11 section. Instead of jokes, it contains around 80 questions that have yet to be answered about the 9/11 attacks. The sources are all there, so you can follow the trail that sparked the questions yourself if you doubt the authors.

Watch Mama's Family? Like to learn from one of the masters of writing comedy? Gene Perret is one of the best and this book helps you learn what he knows: comedy writing takes practice.

Persevere and complete these exercises and pretty soon, what first seemed "impossible" becomes doable and then, fun.

This book gives a lot of writing exercises, tips and tricks of the trade that you can use to write funny. A very good buy!

Don't be fooled by the release date of December 1990. The actual date of the book is 1982. He talks about Happy Days and MASH and comedians we don't here of any more such as Phillis Diller. If you can handle comedic examples from past TV shows etc. then the book is good. The actual exercises are first class and he does have good advice for the beginner. May you be funny! (or June)

I just finished Gene's book and I have to say I came back impressed. You certainly learn a lot about how comedy is truly thought out and there isn't as much 'ad-lib' as you think out there. The only thing I found wrong with this book was how dated it was. The book is abound with references to late 70 and early 80's comedians like Bob Hope and Phyllis Diller, and Gene writes the book from a joke writer's stand-point - somebody who writes jokes to sell to the big-time performers, a practice that is hardly utilized today; therefore, some of the advice on how to sell you jokes can be skipped over. However, as dated as the book is, the method of comedy writing really doesn't change, whether writing for someone else or writing for your own stand-up act (like me). Sure, styles may change - Bob Hope and Dane Cook are FAR from similar - but the method behind the madness really doesn't change that much. Gene very seriously goes into what makes a joke funny and gets you to actually THINK about a joke instead of waiting for it to come to you, which is impossible. Definitely a good read from a master.

Don't be fooled by the release date of December 1990. The actual date of the book is 1982. He talks about Happy Days and MASH and comedians we don't here of any more such as Phillis Diller. If you can handle comedic examples from past TV shows etc. then the book is good. The actual exercises are first class and he does have good advice for the beginner. May you be funny! (or June)

This book generates good ideas...but you have to do the exercise to be creative. Published in 1982 but it still provides basic principles of comedy writing in year 2002 and beyond.

What a great book - plenty of laughs and situations I could relate with. My co-workers and I loved this book - read it on our lunch hour to each other. This will make a timeless gift!

This book makes you laugh at some of the things in the corporate world that might normally make your day tough to get through. I like the idea of taking these everyday office events and turning them into little diddies we can all laugh at. (Note: Theres not a blank page in this book. Unlike other books that tend to waste paper with blank pages. I'm not a tree hugger, I just don't like the distraction.)

Dilbert's creator has really worked in the real offices of the world. I can't see how anyone could conpare this to Dilbert. This book was so boring, not worth the money.

I bought this book for a friend for Christmas, but I couldn't put it down! It's like the author has followed me from job to job. He's caught the nature of the corporate world in a light, easy to read book. I would recommend this book to anyone who works in an office!

I bought my first copy in December. Then it was stolen from my desk. I'm sure someone else in my office is enjoying it now. This time I bought a few copies. One for me and a few others as gifts. Good fun reading. ENJOY!

What an entertaining book. My wife and I ordered several copies for female friends who are experiencing , or who have experienced ,the joys of the female aging process.

I absolutely LOVED LOVED LOVED this book! I have not laughed so hard in years! This is the kind of book that you keep on the coffee table and read over and over again. I have read "Menopaws: The Silent Meow" often and it cracks me up everytime...

I bought this book a few years ago and thought it was hysterical then. Since then I continue to buy more books for friends and family because everyone needs a good laugh when they are going through "the change." This year I gave a dozen "Menopaws, The Silent Meow" books to a group of women who came to a class reunion. Not only was it a great ice-breaker... but everyone agreed is was fun and thoughtful. I recommend that all the women out there consider buying this book for their next luncheon or their class reunion. It's a real hoot!!!

I am a Cat lover so I was immediatly attracted to this book by the illustrations. I bought the first copy for my sister who is going through early menopause. She loved it ...I think it was the first time she was able to laugh at some of the things she was feeling. It's very well written with a great sense of humor ! I have since given this book to several friends. A great gift for someone in need of a smile !!

I noticed this book as I was browsing for information about menopause. I
purchased it thinking a good laugh would be a welcome thing! If a giggle
was had, it was solely a result of the adorable drawings. I actually winced
at a few of the comments. A definite DON'T BOTHER!