Humor Books

An entertaining book for all - not just parents. This would be a great gift for anyone who gets a kick out of intelligent humor. For those with young children, you KNOW how difficult it is to get through an entire book - what's great about this book is that each chapter is a story unto itself. I found myself laughing out loud (and in total understanding) while reading about the author's various parenting dilemmas!

Dora E. H. Crow

I'm not even a parent, but I really enjoyed reading this book. It is both funny and insightful at the same time. The author describes various incidents and interactions with his daughter, and the resulting insights. It would be especially great for a new parent or someone with young children, but even people who aren't parents will enjoy it.

Anybody who has stuggled with or watched kids grow will find chuckles and some bellylaughs as the writer gives his slant on what we've all really seen as we've lived it. And, grandparents, you'll remember how things that go around come around.

Mr. Pinsky has unique perspective on parenthood and his razor sharp prose will keep you laughing for hours. I nearly wet my pants at one point. If you're a parent and up for a good laugh - read this book!

Although I am a female with no kids, I am an Aunt who has occassional responsibility for my nieces and nephews. Homedaddy made me feel alot more confident about how can I interact with the kids and gave me greater respect (and sympathy) for my brothers and sisters. I reccommend this book to any Aunt or Uncle who is trying to figure it all out.

This is a great book for anyone who works (or one day intends to). The author creatively finds ways to relay his finely honed business acumen with enough humor mixed in to make it extremely relatable. The book is light and easy to read, but don't let the cartoon images fool you. It takes a serious look at how we tend to let our own fears and potential failures get in the way of success at work. There are major lessons to take home from this well-written, experience-based read and you can bet that you'll find something in this book that makes you re-think the way you work with, manage, or, in any way, deal with others (or yourself).

The right amount of humor and sage advice mixed together. I enjoyed the way the author alternated between his tongue-and-cheek self-destruction guide and the real hints for masochists like me. There's a message in here for you no matter what point you're at in your career, so I plan to keep it as a reference for years to come. I'm either going to make it to the top in my current career or make a spectacularly destructive exit. Thanks to Jason Seident for preparing me for anything.

I really enjoyed reading this great book. Not only was it funny and entertaining but it also helped guide me in growing career. Thanks!!

This book is witty, incisive, and very, very fun to read. I handed it to my wife, who after protesting that she didn't want to look at anything after a hard workday, read one of the first pages and didn't put it down again for 20 minutes. She asked, in fact, if she could take my copy with her to work to read the next day, but I wouldn't let her - we both liked it that much.

I learned more about career development by reading this book than I did from earning my MBA, and I certainly laughed a whole lot more. Jason's wit and wisdom make this book almost impossible to put down. It had me taking a good look at myself and identifying the ways I have been sabotaging my own success. It also has some great tips for improving your personal life. I cannot recommend this book highly enough!

As usual, Mardy Grothe has compiled a fascinating array for those of us hooked on quotations. A great addition to his oeuvre.

With your purchase of "I Never Metaphor I Didn't Like" by Dr. Mardy Grothe, look out! Your pen has just become mightier. Your library and your resources for effective expression have just become richer, and more varied and interesting. It is as though you just acquired a trusted companion, who has no agenda except to offer you the wit and wisdom you can always rely on for the word or expression most aptly suited to your needs. I do not exaggerate. Within a few minutes of purchasing the book and eagerly taking it to a comfortable place, I had found half a dozen quotes that I will use immediately in my own writing projects. With these discoveries, I grew confident that there is much more where they came from. With further reading, I became sure of that. It is almost as though I had found someone who has spent his entire life finding the greatest quotations, and then has classified and indexed them for my ready reference. In fact, it is exactly so, for that is what Dr. Grothe has done. This book is only the talented Dr.'s most recent effort to share his exhaustive and long-standing research on words and quotations with everyone who will accept the offer. We are all in his debt for this latest accomplishment.

There are certain kinds of books that are simply fun. They do not have any great thesis or argument. They offer the reader a selection of very varied fare and suggest sampling it.
So this collection of Metaphors, Similes, and Analogies. Some will make you smile, some will make you think again.Some you will have to squint a bit to puzzle out.
But it will all be enjoyment.
For me a book like this is of special value. As a writer I am always studying ( which does not mean- learning) how other writers did truly good things. This book is rich in examples. As Henny Youngman might have said " One man's metaphor is another man's corned-beef sandwich."

With "i never metaphor i didn't like" [sic] Dr. Mardy Grothe once again succeeds in deriving both amusement and plenty of food-for-thought from the nuances of figures of speech-this time from metaphor, simile, and analogy. This is another of his books worthy of multiple browsings for examples of linguistic wit, wisdom, pathos, and bathos thoughtfully arranged by subject. Dr. Grothe intersperses the quotations with background information, anecdotes, and reference linkages that enhance the reader's enjoyment and make the book more than just a list of quotations. I've thoroughly perused all of his figure-of-speech books, and I'm sure this one will wind up as well thumbed as his others on my shelf.

His introduction provides a quick brush-up on the characteristics of analogies, metaphors, and similes that is bright and readable without being tedious. And his index by author will be appreciated by anyone seeking specific who-said-whats that are scattered among various topics.

Mardy triumphs again in showing the feedback loop by which our language influences our thoughts and our thoughts influence our language.

What a terrific Book! I have been a fan of Dr Grothe for a long time and now I have such a great collection of his wisdom and humor. Recommended to anyone who is in speaking, teaching or who wants to be enlighted themselves! I am each of those and find it a great resource. You will too!

This book is great resource for a student leader, either for quotes, or to actually inspire you as the title suggests. Student leaders can use this book...I thought it was so great that I bought Inspiration for Greeks too. Also, I have spoken with one of the Authors...They know what they are doing. GREAT BOOK!!!

"Inspiration for Student Leaders" as with all of the books in the series, continues on giving the variety that I look for and enjoy and never stops sparking me with inspiration. The "personal stories" - the quotes - the struggles shown...and - "the short and sweet" style, help to make this book fun and a breeze to read. When you pick it up, you want to read from cover to cover without putting it down. What I mean by "short and sweet style" is that the stories and messages in this book are - in length - short...but their impact is profound. Some of us know how it is to be in college - to be bombarded by text books and novels - to have to write papers and read over notes. By the end of all that, who wants to read for enjoyment? Just like the other books in the series, "Inspiration for Student Leaders" gives us stories about real people, "famous people" as well as people we've never heard of. They common thread to them all is that they have faced similar situations as our student leaders are seeing today. These stories show how they've dealt with them - and what they've learned along the way - all in a "little package". I also like the creativity that is shown. For example, I'll use LESSONS FROM THE PLAYGROUND. I've never looked at monkey bars or hopscotch in such a light as to what leaders learn, do, and endure. WOW! It just amazes me how practical these books are. They don't use big, "million dollar words" - but put concepts and issues in terms and examples that students will enjoy reading...and can understand. Not only that, but with each story I, myself, as a Student Services Professional was inspired to go above and beyond what I'm doing with my career!

This book is phenomenal! A collection of stories, poems, quotes, and real experiences for student leaders. The book has many applications to leadership studies and personal motivation and inspiration.

As one of the co-authors, I'm extremely proud of the finished product. In addition to getting a great resourse for your library, every purchase of this book gives a $1 donation to the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA) Educational Foundation - NACA provides scholarships for college students across the US.

While there are certainly MANY books on leadership and developing student leaders there are few that offer stories of inspiration and hope that allow the reader to draw his/her own conclusions. This book presents examples of all types of leadership and leaders from the celebrated to the unknown. Each story highlights the every day opportunities to achieve and learn. There is potential for trainers to use the stories as reflection for group exercises or to motivate campus organizations. There are stories to reflect on each students personal responsibility within an organization and the many rewards of participation in campus life. It's a great book for the new leader and a reminder to the seasoned veteran of the importance of each action and choice we make-and how profoundly we can positively change the campus community and each other.

Inspiration for Student Leaders is a concise, intelligent read, ideal for both students and professional staff who work with student leaders. Stories, poems, quick quotes and other works combine to make this publication live up to its goal of inspiring student leaders. Student Activities professional should give this book to incoming student leaders to help them broaden their perspectives on leadership. Established student leaders whose energy may be waning, can draw encouragement from the passages written by other students. This book should be on the resource shelf in every Student Union in America.

I really liked this book. It was short and extremely funny. I personally loved the hilarious quizzes.

I love the Happy Bunny. It was purchased as a gift so hopefully the recipient will like it as much as I did.

If you are looking for a laugh, this book will provide it! Jim Benton's humor may be offensive to some but as Happy Bunny says, "I know how you feel. I just don't care." This book makes a great gift for pre-teens on up. I love Happy Bunny!

It's soooooo funny. Happy Bunny makes me extra happy and my friends too. Happy Bunny is soooooo funny. Boys are stupid. Boys in my class.... when you see them that's all the proof you need.

This might have been the funniest thing I have ever read...I literally could not stop laughing. Terrific quick read that will leave you relating, comtemplating and pontificating all the while with a smile on your face.....

"Joke Stew" contains a wonderful variety of jokes, covering a great variety of topics and types of humor. There are a few with adult humour, but there seems to be nothing nasty or insulting or immoral or politically prejudiced (e.g., some other joke books starting off on page one with "Abortion" kinda kills the mood). "Joke Stew" is light hearted fun.

This book is a must have for aspiring comics and comedy lovers alike. Brown's book is a tool that inspires as well as guides those interested in the art of joke writing. The book includes a wide range of talent from legendary comics like Bill Cosby to the up and coming comedic stars of tomorrow. If nothing else the book allows the reader the opportunity to learn what makes these neurotic people tick.

Joke Stew is a great way for a reader to get in touch with his or her favorite stand-up comedians. It's a lot of fun to read over and over again as you try and remember your favorite jokes. Same recipe as Joke Soup, but with all new comedians and quotes. Great Book!!!

I have copies of both JOKE SOUP and JOKE STEW. I actually bought several copies of both to have on hand as gifts for any and all occasions. You'll find an amazing amount of comics and their funniest material in these books. Whether you're a stand-up comic yourself or you need to give a speech for any occasion, you'll find Judy's books invaluable as inspiration in writing your own funny jokes.

Joke Stew is fantastic! It's a lot of fun to have on your coffee table. You can pick it up and browse for hilarious observations on any subject (great for when you need a funny quote to begin speeches and presentations).

I like this book. You can keep it out on your coffee table for everyone to read. It's got short, funny sayings about parenting. It makes me laugh. It's also a great gift for baby showers!!!

"The difficulty in finding a baby-sitter will be in direct proportion to how desperatley you need one."
--From Motherhood is not for Wimps.

What mother has not experienced the last minute rush to find a baby-sitter when she has to dash out, and the usual sitter has just called to say she can't make it (probably cause she has a new boyfriend!) This book is funny and truthful about being a mom, and in the end reminds the reader that motherhood is the greatest job in the world!

Flipping through the pages of Motherhood is not for Wimps, I smiled at the trials and tribulations of parenting, expressed so well in this book. "So true, so true," I kept thinking!

Very humorous book. I think this book makes a great gift book for any mother, expectant mother, grandmother, aunt, anyone that has kids. This book had funny tid-bits I'd not seen before, and I thought it was original and funny. A great gift item.

The humor in Motherhood is not for Wimps is timeless.

Just finished the book in one sitting and I could not put it down! Shawn and Gwenn's story is so inspiring and the book is incredibly funny!

I had seen the two of them speak while I was a student at UVA and was inspired the first time too. Shawn has been an advocate, friend, Homecoming King, musician, husband, and author in 30 years on this planet. Much more than most people will ever do in 90. Do yourself a favor and buy this book right now! And then join me in anticipation of the next one!

Despite the hardships that he has faced throughout his life Shawn Decker has shown that it is possible to be positive, happy, and accepting- even when those around him did not understand or accept him themselves. Through this book Shawn uses his humor and intelligence to teach not only about HIV but about how to be a better human. As someone who has suffered through hardships of their own I know what a difficult task this can be yet Shawn pulls it off effortlessly and with grace. This book so captured my mind and my heart I read it in one sitting. I laughed, I cried, and I learned. Everyone should read this book.

This is a well-written book about living with a life-threatening disease. Decker writes with humor about the fear and adjustments he and his family go through as they come to terms with his disease. At times hilarious, often poignant, I loved it. I bought it for the people I love who are going through the same thing.

Simply a great book. The author is my age and I felt a connection in his stories. It didn't matter that I have not been directly connected to someone with HIV or Aids. The story has an amazing love story built in to a life full of love, support and true creativity. Excellent read!

I have been anticipating this book for quite sometime after stumbling onto Shawn's page on myspace- then meeting him one night at a local restaurant. I read the book in one day- I could not put it down. He writes about his life in such an easy and charming way that you really feel like you were there with him the whole time. Gwenn, his family and friends are amazing- and I am so happy to have gotten to know them better through the book. This book is wonderful and I am so happy that Shawn did something positive with his pet virus instead of letting it take over his life. I also am waiting for the sequel. :) Everyone should read this book. You are one of my heroes Shawn...well done!

This man is a genius, as much as for what he leaves you to imagine as for what he writes. Great entertainment.

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)

This is the second collection of stories by Patrick F. McManus that I have read, and while he is compared to many notable names on the jacket, and I compared him to other humorists I like the first time I read his work, he deserves to stand on his own. It is not an issue of his being as good, nearly as good, or better than another humorist. He is unique and very special, Mr. McManus is an original.

I think the title of this collection, "Never Sniff A Gift Fish", is unfortunate for no such activity takes place within the book. Not unlike the dozens of stories on hunting and fishing, all he generally brings back from an outing is new humor; he apparently catches and shoots virtually nothing. As I mentioned after reading his first book, his friends will stop by and ask that he not even think about whatever it is they are off to hunt or fish while they are off doing it. He has said he is so bad entire states have banned him, as he can single handedly destroy tourism for a state, and no one will lend him small motorized machines as he invariably causes them to cease to function.

This collection is much earlier than the first that I read, and the stories contain wonderful bits about his childhood, and also as a new husband and a father. These are great stories, many that include his young family and virtually everyone is G-rated, place them on film and they would probably be made by Disney. This is great reading, great fun and wonderful humor totally lacking in pretense or show. If this man records his stories on tape I might break a rule that has never been broken, that of listening to an author as opposed to reading his book. And I don't hunt or fish, neither activity is necessary to enjoy these tales as they are about human behavior, his humans are just generally outside.

NEVER SNIFF A GIFT FISH
By: Patrick F. McManus

Have you ever heard of a great outdoorsman? You know, the one whose fly-casting technique can be compared to an old lady fighting off a bee with a broom handle. Or maybe the one whose attempts to pitch the family tent terrorized entire campgrounds. Well, for those of you who haven't heard of him, this book, will give you a little insight into the life of the great outdoorsman. Never Sniff A Gift Fish, is a great source for those useful camping phrases. Here are some of them.

Corn Flakes: A common camp food. Often eaten dry with salt and pepper since no one thought to bring milk.

Camping manuals: Books filled with ingenious camping tips which are forgotten the instant the camper sets foot in the field. "I read about a way to cook a chicken with a camera lens and a wire clothes hanger, but I can't remember how," he says. "Better just fry it."

Downwind: Whichever side of the campfire you happen to be on.
And who could forget "When hell freezes over": An expression used by wives and mothers to indicate the next time you'll get them to go on another camping trip.

This book is a hilarious combination of philosophy and fishing, all rolled into one. I loved the book, and I would definitely recommend this book to any outdoorsman, great or not, that has a sense of humor and a sense of what the author is going through.

i first theses books when i was ten years old and i haven't stopped yet.. we only have four books but i intend to get more of the books.. they are funny.. i like the one where he goes hunting on his bicycle and gets the deer stuck on the pedals.

Pearls Before Swine is an awesome strip. I only wish I could meet the sughor in person!

For a Pearls Before Swine fan, it's an excellent choice.
If you've not read the comic strip before, read a few online first. It's a well written strip that definitely keeps the reader entertained. I've not been disappointed in the least by any of Stephan Pastis' books.

The cartoon characters are my favorite and having this book is wonderful.
It is to read over and over and over and when and where I want.

Pastis is a genius. When I need a lift, I just open to any page and read until I can't stop laughing.

This is a bizarre little cartoon with a great warped sense of humor. One warning; if you don't like puns and word play, this isn't for you, because this book has some of the worst puns I've ever read. Very clever.

The two main characters are Rat and Pig. Pig is sweet, naive and more than a little stupid. Rat on the other hand smokes, drinks and is arrogant as well as slightly psychotic. Other characters pop up like Zebra who has had numerous friends and relatives eaten by lions. These animals go to work and go out on dates, and make political and social statements that only cartoon animals can get away with. Pearls Before Swine is along the same lines as Bloom County and Far Side. It's not at that level yet, but is well on its way.