Humor Books

AWESOME! Stories and illustrations are top rate! Even my Dad (a die hard fan) would approve.

If you've never read (or wanted to read) Uncle Scrooge stories, thinking they're just funny animal comics, take a look at this book. You'll be surprised. This is an epic. The detail Rosa puts into these stories and illustrations is incredible. I find myself going mad, staring at covers and splash pages, seeking out the cleverly hidden D.U.C.K.s. The stories are enhanced by Rosa's "director's notes" after each story. I've never read much Uncle Scrooge before, but I'm going to seek out as much Rosa (and Barks) as I can, now.

I was fasinated by the way Don Rosa treated Carl Barks' story and yet put his own stamp on both the Duck, the clientele and history, even details of geografy like in Dawson. So it may be excused that Mississippi and Ohio are mixed a bit. All in all, if you care for Scrooge McDuck, the book is a must. If you do not care about him, be careful not to read it, you just might become a follower.

My kids love this book! I love this book! The only reason I give it a 4 star rating instead of a 5 is because the binding is terrible. I bought 2 of these books and after a few times of handling the book, the binding pops off the cover and individual pages start falling out. Very frustrating.

(this review encompasses both The Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck and the Life and Times Companion--I highly recommend reading the two in conjunction)

I know I'm not the only duck fan who refuses to read any non-Carl Barks stories--unless they're by Don Rosa. Rosa seems to be the only one who really understands and respects Barks' work; unlike the great mass of European duck writers, he builds upon it while not dragging it off in overly cartoonish, Disney-esque directions. His best stories rival those of the master--and the work under consideration can definitely be put in that category. That he was able to synthesize so many off-hand Barks references into a coherent narrative--let alone one that astounds and delights the way this does--is really pretty incredible.

The Life and Times has its flaws, as perhaps do ALL great literary works (yes! I said it). The fact that Rosa had to work within a fairly tight framework with a specific goal in mind means that some of the stories, especially the earlier ones, can feel a little forced. The final installment, although necessary, feels a little bit pat. And--although this may be just a matter of personal preference--I feel like Scrooge's initial encounter with Flintheart Glomgold in the African section gives ol' Flinty short shrift. In Barks' stories--the first two, at least--he's a more complex character than he's given credit for here.

That said, however, this does a LOT more right than it does wrong. Rosa has worked before to expand Scrooge's character (see the absolutely essential "Last Sled to Dawson," readily available in several collections), but here he really takes it to another level. The first half of this narrative is more or less straight adventure stories (rousing adventure stories!), but things become considerably more interesting in the latter half, for several reasons. Firstly, there are the Yukon stories with Scrooge's lost love Glittering Goldie. These are particularly popular with fans, and for good reason: I don't really imagine that Barks had any notion when he introduced the character that the two of them would have had so much history, but Rosa handles it beautifully. He's SUCH a hopeless romantic when it comes to the two of them. I love it. Furthermore! "Prisoner of White Agony Creek" features an implied sex scene! Much to everyone's delight! Barks couldn't have gotten away with something like that. And if you never imagined that a duck comic could break your heart, you haven't read "Hearts of the Yukon."

Secondly, Rosa doesn't shy away from showing the less appealing aspects of Scrooge's character. In the latter part of the series, we see him gradually losing his ability to take in natural beauty for anything other than its potential for exploitation for monetary gain; we also see him being increasingly vicious and inequitable in his business dealings. "The Sharpie of the Culebra Cut"* even touches on something you wouldn't necessarily have expected; namely, the vague unease that some fans (like me) feel at the fact that Barks' archeological expeditions always involve Scrooge profiting from ancient treasures while disregarding their historical and cultural value.

The climax of the second half of the narrative comes in part eleven, though. Scrooge's highly self-satisfied account of his exploitation of African natives in Barks' "Voodoo Hoodoo" is an uncomfortable moment for duck fans; Rosa, to his credit, does not disregard this incident but confronts it head-on and makes it emblematic of Scrooge's moral downfall (of course, the fact that in Barks' story--after his alleged repentance--he's still gleeful about it doesn't make much sense, but I don't suppose there was much that could be done about that). Scrooge's return to Duckburg and subsequent abandonment by his sisters at the end of the story is quite powerfully dark. I almost wish the story had ended there--but, of course, that wouldn't have been appropriate, given the universe in which Rosa is operating.

Rosa also provides commentary on each story, which is fascinating to read. His love of and respect for this material is always apparent. It's inconceivable to me that, tasked with chronicling Scrooge's life, any other writer could have done as well. The book wouldn't exist without Barks' classic comics as a foundation, of course, but I'm going to go out on a blasphemous limb (the worst kind of limb!) and say that The Life and Times surpasses any of Barks' work. I can't read regular Scrooge comics in quite the same way since finishing it.

*Since Rosa is such a stickler for getting historical details correct, I have to be obnoxious and point out that he made a pretty big mistake here: Scrooge claims to be able to read Mayan glyphs, which is pretty impressive, since they hadn't even been deciphered at the time of the story.

The story line follows the traditional but captures the cajun language and lifestyle well. The pictures are great and I love the characters. The book arrived timely and it was in perfect condition.

This is my absolut favorite story ever written!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My 2 1/2 year old loves just as much as I do!I bought extra copies and sent it to every child in my family! It's become an instant classic.
It's especially fun if you read it with a creole accent which isn't that hard to do since they put a glossary in the front of the book on how to pronounce many of the words. Funny! Funny! Funny!

I love reading this book to my 6 year-old boys, and they love to hear it. The rhythm of the writing, and the very clever story, makes this book a real joy, and very funny. Look for their other books, too.

This book is a huge hit. My 4 year old loves me to read it to her. I have entertained guests at our house by reading it too. So much fun!

One sentence into this book and even the not-keen-on-bedtime-readers will find themselves lending life & voice to Artell's characters in this whimsical updated romp of a fairy tale. What fun! The drawings are superb, but it is the story that shines here. You will find yourself speaking cajun almost as if you were born to it. At least that's what you'll tell your friends, when you recommend this book to them to dazzle their own children.

Entertaining enough.
Most stories come from the web site.

Best if read in small doses

I one day came across the ZUG site and was blown away by the intensely funny nature of Sir John's writing. I then heard about the book he was releasing. I knew that if contained stories of the caliber on his site the book would be quite enjoyable. I was not mistaken, for the book was side-splittingly funny. It is one of those books you can reread over and over again.

After you read it through 5 or so times, show it to all of your friends. I got a massive kick out of watching other people read it. They would start to guffaw and chuckle at Sir John sublime comedy and I would join in. Good Times.

So far, i'm only around two thirds through the book and it is incredibly funny. If you enjoy the type of content on zug.com, and the unique writing style of Sir John Hargrave, I encourage you to buy this book.

YOU HEARD ME!!!!!

THIS BOOK HAS HAD ME LAUGHING SINCE I GOT IT TODAY(10/11/O7). IF THE REST OF THE BOOK IS AS GOOD AS IT HAS BEEN, THEN ITS DEF WORTH BUYING. THIS DUDE IS HILARIOUS AND I TRULY HOPE HE PUTS OUT ANOTHER BOOK. AWESOME AWESOME STUFF!!!!!

CLASSIC!!

I was delayed at an airport for 4 hrs, and decided to buy this book at the bookstore. I could not put it down. It made me forget I was so angry for being delayed. Besides his pranks being top notch, his writing really makes you identify with his perspective. You actually also learn a few interesting facts about how particular services or companies work (like how to rid yourself of junk mail). This is a great book; highly recommended.

I purchased a hardcover version of this book for my children about twenty years ago. It is so amusing and full of Santa's life at the North Pole. Santa's favourite cookies recipe is yummy - these had to be made every Christmas. I totally recommend this book for anyone young at heart.

I've had this book so long, and read it so often, that I'm shocked it's still in one piece. Alden Perkes, a master storyteller, presents an 'inside look' of the North Pole, the reindeer and elves, and-- of course-- Santa himself in such a convincing manner, this almost-30-year-old wants to believe all over again. So glad I can share it with my kids now, and that the magic continues...

I received this book for my first Christmas (1983) and spent many Christmases after that reading it under our Christmas tree. This book is full of imaginative, fun, and hilarious stories and characters. I cannot imagine a Christmas without it and recommend this book to everyone, young and old. I hope to share my copy with my children and help create the memories that it inspired in my youth.

I always remember this book being around our house every Christmas, and I would read it over and over- poring over it for hours. Alden's presentation of research was so "scientific" and official-looking that I believed way after all the other kids my age! In fact, when other kids would tell me they didn't believe anymore, I would tell them they were wrong and their parents had lied- Santa Claus IS real, I have the book!

Santa gave me this book when I was still a baby, and I've had it ever since. I'm 21 now and I still think this is the greatest book to read during the holidays. It makes you smile because the way it's written is just really heartwarming and really puts you in the holiday spirit. My mom calls me every year to tell me she got 'the Santa Book' out because I think she loves it more than I do! haha.

Back in college, a devoted group of soap watchers gathered in the student center every day to keep up with life in Salem. None of us knew each other outside that TV room, but for one hour a day, five days a week, we were united in our running commentary of crazy plots, acting that ranged from barely there to over the top, fashion don'ts, and Alice's donuts. Anyone stumbling in might have thought we hated the show, but no demand of college could keep us away from it.

Screening Party reminds me of that, only better, because Hensley's (based on life?) movie viewers are friends. Their lives become little subplots to the movies they watch and comment on. It all makes for a greatly entertaining read. I've read it cover to cover once, and I keep it handy to dip into when I want a quick read during lunch or something. I can always count on it to make me laugh.

This book is GREAT. I had this book purchased for me in July 2003. I was out for drinks with my brother and his partner ( who bought it for me) and they casually asked had I read it yet...I lied and said "yeah of course. Good book." They looked at each other, then back at me and said simply. "Liar"

This provoked me to get the book out of the pile next to the bed labeled "mean to read" and skim through it. By page 2 I was in tears. Mr. hensley made me crack up REALLY LOL. Like before LOL existed, this is what I did..so much so that my husband asked me to READ TO HIM what was making me crack up to this extent. (Shoot me now. He NEVER has done that before) Well, we continued to laugh till well into the am. hours.

I highly recommend this book. Hillarious and the BEST if you are one of those who like to sit and "bag" on things. Bravo Mr Hensley! Great book!

Jodi Wallace

Dennis Hensley and his gaggle of five chums crack wise to earn your giggles in what is one of the more original and better written movie books I've read. Decidedly not a traditional film review or guide, Screening Party seamlessly integrates hilarious commentary from Hensley's peanut gallery with poignant, often surprisingly touching storytelling about the lives of those in said peanut gallery. The contemporary campfests you might expect are covered (e.g., Basic Instinct, The Bodyguard, Glitter, & Flashdance), but also included are some unexpected gems (e.g., The Sound of Music and Taxi Driver). While the banter is always funny but not always totally original, this is actually the point: you will find yourself laughing out loud at times, reliving the magic of Sharon Stone's infamous legs uncrossing scene and your reaction to it the first time you saw it. The gang's commentary is as witty as you wish yours had been, and, thanks to Hensley, retold faithfully and skillfully.

If you are looking for a collection of serious film reviews, then look elsewhere. If you are looking for a great way to spend an evening or a lazy afternoon (because you will not be able to put down this book), then make some baked goods a la one Partygoer and join the Party.

great fun. if you're not rolling on the floor with laughter when you read this your first name is ebenezer. several friends get together and critique movies. no one is spared when they carve up such cinematic masterpieces as st. elmo's fire, the bodyguard, glitter, basic instinct, pretty woman [ I don't understand julia roberts popularity, eric got the talent gene, imo ], my favorite is the chapter on the movie cruising.

Screening Party is a witty, saucy book that will get you laughing. Obviously, Hensley has distilled the most brilliant and effervescent remarks from his real-life screening parties for this story. These funny characters do more than just crack Sedarisque lines about movies; you see the changes in their lives as the story progresses.

This is a calculated mix of movie commentary and storyline, though more oriented for those who want the cultural analysis rather than the story. It's an especially vivid snapshot of mid-70s to early 80s pop culture. Even movies you thought were great get roasted via the sass-spatula from these wacky grillers.

Virgil and Winnie Crenshaw are on a tour bus headed toward Monterey to see the whales when the bus stops at Denny's in Salinas for lunch. Winnie has been listening to Janis Joplin's Me and Bobby McGee and realizes this is where Bobby McGee left Janis. She wonders if Bobby McGee is still alive and talks Virgil into leaving the tour with her in search of the man. The two find a craftsman who claims to know Bobby and tells them Bobby, still despondent over the death of his beloved Janis, hangs around the Mission talking to anyone who will listen about their life together. Winnie and Virgil find Bobby, who's still good looking enough to make Winnie's heart flutter, and take him along with them onto the tour bus and back home, in hopes of turning his life around, never knowing that things are not always as they seem.

Betty Dravis has this special talent - in one short paragraph, the reader will have a clear view of what a character looks like, their personality, and their take on the world. Not many writers can lay claim to that. Her sense of humor shines through with this short story, which had me in titters throughout. Winnie is a real hoot and such fun to read. I thoroughly enjoyed this one.

Betty Dravis has written another winner. This short but sweet mini-mystery has it all: colorful, fully developed characters that quickly become real; a clever, fascinating plot that keeps you turning the pages; a graceful, comfortable style that is delightful and easy to read. All of that and more, in just 2400 words. Ms. Dravis' obvious talent continues to amaze and impress.

In this story we meet Virgil and Winnie, a retired couple who are clearly still head over heals with each other. On a sight-seeing tour, as their bus stops in Salinas, the couple recalls the classic Janis Joplin tune "Me and Bobby McGee". Winnie tells her husband how much that song meant to her, and gets Virgil to leave the tour and join her on an adventure to search for Bobby McGee. Of course, there is a twist to this tale, one that is sweet and touching.

Ms. Dravis writes with economy of words that produces a clear and deft tale, and that never once sacrifices detail, interest, or heart. This story leaves you with a happy smile on your face and a giggle on your lips. I really like this couple, and I wish them well on many future adventures. I recommend that you get on the bus with them and go for a ride.

A very short, sweet story about how idol worship can get the best of us, and help out a man 'down on his luck'. Will leave a smile on the reader's face.

Chrissy K. McVay
Author of 'Souls of the North Wind'

Her characters are writ large but this fullness is achieved with an economically, carefully chosen collection of amazingly few words. Virgil and Winnie Crenshaw are a very special retired couple - financially secure without being ridiculously wealthy, happy with their lives and obviously very happy with one another. They're not only good friends but they respect each other, they enjoy one another's company and they're clearly still in love after a long and fulfilling marriage.

They're on a sight-seeing tour with a group of fellow members of the blue rinse set. But, not to put too fine a point on it, they're finding the company and the tour more than a little stultifying. When the bus pulls over for a rest stop in Salinas, Winnie sighs and muses plaintively over her recollection of Janis Joplin's hit song "Me and Bobby McGee". When she floats the idea of leaving the tour and searching for the real Bobby McGee, Virgil readily agrees and the hunt is on!

Ms Dravis has written a short tale that is at once wistful, charming and heartwarming. But the real delight of her quirky little story rests in the amazing "I never saw it coming" twist reserved for the final few paragraphs. "The Search for Bobby McGee" could easily hold its head high beside other short stories built around the unexpected ending - Jeffrey Archer's "Twelve Red Herrings", Jeffrey Deaver's "Twisted", "Asimov's Mysteries" or his incomparable "The Union Club Mysteries".

A wry grin, a chuckle and a broad smile are the certain rewards for a brief ten minutes invested in reading this wonderful little short story. Highly recommended.

Paul Weiss

As usual, Ms. Dravis captures the reader from the first paragraph! I couldn't wait to see what surprises were in store for the retired couple, Virgil and Winnie, and was wrapped up in their adventure until the very end.

Of course, the ending...Well, let's just say that the surprise twist lends authenticity to the events.

Winnie and Virgil are so fully developed as characters, that I could completely visualize them... From the scent of Jungle Gardenia that Winnie sprayed behind her ears and the image of the two jeans-clad retirees as they disembarked from the Greyhound bus...These depictions bring the characters sharply into focus.

As they converse about Janis Joplin's music and as Winnie surprises her husband with her fascination with the singer and with "Bobby McGee", we are gifted with a portrait of a marriage...The secret fantasies of an executive wife, while her husband is off making money in the Silicon Valley. Not so unusual, considering the times.

I loved this story and hoped for another chapter in the tale of Virgil and Winnie.

This book is really really funny! And even though I laughed through it all, the thought that struck me was, how beautifully the author handles grief, sadness, abuse. She does not drown in self-pity even though she had every reason to, but instead she turned everything into something FUNNY! Most of the times when you read about the "bad times" she went through, you won't even feel like she's talking about something sad. Its all part of the humor. I am looking forward to book #2 too!

This book needs a disclaimer. Something like, "Do not start reading this book if you are tired and on your way to bed. You will be up far later than you thought, laughing until you can't breathe, and distracting your spouse from his/her book by reading the stuff that makes you laugh out loud. Which is, of course, every other paragraph. Okay, every paragraph. But be warned - you will not soon go to sleep."

Maybe that's a little too long. How about just "Warning. Ace bandage needed. For ribs. And butt. Because you'll break your ribs laughing and laugh your butt off."

Seriously, Connie flies under one's radar with this book, because while you're laughing you're learning more about the paranormal world she lives in. I'm convinced Uncle Christy was reading over my shoulder!

I absolutely love this book! It is so funny as well as heartfelt! I found myself laughing out loud so much that my husband wanted to know why I was laughing, so we basically read most of the book together. I highly recommend this book for a humorous, but spiritually-minded look at life as a spiritual being having a human experience!

This book is one of the most humorous I have ever read. Connie's wit and humor come through loud and clear. If you have ever delved into anything metaphysical, you will laugh till your sides ache. If you have no clue about the "other side" you will still laugh!

Connie takes real life stories about her adventures and there is nothing more funny than real life as you will see in the many stories about her husband Martin AKA Psychic Boy! A must read for everyone! After all laughter is healing and the best "medicine"

Connie is such an amazing inspiration. She has touched so many lives through laughter and her wisdom. What a beautifully written book, to get a sneak peak into her paranormal world and you can be a "muggle" and still understand it. She is just an amazing woman and so glad I have her to look up to! Buy this book!

I received this as a gift from my wife. Its full of fun little stories, lists, suggestions (like "How to make a potato cannon", not "What type of shoes you should buy")and other guy related stuff. Its an easy read, and a sure attention getter when friends are over. You can't resist picking it up, flipping through it and remembering all manner of amusements and misadventure from your past.

This book will be despised by insecure women, metrosexuals, and victims of penile revocation. All others (including true women) will love it.

My brother bought me this book a while back and it is freaking phenomenal!

When I got it, this was the FIRST book I had EVER read that said it was okay to like the things it mentioned. Every other book I was force fed in school and beyond was about exploring feelings and being the tough yet sensitive male....blah, blah, blah.

It was nice to see that other people appreciate the sense of manhood conveyed by John Ford, John Wayne, Victor McLaglen etcetera....

And it was nice to see them mention the greatest ACTRESS of all time, Maureen O'Hara. The woman doesn't get enough credit for being an independently minded woman in the group of strutting males that was the John Ford Production Company. SHE is what a woman and feminist should be. (i.e. not hateful of, but respectful of the differences between the sexes)

By the way, it has a FANTASTIC steak recipe in it as well. Along with other such things.

I really, really, really recommend this book to anyone who is a man or any woman who likes them. If you are a man, you'll suddenly feel far more validated and as you read say things like "YEAH! That's right!" . If you are woman who just likes men, it might explain them to you a little better.

The Von Hoffmann brothers have nailed what it is to be a man. They have included in one volume all there is about the manly art of being a man. Women may not get insight into us, but men will grunt and howl in appreciation and agreement. A fantastic unapologetic look at all the things and people we love. Well done boys! It's sad that it's out of print. Get a copy wherever you can. Great stuff!

This is truly a great book. From Potato Cannons to instructions on how to play craps, this book has a great deal to offer many different types of people. A baby boomer male? This is a trip down memory lane, and will elicit lots of fond memories of childhood fads. The wife of a baby boomer? This book will give you some insight on those things on which he spent his wastrel youth. The child of a baby boomer? You'll get a glimpse of the ways your old man raised hell when he ws a kid/teen/young adult.
It's a shame this book is out of print. It ought to be re-introduced (and even updated.)

I have owned this book for several years and reference it on a regular basis in MANLY conversations. I have purchased several copies and give it as a gift only to very deserving "manly" friends and each time they have been eternally grateful. I decided to add a review after making the "Salt Steak" this weekend. It was unbelievably delicious even after wrapping in in newspaper and soaking it in a bucket of water. I also used the opportunity to initiate my 13 year-old son into manhood. He opened my beers and read the dirty jokes while the steak was cooking. What a bonding experience! I am purchasing his copy today.

I've read this book several times. Every time I pick it up, I end up laughing until I almost cry. As a bachelor myself, I relate to the grains of reality underneath O'Rouke's great sarcasm.

Not as good as "Eat The Rich" or "Parliament of Whores" or "All The Trouble in the World" or "Holidays in Hell" or "Give War A Chance"; those books are thought-provoking as well as screamingly funny. This one is just screamingly funny, but this might actually be a plus for people whose response to some of P.J.'s better works is a defensive "That's not funny!"; P.J. has a tendancy to poke fun at EVERYTHING, including the sacred cows of people who he disagrees with (and sometimes those he agrees with.)

As a 32 yr old bacelor, this book had me literally HOWLING with laughter! I let my girlfriend read it. We aren't dating anymore, LOL. As ridiculous and as obscene as some of it seems, it is startling to realize that I have actually LIVED like that!

FIVE STARS,..!!!!!!

I've been on a tear of P.J. O'Rourke's books lately, starting with Republican Party Reptile and so forth. This is by far one of P.J.'s best. I'm on the other side of the coin politically (fairly liberal) myself, but P.J. usually spares no one, and I admire that (Rush and his wacko friends could learn a thing or two).

This book is just about how to get by if you're a bachelor. It's incredibly funny for the most part (the cooking sections should not be read if you've just ate!). This is a fantastic little book, very helpful if you plan to live like a slob or like a typical college freshman.

The Bachelor Home Companion: A Practical Guide to Keeping House Like A Pig written by P.J. O'Rourke is a very funny, keep you in stiches book.

You'll never keep a house neat and tidy after you read this book. Of Course, that's assuming that you already do. What its like as a bachelor in theory as to actually being one is, according to O'Rourke, a great disparity. If you want to laugh and be entertained at the same time then this little tome is for you to enjoy.

Humor abounds and your life will definately take a turn... for better or worse will depend on you.According to O'Rourke... "How often does a house need to be cleaned, anyway? As a general rule, once every girlfriend. After that she can get to know the real you."

I have always chuckled at this book, ever since I helped in my children's school library 20 years ago. William Steig has such a clever way of putting letters together and illustrating what he is trying to say. It is interesting to children of all ages.

I ordered this since my sister received it and thought it was a great book. Unfortunately, this copy does not come with the answers. Look for the hard cover version, that has the answers in the back.

CDB! (Stories to Go!)

I was very excited to find this book for my grandbaby. We had great fun with it when her aunts were small. Who would have thought back then that William Stieg invented 'text speak'. I even stumped my youngest daughter with NQ!

This book is as intriguing and entertaining was it was 25+ years ago when I read it to my children. As an educator, I discovered this book to be a source of entertainment and challenge to my children as well as a wonderful tool to help my students as they struggle with reading skills. I recently purchased it again for my grandchildren since my copy was misplaced over the years...and they love it as their mother when she was their age.
Buy it and use...it will help dust off the gray matter and delay alzehemier. :)

smart! adorable! unexpected! (the book, not my kids...)
This book really has us rolling in laughter. My sons (ages 4 and 6) and I have been playing with an electronic toy: push a letter and the thing says the letter's name. We had been using it to make word sounds -- pressing U R A Q T for "you are a cutie" and so forth. When I saw this book I just had to get it. It is amazingly clever -- and to think it was written in 1968. It's fresh, not at all dated. My sons are very good readers for their respective ages, but it is definitely appropriate for them. I had to explain a phrase or two (they didn't know the word "ecstacy" when they saw X-T-C) but otherwise it was totally on their level. I still crack up reading it, and I've read it at least ten times. The watercolor illustrations are perfect. Stieg conveys a lot of emotion and expression with just a few brush strokes. When a boy sees someone with a lollipop and tells him "I N-V U," you can see the envy.
I won't mind if my kids want to read this one again and again. I M N X-T-C 2!