Satire Books

If he was seen in a town where all of America`s charming "eccentricities" are concentrated (any L. Ron Hubbard High School alumni out there?), if he was spotted giving a diatribe on logical, rational thought, then it could only be The Champion of Reason!

A well-paced and thought-out book, TCoR is a lot of fun to read. It takes place is a town that is a microcosm of American insanity, and depicts one man`s struggle as a superhero who fights foolishness. He certainly has an uphill battle ahead of him.

One of the best aspects of this book is the characterization. The major characters are unique and interesting, especially when shown against the backdrop of the sheep-like inhabitants of Addleton. People are unique and interesting, and are able to hold your attention throughout the book, so that you wind up cackling madly at the misfortune of some while holding your breath to see if others will get through unscathed.

As with "The Geographer," Jim Riva has skillfully blended humor with genuine emotion. While it is very easy to laugh at his book, it is even easier to connect with characters, no matter how nasty or low some may seem. Also as with "The Geographer," some of the writing stretches the boundaries of believability - The Champion`s multi-page speeches are a prime example. That much aside, however, it is still worth a read. Buy it, read it, and give it to someone who needs an intervention from The Champion of Reason... or perhaps to another would-be Champion.

Ever felt the urge to strike a blow against ignorance and stupidity? Then the Champion of Reason is your kind of guy. I chuckled (also snickered and guffawed) as the Champion campaigned to free the world (or at least one Midwest town) from banality and small-mindedness. Riva aims his wit like a bull-exploding-raygun and invariably hits the bullseye of the bull.

I am reminded of Pynchon's Gravity's Rainbow ( though The Champion Of Reason is not nearly as dense) and Vonnegut's classic novels. Has anyone secured the film rights to this yet? It could yield a dandy script. But don't wait to see the movie. Read the book.

One of the few books I have read that gives me reason to bust out loud laughing by myself. With tears in my eyes, I can confidently offer this selection to the harshest of critics. It's too bad more books don't get this far but I guess that's got more to do with the writers then the readers.

'Champ' is one of my favorites, a laugh-out-loud book with a lot to say about the state of social thought and behavior. Jim Riva has a definite (if somewhat unconventional) knack for telling a tale (check out his 'The Geographer'), and his major characters are unique, to say the least, and likeable in an eccentric-relative sort of way. In the course of this romp through small-town America (or is it? ), the 'superhero' Champion of Reason takes on the small-mindedness of every dogmatic thought system plaguing modern society. Riva draws things together in a satisfying way, and when you finish you'll be ready to start again.

This book is a sleeper. No, it will not cause yawning, boredom, nodding, and snoring. Quite the contary. It is a sleeper in the sense of something unnoticed that could suddenly become popular. If this story of a super hero preaching logic and reason ever gets into the hands of a good screenwriter then look out. This sleeper will awaken! Read this for laughs and get some real lessons or vice versa. You will not avoid getting both. Just don't get insulted because the story will point out a likely shallowness in some area of your life, proving then, that the Champion of Reason lives, and not even kryptonite will harm him. Long live the truth!

All of the sixty years of the K Chronicles drawn by Keith Knight. K Chronicles are the story of Mr. Knight, a good man who shows his humanity through Boston, SF and finally LA.

A new daily strip is being drawn by Mr. Knight, "The Knight Life." It is not about the days of chivalry.

Do not think that you can read this in one night. It is a thick book and would be hard to read in bed. And too hard to be a pillow.

This book is a delight. You'll laugh, you'll think, and most of all, you'll keep turning pages. I'm getting multiple copies to give to my traveling friends, who suffer through long layovers on planes and long rides on trains. They'll love it.

But they can't have my copy, huh-uh. And nobody gets to borrow it, either. So don't ask. It's the Kwintessence of Keeftoons...

I have been a fan of Keith Knight for years, and his humor is wise, and kind, yet incisive. What can I say? BUY THIS BOOK. You'll be sore from laughing before you get halfway through it.

I was surprised when I came across this book, because I have all of the individual books, including his "(th)ink" collection. For those who don't know much about Keith, let me just say that he is as individual a guy as you'll find: artist, satirist, rapper, etc. To get his entire collection in one place for such a great price is nothing to sneeze at.

If you are familiar with Harvey Pekar's "American Splender," McGruder's "Boondocks", or even "Candorville," you will love this collection. His wit, insight, and anecdotes make this the perfect collection for a person with even a mild interest in a good comic strip collection.

This book collects the first 4 "K Chronicles" books, reprinted large and many with commentary from the cartoonist, plus a foreword from Kyle Baker. This is not only a great collection for long-time fans of Keith Knight, but also a great introductory book for newer fans as well.

Of course, there's more to Keith Knight than this book. He does two other comic strips, "(th)ink," a political single panel comic and "Knight Life," which is basically a daily version of his weekly strip that's running in papers across America.

So if you've just started reading Keef's work, check this book out. If you've been following his work for years, check it out anyway.

I bought this gift as a present for a bachelorette party. The bride loved this book! Even the waitress at the restaurant stopped to look at it. Cookie Sutra is adorable as a kama sutra book can get. If you are looking for a real sex positions book, I would probably not recommend this for you. However, if you are looking for a cute, tasteful but spicy gift option, this book is for you...

This book is so funny! The pictures are priceless. I keep waiting for the cookie cutters to become available. Now *that* would be something to bring to a bridal shower! LOL! I've gotten this little book for so many of my friends and they sort of chuckle at first, but it never fails that a day or two later they call me to rave and laugh about it. You've got to have a good sense of humor (or is that warped?) to truly appreciate this.

This book has really cute depictions of various Kama Sutra positions - a fun and entertaining read, my boyfriend and I loved it! The cookie recipe is good too.

For years making gingerbread houses has been a family tradition at the Holidays. Now we have a new one for the grown-ups!Obvious new holiday gifts too! Bravo Mr. Jaye, and to the Mrs. Who did not ask...-we know why!

A lot of fun. Most amusing. A prefect gift for a bridal shower or for any occasional. Tasteful!

Reading James Lileks after a long, hard day (or even in the middle of one) is like a refreshing drink of cool water. He's that good, and that good for you. Witty, self-deprecating, erudite, observant, mordantly intelligent and yet painfully aware of what a blessing it is to be alive...this guy is about as close as any modern columnist or humor writer can be to a modern Robert Benchley. I've been following him in columns, book collections, and website for years, and he never disappoints.

If you get a chance to get your hands on a copy of "Fresh Lies", go ahead and spent the rent and insulin money to get it. You'll be glad you did, and your pancreas can hold out a little while longer.

James Lileks is like a younger Garrison Keeler--and I mean that in a good way. He has the same smart sense of humor and the same midwestern sensibility. Lileks takes on everyday life writing about his fear of his espresso maker, shampoo, rock music, and all sorts of other things in the world around him in a way that is fresh and frequently hilarious. I read this book on the train and people kept staring at me because I was laughing so hard. The chapter entitled "Turn That Racket Down" (about pop music) in particular brought tears to my eyes. Lilieks writes from the point of view of those of us who missed out on being boomers (thank god), but who are to old to be part of Gen X. If it amuses you that the song "Instant Karma" ws used to sell shoes, but you don't understand rap music, you are the right age to enjoy this book

A few deserving authors on the Right have really made their bones in the wake of 9-11.Ê Bernard Lewis went from being well-regarded in the ivory towers to a prominent place on magazine covers as the leading public voice in the West on Islam.Ê Victor Davis Hanson went from being a distinctive but little known military writer to one of the most popular geopolitical columnists in America.Ê Christopher Hitchens was saved from a life of thralldom to the tenets of Marxism as he became a leading, if improbable, defender of Western values.Ê Daniel Pipes became just as much the celebrated scourge of Islam as his dad had been the scourge of the Soviet Union.Ê And, on the comedic front, we all "discovered" James Lileks.

If you've ever looked at a blog, particularly a war blog, you'll have seen--and hopefully followed-- innumerable links to Mr. Lileks's Daily Bleat.Ê But he's no recent phenomenon, as this collection of columns from 1994 shows.Ê Mr. Lileks has been toiling away in the vineyards for many years now, or in his case the pages of the Minneapolis Star Tribune.Ê The older satire here is just as funny and just as politically incorrect as his writing over the past few months has been, including rants about NPR, women's hair dye, the metric system, and the Taster's Choice couple.

Columnists, especially those who write humor columns, have a tough task, called on not only to be consistent but consistently funny.Ê Mr. Lileks is among the very best.

GRADE : A

He can write. He can dance. And after 2 cans of beers, he can eructate a heart-rending belchadelic rendition of THE WAY WE WERE. I can't believe I'm living in a world where every goddam Salvation Army store contains 937 copies of VALLEY OF THE DOLLS and not one copy of FRESH LIES. As Kenneth Tynan said, it's enough to make a Manichean of me.

You have a decision to make, Smedley. You can either buy FRESH LIES---or I can program my Orson Welles android to sit on your face. The choice is yours.

Lileks is one of those guys who can put such a unique top-spin on mundane matters that it's transformed into the most clever, hilarious topic imaginable.

Short and snappy, Fresh Lies' essays and stories embody a respectable variety, from the silly to the artfully sincere. Keep it in your bag, for waiting in line or riding the bus, or the patio. Hell, keep it wherever you want- just keep it!

This is the best humor comic I have ever read, laughing out loud through every issue. Milk and Cheese basically hate everything and everyone with the exception of booze drinks, sharp objects, TV, Don Knotts, violence and Threes Company. They do what every person has wanted to do at least once in their lives (or several times a day for some)...maul and eye gouge their way through most segements of the population. Nobody is safe from these dairy products gone bad, they taget everyone from fat people to stand up comedians (with satisfying results)! That being said, keep the kids and the easily offended Sallys away from this one. The book is summed up best in their own words: "We hate what you hate, and we hate you!"

If you have a sense of humor and a strong stomach, you need to buy this book. My friend and I both agree that "Armed and Hammered" should be read by everyone, so when you buy this sit it on your coffee table and make your guests read it.

MILK & CHEESE : Alcoholic dairy products filled w/ hate and aggression bent on correcting the status quo and the insipid (are they the same? They think so). It's downright hilarious and completely leftfield. An absolute *MUST* for anyone who sees a riotous playground in seeing an animated carton of milk and a wedge of cheese (my heroes) wreak havoc on everything and everyone.

This is the trade paperback that collects the first 4 volumes. Collect them all!

Abolutely the funniest comics in the world!!! Read all of their books now!!!

This is one of the funniest comics around today (another being DORK, also by M&C creator Evan Dorkin). Why is it funny? Because Milk and Cheese get away with something we all wish we could get away with: getting liquored up and beating the crap out of annoying people. That's all this comic is, but then that's all it needs to be. Well, maybe that, and a dash of talk-show viewing, but even to do that, they have to rend, pummel, lacerate, and bludgeon anyone who gets in their way. This is pure mayhem, a 2-man riot.

Hilarious dialogue only adds to the mayhem. It's apparent that M&C take their mission, to destroy all idiots, very seriously. The question is: how can Evan Dorkin take essentially the same storyline and make it entertaining over and over again? Believe me, he does it VERY well, and the little comments and asides add immeasurably to the fun. I would prefer to give this 9 of 10, so please forgive the 4.

Now if only he'd start collecting DORK in trade editions. I need more!

The Granny Diaries is a great book with great advice for new grandparents. I couldn't put it down and finished it in one reading. However, when I got to the part about the "Other Grandmother" meaning the mother of the father of the new baby I was very disappointed in the way that grandparent was treated. If you are the new grandmother of a child born to a daughter then you will like this book from beginning to end but if you are the new grandmother of a child born to a son and you also happen to be a mother of only sons then you may be as hurt as I was when you realize that the author does not believe that you will ever be as important in the life of your grandchild as the mother of the child's mother. I cannot imagine anything more precious than seeing your sons become fathers. I have two sons and they have just had sons 5 days apart. I am a very proud grandmother and already love those two boys and can't wait to be part of their lives. This book is supposed to be funny and I realize that the author is being humorous about the "other grandmother" but should have been more sensitive to their feelings. If that chapter in the book had been a little more sensitive I would have given this book 5 stars.

This book is a MUST for all new grannies and also a fantastic book for not new grannies.I laughed my head off. I have two granddaughters, one who is 3 months old, and it gave me a lot of insight and a lot of laughs. It is worth every penny. BUY IT!! It is even helpful and hilarious if you have friends with new babies. It is a different world than it was when we had babies in the 70's.

I've always enjoyed Adair Lara's writing and this book reminds me of why I read everything I see that she writes. She is my voice. Our experiences are different but we end up at the same place.

I ordered the first copy of the book for a co-worker who I really thought needed it ; i.e. first time grandmother for an only child BUT grandmother = experienced special education pre-school teacher and daughter = dentist. New mother showing videos so new grandma would know how to diaper and swaddle "right". New grandma trying to do right but a bit lost in the "modern" world.

After reading the book before giving it to her, I ordered a second copy for my great-grand-niece who is also a new grandmother. They're doing better but I realized that it could help her perspecive, too.

I, of course, will ignore all of it when it comes to my step-grands!

Just finished reading The Grannie Diaries and while I haven't had the pleasure of reading any of the San Francisco Chronicle articles by this wonderful and enormously wise grannie, I am certainly going to look up the column! Planning to buy a whole bunch to give as presents to all my new Grannie friends. Going to visit my grand-daughter this weekend and will put into practice what she's taught me.
Be involved without being intrusive. That is the key to the whole thing!

I am a grandmother, but most books directed at me are sickly sweet and thus either are unreadable or make me feel as if I should immnediately don an apron and make some cookies and start patting someone short on the head. This book actually makes it cool to be a grandmother. It's very funny, and the advice could mean your daughter will start taking your calls again

"The Great Cow Race" picks up where "Out From Boneville" left off. It is the second volume in the nine volume Bone series. Written and drawn beautifully by Jeff Smith, it is an adventure filled with humor and mystery.

In this section of the story, Phoney Bone is trying to rig the betting on the great cow race by starting rumors about Rose (Thorn's Grandmother who always wins the race) being too old, and about a new incredibly fast mystery cow, which turns out to be Smiley Bone in a homemade cow suit. The main adventure story continues as well, as we learn more about Thorn through her dreams about a time she can't remember, and hints of an unusual past from comments by Rose and Lucius (the bar owner in Barrelhaven who has a long unspoken love for Rose).

This volume is heavier on the humorous stories, and as a result there is very little learned about the overall storyline of the series. For that reason, I rate it slightly lower than the first volume, but it is definitely worth reading.

jeff smith is one geat artist and writer we well iove bon

The Bone series is the greatest group of books that I have! "The Great Cow Race" contains fantasy, adventure, humor, mystery, and more! And it all comes in one book! I really recommend it!

Jeff Smith's "Bone" series is a critically acclaimed but criminally overlooked epic for a reason. Critics recognize Smith's masterful storytelling abilities and are drawn to his mix of all-ages humor and decidedly adult darkness, but the black and white art and lack of superheroes is anathema to most comic book readers, making it a hit only in the "underground" sense.

Smith combines the kind of classic storytelling perfected by the likes of the legendary Carl Barks and Bill Watterson - gleefully funny cartooning with outrageously expressive faces and gestures - with the epic and engaging plotting of a sweeping fairy tale. "Bone" walks a tightrope and walks it well, managing to be something fans of both Donald Duck and Bilbo Baggins can enjoy.

Timeless is every way, "Bone" is an expansive story about three "bone creatures" (you'd have to see them to understand) that find themselves in a valley peopled with an assortment of crazy and interesting characters. Looming over it all is the menace of a great evil, first glimpsed by the ferocious (and funny) rat creatures, but later revealed to be something much more disturbing.

Thank goodness for trade paperbacks, which have allowed new readers unaccustomed to weekly stops at the comic store to follow this marvelous, epic, enchanting series.

In this second volume (out of nine total), Smith ramps up the humor - the idea of an old lady racing a bunch of cows is hilarious - while slowly, deliberately dropping hints that all is not as it seems with some of the village folk, specifically grandma. "The Great Cow Race" continues to sparkle with humor and retains the light tone of the first volume, "Out From Boneville," while Smith offers us just enough looks at the larger tale to keep us going. A fine effort on his part.

"Bone" is essential reading that no lover of the comic artform should skip. Little doubt people will still be reading "Bone" 50 years from now. Broad in scope yet personal and quaint, this is a charming story in every way that will long outlast 90 percent of other comic works on the shelf.

Volume #2 of the 'Bone,' graphic novel series collects issues #7-11 originally released in 1992-1993. Those who enjoyed the first volume will surely enjoy this second collection even more, as the characters and storylines introduced in vol. #1 hit their full stride and become further fleshed out in fun and effortless fashion. Reading through the 'Bone,' series is reminiscent of listening to a well-crafted pop song in that there is seemingly little effort taking place to enjoy the work and moments later after you're done digesting it you suddenly realize what a rich and complex work the piece actually is, functioning on several unique layers. 'Bone,' works exactly in such a fashion and trust me when I say that you'll never have more fun while reading through a book and digesting the nuances afterward as you will with this series.

My son was diagnosed in 1989 at the age of 8 years old with three brain tumors. We were told her would die in surgery and if he did live he would be a vegetable. The doctor was wonderful and he lives and is doing wonderfully! I have been involved deeply with brain tumor suppport now for 11 years. I talk to families at least once a week. This book gives great insight into how the kids feel about their disease and the experience that goes with it. The most important part of this book is the section that the fathter's discuss their feelings. Dads have a very difficult time knowing how to help and "fix" it as they think they must! This chapter is priceless. Good Book, Good Information, Important learning here!

This book is a wonderfully humorous and insightful look into children's experiences with caner. Although it certainly is not a humorous subject, the book really shows the powerful spirit of children and demonstrates the importance of humor in illness. And no matter what they go through, kids are still kids. I read this for the first time in college, and now I am a pediatrician.

This book is by far my favorite of all Erma Bombeck's books. I suspect this book is not as popular as her other writings because it's about kids with cancer, but Bombeck does an amazing job of taking such a heavy subject and finding the bright side of it all.

Having grown up in an era when "the 'C' word" meant a death sentence, I was taken aback when a friend of mine suggested this little-known work of Erma Bombeck's. Why would a humerous writer tackle such a depressing subject? Kids with cancer? The book was not depressing at all. Sure I cried, but they were tears of joy. I laughed at the antics of some of the kids. I praised the professionals who dedicate their time and money to these kids. Cancer is no longer necessarily a terminal disease. People beat it all the time. I was unaware of this until I read this book, and no one could do it like Erma. I highly recommend this book to anyone, but it is especially uplifting to someone who has a friend or family member with cancer.

Erma Bombeck became renowned by highlighting the amusing aspects of the terrene. She did not usually make what are typically called "jokes"-just offbeat observations. Her columns more often initiated a satisfying smile than a hearty belly laugh. But even on the occasions that she was painfully funny she showed respect for her subjects and her audience. It was the proud acknowledgement that she was one of us that allowed us to chuckle at family life, grocery shopping, housework, and all the other quotidian errands that compose the bulk of our lives. Regardless of the subject she found some aspect that was good for a "laugh with" not a "laugh at."

How about the subject of children battling cancer? The thought of jocularly treating such a topic sounds comparable to the depraved entertainment regurgitated by the likes of Howard Stern. Surely, Erma Bombeck-the avatar of wholesomeness-would never approach such a subject. No, but it approached her. She was asked to write this book, and at first the thought of it repulsed her. Momentarily dropping her guard, she allowed herself to be talked in to attempting this work. We should all be thankful that she caved. The result is a reverent; inspiring read that has had a propitiatory impact on many, many children and adults battling cancer---not to mention legions of us who are blessed with good health.

Treading with great veneration for her subject, she produced a book overflowing with warmth, encouragement, and-as unbelievable as it may seem-tasteful mirth. It stands a proud addition to her rich legacy.

I enjoyed the artwork in this book. And the creativite that went into the letters.

I loved this book! It's a must-have companion to the rest of the Lady Cottington books, and I looked thru it twice before I realized that her mother is sending her more than one message in the book, one is on a tiny leaf, delivered by the fairies. From about the middle until the end, when the writing becomes much bolder and clearer, her mother is telling her that she is still here, and to believe. Because the fairies have been dipping their toes into the ink, and attempting to convey the message, it's hard to see for what it is. This is a sweet, engaging book, and I just loved it. I think it is my favorite Cottington tome.

My daughter and I love reading about fairies and this book was delightful. It is creative and beautiful to look at.

First off, I'm very biasedly a huge fan of Brian Froud and ADORE the Lady Cottington books. This book is so far my absolute favorite. I love how it's set up, the different letters are so greatly written. My favorite letters/notes are those from J.M. Barrie and Wendy Darling. I think that reading the other Cottington books s pretty much a must before starting this one, but it's really quite lovely. This album tells a story without using a regular narrative. Imaginative, beautiful, everything I expect from Froud and the Cottington albums.

This book is so nice I bought one for my mom for her birthday! Of course it was part of a huge stack we took to have Brian Froud sign - which makes it even more sweet! Very funny reading and the drawings are just fabulous!

I laughed out loud as I read it on a flight to Denver. Everyone around me thought I was crazy. Very funny!

OK, I'll be honest. David Tyree is a better live comedian/HBO comedian than an author. But Troy Aikman was a better quarterback than he is a sports commentator, yet he does very well as a sports commentator nonetheless. The same is true for David Tyree in the field of comedy.

This book is definitely worth the price and worth the time to read it. It is hilarious. And, if you have seen David Tyree perform live or on HBO, you might even catch yourself imagining him narrating it upon occasion as you are reading it.

Do yourself a favor. Forego 3 or 4 cups at Starbucks, pocket the money, and buy this book.

I enjoyed reading this book. It has a few blue words but they were in context and not out of place. I laughed from the first page all the way to the end.

Dave Tyree is a brilliant comedian and writer as well. I'm usually a slow reader but I couldn't put this book down and finished it in one hour. My ribs are stil hurting from laughing and it's a wonderfully written original concept. The only complaint I have about this book is that is isn't 10,000 pages long. I didn't want it to end! If you haven't heard of Dave Tyree, you wiill be a fan after reading this book and if you are already a fan of his after reading this, you'll be a bigger fan. BUY THIS BOOK!!! Can't wait for the movie to come out. - Steven Pearl, Critic at Large, Slayer of all Things Mediocre and last of the real HE-MEN

I tried to read it at work on my breaks and everyone thought I was crazy becuase I couldn't stop laughing. Great book! I agree that it could be a movie! Can't wait until the next one!