Humor Books

Talk about terrific summer reading! Queen of the Road is a hilarious, easy read. Doreen Orion had me laughing out loud as she humorously related the adventures, and misadventures, she and her husband had in a year-long bus trip across America. There are also touching moments as Orion traces the parallel journey of self-discovery that the trip inspires in both she and her husband. Between her wonderful description of the sites they see, her funny portrayals of Project Nerd (her husband) and her own mounting bus phobia, and her reflections on the way they and others choose to live their lives, I never wanted to put this book down. I would highly recommend Queen of the Road to any reader.

Okay, how could you not want to pick up this new title from Broadway Books ??? The cover and subtitle grabbed me, but I was captivated in the first 10 pages of this travel memoir from Doreen Orion.

Both Orion and her husband Tim Justice are practicing psychiatrists. Tim is still seeing patients in an office setting while Doreen consults from home for insurance companies etc. Tim is a busy guy, always with a project on the go. He enjoys the outdoors as well. On the other hand, Doreen is more than happy to stay in her pajamas, work from home, watch television and never leave the house. Her record is 118 hours in without stepping a foot outside. Two seemingly polar opposites.

Without quite knowing how it happened, Doreen agrees to Tim's dream - to travel across America in a bus for a year. That's right - a bus. But what a bus it is! (Take note that their bus ends up being the September centerfold for Bus Conversions magazine.)

Orion is an extremely funny woman. I was laughing out loud right from the beginning and wondered if she could keep it up throughout the book.....she did.

After an initial 3 week test run, they set out. Not everything goes quite to plan - the bus has some issues and so does Doreen - she's terrified of the bus.

With a fantastic sense of humour, Orion describes the trip, her relationship with Tim, the people they meet and the situations they find themselves in.

Just a few weeks into the trip they notice a shift in their outlooks and attitudes.

"Getting to the top of the bell tower reaffirmed for me that Tim and I were making new choices about how to live our lives and whether it was finding time for that climb or putting our careers on hold, we were doing things differently that we had in the past, giving us hope that the lessons learned on the road about what was truly valuable might just stick".

And this is really the essence of the book. How do you want to live your life and what is really important? As we follow Tim and Doreen's travels, you start to look at your own life and wonder what you could do a little bit differently.

It's also a love story. They are together 24/7 for a year. Although they already have a good marriage, they rediscover each other on the road.

Fascinating as well is the ongoing travelogue. The places they visit are detailed, and an appendix gives web addresses for many of the places.

I love a good travel memoir and this was one of the best I've read. This would be a great selection for a book club. There is a thoughtful list of discussion questions to get you started at the end. ( Oh - and a cocktail recipe at the beginning of every chapter!) As well, Orion will attend your book group - either in person or by speakerphone.

The idea of a boat trip was bandied about at the end of the book. Sounds like a great idea Doreen and Tim - can't wait to hear what adventure you embark on next! You can always follow along at Doreen's blog.

I read the book in a few sittings and could barely put it down. I could find much to relate to: loving to sometimes work at home in PJs, remembering to appreciate my husband for his great qualities, the willingness to take an adventure, etc. On one part of the trip, Doreen gets her hair cut by Nick Arrojo from TLC's TV show "What Not to Wear." This inspired me to make a trip with my 20-something daughters to get our hair cut by Nick. Nick was fabulous, and it was a great bonding experience with my daughters. By the end of the book, you will be sorry the trip is over, but you will still chuckle when remembering some of Doreen's experiences (e.g., trying to close the door of the RV while it was moving.)

So buy it, read it, enjoy it, tell your friends, and then do something adventurous in the spirit of the Queen of the Road!

Thank you to Doreen Orion for filling several hours with such wonderful humor and fun. I laughed out loud so many times that I know it was great therapy! I love the way the book winds through life's journeys coincidently with her bus travels, becoming a very thoughtful book as well. Plus my husband would love to drive cross-country in an RV and the prospect of that trip has always unsettled me, so I truly had some measure of empathy for Doreen's bus phobia. Maybe I could just give my husband this book to read instead? I would highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone!

Never a dull moment on this ride. Two psychiatrists pack up and set off on a road trip around the U.S. on a retrofitted bus. Doreen Orion's wonderfully hilarious book is part travelogue, part late-night monologue, part inspirational memoir and part love story. For anyone who has wanted to throw caution to wind and do something against their better judgment, this book just might give you that final nudge you need. And for the rest of us, living vicariously through the adventure with this crew is well worth the trip.

"Spider-Man: The Ultimate Guide" is a must-have book for all the wall-crawler's fan! It has information about lots of characters and a fantastic spidey's time-line! The illustrations are as good as well, and you can even find information on alternative Spider-Man series, like Spider-Girl, and Spidey 2099. Although the book is very nicely done i still missed more detailed profiles, anyway you will sure not regret for buying this one!

I never read a Spider-man comic book, but I wanted to know all about Spidey, his allies, and his enemies. This ended my search!

We bought this book for our five year old who loves Spiderman, but our whole family has enjoyed learning more about the villains and other characters in Spidey's world. It is fun to learn the origin of characters we are familiar with and some we had never heard of before. There are lots and lots of illustrations to keep the kids' attention, and the stories and bios are interesting enough for adults as well. The binding has fallen apart on our book- which may have survived better under normal wear and tear- but that is mostly because my son takes it to bed with him since he loves this book so much. Overall, a great book for kids and adults too.

Tom De Falco's comprehensive SPIDER-MAN guide is one of my favourite spidey books, covering everything from the comic's origins in the 60s to the recent movies. With some great insight into the characters in the world of comics and good layout, this guide tells you all you need to know about Peter Parker, Mary Jane and assotment of villians (Green Goblin, Doc Ock, Venom et all). DeFalco's extensive research has paid off, making this an essential addition to the already bookshelf-breaking collection of comic book guides. This is a must-have book for any SPIDER-MAN enthusiast.

I have been a rabid Spider-Man fan, reader, and collector for the past 13 years. In that time, I've seen some of the best (1980's to 1993) and worst (Clone Saga) this hero has to offer. IN addition, I have collected every issue ever published. So, I'm very knowledgable about SPider-Man and his world. Still, this book is a delight to read. I didn't learn anything new, but it is well written, spectacularly illustrated with original comic art from some of Spidey's most legendary artists (Ditko, Romita Sr., Romita Jr., Frenz, Andru, Sal Buscema, Gil Kane, McFarlane, Bagley, Larsen). New fans will learn a lot from this book, but no matter how long you've been a fan of Spidey, this book is a treasure trove for you!!

I am an avid cyclist and have ridden across the US. Many chapters were excellent and the book is full of quotable quotes. The book is a little uneven in the level of interest it generates from one chapter to the next and I could have done with less of the Metal Cowboy's political views. Overall, I would recommend it to friends and family.

This book is about cycling, raising kids, and finding out after you're an adult that there is more growing up to do--things I've done recently.
I laughed harder and cried harder. I wanted badly to hop on my bike and ride off into the night--but I couldn't put the book down long enough to get on my bike.
Most importantly, after reading this, you will learn the answer to the question: What bike would Jesus ride?

If you are not familiar with the Metal Cowboy, I encourage you to read this book. If you're tired of all the negativity the daily news lays in your lap, then read "Momentum..." to reinforce your belief in the goodness of most people and the joy they can bring into your life.

The Metal Cowboy and his posse of two (his very young sons) ride their bicycles across the country seeing important national sites such as the world's largest ball of twine; and, more importantly, meeting and introducing you to real characters who will make you smile at the things they do and say, and who will renew your faith in America and her people. Two people I met in the book, Stacy and Benny, helped me close a tragic chapter in my life with a smile instead of a tear. And two others, Joe's young sons, renewed my faith in the future of our country.

I recommend you visit the Metal Cowboy on the Internet. He's every bit as fascinating as the real people he introduces you to in his books. And if you're looking for adventure, travel, interesting characters (who are real people), and good writing read this book.

This is easily one of the best books I have read in years. As the father of two young boys, I am amazed that Joe even entertained the idea of riding cross country with his sons, much less actually doing it.

One of the few books that have actually made me laugh out loud. Momentum is Your Friend is typically catagorized under the "Sports" section but would be just as comfortable resting in the "Humor", "Travel", "Self-help", or "Parenting" sections. If you are a parent, cyclist, adventurer, or just somebody looking for some great writing, you will love this book!!!!!

Young father pedals across America with his two sons. It sounds grueling. It was, but the way Joe writes, we get to experience both the exhaustion and the pleasures of the ride. With his 250 pounds of "dead weight" in back, he goes up and over mountains, and battles winds and storms, and manages to keep his sense of humor.

His parenting from the front of the caravan (Joe pedaling in front, kid sort of pedaling behind him, kid riding in trailer) makes me wish I'd read this much earlier in my life.

He's a great writer with a fascinating topic.

I laughed until my sides hurt. Sex, Dead Dogs, And Me is thick with outstanding humor. It has it all. Ed writes about extremely funny stories from his youth such as good and bad kisses, workman's compensation for jock itch, the vapors, and the adultery business. If you love to laugh, you'll want this book for your collection. You get a truly all encompassing, across the board variety of wit.

My favorite is Ed's classic tale of stink perfume. It reminds me of my own prank-filled youth. I have read a lot of humorous books, and this ranks among the very best. Ed's writing style brings the stories to life. It was easy to visualize the characters and get attached to them. Fresh, entertaining and comical, I highly recommend it.

I will have to make one correction however. A Canadian girl's lips kiss better. Perhaps one day Ed will get to test that theory.

Linda Oness

The factual, earthy antics of Ed Williams and his buddies growing up in the South make for hilarious reading. Those who were lucky enough not to be targets for their hijinks can consider themselves very fortunate!

it was a great attempt for an unknown. After reading the reviews, I ordered this book. A few of the chapters were good but on the whole it was a disappointment. I could not recommend this book without feeling guilty.

This book was recommended to me by a friend at the university. I had a hard time finding it in the bookstores, so I ordered it here. I have never laughed as hard in my life (my roommate threatened to make me leave our room, then she read it and laughed more than I did). Ed, should you ever come to Oxford, let me know. Maybe we could do something that might inspire a chapter in one of your future books, you southern devil, you!

The funniest book I've ever read. Can't read it at night because I keep my wife awake laughing. At last my search for great Southern humor is ended as long as Ed Williams keeps putting out this kind of quality writing. He is good ... very good! Guess I'm gonna change from Grizzard's Sprayberry BBQ to Ed's Nu Way hot dogs .... that ain't all bad 'cause Lewis did before he left us. Don't miss a real treat. Try Sex, Dead Dogs, & Me for an antidote for the dreadfully dull political babble which we are about to experience for the next few months.

This is a wonderful book any child should have in their collection. The book can become part of a yearly tradition celebrating their birthdays!

I bought this book for my son to read to him on his birthday. It is a lovely book that my three year son enjoyed very much. We will be making the reading of this book a yearly tradition!

I just love all Dr Seuss books! This one is just as good. I'd never heard of it but when I saw it I had to get it for my son. I got it for his 1st birthday party for everyone at the party to sign like a yearbook and give him wishes for when he's older since he won't remember the party. We love the book too though!

I bought this book for all 3 of my children for birthdays.
We read it every year on their birthday--it is an amazing book.

I highly recommend for birthday gifts or just because you love Dr. Seuss!

Because I had put off buying a gift until the last minute, I was able to order the books and they arrived 2 days before the birthday party. I consider that great service. The 2 and 3 year olds loved it and it made me happy to know I got something they would enjoy longer than a few days. The Dr. Seuss Birthday books were a hit.

My kids are two and one and they LOVE this book. It has such a catchy tune and they really enjoy singing along with the CD. It also introduces them to words they ordinarily wouldn't use, such as thyphoid, pneumonia, and colic! I bought three more copies for friends and their school! We have most of John Lithgow's kids' books and this is our favorite by far.

This is a fun book with good repetition and some "big" words. It will make it a book you can revisit when your child is older. I bought it for my 3 1/2 year old who is very picky and talkative. The cd is narrated by the author in front of a live child audience so it is a bit spontaneous and entertaining.

Marsupial Sue is a great song/book for kids. The message of being you is important, and the song sticks with the kids. Having the CD to hear John Lithgow narrate is a must to do this book justice.

My granddaughter introduced me to this book...and it has become my favorite piece of children's literature! I try to give it as a gift to as many children as possible. Perfect for the three year old....and great music for moms to listen to over and over and over...THE GREATEST!

John does it again! My 3-4 year old preschoolers LOVE this book! I love this book. I find myself actually singin along with the book and the kids absolutely love it. One of the best books I have bought them! (and his other ones too!)

Dear Mr. Nancy, I am writing to inform you that your books are absolute hilarity. Almost as funny as a gorilla bowling (only one gutter ball!). The story about the sponge scared me. Is there something I can do about noisy household supplies? Whatever happened to Pip the Mighty Squeak? What about the Turkish Annie? Did you ever get that Nicotine blanket? I would like to go to your sleep and soup restaurant, but I haven't found one in my area. Do you have corn chowder? Your books are definitely an A.

Having already read Ted L. Nancy's first volume, I was more than excited to read more outrageous letters. Similar to the Laszlo Letters (but much better), Ted L. Nancy writes zany letters to all sorts of organizations (companies, governments, the military, hotels and more) to make his hilarious requests. Though they are, of course, outlandish, but that's the entertainment.

Equally as entertaining are some of the response letters. Because most aren't totally sure that Ted L. Nancy is fake, they have to diplomatically word their letters -- great stuff.

Jerry Seinfeld has written the forward to both books by Nancy, causing many to speculate that he is the real author. Check out the wikipedia page on Ted Nancy for more details, but I'm not completely convinced that Seinfeld is the real author. Nevertheless, More Letters From a Nut continues the great tradition from before, and also makes for great comedy when read aloud. Enjoy it!

More hilarious satire (in letter form) from "Ted L. Nancy" who writes these jaw-droppingly unbelievable letters to corporations, governments, businesses and individuals, and the most remarkable part is, more often than not he gets a reply from these poor souls who try to piece together the meaning of Nancy's deadpan inquires about such inanities as the wearing of costumes on public buses, a hotel's policy on dealing with a chronic bedwetter who wishes to check in. A very funny book in a goofy collection.

More Letters from a Nut was fairly funny. There were a few laugh out loud moments (like the inquiry as to whether the US Treasury was going to be putting Lincoln's bottom half instead of his portrait on the five dollar bill - gotta love that!) Overall, though, I thought the letters were too far fetched to even be slightly plausible - and being plausible (to a degree) is what makes a premise like this work.

I felt Paul Rosa's Idiot Letters was much funnier. I haven't read the first Letters from a Nut, though. Maybe it will be better...

Ted L. Nancy is such a card!

God bless his little soul, this is an amazing heart-warming novel. You should definitely read this.

Wodehouse is perhaps the best antidote I know for depression. His novels are literally unreal, for Bertie inhabits a world of leisure, servants, and privilege, an Edenic world where even the threat of pain, suffering, and mortality have no place, and Jeeves is always there as a deus ex machina. But ultimately we return to Wodehouse (again and again!) because of the language--quite simply, the man cannot write a bad sentence.

I am a big P.G. Wodehouse fan. This series of books is especially fun as each book is easily read and enjoyed. The print size is perfect. Great nighttime reading to relieve the stresses of the modern world.

What can I say that hasn't already been said about the inimitable P.G. Wodehouse???

Carry On, Jeeves is a great starter book for those who are intimidated with the amount of J&W books available (or rather, don't know where to begin). The first story in this book is about the first day Bertie Wooster met his personal gentleman (or valet, if you prefer), Jeeves. The stories easily stand on their own; with the exception of characters being mentioned or being part of the plot, the book is not a novel you have to read front to back. Consider it a literary sitcom, where new scenarios and conflicts arise with each story you read.

My favourite bit about reading Carry On, Jeeves was the last story of the book, where it takes a refreshing twist and is narrated by Mr. Jeeves rather than Bertie Wooster. It was great reading from Jeeves's perspective.

Lots of chuckles throughout and a few hardy laughs. Overall a perfect read.

This volume of ten stories originally hails from 1925. I read them in the 1999- 2000 Penguin paperback edition. While many readers like the covers by Ionicus on earlier Penguin paperbacks, these recent editions with covers by David Hitch are my favorites. They are very well done, reasonably priced and just the right size, which is to say, perfect for the novice or seasoned Wodehouse reader. The stories are also among the absolute tops in the Wooster/ Jeeves canon, and give the back stories that Bertie meditatively refers to in so many of the later books.

As Richard Usborne notes in his invaluable guide, Plum Sauce, five of these stories appeared earlier in My Man Jeeves (1919). Two of the stories there told by Reggie Pepper are here transformed into Bertie's ruminations. Carry On Jeeves was the next collection following the ten stories in The Inimitable Jeeves (1923), and Wodehouse was on a roll. Here's Bertie's first engagement to Florence Craye, and his first encounter with her younger brother, Edwin, the Boy Scout, who rapidly renders unsafe house and home. Enter Biffy and Bingo Little, later fixtures in the Wooster ouvre. Here also Bertie pens his oft- mentioned "piece" for his "good aunt" Dahlia Travers, and her struggling paper, Milady's Boudoir. The last story in this collection is somewhat questionably narrated by Jeeves, but Wodehouse fortunately reverted to telling tales in first person Bertie in the later shorts. Some of these tales also found their way into the Jeeves and Wooster TV shows with even more riotous results. All in all, a capital collection.

Carry On, Jeeves is another classic from P.G. Wodehouse. It follows in the same kind of humorous hiliarious vein of his other books that involve Berty Wooster and his Man Servant Jeeves. This is a book that should not be missed. In fact,
all of P.G. Wodehouse's books involving Jeeves and Berty Wooster
should be thoroughly enjoyed by every one.

When this book first was published, the Hotel Technology department head inadvertently had the college library purchase this book for the department. When it arrived we laughed hysterically about it, and many times, I have laughed about it ever since.

Two years ago, I ordered a copy for the library where I am currently a Children's Librarian. It did not even make it to the "stacks", someone
liked it so much they "permanently borrowed" it.

If you need a good laugh...!

The 41st Century is full of mysteries. Like what happened to Ancient Yankees who lived in North America? Why did they die out and how did they live. One day a tomb, untouched, is found and it gives us a glimpse of what these Ancient Yankees were like in the 20th Century. Sacred items, musical instruments, and the sacred point will make you laugh and wonder how much of OUR knowledge is based on such conclusions?

Motel of the mysteries is a fun, easy read.
Everyday items are seen in the light of future archeologists, with interesting, funny and sometimes insightful interpretations. Good book to share with others.

My students are looking at ancient cultures and what a great book to start with. We learn about making inferences from observation and our own prior knowledge. This book is great on teaching this.

Absolutely enjoyable, all age readership done with genuine style and that utterly necessary dose of humor so lacking in our modern world. Motel of the Mysteries truly does show what happens when we, the "modern" researchers, imprint our beliefs and values on a prior culture. It is most definitely worth reading. I bought several copies for my friends.

All of us have a picture of what we hope our future retirement (i.e. destination) will look like. In "On Golden Pond...or up a creek?", the author, in a humorous, non-judgmental or condescending tone, shows us not only how to take that picture out of our mind, and transfer onto paper, but also helps us design a "roadmap" to getting there. A roadmap that is as individualized as we are, as each is based on our unique past experience, current situation and responsibilities, and our future hopes and dreams. Should we choose to follow the roadmap we develop based on the principles outlined in this book, our hopes and dreams become the journey. We can be confident about reaching our destination, because we know exactly where we're headed, how we'll get there, and when we'll arrive. Thank you Bill, for unselfishly giving of your time in writing this book; hopefully "Golden Pond" will be very crowded!

Kudos to Bill Billimoria for this very readable and entertaining primer on the blocking and tackling fundamentals of retirement planning. This deceptively simple text should be required reading for every early career person trying to decide about signing up for their employer's 401(k) or an entrepreneur vaguely considering creating an IRA. The concepts outlined in the book should motivate them to action. It's never too soon to start planning for retirement. Once the habit is formed it will stand you in good stead all your life. The alternative to taking Bill's advice is to marry rich.....something most of us have failed to do!
Alice Magos, MSA, CFP, CFE

Financial Planning books are usually eyes glazed over boring, but On Golden Pond or Up The Creek kept my interest the whole time. I found all of the concepts easy to understand and, more importantly, easy to apply to my life. What's best is that it's humorous. I don't know how you turn a book about things financial into a page turner, but Bill pulled it off. Thanks Bill...finally a book about financial planning I can use.

This book is something to provide to younger people in our society who are entering the workforce or a career. Many of them have absolutely no idea about the dynamics of money as a means of achieving wealth to lead an independent life upon retirement. Retirement itself is a foreign concept to many of these younger people who are more intent on consuming than investing. But what is important is that they have the element of time to allow their investment to grow if only they could see that benefit and take advantage of it. This book does exactly that. For those of us who have recognized the principles of time and compounding of interest, dividents, and capital gains in our own investments strategy, there is nothing here that is either revolutionary or adds to the already existing literature on that topic. In one chapter, the author discusses in general terms the impact of estate planning, but there are no details or real explanations about the intricacies of it. There is no discussion of gifting or renunciation of bequests as a means of passing wealth irrespective of ordinary testamentary devices such as outright bequests or through trusts. While I am not suggesting that the author needs to provide legal advice, I would have appreciated seeing a discussion of some other estate planning concepts as those just mentioned. This would have provided some ideas. Instead, he advises people to seek legal counsel after a brief discussion of the complexity of estate planning. There are other books out there providing more detailed information about the concepts of estate planning for retirees. Also there are no details on how to take minimum distributions from tax deferred investments, whether to take early Social Security retirement benefits, advantages or disadvantages in converting from tax deferred IRAs to Roth IRAs, and types of long-term care insurance policies and advantages on how they can be structured. These details can be found in other books but are not included here. Since there is no index to this short volume, it can be said that its chief advantage is really that of a primer rather than an exhaustive discussion. Perhaps it is most useful as a springboard for further reading, especially for younger people. Most of us saving for retirement have already mastered the lessons set forth in this book. It is time to go on. Let me suggest Evensky and Katz's Retirement Income Redesigned and Slott's Your Complete Retirement Planning Road Map. While neither of these books deals with all aspects of retirement, they do provide an excellent and detailed discussion of dealing with retirement plans already in effect.

I do not often read books on financial planning, and this one quickly persuaded me of my folly.

The witty title tells you that this is not going to be a standard account of where and when to park your money and other assets. This book is clearly the work of a master of the art and science of sound investing.

He begins with the "Eight Great Barriers" that will prevent you from reaching a comfortable retirement:
1. Lack of a plan
2. Ignorance
3. Too much debt
4. Bad investments
5. Lack of protection
6. Inflation
7. Income taxes
8. Procrastination

He explains each in detail, before going on to draw up a precise road map to help you move toward a comfortable retirement.

Bill writes with humor and clarity, and the book is beautifully produced. It is an easy but highly educational read. I am in no doubt that I shall be returning to it again and again.

Very highly recommended.



Richard G. Petty, MD, author of Healing, Meaning and Purpose: The Magical Power of the Emerging Laws of Life