I would take anything by Carl Hiaasen. I try to always have one on hand for that inevitable tough day. I find it unsafe to drink anything while reading lest a sudden, uncontrollable burst of laughter send my beverage of the moment all over the room.
Great choices, Michael, especially Russo's "Nobody's Fool", which, unlike "Confederacy of Dunces", IMHO, holds up quite well, TYVM, after 3-4 readings. If the friend is not in the mood for reading, Nobody's Fool on DVD is a faithful translation to film. A clip is here.
Though I think Blood of the Lamb is his best book, it's a bit of a downer, whereas DeVries Reuben, Reuben is a solid pick-me-up. Absurdistan is also a solid funny book in that Slavic/Jewish sort of way.
Great points. I've heard that DeVries is very good. Will pick up his books. Almost bought "Absurdistan" the other day and am now sorry I didn't. John Mortimer (Rumpole series) is quite good, although I prefer his non-Rumpole books. My son recommends Tom Sharpe. Ben Elton's "Popcorn" is also funny as is the one (title escapes me) about the people in the reality TV program.
6 comments:
You know, I have Confederacy of Dunces on the shelf next to my desk. I really need to take the time to read it.
Where the Sidewalk Ends always does wonders for me.
SB
Scott,
I haven't read "Where the Sidewalk Ends." My friends tell me that is a major gap in my education.
I would take anything by Carl Hiaasen. I try to always have one on hand for that inevitable tough day. I find it unsafe to drink anything while reading lest a sudden, uncontrollable burst of laughter send my beverage of the moment all over the room.
Wally,
My two favorite Hiassen books are Tourist Season and Skin Tight. Funny stuff!
Great choices, Michael, especially Russo's "Nobody's Fool", which, unlike "Confederacy of Dunces", IMHO, holds up quite well, TYVM, after 3-4 readings. If the friend is not in the mood for reading, Nobody's Fool on DVD is a faithful translation to film. A clip is here.
Though I think Blood of the Lamb is his best book, it's a bit of a downer, whereas DeVries Reuben, Reuben is a solid pick-me-up. Absurdistan is also a solid funny book in that Slavic/Jewish sort of way.
Darkov,
Great points. I've heard that DeVries is very good. Will pick up his books. Almost bought "Absurdistan" the other day and am now sorry I didn't. John Mortimer (Rumpole series) is quite good, although I prefer his non-Rumpole books. My son recommends Tom Sharpe. Ben Elton's "Popcorn" is also funny as is the one (title escapes me) about the people in the reality TV program.
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