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Book Review: I Drink For a Reason (David Cross)

B. Kline — Thu, 30 May 2024 03:34:26 +0000

I Drink for a Reason by David Cross

David Cross

David Cross in 2007 (photo courtesy of Wikipedia)

David Cross’s career is a tapestry of diverse comedic and dramatic endeavors, underscored by his sharp wit and distinctive voice. He first gained widespread attention in the 1990s with the HBO sketch comedy series Mr. Show with Bob and David, which he co-created and starred in alongside Bob Odenkirk. The show, known for its inventive and often surreal humor, became a cult favorite and established Cross as a significant figure in the comedy world. Mr. Show was lauded for its clever writing and ambitious sketches, earning critical acclaim and a devoted fan base that appreciated its subversive take on societal norms and pop culture.

Following the success of Mr. Show, Cross’s career continued to flourish with a mix of television, film, and stand-up comedy. Perhaps one of his most iconic roles is that of Tobias Fünke on the critically acclaimed sitcom Arrested Development. As the perpetually clueless, aspiring actor and “never-nude,” Cross delivered a performance that was both hilarious and endearing, further cementing his status as a versatile and talented comedian. His portrayal of Tobias became a standout in a show known for its ensemble cast, showcasing his ability to blend absurdity with a touch of humanity.

In addition to his work on television, Cross has also made a mark in the world of stand-up comedy and film. His stand-up specials, such as The Pride is Back and David Cross: Making America Great Again, are characterized by his fearless approach to controversial topics and his incisive social and political commentary. On the big screen, Cross has appeared in a variety of roles, from voice work in animated films like Kung Fu Panda to live-action comedies such as Alvin and the Chipmunks. Despite the broad range of projects he has undertaken, Cross remains consistent in his commitment to challenging the status quo and pushing the boundaries of comedy, making him a significant and enduring figure in contemporary entertainment.

The following about David Cross comes from his Wikipedia page: David Cross:

David Cross (born April 4, 1964)^[1] is an American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and director. Cross is best known for his stand-up performances, the HBO sketch comedy series Mr. Show with Bob and David (1995–1998), and his role as Tobias Fünke in the Fox/Netflix sitcom Arrested Development (2003–2006, 2013–2019). He has been described as “ one of the defining figures of cult Gen X comedy”.^[2]

Cross created, wrote, executive produced, and starred in The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret (2010–2016); developed and had a prominent role in Freak Show (2006); appeared on Modern Family (2011–2012); and portrayed Ian Hawke in three of the live-action/animated films Alvin and the Chipmunks (2007), Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel (2009), and Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked (2011). Cross has also done voice work for the sitcom Oliver Beene (2003–2004), and has had lead voice-over roles in Curious George (2006), Battle for Terra (2007), the Kung Fu Panda film franchise (2008–2016), Megamind (2010), and Next Gen (2018).

In 1993, he won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series for his work on The Ben Stiller Show. For Mr. Show with Bob and David, he gained three Primetime Emmy Award nominations, and for Arrested Development, Cross was nominated for a Satellite Award for Best Supporting Actor – Television Series, and, along with his cast, for three Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series. For his stand-up specials, he was nominated for several Grammy Awards.

Wikipedia – David Cross

Book Review: I Drink For a Reason

The GoodReads blurb:

After a decade spent in isolation in the Ugandan jungles thinking about stuff, David Cross has written his first book. Known for roles on the small screen such as “never-nude” Tobias Funke on Arrested Development and the role of “David” in Mr. Show With Bob And David, as well as a hugely successful stand-up routine full of sharp-tongued rants and rages, Cross has carved out his place in American comedy. Whether deflating the pomposity of religious figures, calling out the pathetic symbiosis of pseudo-celebrity and its leaching fandom, or merely pushing the buttons of the way-too-easily offended P.C. left or the caustic, double-standard of the callous (but funnier) right, Cross has something to say about everyone, including his own ridiculous self.

Now, for the first time, Cross is weaving his media mockery, celebrity denunciation, religious commentary and sheer madness into book form, revealing the true story behind his almost existential distaste of Jim Belushi (“The Belush”), disclosing the up-to-now unpublished minutes to a meeting of Fox television network executives, and offering up a brutally grotesque run-in with Bill O’Reilly. And as if this wasn’t enough for your laughing pleasure in these troubled times, some of the pieces splinter off with additional material being created online in exclusive video and animated web content created solely for the book-a historical first (presumably)!

With a mix of personal essays, satirical fiction posing as truth, advice for rich people, information from America’s least favorite Rabbi and a top-ten list of top-ten lists, I DRINK FOR A REASON is as unique as the comedian himself, and cannot be missed.

GoodReads – I Drink For a Reason

David Cross’s I Drink For a Reason is a compelling amalgamation of sharp wit, irreverent humor, and biting social commentary. As a seasoned comedian and actor known for his work on Mr. Show and Arrested Development, Cross brings his distinctive voice to the page, offering a collection of essays, anecdotes, and rants that both entertain and provoke thought.

The book’s structure is delightfully chaotic, with each chapter serving as a standalone piece, allowing readers to dip in and out at their leisure. This format mirrors Cross’s stand-up style, where tangents and digressions often lead to some of the most insightful and hilarious moments. From lampooning Hollywood absurdities to critiquing religious fanaticism, Cross navigates a wide array of topics with a deft hand and a sharp tongue.

One of the standout features of I Drink For a Reason is Cross’s unapologetic and often self-deprecating honesty. He doesn’t shy away from sharing personal anecdotes that reveal his own vulnerabilities and flaws. This candidness, combined with his acerbic humor, creates a sense of intimacy with the reader, as if you’re sharing a late-night conversation with a particularly funny and insightful friend.

However, the book isn’t without its flaws. At times, Cross’s relentless sarcasm can feel overwhelming, and some of the jokes may fall flat or come across as too abrasive. Additionally, readers who are not already fans of Cross’s comedic style might find his humor polarizing or even off-putting. Despite these minor drawbacks, the book’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses.

Cross’s ability to weave humor with incisive social critique is one of his greatest talents. In essays like “Why I Hate Vegans” and “An Open Letter to Larry the Cable Guy,” he dissects cultural phenomena with precision, offering perspectives that are both humorous and thought-provoking. His commentary on the absurdities of modern life, particularly in the realms of entertainment and politics, is both timely and timeless.

In conclusion, I Drink For a Reason is a must-read for fans of David Cross and those who appreciate comedy that challenges the status quo. It’s a book that invites readers to laugh, think, and perhaps see the world from a slightly skewed, yet refreshingly honest, perspective. While it may not be everyone’s cup of tea—or rather, everyone’s preferred drink—those who enjoy Cross’s brand of humor will find it a thoroughly enjoyable and engaging read.

My GoodReads Rating: ***
My LibraryThing Rating: ***1/2
Global Average GoodReads Rating: 3.34 (as of 5.29.24)

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Book Review: How to Rule the World: A Handbook for the Aspiring Dictator (André de Guillaume)

B. Kline — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 03:08:40 +0000

How to Rule the World: A Handbook for the Aspiring Dictator by André de Guillaume

Rule the World

Who doesn’t want to Rule the World? This is a humorous look at dictatorship, poking fun at the idea of it in a satirical fashion via a “handbook” style piece of work. There is some historical information and a bit of factual basis to this, but through and through though its a satirical piece of work. It talks of past dictators – Hitler, Alexander the Great, Stalin, Mao, etc, and gives evidence for how they took charge, how they seized power, how they controlled and maintained power, and even how they lost their power (or their lives).

GoodReads Blurb

The back of the book blurb according to GoodReads:

Everyone wants to rule the world, but only a precious few have the skills to create an ironclad plan of attack. Simple, direct, and delightfully unprincipled, this guide contains tales of global power mongering from every age and endeavors to show dilettante dictators and tyrants-to-be just how it’s done. Tips are provided on creating a personal flag, what type of puppet government to establish, how to squelch free speech, and, most important, how to handle enemies. Also included are humorous full-color illustrations, sidebars on admirable despots, and self-quizzes that allow readers to see if they have what it takes to conquer the world.

How to Rule the World – GoodReads

Book Review – How to Rule the World: A Handbook for the Aspiring Dictator

By: Andre de Guillaume

In a world saturated with self-help books and guides on achieving personal and professional success, Andre de Guillaume takes a wildly different route with his audacious and satirical “How to Rule the World: A Handbook for the Aspiring Dictator.” This compact, witty tome provides readers with a cheeky step-by-step guide on ascending to ultimate power and establishing dictatorial rule, ostensibly leaving no political stone unturned.

Overview

Guillaume’s approach is both ironic and instructive, underlined by a sharp, dark sense of humor that both entertains and provokes thought. The book, structured as a manual, covers a range of essential topics for the budding dictator, from seizing power and controlling the populace to managing international relations and suppressing opposition. The author crafts each chapter with a blend of historical anecdotes and hypothetical scenarios, creating a mock-serious tone that underscores the absurdity of the pursuit.

Writing Style

Andre de Guillaume’s writing is direct, incisive, and infused with irony. His ability to distill complex political maneuvers into digestible advice, albeit facetiously, makes for an engaging read. The text is peppered with references to historical dictators, blending real events and figures with hypothetical, often hilarious advice and scenarios. This technique not only makes the material accessible but also continuously reminds the reader of the serious undertones behind the laughter.

Audience Appeal

While “How to Rule the World” is clearly tongue-in-cheek, its appeal stretches beyond just those looking for a humorous read. Students of political science might find it a light-hearted supplement to more serious studies, offering a unique perspective on the mechanics of authoritarian rule. Meanwhile, fans of satire and political humor will appreciate the cleverness with which Guillaume mimics self-help and leadership manuals.

Critical Perspective

Despite its entertaining content, the book might not be for everyone. Some may find the subject matter offensive if taken out of context, and it’s important for readers to approach it with an understanding of its satirical intent. Additionally, while the book is amusing and clever, it doesn’t offer deep, nuanced analysis of political systems—nor is it meant to.

Overall, “How to Rule the World: A Handbook for the Aspiring Dictator” by Andre de Guillaume is a sharply witty, amusing book that cleverly satirizes the self-help and leadership genres. While it should be consumed with an appreciation for its satirical nature and not as a genuine guide, it offers valuable insights—delivered with a laugh—into the machinations of dictatorial power. For those looking to be both entertained and provoked into thought about the absurdities of absolute power, this handbook is certainly worth the read.

My GoodReads Rating: ***
My LibraryThing Rating: ***
Global Average GoodReads Rating: 3.66 (as of 3.14.24)

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Book Review: Fart Proudly: Writings of Benjamin Franklin You Never Read in School (Benjamin Franklin)

B. Kline — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 03:20:59 +0000

Fart Proudly: Writings of Benjamin Franklin You Never Read in School (writings by Benjamin Franklin)

Fart Proudly

How can you pass up a book titled “Fart Proudly” when browsing through a library book sale? I don’t think I could have spent 50 cents any better than picking this up. I would be doing myself, and all around me a disservice if I didn’t purchase it.

Thats one of the best things about these library booksales (and I love going to them, I go regularly to the Hershey Public Library Book Sale, the Hummelstown one at William H. and Marion C. Alexander Library, as well as the Middletown Public Library Book Sale, the Elizabethtown Public Library Book Sale, the Palmyra Library Book Sale, and others); you can find books like this. Books that you had no idea even existed let alone knew that you needed or wanted. And their just a quarter, or fifty scents, or at most two dollars.

Benjamin Franklin

From Wikipedia:

Benjamin Franklin FRS FRSA FRSE (January 17, 1706 [O.S. January 6, 1705]^{[Note 1]} – April 17, 1790) was an American polymath, a leading writer, scientist, inventor, statesman, diplomat, printer, publisher, and political philosopher.^[1] Among the most influential intellectuals of his time, Franklin was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States; a drafter and signer of the Declaration of Independence; and the first postmaster general.^[2]

Franklin became a successful newspaper editor and printer in Philadelphia, the leading city in the colonies, publishing the Pennsylvania Gazette at age 23.^[3] He became wealthy publishing this and Poor Richard’s Almanack, which he wrote under the pseudonym “Richard Saunders”.^[4] After 1767, he was associated with the Pennsylvania Chronicle, a newspaper known for its revolutionary sentiments and criticisms of the policies of the British Parliament and the Crown.^[5]

He pioneered and was the first president of the Academy and College of Philadelphia, which opened in 1751 and later became the University of Pennsylvania. He organized and was the first secretary of the American Philosophical Society and was elected its president in 1769. He was appointed deputy postmaster-general for the British colonies in 1753,^[6] which enabled him to set up the first national communications network.

He was active in community affairs and colonial and state politics, as well as national and international affairs. Franklin became a hero in America when, as an agent in London for several colonies, he spearheaded the repeal of the unpopular Stamp Act by the British Parliament. An accomplished diplomat, he was widely admired as the first U.S. ambassador to France and was a major figure in the development of positive Franco–American relations. His efforts proved vital for the American Revolution in securing French aid.

From 1785 to 1788, he served as President of Pennsylvania. At some points in his life, he owned slaves and ran “for sale” ads for slaves in his newspaper, but by the late 1750s, he began arguing against slavery, became an active abolitionist, and promoted the education and integration of African Americans into U.S. society.

As a scientist, his studies of electricity made him a major figure in the American Enlightenment and the history of physics. He also charted and named the Gulf Stream current. His numerous important inventions include the lightning rod, bifocals, and the Franklin stove.^[7] He founded many civic organizations, including the Library Company, Philadelphia‘s first fire department,^[8] and the University of Pennsylvania.^[9] Franklin earned the title of “The First American” for his early and indefatigable campaigning for colonial unity. Foundational in defining the American ethos, Franklin has been called “the most accomplished American of his age and the most influential in inventing the type of society America would become”.^[10]

His life and legacy of scientific and political achievement, and his status as one of America’s most influential Founding Fathers, have seen Franklin honored for more than two centuries after his death on the $100 bill and in the names of warships, many towns and counties, educational institutions, and corporations, as well as in numerous cultural references and a portrait in the Oval Office. His more than 30,000 letters and documents have been collected in The Papers of Benjamin Franklin.

Benjamin Franklin – Wikipedia

Fart Proudly: Writings of Benjamin Franklin You Never Read in School GoodReads Blurb

Before we get into the book review, lets dive into the back of the book’s blurb, as per GoodReads:

A mention of flatulence might conjure up images of bratty high school boys or lowbrow comics. But one of the most eloquent—and least expected—commentators on the subject is Benjamin Franklin. The writings in Fart Proudly reveal the rogue who lived peaceably within the philosopher and statesman. Included are “The Letter to a Royal Academy”; “On Choosing a Mistress”; “Rules on Making Oneself Disagreeable”; and other jibes. Franklin’s irrepressible wit found an outlet in perpetrating hoaxes, attacking marriage and other sacred cows, and skewering the English Parliament. Reminding us of the humorous, irreverent side of this American icon, these essays endure as both hilarious satire and a timely reminder of the importance of a free press.

Fart Proudly: Writings of Benjamin Franklin You Never Read in School – GoodReads

Book Review: Fart Proudly: Writings of Benjamin Franklin You Never Read in School

“Fart Proudly: Writings of Benjamin Franklin You Never Read in School” is a compilation that presents a different side of one of America’s founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin. Edited by Carl Japikse, this collection brings together some of Franklin’s more humorous and lesser-known writings, showcasing his wit, irreverence, and intellectual playfulness.

This book serves as a reminder that Franklin was not just a statesman, scientist, and philosopher but also a master of satire and humor. The title itself, “Fart Proudly,” refers to an actual essay written by Franklin that satirically suggests scientific research into making flatulence smell pleasant. This essay, alongside others in the collection, highlights Franklin’s ability to use humor to provoke thought on societal norms and scientific inquiry.

The compilation includes a variety of pieces, such as essays, letters, and hoaxes, many of which might surprise readers familiar only with Franklin’s more formal and well-known public writings. For example, his witty letter to the Royal Academy of Brussels, where he mockingly proposes that research should be conducted to diminish the offensive smell of human flatulence, is both an exercise in satire and an ingenious critique of the sometimes absurd pursuits of scientific societies.

Japikse does a commendable job in curating these texts, not only by selecting content that illustrates Franklin’s playful side but also by providing context that helps modern readers understand the 18th-century references and humor. This contextual information is crucial, as it allows readers to appreciate the cleverness and impact of Franklin’s words during his time.

“Fart Proudly” also reveals Franklin’s progressive thoughts on personal freedoms and societal improvements. Even through his humorous writings, he challenged social norms, criticized political structures, and advocated for intellectual freedom and improvement of the human condition. His sharp wit was not merely for entertainment but often served a larger purpose, encouraging his readers to think critically and skeptically about the world around them.

Overall, “Fart Proudly” is not just an anthology of forgotten writings but a delightful glimpse into the playful and cunning mind of Benjamin Franklin. It’s an engaging read for anyone interested in American history, literature, or political satire. The book serves as a potent reminder of the power of humor in communication and the timeless quality of Franklin’s intellect and wit. This collection is recommended for readers who enjoy a mix of history, humor, and unconventional perspectives from one of America’s most influential figures.

My GoodReads Rating: ***
My LibraryThing Rating: ***1/2
Global Average GoodReads Rating: 3.79 (as of 2.14.24)

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Book Review: Obliviously On He Sails: The Bush Administration in Rhyme (Calvin Trillin)

B. Kline — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 13:37:01 +0000

Obliviously On He Sails: The Bush Administration in Rhyme by Calvin Trillin

Political Satire

Political satire through rhyme, who knew. A look at the time in office of President Bush. Published during his presidency; this doesn’t cover his last year (year and a half or so) of his second term. Calvin Trillin writes about the various aspects of Bush’s presidency, his campaigns, all obviously from a certain slant, a certain bias. So you will have to go into it full well knowing if you are extremely pro-Bush this will most likely come off as bashing or as very negative of his presidency. I think it helps with accountability though and it helps to act as a reminder of a president’s legacy, of a president’s time in office, his achievements or in this case lack of achievements or issues and problems. These accounts, either through satire and humor or through purely historical lenses offer us a valuable insight into what transformed all of our lives who lived through these times.

Back of Cover Blurb

Does the Bush Administration sound any better in rhyme? In this biting array of verse, it at least sounds funnier. Calvin Trillin employs everything from a Gilbert and Sullivan style, for describing George Bush’s rescue in the South Carolina primary by the Christian Right (“I am, when all is said and done, a Robertson Republican”), to a bilingual approach, when commenting on the President’s casual acknowledgment, after months of trying to persuade the nation otherwise, that there was never any evidence of Iraqi involvement in 9/11: “The Web may say, or maybe Lexis-Nexis / If chutzpa is a word they use in Texas.”

Trillin deals not only with George W. Bush but with the people around him—Supreme Commander Karl Rove and Condoleezza (Mushroom Cloud) Rice and Nanny Dick Cheney (“One mystery I’ve tried to / Why Cheney’s head is always at an angle . . .”) The armchair warriors Trillin refers to as the Sissy Hawk Brigade are celebrated in such poems as “Richard Whose Fault Is He?” and “A Sissy Hawk Cheer” (“All-out war is still our druthers— / Fiercely fought, and fought by others.”).

Trillin may never be poet laureate—certainly not while George W. Bush is in office—but his wit and his political insight produce what has been called “doggerel for the ages.”

Obliviously On He Sails: The Bush Administration in Rhyme – GoodReads

Book Review: Obliviously On He Sails: The Bush Administration in Rhyme

“Obliviously On He Sails: The Bush Administration in Rhyme” by Calvin Trillin is a sharp and witty collection of political verses that focus on the tenure of President George W. Bush. Initially published in 2004, the book compiles pieces that Trillin, a renowned journalist and humorist, wrote for “The Nation” among other publications. Known for his incisive humor and political satire, Trillin utilizes his poetic prowess to cast a critical and often humorous light on the policies and personalities of the Bush administration.

The book is structured around a series of poems that encapsulate key events, decisions, and controversies of the Bush presidency, including the Iraq War, the federal response to Hurricane Katrina, and the often polarizing figures within Bush’s cabinet. Trillin’s style is accessible yet biting, employing simple rhyme schemes that lend a sing-song quality to his serious critiques. This juxtaposition of form and content creates a uniquely effective satire, making complex political situations understandable and engaging to a broad audience.

Trillin’s poems are notably brief and pithy, capturing the essence of political figures with sharp characterizations. For example, he famously skewers Donald Rumsfeld’s evasive rhetoric and Dick Cheney’s secretive maneuvering. His ability to distill political complexities into concise, amusing rhymes is a hallmark of his writing style that serves him well throughout this collection.

One of the strengths of “Obliviously On He Sails” is Trillin’s fearless approach to satire. He does not shy away from pointing out what he sees as the follies and failures of the Bush administration. Yet, there’s an underlying playfulness to his critique, which prevents the poems from becoming overly harsh or mean-spirited. This balance is crucial in maintaining the reader’s engagement and fostering a reflective rather than reactive response.

Critics and readers may find that Trillin’s pointed satire reflects partisan perspectives, which could be a drawback for those seeking a more neutral analysis of political events. However, for fans of political satire and poetry, Trillin offers a compelling blend of entertainment and insight. His work not only serves as a historical reflection on the Bush years but also as a reminder of the power of poetry to influence public discourse.

In conclusion, “Obliviously On He Sails: The Bush Administration in Rhyme” is an exemplary piece of political satire. Calvin Trillin’s ability to weave political critique into verse makes this book a delightful and thought-provoking read. It is recommended for those who appreciate a humorous take on serious topics and are keen on exploring political events through the unique lens of poetry.

My GoodReads Rating: ***
My LibraryThing Rating: ***
Global Average GoodReads Rating (as of 2.7.24): 3.83

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Book Review: Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk (David Sedaris)

BKline — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 00:04:00 +0000

Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk by David Sedaris with illustrations by Ian Falconer

Fables

Fables, particularly ones using animals as the characters and giving them human like traits, is as old as Aesop. (Probably older really, but we really only think about Aesop’s Fables). Anthropomorphism has been a literary device since the beginning of time when we used it as a way to describe the behavior of animals, gods, spirits, and other deities or things we couldn’t figure out – as we were just trying to figure out the world itself. Animal based fables have been used as a way of highlighting a point, providing satire or parody, or just illuminating our behaviors through the guise of an animal – and in doing so, driving home the point more.

David Sedaris uses his little animal fables to showcase some of modern time’s more interesting foibles amongst the humans. Sometimes just comedic, sometimes poignant, sometimes meta, sometimes downright ludicrous, but all enlightening about ‘us’. Little things, big things, little topics, big topics, they are all covered here. (And with wonderful illustrations to go with it as well.)

David Sedaris

Sedaris is known for his sardonic, satirical voice, a bit of an ‘everyman’ but also a humorous, sarcastic, satiric one. He has several books to his name, as well as lots of contributions to different magazines, newspapers, and other medias (documentaries, movies, comedy shows, etc.). His sister is Amy Sedaris (actress and writer) and they have worked together on some projects.

David Raymond Sedaris (/sɪˈdɛərɪs/; born December 26, 1956)^[1][2] is an American humorist, comedian, author, and radio contributor. He was publicly recognized in 1992 when National Public Radio broadcast his essay “Santaland Diaries“. He published his first collection of essays and short stories, Barrel Fever, in 1994. He is the brother and writing collaborator of actor Amy Sedaris.
Much of Sedaris’s humor is ostensibly autobiographical and self-deprecating and often concerns his family life, his middle-class upbringing in the suburbs of Raleigh, North Carolina, his Greek heritage, homosexuality, jobs, education, drug use, and obsessive behaviors, and his life in France, London, and the English South Downs.
David Sedaris (Wikipedia Introduction)

For more information on him, check out his Wikipedia page and his GoodReads pages:

Book Review

Featuring David Sedaris’s unique blend of hilarity and heart, this new collection of keen-eyed animal-themed tales is an utter delight. Though the characters may not be human, the situations in these stories bear an uncanny resemblance to the insanity of everyday life.

In “The Toad, the Turtle, and the Duck,” three strangers commiserate about animal bureaucracy while waiting in a complaint line. In “Hello Kitty,” a cynical feline struggles to sit through his prison-mandated AA meetings. In “The Squirrel and the Chipmunk,” a pair of star-crossed lovers is separated by prejudiced family members.

With original illustrations by Ian Falconer, author of the bestselling Olivia series of children’s books, these stories are David Sedaris at his most observant, poignant, and surprising.
Squirrel Seeks Chimpunk (GoodReads Blurb)

This is certainly a fun, and sarcastic look at human foibles. Satirical and a parody of our own lives, South Park like in many ways. Its interesting to see that Ian Falconer is the illustrator and author for the Olivia series of books, and I can definitely see that in his artwork now (my oldest two daughters loved the Olivia book series), but these images in this book, are much more graphic (showing pus, guts, violence, blood, visceral, etc.).

The illustrations do work perfectly with the different stories / fables. As the fables / stories can get rather graphic themselves – oh yes, spoiler alert possibly – but these are definitely not fables for the faint of heart. (Looking at the story of the bear in particular, and with the graphic illustration to go with it…. or the two lab rats…. or the raven with the ewe’s eye….)

No topic is really sacrosanct in this volume either. He covers prejudices, racism, religion, bigotry, politics, parenting, friends, greed, and all of our other vices and avarice. The Storks are used to discuss parenting (shocking huh? but not in the way your thinking about them), the lab rats are used to discuss “new age” thought (positive vibes, good thinking, etc.), the bear shows the ways people manipulate others over their grief, the chipmunk and the squirrel shows the bigotry and racism of our past generations, etc, etc, etc.

The reviews on Amazon and GoodReads on the book are pretty interesting. Comments ranging from “deranged” to “disgusting” to “hopeless” and then going up to the realms of flattery calling it “sarcastic fun”, “satirical gold”, etc. It certainly has evoked a lot of different opinions amongst many readers. That’s not too surprising really; you get a lot of “I didn’t know this was going to be like that” kind of responses. Its akin to Untappd reviewers saying “Good beer, but stouts aren’t my style” and then proceeding to give it a 1 out of 5 cap review. (Check out some of the blogs and Facebook pages devoted to “Untappd Reviews”.)

Overall, my thoughts are that its a fun enjoyable read. You might need a bit of a dark or twisted sense of humor (which luckily I have in spades), and maybe the pictures might be a bit ‘gross’ at times, but they are beautifully drawn. The fables are mostly short and makes the book a quick read.

My GoodReads Rating: ***
Global Average GoodReads Rating: 3.37 (as of 10.17.21)
My LibraryThing Rating: ***.5

Thanks For Reading

Thank you everyone for reading another book review here on The Beer Thrillers. I really appreciate you all taking the time to come check out our writings and reviews and blog. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, feel free to leave them in the comments section here.

Cheers!

-B. Kline

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