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57th out of 296 books
—
619 voters
Dave Barry's Complete Guide to Guys
by
Dave Barry
For thousands of years, women have asked themselves: What is the deal with guys, anyway? What are they thinking? The answer, of course, is: virtually nothing. But that has not stopped Dave Barry from writing an entire book about them, dealing frankly and semi-thoroughly with such important guy issues as:
- Scratching
- Why the average guy can remember who won the 1960 World...more
- Scratching
- Why the average guy can remember who won the 1960 World...more
Paperback, 238 pages
Published
September 5th 2000
by Ballantine Books
(first published 1995)
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It has been awhile since I read this, but I recall it being sooo funny. I think this is my favorite passage:
Let's say a guy named Roger is attracted to a woman named Elaine. He asks her out to a movie; she accepts; they have a pretty good time. A few nights later he asks her out to dinner, and again they enjoy themselves. They continue to see each other regularly, and after a while neither one of them is seeing anybody else.
And then, one evening when they're driving home, a thought occurs to Ela...more
Let's say a guy named Roger is attracted to a woman named Elaine. He asks her out to a movie; she accepts; they have a pretty good time. A few nights later he asks her out to dinner, and again they enjoy themselves. They continue to see each other regularly, and after a while neither one of them is seeing anybody else.
And then, one evening when they're driving home, a thought occurs to Ela...more
Feb 21, 2011
Bungz
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
anyone having a bad day and in need of some cheering
Shelves:
funnies
While the information about guys may be redundant, the humour is not! Let's face it. Guys are simple creatures without an ounce of mystery. There's so much to know about them, which most of us learn by the time we are five.
That being said, there is no denying that despite the lack of mystery some among the species of guys (like Dave Barry) are blessed with an amazing sense of humour. This is my first introduction to Dave Barry, and he's found himself a fan. His seeming effortlessness to keep us...more
That being said, there is no denying that despite the lack of mystery some among the species of guys (like Dave Barry) are blessed with an amazing sense of humour. This is my first introduction to Dave Barry, and he's found himself a fan. His seeming effortlessness to keep us...more
It’s way too hot (over 100 degrees) to summarize this book therefore I’ll let Dave speak for himself.
“The guy body is unlike the female body. And I am not talking here about the obvious peaks and valleys. I am talking about a unique guy physical problem, a severe genetic handicap that poses a grave risk to the health of the guy body; namely, it is under the control of the guy mind.
“The guy mind does not believe in medical care. Guys will generally not seek medical treatment, for themselves or...more
“The guy body is unlike the female body. And I am not talking here about the obvious peaks and valleys. I am talking about a unique guy physical problem, a severe genetic handicap that poses a grave risk to the health of the guy body; namely, it is under the control of the guy mind.
“The guy mind does not believe in medical care. Guys will generally not seek medical treatment, for themselves or...more
Jul 15, 2012
Peanut
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
men and women who find the concepts of introspection and differing perspectives thoughtful.
I have to say this is one of the most enjoyable experiences I've ever had with a book. I mean, of course I enjoy books, but enJOY - as in laugh my appendages sore nonstop - is not something I experience everyday, even with good-humored authors. Dave Barry is a trip anyway - if you enjoy humor, many of his books are well worth your investigation - but this one tops them all. Far too many favorite parts to really do it justice, but I will say that I've pushed the horse/he said, she said chapter on...more
HILARIOUS BOOK. Especially the chapter about Eileen and Roger in the car having two completely different conversations, thinking they're having the same one. Eileen says, "Roger, we've been dating for six months now," as a way to segue into talking about where their relationship is going. And Roger is thinking, wow, six months! That means...whoa! I am WAY overdue for an oil change here! Eileen keeps talking, thinking she's pouring her heart out, and Roger is thinking about his car, and maybe als...more
I have read this book many times. I can quote large chunks of it, but I still laugh out loud every time I pick it up. Dave is an equal-opportunity offender. He takes the mickey out of everyone, and in this particular book, he levels his laser-like wit on his own gender, embracing the universal foibles of the guys (not men, guys) we all know, love and sometimes want to strangle. He also has some pointed things to say about a select few cliches peculiar to the female gender, but mostly it is a fre...more
1/6/08 - I've been reading this in bits & pieces throughout the past few months & finally finished today. I think it just basically reinforces all those qualities about men that we, as women (I guess I'm speaking to the women readers here), have always known. At times I thought Dave Barry got almost a little too sarcastic or was trying too hard to be funny, but it was still an overall good read. And I guess I had to pause & think, and then totally agree, that he does have a good poin...more
Whenever my wife complains that she has no idea what goes on in guys' heads, I tell her to read this book because, while funny, it is a PERFECT description of how we work! Unfortunately, she has never read it, and so still doesn't understand such important concepts as the "Buffer Urinal" or the "Noogie Gene," and cannot comprehend the importance of veteran underwear.
Women, if you want to know why a 40-year old can still chuckle when someone passes gas, or why boys don't seem to know they are pu...more
Women, if you want to know why a 40-year old can still chuckle when someone passes gas, or why boys don't seem to know they are pu...more
Dave Barry always makes me smile, and sometimes makes me laugh out loud. I feel safe with him, like he's my strange, funny uncle, whom I trust but who's just a little off.
I loved the diagrams and anecdotes in here. A lot of things definitely rang (scarily) true and made me think of my husband. However, I would be embarrassed to give this to my dad or some other "guys" to read - I know it's all in fun but it's definitely overly derogatory to men at points. It gets old after awhile; it's probably...more
I loved the diagrams and anecdotes in here. A lot of things definitely rang (scarily) true and made me think of my husband. However, I would be embarrassed to give this to my dad or some other "guys" to read - I know it's all in fun but it's definitely overly derogatory to men at points. It gets old after awhile; it's probably...more
I've been reading Dave Barry since middle school, and in the last 20 years, his formula doesn't seem to have changed a whole lot. All of his books are entertaining diversions, though pretty much empty calories when all is said and done. This one is a sort of tribute to being a guy, which in Barry's mind is a dorky yet endearing quality that embraces many of the familiar cliches of what it is to be male. If you've read his humor columns, the style here is very similar. A light read that may cause...more
Part of me wanted to be really upset with humorist Dave Barry for revealing many well-guarded Guy secrets in this book, but the other part of me got distracted from doing so by watching a neighbor fire a Civil War era cannon in his yard for no apparent reason.
Barry's mission (that he chose to accept) is to keep the reader laughing and this book absolutely delivers. Recommended reading for every guy, in order to learn more about themselves (as long as they don't get emotional), and for every fema...more
Barry's mission (that he chose to accept) is to keep the reader laughing and this book absolutely delivers. Recommended reading for every guy, in order to learn more about themselves (as long as they don't get emotional), and for every fema...more
Yes, I went on kind of a Barry Bender here. Forgive me - as I said before, sometimes you just need a palate-cleanser before you get back into the fray.
If you're reading this, and there's a good chance that you are, you probably know a guy. You may even be a guy, though the way Barry talks about them, you wouldn't think that guys would be into book reviews. If you know a guy, then this book is for you - it will illuminate some classic guy behaviors and shine some lights into the dark corners that...more
If you're reading this, and there's a good chance that you are, you probably know a guy. You may even be a guy, though the way Barry talks about them, you wouldn't think that guys would be into book reviews. If you know a guy, then this book is for you - it will illuminate some classic guy behaviors and shine some lights into the dark corners that...more
I was a junior in high school when I received this book as a Christmas gift from a guy friend. My first reaction was, "WTF?", or whatever the popular euphemism was in 1997.
My bestie and I stayed up all night reading this aloud to each other, laughing our heads off.
I had forgotten all about that until this morning when I was reminded of this little gem...now I'm off to dig through boxes in my basement hoping I can unearth it for a re-read.
My bestie and I stayed up all night reading this aloud to each other, laughing our heads off.
I had forgotten all about that until this morning when I was reminded of this little gem...now I'm off to dig through boxes in my basement hoping I can unearth it for a re-read.
This book was given to my by a high school boyfriend who claimed that to understand him, I had to memorize it. Naturally it was years until I got around to reading it, and he was long since out of my life. It is what it is, and entertained me on every page. Though I don't think I learned anything about that particular x of mine. I was already aware, that he was a dude. The book succeeded however, in making me chuckle and be glad I'm female.
This isn't as hilarious as many of Dave's other writings.
Having said that , his observations are keen and witty as throughout.
There are brief glimpses of literary genius in his writing which is rare
for the genre that Dave is unquestionably the master of.
I expected a lot more laughs as my rating suggests , but it's not a boring read in anyway.
Also happens to be the first ebook I read on my new Kindle Paper White. :)
Having said that , his observations are keen and witty as throughout.
There are brief glimpses of literary genius in his writing which is rare
for the genre that Dave is unquestionably the master of.
I expected a lot more laughs as my rating suggests , but it's not a boring read in anyway.
Also happens to be the first ebook I read on my new Kindle Paper White. :)
Cute. Enjoyed that it was read by John Ritter, love him, and felt like an appropriate choice. The sexual chapters seemed unnecessary when there is SO MUCH material to dig into about men and housecleaning, men and fixing things, men and laundry. Stereotypes about the American guy? Absolutely, but so hilarious and true. Would love to have listened to this with guys vs. girls, to see where they laughed vs. got uncomfortable!!
Out of all of Barry's books, he referred to this book the most when he spoke to us at the Speaker Series. This book covers all of those quirky things about guys that all guys know deep down but never have the balls to mention. I relate well with the male urinal strategy that he outlines. I have never had my prostate examined, but I could not hold back my laughter when he described the prostate exam as all men's greatest fear.
Probably very funny for a guy as I actually gave into my non-reader brother thinking he'd make an exception to read for this one.. (He also happens to be to best of my knowledge as this book described a typical "guy"). As a girl (who knows guys better than most, growing up with 3 brothers) I assumed I'd enjoy it based on the reviews and writing of Dave Barry but I guess you're either a guy or you're not and as I'm not I wasn't entertained. I'm curious on the review from my brother, it'll just co...more
All I will say is that I love anything Dave Barry writes. Ever since I read one of his humor columns in the Chicago Tribune when I was 16 and laughed until I peed myself, he has been my hero. Since then I have largely mimicked his writing style in everything I write, from letters to relatives in foreign countries to business briefs!
So if you like humor writers and Far Sides cartoons, this bud's for you!
So if you like humor writers and Far Sides cartoons, this bud's for you!
Audiobook read by John Ritter, fittingly. Felt like a book written by Jack Tripper. There is some truly hilarious stuff in here about stereotypical relationship dynamics, but there was also a LOT of misogynist and/or sexist stuff in here, too, obviously. As you could probably guess from the title. Mostly it's the literary equivalent of sitcom humor, more "heh" than "haha" with the occasional "ugh."
Probably 3 and 1/2 stars. Dave Barry is really talented at writing jokes that read well (they don't need voice inflection or vocal tone to make them funny, and the punch line is in the right place). The only thing that held the book from 4 stars for me was that some of the jokes were very dated. Still, I wish there were more Dave Barry books available on the digital library.
As the daughter of a guy, sister of a guy, wife of a guy, and mother of a guy, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
The book dates from the `90's and there is an "oops" moment on page 130: "I can tell you if those radical Muslim fundamentalist terrorists had had Ed on their team in 1992, the World Trade Center would now be referred to as the World Trade Pit." :-( ...more
The book dates from the `90's and there is an "oops" moment on page 130: "I can tell you if those radical Muslim fundamentalist terrorists had had Ed on their team in 1992, the World Trade Center would now be referred to as the World Trade Pit." :-( ...more
This is the funniest book I have ever read. I was a bit worried that it was going to be a grown up version of toddlers potty talk, there is a bit of that but it contiains a lot of other truly funny male stuff as well. After what I have been reading this summer (teenage angst)I really needed this book.
Always funny, Dave Barry hits the mark with this in-depth guide to guys - not to be confused with men. Sometimes a bit silly, even for Mr. Barry, but mostly a very amusing distraction, especially the cave-man conversations. In all, a great diversion and quick read, this book would make a great bridal shower gag gift.
This was purchased for me as a gift by a male friend. It was intended as an instruction manual. There were plenty of places where I laughed out loud, but I just didn't think it was as good as some of Dave Barry's other work. Of course, he would probably say that's because I'm not a guy.
Although I've never heard of Dave Barry, I have ended up with two copies of this book. In the spirit of BookCrossing, I wanted to read it before I released it.
So I came to this short, silly book without expectations. It's a quick romp through history and societal norms as seen through the eyes of a typical "guy." This book is not another men vs. women book. Barry defines his guys as a subset of humanity. They are usually male although women with certain levels of immaturity would qualify too.
Thi...more
So I came to this short, silly book without expectations. It's a quick romp through history and societal norms as seen through the eyes of a typical "guy." This book is not another men vs. women book. Barry defines his guys as a subset of humanity. They are usually male although women with certain levels of immaturity would qualify too.
Thi...more
I laughed out loud A LOT when I was reading this. Barry’s outlook on guys was right on, and that’s what made it so funny. It was a very simple book, which some would say is because it was written for GUYS, but I think it’s a good way to spend a couple days’ worth of reading, no matter who you are.
El libro que más cagadera de risa me ha dado. Muy recomendado por sus crueles (no tanto) verdades sobre el comportamiento masculino. Sería interesante que lo leyeran mujeres también para conocer un poco más del porqué actuamos como (dicen) que actuamos.
It's taking me a little too long to finish this book. But I just went to the library and the stack of pending new reads will be my impetus to finish.
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This book was okay; truly some laugh-out-loud parts. But the book was written in 1995 and some of the humor read like it was a decade old. (Of course, this is what happens when you buy books and don't read them right away.)
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This book was okay; truly some laugh-out-loud parts. But the book was written in 1995 and some of the humor read like it was a decade old. (Of course, this is what happens when you buy books and don't read them right away.)
A pretty darn good laugh most of the way through. Just what I needed in these tough political times. The last chapter was a bit too stupid to get more than a smirk out of me. I admire Barry for telling the God's honest truth about men--I mean guys!
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Dave Barry is a humor columnist. For 25 years he was a syndicated columnist whose work appeared in more than 500 newspapers in the United States and abroad. In 1988 he won the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary. Many people are still trying to figure out how this happened.
Dave has also written a total of 30 books, although virtually none of them contain useful information. Two of his books were used as...more
More about Dave Barry...
Dave has also written a total of 30 books, although virtually none of them contain useful information. Two of his books were used as...more
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“Guys care about sports teams. I'm not talking about simply rooting; I'm talking about a relationship that guys develop, a commitment to a sport team that guys take way more seriously than, for example, wedding vows.”
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