I picked this up at the American Conference for Irish Studies, as the title already had me snorting with laughter. I love things that make me smile sardonically, and this was no exception.

This is a collection of Patterson's various radio and print commentaries, roughly between 1994 and 2005. My two favourite chapters/essays were his comparison of Belfast in the early twenty-first century with Borges' "The Lottery in Babylon" and his near-final piece on diasporic themes. (In fact, I might have future students read the latter... hmm...) My best friend gave me a book of Borges' essays for Christmas this past year and now I feel torn as to what I should read first next: more Borges or more Patterson.

For those who know Belfast or who those need a primer, this is a great bird's-eye-view over several years of upheaval and change. Fat Lad and That Which Was are now definitely on my to-read list. Plus, laughter before going to sleep is always a good thing.