Wes Locher's Blog - Posts Tagged "hilarious"

Dave Barry's Greatest Hits by Dave Barry


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is one of those timeless humor books that holds up just as well today as it did when it was initially released 15 years ago! Dave Barry's mastery of the written word is at peak performance with this collection of columns. When they stuck the words "GREATEST HITS" on the cover, they were absolutely not lying.

Sure, some of the events and people discussed within these pages may be dated, but if you were alive for those times (or took a history class in school) then you'll still appreciate a fresh and hilarious perspective.

This book contains my all time favorite Barry column titled "Molecular Homicide" which tells the tell of the author having the flu and what happens when he is unable to get out of bed to monitor his young son's activities. This column alone is worth the price of the book. If you enjoy that column then there are plenty more that will tickle your funny bone.

This is a good starting point for anyone getting into Barry for the first time. It's a book that's easy to pick up whenever you have a few minutes and since each column is only 2-3 pages in length you can always come back to it later without having to worry about remembering what you read previously. Though don't be surprised if you find yourself reading some columns numerous times! It's a perfect book to keep in the bathroom for those quick visits, or in the kitchen for when you're microwaving some food.

If you make it through his "Greatest Hits" then I highly recommend "Dave Barry's Only Travel Guide You'll Ever Need," followed by "Dave Barry is Not Making This Up."
You can't go wrong with any of his books, but I found the 3 mentioned to be the funniest.

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Barrel Fever: Stories and Essays by David Sedaris


My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Even though this is one of David Sedaris's earliest offerings, I did not read it first. I came onto Sedaris's sardonic wit through the fantastic essay collection "Me Talk Pretty One Day." After laughing my way through those 200 plus pages I was hungry for more by the author. Being a completest, I usually read everything I can by authors that I enjoy.

Coming from the high that was "Me Talk Pretty..." I was a little put off by "Barrel Fever," the next title I attempted from the author. Where as "Pretty" contains mostly true stories about Sedaris's life, the first section of Barrel Fever (and the largest chunk of the book) was made up of fictional essays. The essays are still hilarious and after having re-read them since, they hold up as some of the craziest writing that I've read to date. It's clear that the earlier Sedaris was a bit more daring and willing to go for some shock value within his writing.

In fact, upon re-reading Barrel Fever, I find the true stories, which make up the second half of the book to be almost lackluster compared to the zany writing up front.

Overall, a solid collection of stories, but not his strongest work, in my opinion. Will you laugh while reading it? Oh, yes you will. Will you remember these stories after checking out some of his other works? Eh, it's not likely.

If you enjoy the first half of Barrel Fever, then I recommend following this book with Sedaris's "Holidays on Ice" which also contains several essays that are just... well... out there.

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Dave Barry's Only Travel Guide You'll Ever Need by Dave Barry


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is one of those books that I read in just one or two sittings. It was that good (and that short). Anytime a friend or loved one of mine is going on vacation or traveling for business, I encourage them to read this book prior to their departure. They almost never do, but that's their loss.

Most critics will agree that this is Barry's best book (followed closely by "Greatest Hits"). Of the Barry titles that I have read, I would tend to agree. It's very cohesive and contains illustrations that add a dash of extra hilarity to his writing.

The section where he details every state in the USA (They're Progressive!) is worth the cover price. The way he details foreign countries that he has (and hasn't) visited are hilarious as he tends to play a lot on stereotypes, but I would read the designated section for visiting any of them to see if I agree.

If you've read anything by Dave Barry before, you know what you are going to get. A quick read, a lot of laughs, and a desire for more.

Also recommended: "Dave Barry's Greatest Hits" & "Dave Barry is Not Making this Up."


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[image error] Mercury Falls by Robert Kroese


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Rob "Diesel" Kroese can make anything funny. If you read his blog, Mattress Police, then you already know this. For those unfamiliar with his past and first experiencing him through Mercury Falls, then you are seeing a man at the top of his writing game.

There's a reason that people are ranting, raving, and leaving 5 star reviews for this book all over the web: It's so entertaining that you can't put it down, and once you finish the final chapter, you head right to Google to find out when the movie is slated for release.
As of right now, there is no movie, but Hollywood should take note of this great work of fiction and realize it's potential as a hit.

Being a longtime reader of Kroese's blog, I was a little put off when the cover image was released and I found myself faced with a classic angel painting. Knowing that the book focused on the Apocalypse I worried that due to my lack of religious knowledge that I might be missing out on key ingredients vital to the story. I'm happy to report that this is not the case! Rob foresaw this problem so he filled in the biblical verses for the readers where they were necessary.

The character development was great in Mercury Falls and you grow to know and feel for the main characters. Mercury himself is a character worthy of many books to come. I spent a lot of time wondering Karl was based on anyone Robert knows.

Overall, the book kept me entertained, kept me laughing, and there were days when I couldn't wait to get home to read it. I look forward to more novels from Kroese whether or not the characters remain the same. Above all, the message of this book was a great one, and rang through loud and clear: Don't follow blindly, make your own decisions in life, and don't hesitate to question everything.

I wish Rob all the success in the world.

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Musings on Minutiae by Weston Locher


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I wrote this book and therefore could discuss how great and life changing it is, however, I'm opting to let the following reviews from Amazon.com (that weren't cross-posted to Goodreads) do the talking.


5/5 Stars - "'Musings' was a great and funny book. The stories we short enough that you can take to work, right before bed, or even in the bathroom. The author's humor is so addictive I caught myself saying, "just one more story..." at the end of EVERY story. I cannot wait to read more from Wes Locher!"
- Amazon.com user: J. Charles Jessup

5/5 Stars - "Once in a generation something very special occurs in the literary realm. Often from the far-reaches of our collective imagination, someone's muse finds a way to speak to us all through two identical vowels surrounded by a pair of consonants; one formed on the lips, the other on the palate. Book. Buh-ook. This "book" causes us to completely reconsider WHAT we are, WHO we are, even WHERE we are....
I ABSOLUTELY HATE BOOKS LIKE THAT. Why should I have to change? I'm fine just the way I am. The last thing I need in my life is some clown piping up with unwarranted advice in my already complicated life. It's because of people like this that we have silly things like warning labels, crosswalks, and bridges. Maybe I like having a little excitement in my life?
Mr. Locher's collection of short stories and observations will not ask you to change one iota of your precious id or ego. He will simply ask you to accompany him on a meandering journey down his memory lane- which you'll start to notice bears a striking resemblance to your own. At it's worst, this book had me chuckling. At it's best, I cackling like a fool at the ceiling and trying not to wake up the people upstairs. Snag this one for your Kindle or iPhone- the price is a steal!"
- Amazon.com user: hornpreux

5/5 Stars - "Just finished Musing on Minutiae Humorous Essays, Anecdotes, & Childhood Memories. I won this book from First Reads on Goodreads! What can I say.......... but I loved it! I was bothering my family with "read this part" or "listen to this one"! Lots of real Laugh Out Loud moments too."
Short little musings about all sorts of different things. Like unusual things that happened while growing up (we all can relate to those) being out on your own, having CATS! we all have been there too! Enjoyed them all, my favorites, really liked the dentist one, angry feline and loved grandmas comment! So many funny things I can't write them all down and make this a short review. Loved reading about his family.
For a debut book I was really impressed and look forward to read more from Weston Locher in the future!
- Amazon.com user: Claudia


5/5 Stars - "What a great way to spend a snowy, desperately long winter's day--enjoying the humor & mental images of funny Wes Locher. This book cures what ails you with laughter by the pagefull. A must-read no matter where you live!"
- Amazon.com user: Mutijude

5/5 Stars - "These hilarious short stories are perfect for potty time. Set the book next to the toilet and you will find yourself spending way more time there then you planned!!! So funny, it is addictive. I have already read the book twice!!!"
- Amazon.com user: Tami Gingrich

5/5 Stars - "This is the most entertaining collection of writings that I've come across in a long time. Weston's witty way with words, his wry humor, and his wide-ranging choice of topics all make for a memorable and hilarious read. While I love each writing, my personal favorites are "Easter Egg Dyeing," "Saving the Day with Vague Answers," and "Mayonnaise!" I highly recommend this book!"
- Amazon.com user: 4katz

5/5 Stars - "Musing on Minutiae made me chuckle, laugh out loud, and question the meaning of life through a cat's eyes. This is definitely a book that I can refer back to for a good laugh. I especially liked the variety in topics from roller skating to buying toothpaste to kids/ewoks! The author really has a way of making just about anything hilarious."
- Amazon.com user: Cutiepie Ink

5/5 Stars - "Musings on Minutiae is hilarious! Do yourself a favor and pick up this book, you won't regret it! This is observational humor at it's finest!"
- Amazon.com user: Aragog

5/5 Stars - "This book is hilarious! The author has a real gift for storytelling and I found myself laughing so hard, my face hurt. It still hurts. Buy this book!"
- Amazon.com user: Whitney Locher


Oh, and by the way... this book is life changing.

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