Small Comforts: More Comments And Comic Pieces

by Tom Bodett

Tom Bodett, Alaska’s main comic export, is that rarest of commodities, an original new talent in American humor. His commentaries on “All Things Considered” and his radio spots for Motel 6 have delighted millions, but he’s never been funnier than in this, his second collection of casual essays. Here are further musings ont he everyday joys and embarrassments of being a husband, father, citizen, and breadwinner by the author of As Far As You Can Go Without a Passport. Fans will be comforted by the familiarity of this return visit to Bodett country. Those new to his work will discover one of the freshest, friendliest voices among writers of humor today.

Genres: Fiction, Humor

176 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1987

About the author

Tom Bodett is an American author, voice actor and radio host. He is also the current spokesman for the hotel chain Motel 6 and is famous for popularizing the phrase, "We'll leave the light on for you".
A native of Sturgis, Michigan, Bodett had previously provided commentary for National Public Radio's All Things Considered, and was a regular columnist for the webzine Mr. Showbiz. He also did the voiceover for "Mime Time" and the "Good Idea/Bad Idea" segments on Animaniacs.
As a broadcaster, Bodett hosted two radio programs. The End of the Road from 1988 to 1990 and Bodett & Company in 1993. He also hosted the public television program, Travels on America’s Historic Trails.
He is currently a regular contributor to The Bob Edwards Show on XMPR and a member of the stable of panelists on Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!, a National Public Radio news quiz show.
A former resident of Seattle, Washington and Homer, Alaska, he now lives in Vermont.

Reviews

[Melki · Rating 3 out of 5]

You may not have heard of Tom Bodett, but if you've ever listened to a radio ad for Motel 6, you've HEARD him. He's that fellow who assures, "We'll leave the light on for ya!"

Tom's a modest, unassuming, aw-shucks kind of guy who's written a few very funny books about a town in Alaska - The End of the Road and The Big Garage on Clear Shot: Growing Up, Growing Old, and Going Fishing at the End of the Road - (think Lake Wobegon with fewer Lutherans and no lutefisk.)

These essays are very modest, unassuming and very aw-shucksy, but sadly, not terribly funny. Some of them were rather comforting though, so at least there's no false advertising involved.

[Ann Marie Senter · Rating 2 out of 5]

A solid "it was okay" in my opinion. This collection was published in 1987, and many of the essays have not aged well and feel extremely dated. This isn't the author's fault really, more my fault for reading a book of cultural commentary 30 years after its original publication.

A few of the essays made me smile a bit, I don't think any made me laugh out loud. My favorites were the more poignant ones, which were a bit heavy-handed but sappy in a good way. Most of these were in the last third of the book, so I'm glad I powered through and read until the end.

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contains 42 vignettes and micro-essays by one of America’s premier humorists, Tom Bodett. Although the context of these essays is dated, I think his musings, lessons, and truisms are applicable to any generation. When life hands you pits instead of cherries and you need cheering up, Tom Bodett can always be counted on to lend a fresh perspective and wise humor to age old problems. I learned some valuable lessons concerning the human condition as well as how to craft micro-essays from this collection. It was a win-win for me. He kept me entertained while heightening my awareness of my own writing and the world that surrounds me.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

The middle section, especially, is almost as good as similar-ish essays by Michael Perry. My mother enjoys both authors too.

I'd like to find more by Bodett, and more of these short philosophical 'humorous' essay collections. Who else writes so well, with so much love for all peoples, from the heart of the working-class?

[Kristine L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Smooth as Alaskan ice. As rugged as Denali.

Bodett's pithy commentaries on everything from chain letters to potlucks (pot-ato salad!) and the perfect Father's Day gift brim with curmudgeonly wit and wisdom. His delivery is as earnest as it is dead pan, making for mountains of chuckles and some long looks in the mirror.

Great exercise for your funny bone!

[literary appreciator Joe 🌲 · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was pretty cute and I enjoy hearing about the quirks of life and that they are not exclusive to just the self. His writing style is comforting and casual which was nice. Doesn’t take himself too seriously. Kind of funny, but not laugh out loud funny. Overall pretty charming

[Lydia Chong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best alaska companion for good laughs and insight to life in Alaska.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up purely by accident several years back during a sleepless night. My wife can't think of where it came from, and I'm sure it wasn't part of my stack. I loved it. It brought me warm comfort and rest that night and prompted me to look at several of his other books. I didn't realize until much later that he was the "We'll leave the light on for you." pitch man, and I'm not ashamed in the least.

[Bailey Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I used to read this over and over as a preteen and although I didn't know half of what he was talking about, I enjoyed the style and comfort of his writing. I would really like to read these short essays as an adult to see if they are a little more relatable which I'm sure they are.

[Bobo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not bad. I look forward to his later works.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most cabin dwellers will appreciate first-hand his bit on living in a small space with another person.

[Gitana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good "bathroom" book

[Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of light and casual essays in which Bodett examines the everyday joys and embarassments of being a husband, a father, a citizen, and a breadwinner. Very funny stuff.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got really excited when I heard the fatherhood chapters in this book because I had just learned that my number one son is going to become a father at 41.

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

A few fun stories about common things. Each chapter unrelated to the others. Read it long ago.

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious. Having lived in Alaska I can totally relate to this book. I laughed my buns off the entire time I was listening to this audio book. Highly recommended!

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bought this one after staying at the B & B in Homerwith my mom and dad - Love it !

[Erik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny and puts the mind at ease knowing all the quirks of life are not exclusive.

[Jody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom Bosworth' s collection of essays are down to earth, heartfelt, and meaningful. His easy going style and wit made this book a joy to read.

[Jill Porter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great characters and wonderful storytelling.

[Brett · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable, very quick read, but not nearly as good as his other books. It still made me smile out loud a few times, and I will never look at meatloaf the same again.

[Quinn Lavender · Rating 4 out of 5]

A more subtle, even humble, sense of humor. I rather liked it.