Tales of Habib the Hoaxter: Sometimes Hoaxed, Always Good for a Laugh

by Ayoub Imilouane, Pamela Cox

Here is a collection of 30 witty stories about Habib, an Arab folk hero who has appeared under many names for hundreds of years. Each tale contains a twist, written to make you smile or laugh aloud with delight.

A light touch, a flexible mind, and a bit of a perverse sense of humor are your tickets into this exotic, timeless world. It's a world of fun for the moment and giving better than you got, not of heavy psychology and serious moralizing. In this world of marvels and belief in marvels, whether the little guy wins or loses depends on how well he uses his wits.

Sometimes cunning, sometimes credulous, Habib has a unique way of thinking that will enable you to see life in a new, wonder-filled way. Many of the stories convey moral lessons, while others offer pure amusement, bringing laughter either at Habib's cleverness or at his lack thereof. Be prepared for an entrancing journey into "one day," an adventure that will transport you far from your everyday life and sensibility, returning you to them with refreshed eyes and a lighter step.

Genres: Jokes, Humor, Fiction, Short Stories, Folklore, Fantasy, Folk Tales

71 pages, ebook

Published February 7, 2024

About the author

Hello, I'm Ayoub Imilouane, coauthor of Tales of Habib the Hoaxter.
My journey through joy and sorrow has led me to the revelation that there are as many profound truths in humor as in tragedy, and humor is a lot more fun!
Follow me for new releases, updates, and fresh recommendations.

Reviews

[Christine Andrise · Rating 5 out of 5]

My book club just read Tales of Habib the Hoaxter, and for the first time everyone finished the book! It gave us a great discussion about the culture and time in which the stories are set, as well as about the different types of humor in the tales. Each member said which story was their favorite. Choices included "Habib and the Beggar," "Habib Buys a Donkey," "Habib and the Five Coins," and several others. The winner was "Habib and the Soup," hurt your stomach laughing funny! We all recommend this book!

[Jennifer Horgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing, and it's different from any book I've ever read. It combines lots of opposites in a sharp yet sweet way. Habib's naivete in his relationships with animals is both endearing and hilarious. Then his outwitting of those in power is shrewd and satisfying. The tales'childlike wisdom captivated both my 83-year-old mom and my three-year-old nephew. I can't recommend this book highly enough!

[Brandy_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

very funny

This book was funny. A lot of common sense and less than common sense, which made it prefect. Very short, Some of the quick wit is very good.

[Robin Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one! I liked the writing style and the ideas. Fast paced, easy to read, cannot wait to talk about this one in book club.

[Maryann Larucci-Troche · Rating 4 out of 5]

1⭐️ - Bad
2⭐️s - Okay
3⭐️s - Good
4⭐️s - Great
5⭐️s - Outstanding

‘Tales of Habib the Hoaxter’ is authored by Ayoub Imilouane, a Moroccan native Arabic speaker and storyteller fluent in English. Pamela Cox, who has a master’s degree in English literature from Vanderbilt University and is a certified high school English teacher, assisted in translating and adding literary touches to the tales, becoming fluent in Moroccan Arabic with Ayoub's help.

This delightful book features 30 charming stories about Habib, a beloved folk hero who has captured hearts for centuries in Arabic culture. The tales are short and sweet, filled with moments that make you laugh out loud, while others might have you shaking your head in amusement. It's a fun read that’s sure to entertain!

Pamela Cox was on Goodreads to see if anyone was looking for readers to review their book, and I was totally on board! I'm so glad I decided to dive into this book. It’s such a light and cheerful read that really brings a smile! Spreading joy is the best, and reading is a wonderful way to do it!

[Kelly Cox · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some might enjoy this novella of riddle like pages/stories
You might find them witty or humorous
I did a few but for me this wasn’t what I find to be funny typically
But some will shed light on moral lessons and others will make you giggle
It’s an easy short read

[Tricia Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious stories, Habib has a good way to act with different people.

[M Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful Tales of Wit and Wisdom

It’s a captivating collection of 30 witty stories featuring the beloved Arab folk hero. This enchanting book transports readers to an exotic, timeless world where cunning and cleverness reign supreme.


Standout Elements:


1.⁠ ⁠Engaging storytelling with unexpected twists.
2.⁠ ⁠Habib's unique blend of wit, cunning, and naivety.
3.⁠ ⁠Timeless moral lessons and humorous anecdotes.


Storyline:


Each tale follows Habib as he navigates life's challenges with his quick thinking and resourcefulness. From outsmarting foes to learning valuable lessons, Habib's adventures are both entertaining and enlightening.

Perfect for:


•⁠ ⁠Fans of folktales and Middle Eastern culture.
•⁠ ⁠Readers seeking lighthearted, entertaining stories.
•⁠ ⁠Those looking for inspiration and moral guidance.

Final Thoughts:


It’s is a treasure trove of wit, wisdom, and laughter. Habib's escapades will captivate and inspire, offering a refreshing escape from everyday life.

[Katy.Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This personally wasn't my cup of tea, but I am still glad I picked this up and read it. I found the humour in this book very witty and non-sensical which made it very funny and a good quick read.

This is my first time reading a compilation of short stories and found the layout of the book to be very enjoyable. I found Habib to be quite an interesting and funny character to be following. I am so grateful that I was given the chance to give this a read, and even though it wasn't really something I would particularly gravitate towards, I still enjoyed it and found the process of reading these short stories rather fruitful and enjoyable.

[The Loco Librarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love fables, so when I was invited by someone in Fable to read this book, I decided to give it a shot. This is a collection of very short fables where our main character Habib has several encounters and he always has an unexpected response. Many of the stories are clever, many funny, and some are just ridiculous in a dad joke kind of way!

[Alanna Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

These stories are delightful, a great break from the heaviness of life. Two of my favorites are "Habib and the Soup" and "Habib and the Cat."

[Jack Maxwell]

Interesting book

[Aurora Jade (AJ) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much I read it in one sitting.

[Mary Spitler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book follows the many short tales of Habib. The stories are witty and fun! I found myself giggling to most of them! Great for book clubs for a quick and fun read, and for looking into another culture’s bedtime stories. Very entertaining!

[Nissy Glanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up Tales of Habib the Hoaxter on a whim on the first day of ramadhan and wow! I didn't expect to laugh this hard. Like, really laugh, so much so that my cousin literally turned to look at me because I was cracking up. Some of these stories are just pure gold! Now that I’ve finished it, I wish there was more. It made fasting so much easier :D I’d get lost in the stories, and before I knew it, the day was almost over.

I thought it’d just be a light, funny read, but there’s actually a lot more going on here than you might think. The humor is sharp and sneaky, not just surface-level jokes. It gets you thinking, and it’s kind of refreshing in how it balances laughs with deeper reflections on life and culture.

The character of Habib is a trip, he’s hilarious, unpredictable, and just so fun to follow. What I really appreciated about the book is how it doesn’t just try to make you laugh for the sake of it. There’s some real wit here, and even though it's short, each story feels well-crafted.

If you love classic trickster tales, or you just want something light and clever to break up heavier reads, this is a great pick!

[Arif Al Anang · Rating 4 out of 5]

While Tales of Habib the Hoaxter offers a sharp and satirical portrayal of contemporary Moroccan society through the lens of dark humor and absurdist narrative, one potential shortcoming lies in its heavy reliance on irony and surrealism, which at times overshadows the emotional depth of its characters.

The titular character, Habib, though compelling as a symbol of disillusionment and defiance, often feels more like a vessel for social commentary than a fully realized human being. This can create a degree of emotional distance for readers who might otherwise connect more deeply with his internal struggles. As a result, the novel occasionally prioritizes intellectual provocation over character-driven storytelling.

A more nuanced balance between satire and character development could enhance the narrative's impact by grounding its themes in more relatable human experiences. This would not dilute the book's biting critique of hypocrisy and corruption but rather deepen it by allowing readers to empathize more intimately with the individuals affected by such societal flaws.

[Doreen Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a delightful collection of witty and humorous folk tales centered around Habib, a legendary trickster. Sometimes the hoaxer and sometimes the hoaxed, Habib’s adventures are filled with clever twists, lighthearted mischief, and unexpected lessons.
The stories are simple yet engaging, making each short tale an enjoyable read. The book captures the spirit of classic folklore while adding a fresh, modern charm. Readers who love humor, folk wisdom, and cultural storytelling will find this collection both entertaining and thought-provoking. A perfect read for those who enjoy timeless tales with a mischievous edge. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a fun, clever, and insightful read!

[Jenny Burmood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so glad I gave Tales of Habib the Hoaxter a try! This collection is packed with a mix of hilarious stories and ones that really make you think. It’s perfect for all ages, my 10 year old absolutely loves them, and we’ve been enjoying them together. Each story is just the right length for a quick read, and we always end up laughing or reflecting on the lessons. It’s quickly become one of our favorite bedtime books! Definitely worth checking out!

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The more of these stories I read, the funnier they grew. I had to let myself enter the whimsical mindset of these tales, and once I did that I was enchanted. I told some of the stories aloud to a group of friends, and they laughed hard! This little book has made me more tolerant of people and their foibles. I highly recommend it!

[Sarah Doherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like every one of these stories, and I love several of them. Check out "Habib, the Judge, and the Trader" for some wonderfully clever word play; Habib gave those snobs what for! Other times, Habib is such an endearing goofball, but there's always some sort of logic beneath the goofiness that makes the stories delightful. For a fresh view on life, read this book.

[Janie Melon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Normally I don't choose a book by its cover, but this cover caught my eye so well that I couldn't pass it up. Especially with the low cost, what did I have to lose? Was I ever pleasantly surprised! These stories kept me entertained and intrigued enough to see how the next story was going to unfold. If you like silliness and a belly laugh, you will love this book of stories!

[Julie Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most versatile book! Seriously: My 91-year-old grandmom loves it; I love it and teach it to my middle and high school students, who love it; and two people I know read it to their small children as bedtime stories, which they repeatedly ask for. I highly recommend this funny, wise book for you and as a Christmas gift.

[John Henry]

Enjoyed Tales of Habib the Hoaxter, it had just the right mix of humor and clever twists. I like to listen to music while reading, and using Spotify APK Music
made it easy to create the perfect reading vibe without ads breaking the flow. Great book, even better with the right soundtrack!

[Mary Hilderman · Rating 5 out of 5]

These stories are cool! I love math, so I particularly liked the witty play with numbers in "Habib and the Five Coins," "Habib and the Pebbles," and "Habib and the Cat." I hope these authors will give us more Habib tales!

[Carolyn Rossetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so funny and full of delights! I can't remember laughing so hard as I did when I read "Habib and the Soup." I'm taking this book with me to our family Thanksgiving gathering because it will be fun to take turns reading the stories aloud. I think the kids and grownups will all enjoy it.

[Karen Whale · Rating 5 out of 5]

These tales are great for rereading. My first time through the book, they made me laugh and laugh. Only on rereading did I begin to see the profound wisdom in many of them. I can honestly say that this book has changed the way I view people and situations.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading the book! The stories were all hilarious and kept me laughing from start to finish. Each one had its own unique charm, making it an overall fun and entertaining read. Highly recommend for anyone in need of a good laugh!

[S. Thorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me smile so many times. The stories are light, funny, and smart in a quiet way. I loved how each one had a little twist. Habib is a fun character, and reading about him felt like listening to a friend telling stories late at night. Easy to read, hard to forget. I really enjoyed it.

[Valentina Desylla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading the book . All the stories were very funny

[Laura Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Habib! He gets in funny situations and has hilarious ways of getting out of them.