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Golden Gremlin: A Vigorous Push from Misanthropes and Geezers
From GOLDEN GREMLIN, you will learn all kinds of useful tidbits (and bigbits ) from experienced misanthropes and geezers about how the world really runs, or at least how so much of it got messed up. E.g.,:• boys, dog poop, and carbon footprints.• the real meaning of "Caucasian."• stakeholders,esp. through the heart.• cooking up tasty Dollar Store kale.• how Hell froze, and how Earth Day got born.• Golden boy gets to be GOLDEN GREMLIN.• Seasonally warm gremlin songs. Sort of.Follow golden gremlin Poppy through this vigorous and funny adventure.
234 pages, Paperback
First published June 15, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 15, 2018
Golden Gremlin: A Vigorous Push from Misanthropes and Geezers by Rod a Walters is a book of essays, opinions, short stories and humorous anecdotes. This is one man's observations on life, with opinions on nature, carbon footprints, business advice and kitchen advice. In the end you even get a few songs. To put it another way this is a book written from the viewpoint of a geezer and a misanthrope. That means it's coming from someone that's been around the block and prefers their own company instead of being in a large group of people. He may not care but he still has a lot to say about society and a lot of good stories to share.
Golden Gremlin is a hard book to describe. Going into it I wasn't sure what to expect because I have never read anything like it. The way the book is set up is different from most books. The essays are fairly short and at the end of each one there is a link that will take you back to the beginning or sometimes to a different essay. The word that comes to mind for me as I try to describe this book is "interesting." Some of it I didn't fully understand but it has its moments and there are some funny parts in it. This book feels like the author was trying to say life isn't meant to be taken seriously and he was trying to entertain himself first and foremost. If you try to sit and read this book from cover to cover you may not like it but if you read a couple of stories every day you will find it to be an entertaining read.
One of my favorite parts was when he was poking fun at how absurd Facebook and twitter is and says what his first tweet would be: "If U don't follow me, U won't hear if I really do have purple undies on 2day. Another part I liked was when he talks about the joys of being a misanthrope. Some of the benefits are not caring what others have to say and having more time to yourself because your time is your own. Some of his opinions will put a smile on your face, such as when he points out that all decisions in society should be made by the young or the old and not by the people between the ages of 20 and 50. If you are looking for a book that's a little different from someone who has seen it all and doesn't take himself too seriously then give this one a try
Golden Gremlin is a hard book to describe. Going into it I wasn't sure what to expect because I have never read anything like it. The way the book is set up is different from most books. The essays are fairly short and at the end of each one there is a link that will take you back to the beginning or sometimes to a different essay. The word that comes to mind for me as I try to describe this book is "interesting." Some of it I didn't fully understand but it has its moments and there are some funny parts in it. This book feels like the author was trying to say life isn't meant to be taken seriously and he was trying to entertain himself first and foremost. If you try to sit and read this book from cover to cover you may not like it but if you read a couple of stories every day you will find it to be an entertaining read.
One of my favorite parts was when he was poking fun at how absurd Facebook and twitter is and says what his first tweet would be: "If U don't follow me, U won't hear if I really do have purple undies on 2day. Another part I liked was when he talks about the joys of being a misanthrope. Some of the benefits are not caring what others have to say and having more time to yourself because your time is your own. Some of his opinions will put a smile on your face, such as when he points out that all decisions in society should be made by the young or the old and not by the people between the ages of 20 and 50. If you are looking for a book that's a little different from someone who has seen it all and doesn't take himself too seriously then give this one a try
February 21, 2018
★ ★ 1/2 (rounded up)
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
Edmund Kean (1787 - 1833) -- or someone else, it's unclear -- said "Dying is easy. Comedy is hard." Stand-ups, actors, and writers alike will testify to at least the latter. The downside is that those that do the hard work, those that are good at comedy make it look easy. Too often it seems that people (professional and amateur alike) go for the easy approach, and it's never a good idea.
There's also no accounting for taste.
I'll accept either as the explanation for why this book left me underwhelmed.
Walters assumes a curmudgeonly tone, calling himself a misanthrope and taking shots at the foibles of the culture around him. The younger set is a particularly favorite target. Too often his pieces come across as angry Facebook rants, written by someone who spouts off against social media. Still, his points are occasionally clever and his jokes show promise. If he'd subject each of these two a few more revision passes, I could imagine myself enjoying many of these.
I'd strongly encourage reading this in small bursts -- the essays don't build on each other, there's some references between the two, but nothing you won't remember even after a few days. I wouldn't do more than one or two in a sitting or Walters' charm will wear thin.
Walters says that he wrote to make Dave Barry and Ben Stein laugh. If he'd invoked Andy Rooney, I might have agreed with him. I didn't dislike the book, but I sure didn't like it. Walters was frequently amusing -- and I have no trouble thinking that many would find him funny. But not me. At least not without a few more drafts.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion and participation in this book tour.
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
Edmund Kean (1787 - 1833) -- or someone else, it's unclear -- said "Dying is easy. Comedy is hard." Stand-ups, actors, and writers alike will testify to at least the latter. The downside is that those that do the hard work, those that are good at comedy make it look easy. Too often it seems that people (professional and amateur alike) go for the easy approach, and it's never a good idea.
There's also no accounting for taste.
I'll accept either as the explanation for why this book left me underwhelmed.
Walters assumes a curmudgeonly tone, calling himself a misanthrope and taking shots at the foibles of the culture around him. The younger set is a particularly favorite target. Too often his pieces come across as angry Facebook rants, written by someone who spouts off against social media. Still, his points are occasionally clever and his jokes show promise. If he'd subject each of these two a few more revision passes, I could imagine myself enjoying many of these.
I'd strongly encourage reading this in small bursts -- the essays don't build on each other, there's some references between the two, but nothing you won't remember even after a few days. I wouldn't do more than one or two in a sitting or Walters' charm will wear thin.
Walters says that he wrote to make Dave Barry and Ben Stein laugh. If he'd invoked Andy Rooney, I might have agreed with him. I didn't dislike the book, but I sure didn't like it. Walters was frequently amusing -- and I have no trouble thinking that many would find him funny. But not me. At least not without a few more drafts.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion and participation in this book tour.
February 19, 2018
The author offers quick thoughts on common daily activities. While the author does not truly hate people and all human interraction--he does seem to enjoy analyzing them, critiquing them and criticizing them. From annoying drivers to the environment to cell phones and more--the author shares some thoughts, tips and suggestions for the rest of us dealing with daily happenings and "annoyances". Most of these essays will bring a smile and a sense of recognition (we have all had these things happen or know a person exactly the one(s) depicted in the author's essays!
The author's writing style and storytelling technique are a bit unique. The essays are based on life experiences and the author's reflections on those. Initially, I wasn't quite sure just what the book was about as a whole. I required a few essays to settle into the author's thought processes and writing style. Some people may not understand the author's intentions in every essay--and may not necessarily have the life experiences to relate to some of them. Readers should expect to read slightly grumpy, sarcastic, pessimistic takes on life and our fellow humans--from an older adult.
The essays do not need to be read in one sitting. The book is a quick, easy read and could certainly be read in a short sitting--but, the essays do not build upon one another. I found it enjoyable to read a few of the essays every day in a few minutes of downtime or before bed or randomly choose one from different spots in the book.
Would I recommend Golden Gremlin by Rod A. Walters? I found humor in the author's thoughts and reflections at times. Sometimes, there were a dots of wisdom to gain and reflect upon for the reader. If you have ever been known to mutter, "I hate people" as you struggle through a crowded mall or battle fellow drivers on the freeway--this may be the book for you. I enjoyed the book--but, I do think you need a special, darker sense of humor to appreciate it all.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for use in a blog review. All opinions are my own.
The author's writing style and storytelling technique are a bit unique. The essays are based on life experiences and the author's reflections on those. Initially, I wasn't quite sure just what the book was about as a whole. I required a few essays to settle into the author's thought processes and writing style. Some people may not understand the author's intentions in every essay--and may not necessarily have the life experiences to relate to some of them. Readers should expect to read slightly grumpy, sarcastic, pessimistic takes on life and our fellow humans--from an older adult.
The essays do not need to be read in one sitting. The book is a quick, easy read and could certainly be read in a short sitting--but, the essays do not build upon one another. I found it enjoyable to read a few of the essays every day in a few minutes of downtime or before bed or randomly choose one from different spots in the book.
Would I recommend Golden Gremlin by Rod A. Walters? I found humor in the author's thoughts and reflections at times. Sometimes, there were a dots of wisdom to gain and reflect upon for the reader. If you have ever been known to mutter, "I hate people" as you struggle through a crowded mall or battle fellow drivers on the freeway--this may be the book for you. I enjoyed the book--but, I do think you need a special, darker sense of humor to appreciate it all.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for use in a blog review. All opinions are my own.
February 2, 2018
mis·an·thrope
ˈmis(ə)nˌTHrōp,ˈmiz(ə)nˌTHrōp/
noun
a person who dislikes humankind and avoids human society.
If you are looking for a good encyclopedia / self-help / dictionary / literature guide all rolled up in one small volume, you've found it. Not to mention a healthy dose of sarcasm and just plain silliness - Golden Gremlin: A Vigorous Push from Misanthropes and Geezers - is as unique as its author.
Have you lost something? (i.e. husbands ALWAYS losing their car keys). There are only 16 logical places where any object can be found (you can find the list in the book) (which adds valuable years to your life) (after the cussing).
One of my pet peeves is the overused word "absolutely". Want to break the habit? Pages 94 and 95. You'll learn the appropriate word substitutions.
The essay on "The Buffet Rule" draws our attention to the extreme sport of walking through a restaurant buffet. There's gotta be a better way to improve crowd control.
Yes, he even takes issues with electric cars and I have to agree with him. Sure they're good for the environment and cheap to run but how often have you been waiting for a lift and you suddenly turn around to find the car sitting behind you for 10 minutes? Where's that lovely engine noise to kickstart your heart?
Liver. Yep, liver. Remember how traumatized you were as a kid when you had a piece of shoe leather liver placed before you with the words "you won't leave this table until you eat it all?" Mr. Geezer has included the perfect liver and onion recipe to encourage you to revisit your past.
If you have a weird sense of humour and love history, politics and vacuums, you'll pretty much tear through this book. Written in short essays that are just the right length for bathroom reading, this book will give Uncle John's Bathroom reader a run for its money.
ˈmis(ə)nˌTHrōp,ˈmiz(ə)nˌTHrōp/
noun
a person who dislikes humankind and avoids human society.
If you are looking for a good encyclopedia / self-help / dictionary / literature guide all rolled up in one small volume, you've found it. Not to mention a healthy dose of sarcasm and just plain silliness - Golden Gremlin: A Vigorous Push from Misanthropes and Geezers - is as unique as its author.
Have you lost something? (i.e. husbands ALWAYS losing their car keys). There are only 16 logical places where any object can be found (you can find the list in the book) (which adds valuable years to your life) (after the cussing).
One of my pet peeves is the overused word "absolutely". Want to break the habit? Pages 94 and 95. You'll learn the appropriate word substitutions.
The essay on "The Buffet Rule" draws our attention to the extreme sport of walking through a restaurant buffet. There's gotta be a better way to improve crowd control.
Yes, he even takes issues with electric cars and I have to agree with him. Sure they're good for the environment and cheap to run but how often have you been waiting for a lift and you suddenly turn around to find the car sitting behind you for 10 minutes? Where's that lovely engine noise to kickstart your heart?
Liver. Yep, liver. Remember how traumatized you were as a kid when you had a piece of shoe leather liver placed before you with the words "you won't leave this table until you eat it all?" Mr. Geezer has included the perfect liver and onion recipe to encourage you to revisit your past.
If you have a weird sense of humour and love history, politics and vacuums, you'll pretty much tear through this book. Written in short essays that are just the right length for bathroom reading, this book will give Uncle John's Bathroom reader a run for its money.
February 28, 2018
This book is a collection of short humorous essays written by an author, "an old gent", who is now in what society calls "the golden age", hence the title Golden Gremlin. Filled with witty remarks, some sarcasm and a good dose of silliness, this book which began with Poppy stealing the Residence's gas-powered mower to get to his publisher, was a fun read. Having worked with seniors in a day center, I find that they have a unique sense of humor. They are no longer afraid to speak their mind and laugh at themselves and others. This certainly came through with these essays.
Mr. Walters tackles a variety of topics, some of which had me in stitches and others which I didn't care for just because they are very much about the American life experience (such as the State of the Union piece) and you really need to be an American to appreciate the humor. Just like some Canadian humor is much more funny to said Canadian than a Southern American, for example.
However, most of the well-written essays challenged me with new words I had never heard of (misanthrope, boppage, troglodyte, entropy...) and had me using my dictionary. Having been an Army officer, engineer, and administrative assistant, the author's experience in these fields is evident in these essays. The book is divided into 5 parts and I enjoyed the essays under the topics of NATURE and KITCHENS the most.
If you like humor and a straightforward take on topics relevant to our day and age from an American senior with a quirky sense of humor, you will enjoy this breezy read with truths behind the funny and silly narrative.
Mr. Walters tackles a variety of topics, some of which had me in stitches and others which I didn't care for just because they are very much about the American life experience (such as the State of the Union piece) and you really need to be an American to appreciate the humor. Just like some Canadian humor is much more funny to said Canadian than a Southern American, for example.
However, most of the well-written essays challenged me with new words I had never heard of (misanthrope, boppage, troglodyte, entropy...) and had me using my dictionary. Having been an Army officer, engineer, and administrative assistant, the author's experience in these fields is evident in these essays. The book is divided into 5 parts and I enjoyed the essays under the topics of NATURE and KITCHENS the most.
If you like humor and a straightforward take on topics relevant to our day and age from an American senior with a quirky sense of humor, you will enjoy this breezy read with truths behind the funny and silly narrative.
February 16, 2018
FTC: I received a free copy of this book from iRead Book Tours in exchange for my honest review. I received no other compensation and the opinions expressed in this review are one hundred percent true and my own.
Golden Gremlin by Rod A. Walters was a fun book read. Before I get into the review of this book I wanted to say that this author might be one of my favorites because of the crazy things that happened while I was waiting for this book in the mail. The first book that I was sent got lost all I got of that book was the thank you note from the author. So the author sent me 2 more copies, and I also got a digital copy as well. I wish people would ship things with UPS or FedEx because it is less likely that book will get lost using those companies.
Anyway, let’s get on to my thoughts about this book. I loved that this book was a bunch of short stories because it allowed me to put the book down and read it around other books I was reading. Most of the short stories always left a smile on my face, and there were also ones that I agreed with one hundred percent. If you are looking for a book to give as a gift for a parent or friend, I would recommend this one because I think it is one that most people will enjoy and you don’t have to read it all right away. You can read a story or two and then come back to it when you have more time. I loved this book, and it will be one that I keep in my personal collection of books.
Golden Gremlin by Rod A. Walters was a fun book read. Before I get into the review of this book I wanted to say that this author might be one of my favorites because of the crazy things that happened while I was waiting for this book in the mail. The first book that I was sent got lost all I got of that book was the thank you note from the author. So the author sent me 2 more copies, and I also got a digital copy as well. I wish people would ship things with UPS or FedEx because it is less likely that book will get lost using those companies.
Anyway, let’s get on to my thoughts about this book. I loved that this book was a bunch of short stories because it allowed me to put the book down and read it around other books I was reading. Most of the short stories always left a smile on my face, and there were also ones that I agreed with one hundred percent. If you are looking for a book to give as a gift for a parent or friend, I would recommend this one because I think it is one that most people will enjoy and you don’t have to read it all right away. You can read a story or two and then come back to it when you have more time. I loved this book, and it will be one that I keep in my personal collection of books.
January 23, 2018
I am going to start this review with a quote from the author “What good is your experience if you can’t help someone else with it?”
This truly remarkable quote can easily sum up many things alongside this book. At first, you realize that the work is a collection of witty encounters in society with various forms of matters that naturally occur in our day to day life. Once you dig a little deeper, you realize that the author has cleverly embedded messages between the lines and that is what makes it unique to read.
This collection of circumstances and situations are guaranteed to make you laugh. The main character somehow sounded like the author himself and negatively approached the storylines, however, the outcome for the reader was the positive aspect of the human interactions and pure love for social exchanges.
The literature was witty and pleasurable to read. It is evident that the material was written with confidence and possessed a particular outlook. Anyone who is interested in reading books that make you think and are out of the ordinary would enjoy this one.
The other enjoyable fact about this book is that you can read it in parts. From “Stepping in poop” to “Running for office” you can be rest assured that it will have something for everyone.
Purchase this book with caution as it may take over your mind and make you laugh out loud in public.
This truly remarkable quote can easily sum up many things alongside this book. At first, you realize that the work is a collection of witty encounters in society with various forms of matters that naturally occur in our day to day life. Once you dig a little deeper, you realize that the author has cleverly embedded messages between the lines and that is what makes it unique to read.
This collection of circumstances and situations are guaranteed to make you laugh. The main character somehow sounded like the author himself and negatively approached the storylines, however, the outcome for the reader was the positive aspect of the human interactions and pure love for social exchanges.
The literature was witty and pleasurable to read. It is evident that the material was written with confidence and possessed a particular outlook. Anyone who is interested in reading books that make you think and are out of the ordinary would enjoy this one.
The other enjoyable fact about this book is that you can read it in parts. From “Stepping in poop” to “Running for office” you can be rest assured that it will have something for everyone.
Purchase this book with caution as it may take over your mind and make you laugh out loud in public.
January 1, 2018
This is a fun, well-written book guaranteed to bring a smile to the face due to its unexpected word usage, slightly skewed (but often hilarious) viewpoint on everyday situations and circumstances, and format (which is along the lines of a collection of short stories). It’s the kind of book you can pick up, have a read and a giggle, and come back to at the end of the day when you need reminding that not everything should be taken seriously. Life is, after all, made for poking fun at.
Personal favorites in wordplay include: The author’s ruminations on Twitter and what his first twit should be; the Buffet Rule (scoop then buff out); why no-one has ever commented on the fact that manna from heaven were in fact salads; and the two types of preparation for liver (tender or shoe leather).
The author describes himself (Or is he describing the main character? Or are the two interchangeable?) as a misanthrope: A person who dislikes humankind and avoids human society. I beg to differ. This book is clearly written by (or about) a person who enjoys everything about humankind, loves to observe and contemplate why people do what they do, and is endlessly amused by their antics.
Well worth a read if you’re looking for something a little different from the usual plot templates.
Personal favorites in wordplay include: The author’s ruminations on Twitter and what his first twit should be; the Buffet Rule (scoop then buff out); why no-one has ever commented on the fact that manna from heaven were in fact salads; and the two types of preparation for liver (tender or shoe leather).
The author describes himself (Or is he describing the main character? Or are the two interchangeable?) as a misanthrope: A person who dislikes humankind and avoids human society. I beg to differ. This book is clearly written by (or about) a person who enjoys everything about humankind, loves to observe and contemplate why people do what they do, and is endlessly amused by their antics.
Well worth a read if you’re looking for something a little different from the usual plot templates.
February 20, 2021
The best way to describe this book: an author’s quick bullet thoughts on common daily activities. Readers will recognize many people or situations they know when reading these short essays! Some of those shorts might not bring a known person to mind, but all will let the reader see quickly that they are driven by a slightly humorously irritated take on life and our fellow humans. And sometimes a healthy dose of sarcasm and just plain silliness
The book starts out with an aggressively whimsical tale about the author “driving” to meet with his publisher in the next town, by stealing his Senior Residence's ride-on mower. Yes, the writer even takes issues with electric cars. And liver. Both deserve poking.
If you have a weird sense of humor and love history, politics and kitchens, you'll go straight through this book. On the other hand, I can see how those short essays are just the ticket for bathroom reading. Perhaps in several visits. Though there aren’t always connections from all essays to all others, the author has clearly stuffed messages between the lines. In any case, this collection of confidently written circumstances and situations are guaranteed to make you laugh. It almost seems like the author wrote the book to goad Andy Rooney into laughing.
The book starts out with an aggressively whimsical tale about the author “driving” to meet with his publisher in the next town, by stealing his Senior Residence's ride-on mower. Yes, the writer even takes issues with electric cars. And liver. Both deserve poking.
If you have a weird sense of humor and love history, politics and kitchens, you'll go straight through this book. On the other hand, I can see how those short essays are just the ticket for bathroom reading. Perhaps in several visits. Though there aren’t always connections from all essays to all others, the author has clearly stuffed messages between the lines. In any case, this collection of confidently written circumstances and situations are guaranteed to make you laugh. It almost seems like the author wrote the book to goad Andy Rooney into laughing.
December 22, 2017
I love this book! I'll lead with that. This series of observational anecdotes are chock full of copious amounts of wit, charm, super-solid writing prowess, and, most importantly, much-needed rationale and a healthy slice of wisdom. Things sorely slipping in this society as we delve ever deeper into this technological abyss and away from once-normal human interaction. Under the surface of this light-hearted series of vignettes, there may lie another meaning. It seems we are sacrificing the profound and astute lessons our elders still have to impart, if only we were listening better. After my over half a century inhabiting this body, I feel that my own children often defer to the internet and empty webfriendships in lieu of connecting instead with those close to them. But I digress. This book is a touching memoir, fact and logic lesson, and funny and quick-paced monologue by one who's made it to the golden years, and lived to tell the tale. I will be seeking a printed copy of this fine book, and will be recommending it to my real life friends. The ones that exist beyond this screen. Five stars!
February 16, 2018
I chose to read this book after receiving a free copy. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.
Golden Gremlin is full of stories written by an old geezer with a good sense of humor. Some of the stories are cute and some made me laugh out loud. The prologue is about the author going to meet with his publisher by stealing the Residence's mower. To make sure he didn't get pulled over, he made sure he knew how to cut the grass alongside the road so that he would look like a worker mowing.
I read this book in one sitting but I think I would have enjoyed it even more if I'd just read one or two stories at a time. In fact, I plan on keeping it and doing just that at some point in the future. It'll be a nice way to wind down before going to bed.
I definitely recommend Golden Gremlin. Anyone who has dealt with the elderly will appreciate it while those who haven't had that privilege may learn a thing or two.
Golden Gremlin is full of stories written by an old geezer with a good sense of humor. Some of the stories are cute and some made me laugh out loud. The prologue is about the author going to meet with his publisher by stealing the Residence's mower. To make sure he didn't get pulled over, he made sure he knew how to cut the grass alongside the road so that he would look like a worker mowing.
I read this book in one sitting but I think I would have enjoyed it even more if I'd just read one or two stories at a time. In fact, I plan on keeping it and doing just that at some point in the future. It'll be a nice way to wind down before going to bed.
I definitely recommend Golden Gremlin. Anyone who has dealt with the elderly will appreciate it while those who haven't had that privilege may learn a thing or two.
February 23, 2018
Gremlin: A Vigorous Push from Misanthropes and Geezers was the perfect size book at 70 pages and I liked the fact that the book focused the essays on six topic areas as it kept them organized. Some of the essays really made me laugh while other left me feeling like I was just not getting the joke. My favorite topic would have to be kitchens as not only did I find it funny, but they also made sense to me on a personal level.
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