Heard at a UTAH Diner: A Shortstack of Humor beyond Green Jell-O and Sister Wives

by Steve Odenthal, John M. Olsen, James D. Beers

Humor writers from all over Utah tell tales of what all happens in the Beehive State. Get ready to laugh out loud as you find out what really goes on here. Each story is crafted in a family-friendly way and told with a unique Utah voice. It is like falling into a family reunion you never knew existed. Find out to name just a few... There are lots of laughs packed in to these 21 essays that you are sure to enjoy. One facebook friend, Jo Hindes from Wales, UK This book is amazing!! However this recommendation comes with a warning...Ladies of a certain childbearing age, ladies who no can no longer sneeze and walk at the same time may want to take precautions before reading this book.... it should come with a free tena lady pack. Willliam Botte of Stamford, CT Enjoying the heck out of it. Brings back many memories both old and recent times. Each of your associates certainly reflect their own unique ability to bring the words and situations alive. I will continue to enjoy these writings over and over!!

134 pages, Paperback

Published September 26, 2019

About the author

Steve Odenthal is a Humorist and Playwright living in the Intermountain West. He enjoys traveling with his wife, Valerie, and seriously enjoys time spent with the grand-kids. His writing captures the joy of family life and brings a smile to the reader. A caution should be noted that this writer, while telling an endearing story, is not above going for a belly-laugh or twisting a tale to fit his memory rather than the exact facts.

Reviews

[McKel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so fun. Each piece is well-written (which I respect) and brought with it some great humor about this great state. I don't think it matters if you are from Utah or just visiting, religious or not, the stories will resonate and you will catch yourself laughing out loud. It's fun. It's clean. It's not rude. It makes you love this unique place.

When I travel, I try to bring something from Utah with me to show others where I'm from. Usually a book of photography about SLC or our state is a nice gift. But I may take/give this book the next time (especially for those visiting) so they can have a piece of our humor to have in their home.

[Alice M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Double thumbs-up rating for this humor book! I really enjoyed reading it and laughed, and laughed, and laughed! I recommend it for anyone who enjoys the humor of real life. True tales retold in a diner-like fashion grab hold of the reader, and laughter erupts. This book is full of tall tales told a little taller, scary events made scarier through humor, and matter-of-fact accounts told very convincingly despite their obvious questionable truth.

Personally, I've always avoided walking through a Halloween corn maze for fear of a field mouse running up my pants leg. Mike Nelson's tale of RATS convinces me that my anxiety is well-founded, even though his rendition has a humorous edge. I'll not forget that one! James Beers' BEE IN MY BONNET leaves me taking care of a lingering side ache from laughing so hard as he reminisces about his beekeeping experience. Steve Odenthal's CHIMNEY FISHING provides a laughing marathon. From his account, I'll surely never trust another squirrel again! And I'll never ask Steve for his help with a home repair!

These stories and many more, invoke chuckles, gasps, and knee-smacking laughter. This book is an excellent choice for a gift; it's perfect for anyone who could use a lift from the mundane of life. Laughter is the superb medicine of life, and this book is full of it. Reading HEARD AT A UTAH DINER is an entertaining experience far beyond its purchase price!

(Note: I am one of the contributing writers of this humor anthology. I have chosen to spotlight contributions by other authors in my review.)

[Shanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading, “Heard at a Utah Diner.” The short stories were lighthearted fun. As I don’t usually have much time to dedicate to reading, I found myself looking forward to reading even just one of the stories each evening. A giggle or sometimes a LOL while reading the stories, was a fun way to relax, and I want to read some of the stories to the 4th and 5th grade students in my school class next year.

[Jacqui H. Travis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A humorous, sometimes hilarious, collection of stories and yarns that you might very well overhear in a diner, written by authors who are Utah natives, usually about incidents in Utah.
I got this book for reading material on a long road trip out West. Perfect read while on the road.

[Jo Hindes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love to eavesdrop on conversations around me when I am out and about, and this book lets me do that from my sofa. Some of the tales in this book had me crying with laughter. I cannot recommend this highly enough.