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February 2, 2004
Essential (Light) Reading - Lee Ann
Alexander
In a society saturated with choices, sometimes it's nice to
receive some knowledgeable recommendations.
Shakespeare scholars, beware. Chaucer critics, go home. T
here are some times when--let's face it--we're just not up for serious fiction
and classic literature. So put the cap back on your highlighter and put the
Cliff's Notes away. There won't be a quiz, but this collection of light-hearted
favorites is sure to refresh your mind and trigger some good wholesome laughter.
All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten:
Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things
by Robert Fulghum
When Robert Fulghum released this classic, millions fell
in love with his brilliant wit, hysterical sense of humor, and yet touching
sentiment. Though a chart-topper on all the lists that matter, what's really
important is that Fulghum goes after more than your laughter; he throws some
hefty insights at his audience. What started as just observations on life with
no thought of publication is now a book that will have you aggravating
coffeehouse neighbors with chuckles on one page and pushed to serious
introspection on the next.
Maybe (Maybe Not): Second Thoughts from a Secret Life
by Robert
Fulghum
One of the many releases to follow Kindergarten's popularity, this book
delves even deeper into Fulghum's ruminations on the meaning of life. It lives
up to its expectations, providing worthwhile comedy and philosophy. And who
knows, you may even pick up some spiritual applications from Fulghum's
thought-provoking musings.
Let the Hammer Down!
by Jerry Clower
A lesser-known comedy book from one of America's favorite
storyteller comedians, this book pulls together some of the best of Jerry Clower.
While the setting is based on life in the rural South, the humor is universal,
as so many commentators have noted. In this part autobiography/part comedy,
Clower recounts favorite Ledbetter stories as well as his own humorous incidents
on the road for an enjoyable read.
The Ponder Heart
by Eudora Welty
This book offers more humor from a Southern vein, but this
time in the form of an actual novel much closer to serious literature. While
Welty is an icon in literary circles, she clearly is just enjoying herself with
this wacky tale of bizarre characters facing family drama.
I Lost Everything in the Post-Natal Depression
by Erma Bombeck
With a turn away from regional writing, this book offers a
comic view of ordinary life experiences with which readers everywhere should
connect. I'm admittedly a new Bombeck fan, so there are certainly other
worthwhile titles among her work. But this book's collection of hilarious
household incidents seems a great introduction to the housewife heroine who
became a champion for women everywhere in the 1970s.
The Jumbo Duct Tape Book
by Jim and Tim,
The Duct Tape Guys
To complete the reading list, we really need a bonus oddball book. That
requirement is easily satisfied with Jim and Tim's tome. This square, colorful,
and highly illustrated book presents 452 uses for duct tape. While it's
supposed to be just for fun, don't be surprised if you find yourself pausing on
a page to comment, "Hey, that's a good idea!"
ninetyandnine.com
© 2003, Lee Ann Alexander
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Lee Ann Alexander
is a technical writer from Denham Springs, LA. She spent the holidays obsessing
about LSU Tiger football and making a Top 10 list of New Year's resolutions to
break before February. |
