By Angie-Carlson Hurst
If the winter blahs STILL have you down, pick up one of these giggle-inspiring titles and laugh until you cry. And remember, it’s not mean if it’s true… but it might be even funnier!
All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten – Robert Fulghum
This is the alpha and omega of the hysterically honest. If you haven’t read it, the only acceptable penance is to do so immediately. Truly, we learned ALL we need to know in kindergarten. Who wouldn’t like to still take a nap in the afternoon? And don’t you miss cookies and milk after playtime?
Brain Droppings/Napalm and Silly Putty – George Carlin
Carlin is the undisputed master of blue humor. These two books contain some older material from his standup shows, but also observations, lists and short essays on various topics that haven’t been covered on the stage. Carlin’s delivery is one of the key elements, so I’m lifting my personal prohibition of books-on-tape to suggest the audiobook form as well. However, the Ministry of Censorship warns that the more puritanical reader may want to pass on these since, as is typical of Carlin, there is a LOT of profanity.
The Bad Girl’s Guide to Getting What You Want – Cameron Tuttl
The ladies will get a kick out of this instructional book on manipulating landlords, juggling boyfriends, and dieting. Guys will silently believe at least half of the “secrets.” This is a great read for small groups… if you can overcome the inevitable fits of laughter that will erupt every few pages or so.
Dilbert and the Way of the Weasel -Scott Adams
Learn “Weaselspeak,” the unofficial language of corporate America. In the chapter titled “Entertaining Yourself at Work,” indulge in the subtle nuances of criticizing coworkers, training classes, and the all-important “agreeing,” and all this in just four pages! Enjoy plenty of vintage “Dilbert” comics, too. Highly recommended for business majors.
You Can Be Anything! From A to Z – Sarah Montague
Random House puts it better than I ever could: “Amy is adopted. Her real parents didn’t want her, so they gave her away to go live with strangers. Are you a good girl? … Penned by the gene-spliced spawn of Charles Addams and Edward Gorey, this alphabetical anthology reveals the dark side of adulthood in twenty-six pitch-perfect, deadpan scenarios. It’s the perfect book for the genuinely jaded.”
Buy it. You’ll read it and love it (and use it to antagonize your friends) forever.
