BOOKS THREAD

It sucked

 

Danke. I appreciate the tip, miler. Tis finally cold enough here in the south to curb my desire for outdoor activity. I'd love to start with his autobiography.

 

Maybe this book has been discusses previously, but I bought A.J. Jacobs' book The Know It All today and barely into it, i'm already laughing my ass off. This is one of the true comedies i've read that has actually worked. Jacobs bought the Encyclopedia Brittanica and read every single page and entry. It's a really, really funny book so far and i would suggest it to anyone.

 

Just finished Jonathan Tropper's "The book of Joe", don't know if it's been discussed or mentioned on here at some point. I absoutely loved the book, hystrerical writing and dialogue, a witty and sincere book.

 

Muy Fuerte J-

I've been reading Know It All and have been really enjoying it. It's a good read for those who don't have much time on their hands. With the A-Z format you can pick it up and put it down without losing much each time.

 

I actually picked up "Know It All" when it first came out and read the first third and enjoyed it, but for some reason, I got distracted and moved on to something else. It was informative and interesting, but also got the feeling that A.J. Jacobs wasn't quite as funny as he thinks he is. I was rooting for he and wife to have a kid though. Perhaps I'll pick it up again.

 

I_S, I agree with the format. It's made it a lot easier to pick and put down and still enjoy. As for DD's thought that Jacobs thinks he's funnier than he is, I can buy that. I have enjoyed it thoroughly so far so I don't mind if he's not as funny as he thinks he is.

I do know that his next book has something to do with the bible. Should be funny.

 

I haven't finished it yet, but I have enjoyed it so far.

I've never read an encyclopedia from cover to cover, but I have read a ton of books where I learned something and wanted to show off the new knowledge. Like Jacobs, I seldom impressed anyone with it.

 

Joe Queenan killed Jacobs' book in a NYT review his typical way. A few weeks later, Jacobs got to respond.

Hopefully, those links work for everyone. It was quite comical.

 

Queenan, quite simply -- and I know I'm slouching to the lowest common denominator here, but so be it -- is a douche bag.

 

Loved Jacobs' book. I LOLed!

 

I'm halfway through Al Franken's new book. It doesn't have the attack-dog mentality of "Lies!" It's got more heft in the arguments, really breaking down the 2004 election and the Roveian tactics behind Bush's win. I'm always impressed with how Franken packages his material -- the chapters have flow, the information isn't overwhelming, and he takes time to make a throwaway joke when he needs to. It's what makes his books a more entertaining read than Michael Moore's.

I'll go back to my Greenpeace meeting now...