I picked up Getting In off of my library's shelves. It sounded like a fun read and something I could somewhat relate to since I am in the educational field. It was a good read, even if it was a bit dry at times, and I give it a B.
From Amazon:
Q: What does a parent need to survive the college application process?
A. A sense of humor.B. A therapist on 24-hour call.C. A large bank balance.D. All of the above.
Getting In is the roller-coaster story of five very different Los Angeles families united by a single obsession: acceptance at a top college, preferably one that makes their friends and neighbors green with envy. At an elite private school and a nearby public school, families devote themselves to getting their seniors into the perfect school--even if the odds are stacked against them, even if they can't afford the $50,000 annual price tag, even if the effort requires a level of deceit, and even if the object of all this attention wants to go somewhere else.
Getting In is a delightfully smart comedy of class and entitlement, of love and ambition, set in a world where a fat envelope from a top school matters more than anything . . . almost.
This was a good read, and I think both adults and teenagers would enjoy the book. Anyone who has had to deal with the pressures of the SATs or college applications I am sure could relate to the book. There was a lot of dry, dark humor but sometimes that's my favorite type! I also love to read about the "elite" private schools and the rich to see how the other half lives, so this book was right up my alley. You have to forgive me though, because I actually finished this book quite awhile ago and am having trouble remembering things I wanted to say. Oh well... that's life!
Showing posts with label humor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label humor. Show all posts
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Saturday, August 14, 2010
72. Sh*t My Dad Says by Justin Halpern
I first heard about Justin Halpern while watching Chelsea Lately a few weeks ago. I learned that there is going to be a new television sitcom to be released this fall based on this book as well. I had to check it out and finally picked it up from my library. It was a funny, cute read and I give it a B+.
From Amazon:
After being dumped by his longtime girlfriend, twenty-eight-year-old Justin Halpern found himself living at home with his seventy-three-year-old dad. Sam Halpern, who is "like Socrates, but angrier, and with worse hair," has never minced words, and when Justin moved back home, he began to record all the ridiculous things his dad said to him:
"That woman was sexy. . . . Out of your league? Son, let women figure out why they won't screw you. Don't do it for them."
"Do people your age know how to comb their hair? It looks like two squirrels crawled on their heads and started fucking."
"The worst thing you can be is a liar. . . . Okay, fine, yes, the worst thing you can be is a Nazi, but then number two is liar. Nazi one, liar two."
More than a million people now follow Mr. Halpern's philosophical musings on Twitter, and in this book, his son weaves a brilliantly funny, touching coming-of-age memoir around the best of his quotes. An all-American story that unfolds on the Little League field, in Denny's, during excruciating family road trips, and, most frequently, in the Halperns' kitchen over bowls of Grape-Nuts, Sh*t My Dad Says is a chaotic, hilarious, true portrait of a father-son relationship from a major new comic voice.
While often quite funny, this book was touching as well. I found myself laughing out loud and sharing quotes or stories from the book with my hubby as I was reading. I finished this book in one sitting and it was an enjoyable way to spend the evening. It wasn't crude humor, either, which I enjoyed. If you are looking for a quick and fun read, I would recommend this book.
From Amazon:
After being dumped by his longtime girlfriend, twenty-eight-year-old Justin Halpern found himself living at home with his seventy-three-year-old dad. Sam Halpern, who is "like Socrates, but angrier, and with worse hair," has never minced words, and when Justin moved back home, he began to record all the ridiculous things his dad said to him:
"That woman was sexy. . . . Out of your league? Son, let women figure out why they won't screw you. Don't do it for them."
"Do people your age know how to comb their hair? It looks like two squirrels crawled on their heads and started fucking."
"The worst thing you can be is a liar. . . . Okay, fine, yes, the worst thing you can be is a Nazi, but then number two is liar. Nazi one, liar two."
More than a million people now follow Mr. Halpern's philosophical musings on Twitter, and in this book, his son weaves a brilliantly funny, touching coming-of-age memoir around the best of his quotes. An all-American story that unfolds on the Little League field, in Denny's, during excruciating family road trips, and, most frequently, in the Halperns' kitchen over bowls of Grape-Nuts, Sh*t My Dad Says is a chaotic, hilarious, true portrait of a father-son relationship from a major new comic voice.
While often quite funny, this book was touching as well. I found myself laughing out loud and sharing quotes or stories from the book with my hubby as I was reading. I finished this book in one sitting and it was an enjoyable way to spend the evening. It wasn't crude humor, either, which I enjoyed. If you are looking for a quick and fun read, I would recommend this book.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
54. The Punch: A Novel by Noah Hawley
I grabbed The Punch from my local library off of the new release shelf. It seemed funny and something different, but perhaps the timing was off a bit. I give it a B-.
From Amazon:
David believes that at heart, people are inherently rotten. Scott, his brother, believes that his life is going to fall apart, and that everyone he loves will leave him. Doris, their mother, believes that she has nothing to lose by revealing a 60-year-old family secret. This hysterically biting and ultimately redeeming novel by Noah Hawley proves them all right and wrong while answering some of life's biggest questions. Like, how did Scott end up with two wonderful wives simultaneously? And why can't David manage to keep even one dysfunctional relationship going? It all comes down to love and families and what you believe in and, maybe, forgiveness.
As I mentioned above, maybe the timing was off with me because the death of my grandma was so fresh and recent. But because of that, I could also see how several of the reactions and thoughts were quite real. My family (aunts and the like) can be quite out there sometimes and hard to handle and that came across in this book. There was some humor involved and it was that dry humor that I love so much. While I probably won't read anything else by Mr. Hawley (at least I won't seek anything out), I wasn't disappointed with this book. It just probably won't stay with me for long.
From Amazon:
David believes that at heart, people are inherently rotten. Scott, his brother, believes that his life is going to fall apart, and that everyone he loves will leave him. Doris, their mother, believes that she has nothing to lose by revealing a 60-year-old family secret. This hysterically biting and ultimately redeeming novel by Noah Hawley proves them all right and wrong while answering some of life's biggest questions. Like, how did Scott end up with two wonderful wives simultaneously? And why can't David manage to keep even one dysfunctional relationship going? It all comes down to love and families and what you believe in and, maybe, forgiveness.
As I mentioned above, maybe the timing was off with me because the death of my grandma was so fresh and recent. But because of that, I could also see how several of the reactions and thoughts were quite real. My family (aunts and the like) can be quite out there sometimes and hard to handle and that came across in this book. There was some humor involved and it was that dry humor that I love so much. While I probably won't read anything else by Mr. Hawley (at least I won't seek anything out), I wasn't disappointed with this book. It just probably won't stay with me for long.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
28. We're Just Like You, Only Prettier by Celia Rivenbark
This book was an impulse grab last time I browsed at the library. I was in the mood for something short and sweet and this book fit the bill. I give it an A-.
From Amazon:
Why couldn't the Sopranos survive living down South? Simple. You can't shoot a guy full of holes after eating chicken and pastry, spoon bread, okra, and tomatoes.What does a Southern woman consider grounds for divorce? When daddy takes the kids out in public dressed in their pajama tops and Tweety Bird swim socks. Again.What is the Southern woman's opinion of a new "fat virus" theory? Bring it on! We've got a lot of skinny friends we need to sneeze on. In this wickedly funny follow-up to her bestselling novel Bless Your Heart, Tramp, Celia Rivenbark welcomes you, once again, to the South she loves, the land of "Mama and them," "precious and dahlin'," and mommies who mow. Y'all come back now, you hear?
I thought this book should be geared towards moms more than Southerns/ While there were several references to the way things happen down south, I found a lot of the topics can be related to no matter where you live. There were several laugh out loud moments, and it was a nice break in between the heavy and dark suspense books I have been reading. I would recommend it if you are a mom (Unfortunely, I'm not... yet, but I still enjoyed it!) or are looking for a chuckle!
I have one more mini-review coming up that I hope to get today. Happy Reading everyone!
From Amazon:
Why couldn't the Sopranos survive living down South? Simple. You can't shoot a guy full of holes after eating chicken and pastry, spoon bread, okra, and tomatoes.What does a Southern woman consider grounds for divorce? When daddy takes the kids out in public dressed in their pajama tops and Tweety Bird swim socks. Again.What is the Southern woman's opinion of a new "fat virus" theory? Bring it on! We've got a lot of skinny friends we need to sneeze on. In this wickedly funny follow-up to her bestselling novel Bless Your Heart, Tramp, Celia Rivenbark welcomes you, once again, to the South she loves, the land of "Mama and them," "precious and dahlin'," and mommies who mow. Y'all come back now, you hear?
I thought this book should be geared towards moms more than Southerns/ While there were several references to the way things happen down south, I found a lot of the topics can be related to no matter where you live. There were several laugh out loud moments, and it was a nice break in between the heavy and dark suspense books I have been reading. I would recommend it if you are a mom (Unfortunely, I'm not... yet, but I still enjoyed it!) or are looking for a chuckle!
I have one more mini-review coming up that I hope to get today. Happy Reading everyone!
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Are You There Vodka, It's Me Chelsea by Chelsea Handler
I mentioned in my previous post for picking this book up to read and I was not disappointed. The perfect light, easy, comedic read that I finished quite quickly. I give it an A-.
From Amazon:
When Chelsea Handler needs to get a few things off her chest, she appeals to a higher power -- vodka. You would too if you found out that your boyfriend was having an affair with a Peekapoo or if you had to pretend to be honeymooning with your father in order to upgrade to first class. Welcome to Chelsea's world -- a place where absurdity reigns supreme and a quick wit is the best line of defense.
In this hilarious, deliciously skewed collection, Chelsea mines her past for stories about her family, relationships, and career that are at once singular and ridiculous. Whether she's convincing her third-grade class that she has been tapped to play Goldie Hawn's daughter in the sequel to Private Benjamin, deciding to be more egalitarian by dating a redhead, or looking out for a foulmouthed, rum-swilling little person who looks just like her...only smaller, Chelsea has a knack for getting herself into the most outrageous situations. Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea showcases the candor and irresistible turns of phrase that have made her one of the freshest voices in comedy today.
Ms. Handler is very funny and her true voice clearly comes through in the book. The thing that I believe leads to the book being even funnier is the fact that Ms. Handler's stories are not outrageous and funny in a way that is unbelievable. If you ever watch her show, you can hear a lot of the same phrases and expressions that she uses on the show and in her book. The book contained about 14 different essays ranging from boyfriends to getting sucked into dog sitting for a friend when she doesn't even like dogs. At times the book may be offensive to some who do not like graphic language, but I still enjoyed it. I think I am going to check out her previous book.
Up next is The Year of Fog by Michelle Richmond. It is the last of my library books and I would love to be able to finish it by tomorrow so I can add it to November's count. I doubt I will have the time, however, because this evening my hubby and I have bowling and tomorrow I have lesson plans to do. However, I was able to get my cleaning and laundry done today so it may all work out. Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
When Chelsea Handler needs to get a few things off her chest, she appeals to a higher power -- vodka. You would too if you found out that your boyfriend was having an affair with a Peekapoo or if you had to pretend to be honeymooning with your father in order to upgrade to first class. Welcome to Chelsea's world -- a place where absurdity reigns supreme and a quick wit is the best line of defense.
In this hilarious, deliciously skewed collection, Chelsea mines her past for stories about her family, relationships, and career that are at once singular and ridiculous. Whether she's convincing her third-grade class that she has been tapped to play Goldie Hawn's daughter in the sequel to Private Benjamin, deciding to be more egalitarian by dating a redhead, or looking out for a foulmouthed, rum-swilling little person who looks just like her...only smaller, Chelsea has a knack for getting herself into the most outrageous situations. Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea showcases the candor and irresistible turns of phrase that have made her one of the freshest voices in comedy today.
Ms. Handler is very funny and her true voice clearly comes through in the book. The thing that I believe leads to the book being even funnier is the fact that Ms. Handler's stories are not outrageous and funny in a way that is unbelievable. If you ever watch her show, you can hear a lot of the same phrases and expressions that she uses on the show and in her book. The book contained about 14 different essays ranging from boyfriends to getting sucked into dog sitting for a friend when she doesn't even like dogs. At times the book may be offensive to some who do not like graphic language, but I still enjoyed it. I think I am going to check out her previous book.
Up next is The Year of Fog by Michelle Richmond. It is the last of my library books and I would love to be able to finish it by tomorrow so I can add it to November's count. I doubt I will have the time, however, because this evening my hubby and I have bowling and tomorrow I have lesson plans to do. However, I was able to get my cleaning and laundry done today so it may all work out. Happy Reading!
Sunday, November 16, 2008
The Stingray Shuffle by Tim Dorsey
I really enjoy Carl Hiassen's books, I read that Mr. Dorsey's books are often compared to his. I decided to get one awhile ago, and decided to pull this one from the shelves to read. Unfortunely, I was a bit disappointed with the book and can only give it a C.
From Amazon:
When serial-killing local Florida historian Serge A. Storms is off his meds, no one is safe -- not Russian hoods, Jamaican mobsters, spoiled frat boys, women's book clubs, drug dealers, bad Vegas-rejected local lounge acts -- especially when $5 million in cash in a bugged suitcase is still racing up and down the Eastern Seaboard. But in the oddball circus known as the Sunshine State, little things like astronomical body counts tend to get lost in the shuffle.
I just couldn't get into this book. I am not sure if it was me or the book itself. There were quite a few humorous parts where I had a big grin on my face, but there were so many little details and history thrown into the book that it was boring me. I had to force myself to pick the book up and read, and it shows. It took me over 5 days to read it, and while I was busy, if it was a good book this wouldn't have been a problem. I am not sure why I didn't just give up on it, but I kept reading and forced myself to finish it tonight. Ugh... I won't do that anymore. There are just too many books and not enough time. The book wasn't all bad... but I just couldn't get into it.
I have three library books to read now. Holds came in, so I am going to get in to them. I am not sure which one I will read first, but hopefully it will be something that grabs me. Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
When serial-killing local Florida historian Serge A. Storms is off his meds, no one is safe -- not Russian hoods, Jamaican mobsters, spoiled frat boys, women's book clubs, drug dealers, bad Vegas-rejected local lounge acts -- especially when $5 million in cash in a bugged suitcase is still racing up and down the Eastern Seaboard. But in the oddball circus known as the Sunshine State, little things like astronomical body counts tend to get lost in the shuffle.
I just couldn't get into this book. I am not sure if it was me or the book itself. There were quite a few humorous parts where I had a big grin on my face, but there were so many little details and history thrown into the book that it was boring me. I had to force myself to pick the book up and read, and it shows. It took me over 5 days to read it, and while I was busy, if it was a good book this wouldn't have been a problem. I am not sure why I didn't just give up on it, but I kept reading and forced myself to finish it tonight. Ugh... I won't do that anymore. There are just too many books and not enough time. The book wasn't all bad... but I just couldn't get into it.
I have three library books to read now. Holds came in, so I am going to get in to them. I am not sure which one I will read first, but hopefully it will be something that grabs me. Happy Reading!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Slightly Suburban by Wendy Markham
I fell in love with Tracey and her crazy antics with the first book, Slightly Single, over four years ago. I remember laughing out loud and even discussed part of the book with the author about how wonderful and crazy the characters were. While I still do enjoy the books, the humor has toned down and there are fewer crazy antics. However, I felt that Slightly Suburban was heartwarming and I give it a B.
From Amazon:
It seemed exciting at first, but after two and a half years in New York, Tracey has to admit her life…well, sucks. Sure, she makes a decent living as a copywriter, but Blaire Barnett Advertising is a cutthroat world that basically swallows her life. If she does manage to get home before nine, she's usually greeted by husband Jack's best bud, an almost—permanent fixture in their tiny, unaffordable apartment. Add the circus freaks stomping around upstairs, and Tracey decides it's time to move.
After quitting her job, she and Jack take the plunge into the nearby suburbs of Westchester and quickly discover they're in way over their heads. Their fixer-upper is unfixable, the stay-at-home yoga moms are a bore and Tracey yearns for her old friends—she even misses work!
So which life does she really want? Other than Jack's wife, who is she? If Tracey merely has to find her own Slightly Suburban niche, it had better be just around the corner, because there're no subways here!
The book was fairly predictiable, but it was an easy read and perfect for those five minute intervals I had to sneak a bit in. This product description is wrong, however, because Tracey does not quit her job and this plays a part in the story. I think the biggest difference between this book and the previous ones is that Tracey has grown up quite a bit and the focus is more on her and not her and her friends. Her friends were a great sense of humor, and I think that played out a bit of my not total love for the book. However, I am not disappointed and am glad that I read the book.
Up next is Say Goodbye by Lisa Gardner. I always enjoy her books and am kind of in the mood for a creepy thriller. It is raining and the weather has turned a bit chilly. Fall is definitely here and I have been feeling a bit down and I am sure it is directly related to the weather. I hate the change of the seasons and have struggled with depression for the past year and a half. I know my moods fluctuate due to the colder weather, staying inside and the less time of sunlight. I feel a bit hopeless and helpless as I look towards the long cold winters Detroit always has and it really gets me down. I really need to move south where I can get warmer weather year round. Well, I don't mean to get everyone else down, so I will say goodnight and get to reading. Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
It seemed exciting at first, but after two and a half years in New York, Tracey has to admit her life…well, sucks. Sure, she makes a decent living as a copywriter, but Blaire Barnett Advertising is a cutthroat world that basically swallows her life. If she does manage to get home before nine, she's usually greeted by husband Jack's best bud, an almost—permanent fixture in their tiny, unaffordable apartment. Add the circus freaks stomping around upstairs, and Tracey decides it's time to move.
After quitting her job, she and Jack take the plunge into the nearby suburbs of Westchester and quickly discover they're in way over their heads. Their fixer-upper is unfixable, the stay-at-home yoga moms are a bore and Tracey yearns for her old friends—she even misses work!
So which life does she really want? Other than Jack's wife, who is she? If Tracey merely has to find her own Slightly Suburban niche, it had better be just around the corner, because there're no subways here!
The book was fairly predictiable, but it was an easy read and perfect for those five minute intervals I had to sneak a bit in. This product description is wrong, however, because Tracey does not quit her job and this plays a part in the story. I think the biggest difference between this book and the previous ones is that Tracey has grown up quite a bit and the focus is more on her and not her and her friends. Her friends were a great sense of humor, and I think that played out a bit of my not total love for the book. However, I am not disappointed and am glad that I read the book.
Up next is Say Goodbye by Lisa Gardner. I always enjoy her books and am kind of in the mood for a creepy thriller. It is raining and the weather has turned a bit chilly. Fall is definitely here and I have been feeling a bit down and I am sure it is directly related to the weather. I hate the change of the seasons and have struggled with depression for the past year and a half. I know my moods fluctuate due to the colder weather, staying inside and the less time of sunlight. I feel a bit hopeless and helpless as I look towards the long cold winters Detroit always has and it really gets me down. I really need to move south where I can get warmer weather year round. Well, I don't mean to get everyone else down, so I will say goodnight and get to reading. Happy Reading!
Friday, March 16, 2007
Plum Lovin' by Janet Evanovich
Well like I stated before, Plum Lovin' finally came in for me from the library. I almost broke down and bought it, but now I am soooo happy I didn't. While I really love Stephanie, Lula, and Grandma Mazur, this one was somewhat of a disappointment. 3 out of 5 stars.
Mysterious men have a way of showing up in Stephanie Plum's apartment. When the shadowy Diesel appears, he has a task for Stephanie- and he's not taking no for an answer. Annie Hart is a "relationship expert" who is wanted for armed robbery and assult with a deadly weapon. Stephanie needs to find her, fast. Diesel knows where she is. So they make a deal: He'll help her get Annie if Stephanie plays matchmaker to several of Annie's most difficult clients. But someone wants to find Annie even more than Diesel and Stephanie. Someone with a nasty temper. And someone with "unmentionable" skills. Does Diesel know more than he's saying about Annie Hart? Does Diesel have secrets he's keeping from Stephanie and the two men in her life- Ranger and Morelli? With Stephanie over her head, things are sure to get a little dicey and a little explosive, Jersey style!
I really love Evanovich's writing style and have always enjoyed the Plum books since I got the first one five years ago from a former coworker. I think they are funny and always bring a smile to my face as well as a few laugh out loud moments. This book had some funny aspects, but I hated that Evanovich might have brought in another possible love interest for Stephanie. Plus, since it was so short, there was so little of Grandma Mazur (NO FUNERAL SCENES!?!) and Lula I felt cheated. Plus this book was so short, and I finished it while I was subbing today. I probably spent an hour reading it. I almost wish Evanovich would have just thrown this story in with her next book coming out this summer or made this one longer. I know she would have lost money, but come on! $16.95 for 164 pages with big print! That is a ripoff! But all in all, it was a nice fun read and I know I will be reading the next one. The past few years I have stopped by hardcovers, and so I know I will have to wait awhile to read it, though I am already on the library list for my county.
Up next is Most Likely to Die by Lisa Jackson, Beverly Barton, and Wendy Corsi Staub. I absolutely LOVE Staub's books (and also those written under Wendy Markham) so I want to get through this one this weekend. We will see. I have to work tomorrow and then we have a St. Patrick's Day party to attend. Sunday will be getting through some homework for school, so hopefully I will be able to get a good amount read tonight!
Have a safe weekend and happy reading!
Mysterious men have a way of showing up in Stephanie Plum's apartment. When the shadowy Diesel appears, he has a task for Stephanie- and he's not taking no for an answer. Annie Hart is a "relationship expert" who is wanted for armed robbery and assult with a deadly weapon. Stephanie needs to find her, fast. Diesel knows where she is. So they make a deal: He'll help her get Annie if Stephanie plays matchmaker to several of Annie's most difficult clients. But someone wants to find Annie even more than Diesel and Stephanie. Someone with a nasty temper. And someone with "unmentionable" skills. Does Diesel know more than he's saying about Annie Hart? Does Diesel have secrets he's keeping from Stephanie and the two men in her life- Ranger and Morelli? With Stephanie over her head, things are sure to get a little dicey and a little explosive, Jersey style!
I really love Evanovich's writing style and have always enjoyed the Plum books since I got the first one five years ago from a former coworker. I think they are funny and always bring a smile to my face as well as a few laugh out loud moments. This book had some funny aspects, but I hated that Evanovich might have brought in another possible love interest for Stephanie. Plus, since it was so short, there was so little of Grandma Mazur (NO FUNERAL SCENES!?!) and Lula I felt cheated. Plus this book was so short, and I finished it while I was subbing today. I probably spent an hour reading it. I almost wish Evanovich would have just thrown this story in with her next book coming out this summer or made this one longer. I know she would have lost money, but come on! $16.95 for 164 pages with big print! That is a ripoff! But all in all, it was a nice fun read and I know I will be reading the next one. The past few years I have stopped by hardcovers, and so I know I will have to wait awhile to read it, though I am already on the library list for my county.
Up next is Most Likely to Die by Lisa Jackson, Beverly Barton, and Wendy Corsi Staub. I absolutely LOVE Staub's books (and also those written under Wendy Markham) so I want to get through this one this weekend. We will see. I have to work tomorrow and then we have a St. Patrick's Day party to attend. Sunday will be getting through some homework for school, so hopefully I will be able to get a good amount read tonight!
Have a safe weekend and happy reading!
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