For a Chuckle, Check Us Out in ALS

Most patrons know that if you want criticism on the literature of Edgar Allan Poe or Mark Twain, you’ll find what you need to write your paper in the Arts, Literature, and Sports Department. If you have a question about any sport from baseball to tennis or just want to get a biography on Derek Jeter, then ALS has what you’re looking for. We can also help you with details about the works and lives of artists, from Renoir to Rembrandt. But, what if you need a pick-me up or just a good chuckle? Again, ALS is your destination. We have a wide variety of publications to make you smile.

The humor literature in our department includes a wide variety of “guaranteed to make you chuckle” books from Dave Barry to Garfield. The following are a few new ones that you might like to try:

I Hate Everyone Starting with Me by Joan Rivers - Her philosophy is “Do unto others before they do unto you—and for God’s sake, do it funny!” After all, she’s an international star who can sneer in eight languages.

Dating the Undead: Loving the Immortal Man by Gena Showalter and Jill Monroe - This is a parody of a magazine for all those who are interested in dating a paranormal or are currently involved in a relationship with one and need to have their questions answered. It’s so cleverly written, you may find yourself thinking how good it would be to date a vampire, werewolf, or dragon.

P.S. I Still Hate It Here: More Kids’ Letters from Camp edited by Diane Falanga - These letters are printed in their original form and will bring a smile to the face of any parent who has ever sent a kid to camp believing he would have a wonderful experience and for any child who has willingly or unwillingly gone to camp.

I’ll Mature When I’m Dead: Dave Barry’s Amazing Tales of Adulthood by Dave Barry - This book includes eighteen stories of what it means to be an adult such as “The Elephant and the Dandelion (In Defense of Man)” and “If You Will Just Shut Up, I Can Explain (A Man Answers Questions from Women).”

Suburgatory: Twisted Tales from Darkest Suburbia by Linda Keenan - As outrageous as the stories are, readers in the ‘burbs say there’s a kernel of truth in each one. The book has been enjoyed by both moms and dads. Sex and language may rule it out for the grandparent set. As one reader put it, “each little chapter is like a cocaine-laced Dorito”. She realized when she looked up from her reading that she was laughing so loudly everyone in the restaurant had turned to stare at her.

Fat is the New 30: The Sweet Potato Queens' Guide to Coping with (the crappy parts of) Life by Jill Conner Browne - If you’re on a humor quest, this book is right on target. This author is the sister, cousin, or best friend you need to get through the more challenging aspects of life as a woman. She pokes fun at the ironies of everyday living and the stupid stuff we do every day.

Jeneration X: One Reluctant Adult’s Attempt to Unarrest Her Arrested Development; Or, Why It’s Never Too Late for Her Dumb Ass to Learn Why Froot Loops Are Not for Dinner by Jen Lancaster - For readers of her previous books, this is classic Jen. She does and says the things we’re thinking but wouldn’t do. She makes it OK to be a bit “off’. Be warned. If you are drinking anything while reading, you may end up spurting it all out. She’s that funny.

I Remember Nothing: and Other Reflections by Nora Ephron - Although the author is no longer with us, this book is considered to be some of the best writing she had done in a long time. As one reader said, “I’ll read it again, not only because I loved it, but because I can’t remember much of what I read the first time.”

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling - The actress who plays Kelly Kapoor on The Office has written a book that is irresistibly funny and charming. If you enjoyed Tina Fey’s Bossypants and Chelsea Handler’s books, you’ll be heard laughing out loud at this one.

This has been a quick look at the books “to make you smile” in the ALS Department. We have more. Come visit, and check out a few. You know the saying—"laughter is the best medicine”—and ALS would love to fill your prescription.

Mary Branch
Arts, Literature, and Sports
Central Library