Since it’s the Holiday Season I thought it appropriate that I finally finish reading, and then review for you, a book titled: “The Worst Noel: Hellish Holiday Tales”.

This book was given to me as a Christmas present by my sister Sooze a couple of years ago.  Because the title contains the words “Holiday Tales” I have tried to read this book at Holiday times only.  But, as we all know, the Holidays can be the busiest time of the entire year, with not a lot of spare time left over to read books.  And that’s why it has taken me a few years to get through this one.  At least that’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it. 

This book is a collection of short stories.  I feel it is only fair to tell you up front that some of these stories are written by authors who, for religious reasons, do not habitually celebrate Christmas.  And some of these stories are written by authors who, despite their religious beliefs, have decided to celebrate Christmas, sometimes with troubling results.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed finishing this book.  I feel bad for folks who are having a bad time at the Holidays, but, on the other hand, I took some joy that it was not I who was experiencing  a “Worst Noel”.  Schadenfreude, I believe it’s called.

So I recommend this book to you.  It was published in 2005 by HarperCollins.  Like I said, it was a present, so I don’t know where you might find it.  But I’m sure you will find it. 

Merry Christmas.

 

 

One of my favorite Web sites is Ted.com (Technology • Entertainment • Design = TED) where some of the world's greatest thinkers and doers present their stories and ideas.  TED is embarking on a new experiment and hopes that someone like you, dear reader, may help them. 

Here's how: First become acquainted with TED.  New programs are available on a regular basis on this Web site.  I first became acquainted with TED through a link at ExposeKenosha.com which directed me to a marvelous talk by symphony conductor Benjamin Zander .  I later read his book, The Art of Possibility, which he co-authored with his wife, Rosamund, and am currently immersed in Mahler's 9th Symphony, conducted by Zander.  Zander is one of many creative thinkers who populate TED to share their wisdom and humor with you. 

Next, consider holding a salon or book club around TED content.  You could hold this activity in your home, at dinner parties, brown bag luncheons, or at the Kenosha Media Center, where you could screen TED videos on the Center's giant screen.  You could invite your friends and fellow Kenoshans to join you.  Your friends at Kenosha Community Media could help you put this type of activity together.    Anyone interested?

Today we’re taking a look at a book titled “Not So Funny When It Happened - The Best Of Travel Humor And Misadventure”, edited by Tim Cahill.

I was in the mood for some travel adventure, but for a number of reasons I wasn’t able to actually go anywhere.  So I decided to read this compilation of short travel stories by writers including Bill Bryson, Randy Wayne White, Dave Barry, Adair Lara and many others.  I was not disappointed. 

The editor, Tim Cahill, is himself the author of some of my favorite works including “Road Fever”, “Pecked To Death By Ducks”, “Pass The Butterworms”, “A Wolverine Is Eating My Leg”, and “Jaguars Ripped My Flesh”.  I felt I could trust his taste in humorous writing.

The stories involve travels to all corners of the world.  There are numerous one or two sentence sidebars and one or two paragraph afterthoughts interspersed throughout the book. 

I found myself shaking my head, snickering and laughing at times, so, based upon that criterion, I recommend this book highly.

I found many favorite quotes to share with you from this book, but I couldn’t bring myself to rob you of the pleasure of stumbling upon them yourself.  Sorry.