Seriously... I'm Kidding

By Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen being Ellen... I discovered that even a book on tape is not as funny as listening to a standup routine.  A few funny moments, but I'm glad I borrowed this from the library for free.

Don't Know Much About Mythology: Everything You Need To Know About the Greatest Stories in Human History But Never Learned

By Kenneth C. Davis

General overview of creation and other myths in Asia, Africa, Europe, and Native America. Includes stories of the Trojan War, Buddha, Druids, Thor, Machu Picchu, etc.. It has to be read in small bites, otherwise the information is overwhelming. You also have to slog through the bad jokes and liberal viewpoint.

The Lottery and Other Stories

By Shirley Jackson

Originally written in 1948, The Lottery is a perfect example of post WWII paranoia.  No one trusts anyone, nor should they, as a town is gathered for their annual lottery.

The title story is terrific. The more I read of the rest of the stories, the more bored and/or disgusted I became.  I stopped reading about halfway through, so who knows what else I missed, but I was tired of wasting my time.

Love Is A Verb: Stories of What Happens When Love Comes Alive

By Gary Chapman

Short vignettes about how to treat others with love.  If you like Chicken Soup stories, you will like this book.  Unfortunately, I don't like Chicken Soup stories. Nuff said.

Politically Correct Holiday Stories: For An Enlightened Yuletide Season

By James Finn Garner

Garner tackles the need to correct traditions for modern times.  As usual, he pokes fun at the sanity of those who create a "offensive in-offending" holiday season.  Some stories were a bit heavy handed, but others shone. 

The book begins on a high note, with a correction of Twas the Night Before Christmas.  Santa meets a family that doesn't know how to enjoy anything -- no Santa, no presents, no treats, and the children try to "liberate" Santa's reindeer.  I laughed out loud at the last line, " Happy Christmas to all, but get over yourselves!"  The Christmas Carol parody drags a bit, but having Frosty the Persun of Snow march on Washington, and Rudolph forming a reindeer union were clever.

A Rare Benedictine: The Advent of Brother Cadfael

By Ellis Peters

A prequel for the Brother Cadfael series, these short stories explain a bit about how Cadfael went from a Crusader to a monk, along with solving a few mysteries and murders along the way.

I like the historical aspect of the Cadfael series.  They are an easy way to learn more about post-Crusade Britain and the feudal system.  Cadfael is also known for his herbal remedies, which is a good reason to always have him wandering where monks are usually scarce.

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)

By Mindy Kaling

A series of comic essays about Kaling's life, including growing up as the studious child of Indian-American professionals, through her stint as a writer/actor for the television series The Office.  She even included how to conduct her funeral.   I didn't expect too much, since the book is only 240 pages and she's in her early thirties.  Then, I was pleasantly surprised.  I could relate to a childhood of being the shy, awkward, embarrassment for her brother.  But I could laugh and learn about the joy of three girls living is a third floor walkup studio in NYC.  Good, light read... I wish she would have written a longer book.

Candy Cane Murder

by Joanne Fluke, Laura Levine, & Leslie Meier

Three stories involving the Christmas season & candy canes: Candy Cane Murder, The Dangers of Candy Canes, and Candy Canes of Christmas Past.  The first one featured a lying baker, the second a lying freelance writer, and the third a lying mother of a two year old.  I cannot believe anyone loved these stories; they were insipid, silly, and dull.  I kept waiting for anything exciting to happen, but it was the typical "I'm too fat, yet I stuff my face", " I want a real job, and I have a stupid name (Jaine Austen!)", and " I'm a big city girl trapped in a tiny podunk town".  Give me a break!  Plus, each one of them solved their mysteries almost instantly at the end.  I can't believe I read all three.  Thank goodness for 2 good cookie recipes, or I would be really mad at myself right now!

SuperFreakonomics

SuperFreakonomics: Global Cooling, Patriotic Prostitutes, and Why Suicide Bombers Should Buy Life Insurance by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner

This "Freakquel" to Freakonomics covers such topics as "Why are doctors so bad at washing their hands?", "How effective are car seats?", and "Can eating kangaroo meat help save the planet?"  While some topics are relevant, intelligent discussions of common misconceptions, others seem to be included solely for arguments.  The authors like to include at least one salacious topic, but don't seem to care about whether they make sense or show any real depth.