Quirky , funny & heart-bending
926516
Ok, I don't know if that's a thing, heart-bending, but this book makes me feel like it.  The author seems to get the workings of an innocent, teenage girl's mind facing regular teen issues as well as those dealing with building a relationship with a "special" boy.  I love Lilly because she comes across as extraordinary and mature in her understanding of a boy who is different from herself & other friends, as well as her empathy for his mom.  It's a simply written book that goes quickly, is not filled with crazy angst or teenage sexcapades.  It's worth a read.
4619132
If you want a side-splitting read with a series of outrageous adventures through a creative twist, a happy ending, and a feeling of justice being served, MY RUSSIAN BRIDE is the book for you!

Who needs Odysseus, Beowulf or Aeneas when one can follow CURLY:  the modern day hero of this modern day epic wrapped within a real-life story where the author lets the scammers know who REALLY is in control as HE is literally doing the retributive SCAMming ARTISTically.  The reader gains the feeling of moral satisfaction in finding out Nadeau is the TRUE SCAM ARTIST, but only in good-natured self-defense.  His tale brings "Don't get mad, get even" to a new level.

Nadeau gives the scammers more than a taste of their own medicine in good fun with an edge as he creates his hero, Curly, who battles his way throughout his travels towards Siberia in the name of love.  In doing so, Nadeau spins a world for Curly that contains a sequence of zany escapades and characters including amusing treats for the reader such as references to pop-culture, history, and word play.

The included photographs are priceless with uproarious captions! They lend outlandish visuals to the plot for the reader.

I especially appreciate that this book can be read in short bursts if necessary.  Finding that I did not want to put the book down, in real life, I often had to.  This book lends itself to be easily picked up again without getting lost.

What's amazing is that the author uses nuances throughout the book that elevate it to more than just a recreational read.  There are threads that weave throughout both the fictitious and non-fiction elements that make the book come around full-circle.

If you think you'll enjoy a hilarious book written with a creative & unconventional twist in story-telling and includes ingredients of action, love, adventure, courage, silliness, bawdiness, mystery, longing, suspense, sadness, sexiness, sympathy, titillation, virtue, AND you believe in ethics & the goodness of humanity, YOU'LL LOVE THIS BOOK!!!
2699207
This book made me love my dear girlfriends even more than I thought possible! I'm not much of a chick lit reader but this sassy novel was heart-felt, poignant and real. How often have we felt completely alone and lost...like there was no reason to go on? In the main character of Sunny, I found the true voice of a twenty-something girl, lost in her own life and searching for anything or anybody to connect to. Eryn Scott's self-deprecating voice shines through in this funny, quirky novel.  If you have ever felt like an outsider...somebody who is searching for their own tribe...then you will find yourself laughing and crying along with these lovely characters. So glad that I met Sunny.
4837209
I absolutely loved "This Is Where I Leave You" by Jonathan Tropper. Although this was my first book by this author, it definitely won't be my last.

As you have probably read from the plot synopsis, the novel is about a family, whose dad has just died, and they are sitting shiva with their mother for 7 days. The book does a great job of portraying real-life family interactions/ dynamics/ relationships - almost painfully well.

The action during the 7 days is downright laugh-out-loud funny, which is hard to do consistently, but this book succeeds. It is, however, not for the easily offended. So be warned if you have a straight-and-narrow sense of humor. It's definitely a little bit twisted in terms of the comedy.

On the inside jacket of the book, it says the author is working on turning this into a movie. I could definitely see it being a quirky, dark comedy like Royal Tennenbaums (only much funnier).

Fans of Augusten Burroughs would love "This Is Where I Leave You". I breezed through this book. It flows very smoothly, with no real dull, slow parts. Definitely recommended.
2195929
A Review of Shit Ain't Perfect by Evan Bollinger

It's hard to describe this book. It's fantastically perverted, demonstratively hilarious, and a casually demented look inside the mind of a young collegian with a sharp wit and too much time on his hands. It's rare when I laugh out loud at something -- be it books, movies, or comedians (Louis CK SUCKS by the way) - but this book made my sides hurt.  Every chapter touches on a different observation or topic and they're all funny as...you know what.

Get this book and read it immediately. FIVE STARS.
3702647
From literally the first few pages, I was hooked. Owen's writing style is witty and unexpected and drew me right in. The story itself is strange and quirky but underneath the eccentricity lie some very compelling theological and philosophical questions. It also resonates quite strongly with any middle-aged American man living in the suburbs. It definitely follows in a Don DeLillo tradition and also reminded me of Christopher Moore. If you're easily offended, you may not make it far. But if you love literature that wraps insight in a disregard for standard moral assumptions and a healthy does of dark humor, this is a great book for you.
1600646
Much laughter can be found in the second book of The Wedding Belles series. Humorous comments and comical situations caused lots of loud chuckles, and some of the more inventive phrases certainly made the incidents even more amusing to me. Yet scattered amongst all the good times is an underlying reminder of what can happen in real life, and how one event can greatly affect a person from that day onward. Lauren Layne tackles an emotional issue, and the resulting love story is truly rewarding. FOR BETTER OR WORSE entertains with particularly appealing characters plus an enchanting premise.

Although Heather Fowler grew up in Michigan, she had a huge desire to one day live in New York City. It has not always been the easiest of journeys, but all her hard work appears it might be about to pay off. Hopefully, she will be the newest wedding planner at Wedding Belles, where arranging details for this special occasion is renowned. When Heather gets the opportunity to prove she is actually worthy of receiving the position, she will let nothing stop her from being an outstanding planner. But doing her best is not always without challenges, especially when the man in a nearby apartment likes practicing with his band at night, thus keeping her from getting much needed rest after running about Manhattan carrying out the wishes of a demanding bride.

A life-altering illness caused Josh Tanner to become a much different person. Gone are the days of working in the financial district, as his time is now devoted to his band and just enjoying an active social life. When he first meets the woman who moved in next door, Heather comes across as snappy and lacks a sense of humor. Since Josh is feeling kind of restless at the moment, her quick-witted banter brings some joy into his life. Though he is insistent about not ever settling down with one woman, Heather starts wondering if there is any way to change his firm conviction.

By the time FOR BETTER OR WORSE was completed, I felt as though I had been subjected to a multitude of emotions. From all the laughing I did, Lauren Layne definitely wrote plenty of hilarious episodes for her characters to experience. While Heather had her own sharp mind and could reply with some original retorts, it is several of the very unique quips made by Josh that I will long remember. He could make up such clever remarks in an instant, and each one was perfect for that moment. But there is also much heartbreak in his past, and how he lets it influence his current reactions is very realistic. Anyone ever touched in some way by cancer knows what an impact it can have on so many lives, and the author excellently handles all aspects dealing with this illness.

Since Heather had been met in the previous books of the series, I already knew what a delightful person she was at all times. In FOR BETTER OR WORSE, I really got some insight into her winning personality. She tries to make the best of any situation that comes along, and I liked her positive attitude. As for Josh, he seems to be a care-free individual, yet hides his worrisome side from everyone. These two make a fabulous couple, and their passionate natures lead to steamy and very enthusiastic sex. Many secondary characters are once again likable from beginning to end. FOR BETTER OR WORSE causes an abundance of grins along with some heartfelt compassion, and possibly a few tears.

Copy received from publisher for Always Reviewing blog - 4.5 Stars
4149150
Touching and funny - you'll find yourself laughing out loud, so be careful where you are reading it - I read on my commute - public tranport - have gotten some strange looks...  but I still keep reading and laughing.  Find yourself loving every character for their big hearts and even their flaws.
1449066
A Butterfly in Philadelphia is a rollicking good read!  Bruce Hartman has created a large cast of eccentric and hilarious characters in this comic novel, ranging from an obese mattress tester to a tragicomic parrot, but the two narrators capture our hearts.  Spencer, a 20 year old hip hop fan who works in a puzzle factory, and Lindsay, a depressed 15-year old from the suburbs, struggle to grow up, despite the obsessed and self-absorbed adults around them.  Their distinctive voices guide us through the zany plot twists and satirical asides that make for laugh-out-loud reading.  Hartman includes many of the literary and philosophical references we've come to expect, but he's drawn his most interesting and engaging characters yet in this novel.  A fun read with a big heart!
471753
Einar and Trixie are unusual and odd. The kind of odd that leads to head scratching and staring, mouth agape, but also the kind of odd that leaves a person transfixed.  This is a comedic look, albeit darkly comedic, at a microcosmic society that, with little effort, translates to modern society.  I laughed out loud at the absurd characters, but alternately, was saddened by the way we treat the odd ones of our world.  Don't misunderstand, The Rise of the Einix is NOT a preachy book, kind of hard to be preachy with transgendered puppet masters (literally), but it is well worth the read.  Enjoy!

Ms. Miller will there be more? Please! Please! Please!
859338
From the first sentence, I knew I was not going to be able to put this book down. If it were up to me, it would be on The New York Times Bestseller list today! It truly is fall-off-the-bed funny & will make you laugh out loud, literally!
Every character is someone we've all crossed paths with at one point or another and as quirky & crazy as these characters are, they bring a sense of adventure & fun to our otherwise boring lives. Johnny Allina's wit & comedic genius will leave you wanting more. Seriously, one of the most enjoyable books I've ever had the pleasure to read! I give it 10 stars!
1262812
Heaping Spoonful, a first novel by magazine columnist and blog queen Shauna Glenn, is surprisingly funny despite its dark premise.

The story opens with the main character, Claire Hamilton, who has lost her husband to cancer, struggling emotionally in her role as a 30-something widow with two kids and a small business.  Her rage erupts in the first scene as she flings a rock into the window of a car that came too close while she jogged.  The humor catches up when the driver of the car turns out too be her little sister's new boyfriend and Claire's ex-high-school principal father makes her pay for the window.

Glenn does an amazing job of putting the reader into Claire's roller coaster emotions.  The reader feels the boiling anger that keeps Claire from being able to move on in her life emotionally, but is also able to enjoy the often darkly humorous as well as the lovely moments along with Claire.  When Claire is scolded by her well-meaning father, the reader suddenly feels like a truant teenager right along with Claire.  When Claire's son sleeps in his father's closet on a pile of sweatshirts, the reader's heart aches with Claire.

Claire's mother, an only occasionally lucid woman with Alzheimer's, is touchingly depicted.  Her old-fashioned Southern charm comes through during her lucid moments, and her role in helping Claire on her emotional recovery are seamless.

Glenn's characters are very strong, fairly flawed and therefore, incredibly lovable.  In particular, Claire's sister, Lucy, is a gem.  Glenn's portrayal of the irreverent and irresponsible man-crazy but loving Lucy is wonderful.  The unshakable bond of sisters who support and yet still exasperate each other shines through their interactions.  Even less central characters leave a big impact.  Case in point, Mrs. Sugarman, the well-meaning elderly socialite who anonymously helps put Claire's bakery on the map and then plays cupid as well.  Similarly, Claire's restaurant manager, Ben, manages to creep stealthily into the reader's heart as his quiet strength and business skill joins with Lucy's enthusiasm to take Claire's neighborhood bakery to the next level.

As a mother, Claire's interactions with her young children as they too attempt to cope with the reality of their altered existence and their Mother's unhappiness makes the story all the more appealing to parents.  The reality of being left entirely alone in what one expected to be the partnership of parenting and having to start all over again is a hidden fear in many of us parents.  Glenn manages to avoid the clich of a moral and asexual widow and instead gives us a very real, desperately hurt and yet still sexual being who is trying to find her way.

Claire's attempts to break back into dating and sex are comically bungled, and leave her even more confused and emotionally troubled.  From torrid ill-planned sex with a completely inappropriate man to the perfectly planned but badly executed relationship with a near perfect man, Claire can't seem to get it right.  It is only when Claire finally gets what she thinks she really wants, that she realizes what she really needs.  The surprising twist at the end was quirky and unexpected, but it will leave the reader feeling almost giddy, albeit in a "...and they lived happily ever after" sort of way.

Each of the characters lend their own form of support to the seemingly fraying fabric of Claire's life.  As the story comes to a close, the underlying theme of the importance of friends and family is clear.  Any reader who has survived a dark or difficult patch will recognize that regardless of our individual strength, it is essential to have loved ones to prop us up, hold us close, and ultimately kick us in the pants when we most need it.

All in all, Heaping Spoonful is a moving and engaging story, full of honest, funny, and tender moments.  You will enjoy the ride.
4760090
"Fowl Weather" takes up the story line of fowl-obsessed Bob Tarte, his wife Linda, and their multitudinous non-human family, where "Enslaved by Ducks" left off.  Read the latter book first so that you can easily pick up the story of how the author coped with the death of his father and his mother's slow descent into Alzheimer's Disease, with the help of his wife, thirty-nine animals, a sock monkey, and an occasional blast of anti-depressants.

Bob Tarte is affected by anti-depressants like no one else on Earth, so it is just as well that he can turn to his ducks, geese, turkey, parrots, and Moobie his bulky white cat for comfort.  His wry, self-deprecating style (a uniquely American amalgamation of Samuel Clemens and Erma Bombeck) makes even the toughest philosophical quandaries easy to understand.  He engages our sympathy, even while making us smile, although "Fowl Weather" is not as laugh-out-loud funny as "Enslaved by Ducks."  How could it be when its overarching theme is death in all of its humiliating, squalid forms--a box of firecrackers where most of the squibs sputter, smoke, and go out without a burst of color or a satisfying bang.  Death by cancer or death by raccoon---all that can be gleaned from this book is that one is quicker than the other.  All cause sorrow, whether the death of a nameless bunny or the death of a father.  It is only a matter of degree.

The author writes about himself as though he were a clueless, lost-in-the-Seventies wimp.  In reality, he and his wife, Linda are a couple of intensely humane and interesting folks.  I'd rather read about them cleaning the chicken barn and tending to their starling nestlings than follow even the most bizarre `happenings' of Paris Hilton, who is essentially living in a one-creature universe.  To paraphrase Samuel Clemens, there is something about the outside of a duck that must be good for the inside of a man, even if the relationship sometimes involves a pushbroom.

I generally avoid books about death, Alzheimer's, and depression, but this author presents his tragic year with such grace and off-beat wackiness, I couldn't do anything else but chuckle and lighten up about my own daily skein of pratfalls and tragedies.

"Fowl Weather" might not make a good movie, but it could generate a great comic strip along the lines of "Maus" for Michigan.
3406269
"Fender Bender Blues" isn't exactly what I expected from a lighthearted romantic comedy. The characterization of both the hero and heroine delved deeper than the typical tale within the genre, bringing a surprising amount of angst to the table. Niecey Roy does an exceptional job of balancing both hilarity and the complexities of a genuine romantic relationship.

Rachel Bennett is a social worker on leave of absence due to a personal crisis that leaves her questioning her own judgment. She bounces from one menial job to another, and drags our hero along on a variety of side-splitting adventures, including waging yard wars with her grumpy neighbor.

Craig Larsen is a workaholic, a serious businessman who has lost touch with the human race and his sense of fun. Fortunately for him, Rachel helps him find it again. The sassy redhead turns his world upside down. Hero and heroine fight their way into love--often with absolutely hilarious results.

The story begins with her backing her vehicle from her driveway while applying lip gloss--a bad combination anyway you look at it. She is lucky enough to collide with the gorgeous Craig Larsen, and collide she does, in so many more ways than just the auto accident.

Now, reactions on Amazon reviews are heated and varied. Niecey Roy has really struck a chord with a lot of people. Reviewers seem to love Rachel or hate her. No in-between. As a former auto liability adjuster for a major insurance company, I can totally sympathize with the portion of the audience who would like to see her driver's license suspended. Negligent driving, especially when the at fault party blames the other driver, is a pet peeve of mine.

That said--Rachel has many great qualities. She is smart, adventuresome, and has a wicked sense of humor. Without her, Craig would be a stick in the mud, no doubt, stuck for eternity in his office behind a computer screen and a pile of paperwork. He needs her to pull him out of his funk.

Both of Niecey's characters are remarkably human, complex and complicated, with merits and flaws, capable of making wise and poor decisions. Yes, Rachel can be immature, but she also possesses an almost painful empathy for the children she helped professionally. There are specific moments within the story when Craig demonstrates an abominable lack of judgment, especially with regard to his psycho ex-girlfriend. There are moments when the reader is convinced that the man is one step away from finding a dead bunny on his stovetop. Yet he is too dense to see it.

"Fender Bender Blues" made me laugh so hard I couldn't keep my eyes open to read. The story has a fast-paced plot and the language is easy to follow, making for a quick read. The sex scenes are spicy, not too detailed, but well done. The characters have a great deal of depth and facets of personality, and together share definite charisma. With witty dialogue and unexpected plot twists, the reader is never left feeling bored. Definitely, a great read.
2769421
This certainly wasn't the most well-written book I've ever read and it had plenty of flaws, but the romance was sweet and the characters were earnest and realistic, each incredibly flawed, but aware of their own shortcomings as well of the limits of their companions (in, like, a forgiving, observant way as opposed to a critical way). Best of all, though, this book is funny. I'm talking laugh-out-loud, shocks-you-into-guffawing-in-a-public-place-so-you-have-to-quickly-close-your-kindle-to-stop-the-young-mother-sitting-beside-you-from-reading-the-page-you're-on funny. I have rarely, if ever, come across a book that made me sincerely, loudly laugh as hard as this book made me laugh. Most authors that go for this brand of humor end up with ludicrously stupid scenarios that try too hard to be funny and completely miss the mark in the process; Daryl Banner writes those scenes with comic precision, producing honestly funny scenes that capture those real-life moments when things go wrong in a realistically unbelievable way, horrifying and humoring all involved as they reel at the unfortunate improbability of all the myriad ways in which things went once-in-a-million, perfectly wrong, The humor builds and builds, keeping the laughs going for much longer than is strictly comfortable if you're within ear-shot of another human being. It's great. If you're looking for an earnest, pure, belly-up laugh that just makes you feel good and happy, this is probably the very best book I've ever read to fill that order. And, you also get a sweet, satisfying romance with a fun plot, great sex scenes, and lovable characters. It's got it's flaws, but this heartfelt book will make you feel good, body and soul, so give it a whirl - but maybe not in public. (Seriously, I got some pretty funny looks for my bellowing laughter on more than one occasion. Be warned.)
920044
Jill A. Davis somehow manages to write hysterically funny stories about the oddest people in a manner so smart and lucid that the reader is left chuckling with every page - while at the same time falling in love with the zany heroine of her latest book, Emily Rhode ('or Road' or 'Rowed' or even 'Rode', depending on the state of mind and at times acerbic patter of this marvelously created character).  This is a book that sparkles with witty prose, high and low humor, and surprisingly a sensitive degree of philosophy about the current condition of life we are all living.  The balance between funny and touching keeps the scales even, making the reader laugh at situations that in themselves are not at all funny - unless you have the perspective of Emily 'whatever'.

Emily is a trained lawyer whose career is put on hold with the sudden hyper-dramatic news of her mother Joanie's lump.  No, cancer isn't funny, but Joanie is such a wildly entertaining character that when Emily moves in to care for her, all goes slightly bizarre. We meet the father Jim who left the family when Emily was very young and for whom she has no concern, the spendthrift airhead sister Marjorie who treats the world like a shopping party, Rick the boyfriend of Emily to whom she cannot commit, Perry her gay therapeutic friend, and Paul her therapist whose sessions contain some of the most hilarious (and most insightful) moments in the book.  Divided into very short, titled 'chapters', Davis ably lets us get close to Emily by exploring her foibles and her perception of the world and her family by means of what could be stand-up comedy routines - until the sadness peaks through.  Marriage, therapy, death, fatal illnesses, fidelity, menial jobs for overeducated people, failed relationships - all are grist for Davis' keen mind and wit.

An example of Davis' writing:  'As she's lying there waiting for surgery, I imagine a cancerous Pac-Man - or Lady Pac-Man - running through her body eating up her healthy tissues, her life, expanding its mass and taking over.  Devouring the flesh that nurtured me, or longed to. I want to scream. And I'm mad that I'm of a generation that can best relate to parent's cancer to a video game.' And that is only a short tidbit of the superb writing by Jill A. Davis.  This is a smart book, exceedingly well written, and one of the most entertaining reads of the year! Now in paperback... Grady Harp, January 08
3158385
i loved this book.  loved it.  i felt like the book was made for me, i felt like it totally got me and my brain - and it made me want to live in new york. it made me laugh so hard that i had to put it down for a moment to recover.  it was quirky and sarcastic, brilliant and hilarious, silly and touching.  i loved the two main characters and their developing dynamic together.  i enjoyed the style, switching between first persons.  and i've never laughed so hard while reading a book.  the end.  buy it!  read it!  love it!  i demand it.