Apocalypse Wow [Hardcover]

James Finn Garner (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 24, 1997

As the year 2000 bears down, the best-selling author of "Politically Correct Bedtime Stories", James Finn Garner, confronts a series of monumental questions: Will we remember to order new checks from the bank? Did our invitation to the Kennedy New Year's party get lost in the mail again? Are we all poised on the brink of worldwide enlightenment or complete planetary destruction? Should you really bother investing in that Five-Year CD?

"Tonight", in the unforgettable words of The Artist Formerly Known as Prince, "We're gonna party like it's 1999". The end is near... or at least nearer than it used to be, says Garner. Humanity is wracked by millennial panic and apocalyptic anticipation-- or if it isn't already, just wait until it reads Garner's latest (and last?). In it, he sets off on a slightly-to-the-South-of-skeptical pilgrimage in search of the truth behind the end times predictions.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

With the millennium fast approaching and Armageddon just around the corner, one fundamental question lingers: how will it all come down? In search of an answer, James Finn Garner conducted an exhaustive and hilarious examination of nearly every source readily available for predicting the future, including boiled tea leaves, crystal balls, and severed donkey heads. With plenty of wit and tongue planted firmly in cheek, Garner seeks to uncover the universal truths behind crop circles, harmonic convergence, and channeling. Continuing the irreverent style he established with his bestselling Politically Correct Bedtime Stories, he has fun with conspiracy theorists and shysters alike, providing a fun read for those not busy stockpiling provisions.

From the Publisher

As the year 2000 bears down, the best-selling author of Politically Correct Bedtime Stories, James Finn Garner, confronts a series of monumental questions: Will we remember to order new checks from the bank? Did our invitation to the Kennedy New Year's party get lost in the mail again? Are we all poised on the brink of worldwide enlightenment or complete planetary destruction? Should you really bother investing in that Five-Year CD?

"Tonight," in the unforgettable words of The Artist Formerly Known as Prince, "We're gonna party like it's 1999." The end is near...or at least nearer than it used to be, says Garner. Humanity is wracked by millennial panic and apocalyptic anticipation -- or if it isn't already, just wait until it reads Garner's latest (and last?). In it, he sets off on a slightly-to-the-South-of-skeptical pilgrimage in search of the truth behind the end times predictions.END

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster (April 24, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0684836491
• ISBN-13: 978-0684836492
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,791,922 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

James Finn Garner's best known book is "Politically Correct Bedtime Stories", which spent 64 weeks on the New York Times Best-seller list, including six weeks in the top position. The book was also a best-seller in England and Canada, and has been translated into more than 25 languages. Its sequels, "Once Upon A More Enlightened Time" and "Politically Correct Holiday Stories", were also best sellers sold around the world.

His most recent book is the seminal Clown Noir, "Honk Honk, My Darling: A Rex Koko, Private Clown Mystery." His other books include "Recut Madness: Favorite Films Retold for Your Partisan Pleasure" and "Apocalypse WOW: A Memoir for the End of Time".

A former columnist with Chicago Magazine, Garner has broadcast commentaries on National Public Radio.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The End of the World is Nigh, January 6, 2000

By 

Andrew W Sloley - See all my reviews

This review is from: Apocalypse Wow (Hardcover)

A terrific send up of the end-of-the-world timers and prophets. Putting all the enlightement (new age) and biblical end-of-time predicitons in one spot just highlights how ridiculous the lot of them are. Nicely written with a great combination of 'Oh Gosh, isn't this wonderful' straight man approach and sly digs hidden (or not so hidden) throughout the text.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not with a bang, but a snicker., November 26, 2002

By 

David Group (Buffalo, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Apocalypse Wow! (Thorndike Core) (Hardcover)

Okay, so the millenium has passed, but there are still some who say that apocalyptic doom is just around the corner. James Finn Garner has taken all this doom and gloom and dissected it with a satirist's wit, hopefully putting all your fears to rest. Imagine the skepticism of a James Randi combined with the irreverence of a Michael Moore as he tackles everything from the Bible to UFOs. Maybe now you'll be able to sleep at night. I recommend reading this with Stephen Jay Gould's QUESTIONING THE MILLENIUM.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Greatest Book of All Time, December 12, 1999

By 

Fawzi Karout - See all my reviews

This review is from: Apocalypse Wow (Hardcover)

The book's setting is Chicago, Illinois. The author is the main character and parades around Chicago to learn about the Apocalypse and the signs that hint the end. He starts the book by explaining the philosophy of other prophets such as the well known Nostradamus.He explains the different dates of Apocalypse according to Nostradamus' most famous book.

In search of an answer James Finn Garner read books written by philosophers who tried to predict the end of the world.He tries to prove the theory of several different philosophers. While attempting to prove the theories of the philosophers right he also realizes that they are also absolutely inaccurate. James Finn Garner also conducted a tiring but hilarious analysis of almost every source available for predicting the future, such as boiled tea leaves, crystal balls, and severed donkey heads. Garner looks to uncover the truths behind crop circles, harmonic convergence, and channeling. It was a humorous take on the end of the world. Ganer seems to change a disaster to what one would call a grade A comedy.While using comedy he also may offend some readers as he does insult almost every religion ranging from Christianity to Judaism. Using his politically incorrect gestures he makes a reader laugh. Garner will jump from serious to humor but certain theories maybe confusing for readers as he tends to use scientific terms which a reader would never understand.His book is a comedy but a politically incorrect comedy. The question is why does the cover clearly state a that it is a politically correct story. The book really should never be given to a religous or fanatic person. This book has clearly been written for a person who is not easily affended.