Customer Reviews

Curmudgeing Through Paradise: Reports from a Fractal Dung Beetle

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It's not tactful to say the things Fred Reed says. It won't win him popularity with the chattering classes. But I'm pretty sure my late Dad,the blunt-speaking Marine, would have found him as entertaining and thought-provoking as I do.
I began reading Fred to see what he'd say about living in Mexico. I stayed to see what he had to say about politics, relationships, things that work and those that don't.
Want an ex-pat's view of America? A crime reporter's insight into the problems of the ghetto? A father's observations on education? A good-old boy's critique of American women his own age? Fred lets it all hang out in this compilation of his online columns, and it's a good read. If you can't admit your own sacred cows leave dung wherever they go, you won't like Fred. But you won't forget what he says, either.

Fred's latest is a continuation of his view of the world by a curmudgeon. His latest is equal to each of his previous books. If you like this one you will buy the former. In this age of political correctness we need a Fred Reed. One bitter-sweet view after another.

I've enjoyed Fred's talk on his web site for years. I don't always agree with his observations but I like his way of presenting his view without pulling punches. Refreshing,

Fred Reed likes to project the, "I'm too old to give a crap" attitude. He's disappointed in the U.S. but isn't arrogant enough to recommend corrections. He is smart enough, in most cases to let the reader decide what, if anything he wants to do about the problem. One of his best statements is that "Congress belongs to whoever pays it the most, like a Mexican Sheriff, but without the sense of social responsibility." That's just in the Forward.

I agree with his opinion about the U.S. becoming a nanny state and overly protecting children. A result of the over-protectiveness our children are not likely to grow up to be useful adults. He seems to agree with Ben Franklin in that a society that give up freedom for security deserves neither. There is much to recommend in this book of rough shod philosophy. He combines his experience as a former military and police reporter with descriptions about how he avoids the other expatriates living in his Mexico and comments on current events. Maybe we need more police and war correspondents covering Congress. Political reporters tend to coddle their sources and use a softened approach to describe Washington politics. Maybe the reporters should start treating them like criminals instead of statesmen. After all, the chances are greater that they're criminals.

Of course he has opinions about everything from child rearing to whether "Intelligent Design" is worthy of being taught along with evolution. Even though I strongly disagree with his opinion that it's science because it hasn't been disproved, reading his common sense approach the the subject is refreshing.

Fred Reed hides in the more unexplored environs of Mexico but he has a pretty good handle on current U.S. events. I would recommend reading his discussion of them as an alternative to watching the evening news.

Thank God for the Internet! If it weren't for the Internet, we would think columnists like David Broder are hot stuff. However, Fred's web site and the books it has spawned have been a beacon to anyone concerned about America. Fred is not denominational or partisan. He is merely a truthful witness of the seamy side of life who speaks unvarnished and complete truth. Curmugeing Through Paradise is his latest and perhaps best examination of the underside of things the politically correct could never face. A must read times two.

The greatest drawback to Fred Reed's commentary is Fred. He gets in the way of his words some, but if you can push Fred aside there is gold in what he says, raw unadultrated truth and provocation beyond measure. The world is better for having Fred's words in it and probably profits some from having the man in it, too!

Literate, clever and acerbic, this book should be a bestseller. Why is it condemned to obscurity when lesser books sell millions of copies? Simple...there is too much truth here. For those who can accept truth wherever it lies, this is cool, clear, water. A superb essayist, Reed is able to see through the propaganda to the truth underneath and to make it entertaining at the same time---no small feat. Read it if you dare.

Thankfully we have Fred to shine the acerbic light of humor on the ills that afflict our society. Otherwise I might be as insane as the savage nitwits who rule over us.

What a great surprise to be tipped by a blogger to Fred Reed. Bought it on Amazon and cannot put it down. I have always been known as a curmudgeon but this man is certainly King of the Hill!!
You can have any political view that you wish, but if you don't enjoy this treatise on everything there is something sadly lacking in your personna.
Spend twenty bucks and see the daily events and comments in a refreshing new light!!

This man is no Fox News, MSNBC, New York Times, or Daily Kos. He's just funny!!

If you are politically correct or have a problem with blunt honesty do not read this book. If you like someone who pulls no punches and will tell you the how things really are this book will both infuriate and enlighten. It doesn't matter whether Fred happens to be right or wrong on the subjects he writes about, his intelligent approach to issues and candor is a huge difference from the focus group panty waist suits that overwhelmingly fill the media.