In the tradition of James Thurber, this collection of 70 short humor pieces is sure to tickle funny bones across the country. Included are two previously published articles in addition to commentaries written originally for National Public Radio's "All Things Considered".
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Leaving his native California to settle in New York's Hudson River Valley, Pinkwater recently began broadcasting on National Public Radio, after a career writing and illustrating outstanding books for children. This is a collection of his "commentaries, uncommentaries and vulgar excesses" from the radio talks that enjoy a wide audience. An inspired satirist, Pinkwater speaks for all who suffer from those "Who Only Stand and Snarl," instead of doing their work; for fat people who can't lose weight; for those who can't find a real Jewish deli; for everyone benighted by life's perversities. In a lighter vein, the author tells about times at home with his wife Jill, their dogs and good friends. But readers will perhaps be most charmed by memoirs of Pinkwater's Polish immigrant parents, especially his father, who is the inspiration for "Fischvistle" and other affecting pieces.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
YA-- Readers familiar with Pinkwater's books for children will enjoy this collection of humorous adult essays. The man is mad, and so are his comments. He takes on the characters of his small town in upstate New York, as well as those of his childhood; he comments on his weight problem and various methods of weight loss; he recalls incidents experienced while traveling the world. No topic is sacred, and all are cynically hilarious. Most pieces are taken from his efforts on National Public Radio, but their translations to written from spoken word do not suppress any amusing notes. Cataloging will hide this in 814, but creative librarians will find ways to make it more accessible. --Dorcas Hand, Episcopal High School, Bellaire, TX
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Product Details
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More About the Author
Daniel Pinkwater lives with his wife, the illustrator and novelist Jill Pinkwater, and several dogs and cats in a very old farmhouse in New York's Hudson River Valley.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Pinkwater at his best,
By Benjamin Skeen (Georgetown, CO, the Silver Queen) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Fish Whistle: Commentaries, Uncommentaries, and Vulgar Excesses (Paperback)
This collection of stories (most of which aird on NPR, I believe) is the best book on my bookshelf. The wrighting is brilliant, and humorous. Each piece is enjoyable because it is easy to identify with the events. I am always thinking about one story or another from this book, becuse they apply to real life so well. Buy this book if you are a fan of funny, honest stories.
4.0 out of 5 stars
A warm and funny book,
By reenum (Kansas) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Fish Whistle: Commentaries, Uncommentaries, and Vulgar Excesses (Paperback)
This is the first time I've read Pinkwater, and it won't be the last.
Pinkwater's marvelous book is a collection of stories from his life. He is an average joe, and speaks in a very straightforward and jovial way. It's the little details Pinkwater provides that make the stories funny and warm. Like for example, the way his favor would say "fish whistle". A lot of zany characters also populate his past and make this book a joy to read. Pinkwater accurately captures these quirks without being mean spirited or making fun. He knows these people are different and doesn't fault them for it. The parts of the book I loved the most were the stories in which Pinkwater is traveling. He is the quintessential American tourist. He is away from the US, but still wants to find little snatches of home, as shown by his (successful) search for a Jewish deli in Japan. But, he accepts his foibles and makes a go of it. He is entirely unpretentious about his personality and is unafraid to make fun of his mistakes. That lends a human element to this book. A great book for any reader.
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
masterpiece,
By Patrick B. Marren (Crystal Lake, IL USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Fish Whistle: Commentaries, Uncommentaries, and Vulgar Excesses (Hardcover)
I almost died laughing at this book. I can offer no greater encomium.
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