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Fun Run and Other Oxymorons: Singular Reflections of an Englishman Abroad
 
 
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Fun Run and Other Oxymorons: Singular Reflections of an Englishman Abroad [Paperback]

Joe Bennett (Author)
4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)


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Book Description

August 1, 2000

Why is it that a man with a vacuum cleaner just has to discover exactly what it is capable of sucking up? And have you ever wondered why cars parked outside massage parlours contain dogs? Why Monopoly is the root of all evil? Why every man should own a circular saw? Or wondered what it's like to sleep on a waterbed when drunk?

Joe Bennett is an Englishman abroad. With prose as clear as sunlight he illuminates normal life. The result is abnormally funny. He celebrates simplicity, and lacerates pomposity. Among his many topics are consultants, cappuccinos, karaoke, therapy, apostrophes, dogs and golf.

In his own words, 'If anything holds these observations together it is that I like people but not in herds. I distrust all beliefs, most thought and anything ending in ism. Most opinion is emotion in fancy dress.'

Enjoy the company of this old-fashioned wit, whose sparkling vignettes highlight the absurdities of life.



Product Details

  • Paperback: 192 pages
  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK (August 1, 2000)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0743205111
  • ISBN-13: 978-0743205115
  • Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5 x 0.8 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces
  • Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #788,369 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Average Customer Review
4.5 out of 5 stars (2 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars Fun Run Entertains, July 27, 2000
This review is from: Fun Run and Other Oxymorons: Singular Reflections of an Englishman Abroad (Paperback)
This is a largely funny collection of short, independent anecdotes, fictions and would-be essays by columnist Joe Bennett. Funny as they are, however, Fun Run is more than a humor book.

There's serious work behind Bennett's crafted silliness and brilliant satire. His columns methodically strip bare every institution, social trend, and public figure that carry the scent of pretension - himself included.

Fun Run looks at cappuccinos, government speak, home repair, vitamin therapy, Russian fishermen and American foreign aggression. In the process, Bennett plays with a range of styles and tones, at turns didactic, absurd, ironic and thoughtful. His range is so broad that readers who like predictability might disapprove. I didn't.

I enjoyed how Fun Run changed rhythm, tone and thematic scope with each column. I usually put books by columnists down after 15 minutes because they become predictable and repetitive. I stayed with Fun Run for a good evening - it captivated me with its variety.

Fun Run is a fun read. It entertains and enlightens, and Bennett has a tremendous command of language.

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars This book is a hand's down must have in your book collection, July 10, 2004
This review is from: Fun Run and Other Oxymorons: Singular Reflections of an Englishman Abroad (Paperback)
Joe Bennett's humour has a way of making you smile even when you don't want to! Bennett's witty and original way of explaining everyday occurences has an effect that makes you think how funny (and strange) life really is. Get this book!
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Inside This Book (learn more)
First Sentence:
At this time of the year it is important to rake up leaves. Read the first page
Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
silver beet, deputy principal
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New Zealand, Bill Gates, Richelle Roberts, Grandpa Dentist, Simon Monk, Hagley Park, Star Wars, World Cup, Colin Potts, Doubting Thomas, Jurassic Man, Mel Gibson, Miss Truman, Monica Lewinsky, New Year's Eve, President Clinton, Superior Service, United Nations, United States, Dave Collier, Dentist One, Guinness Book, San Sebastian
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