Hey Waiter, There's an Umbrella in My Drink!: Tales from the Tropics by Hawaii's Favorite Humorist (Paperback)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: coqui frogs, box jellyfish, Crazy Ants, Dave Donnelly, Las Vegas (more...)

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Charles Memminger is probably the funniest writer you've never heard of. But he's been discovered by internationally respected writers such as Paul Theroux (who Blackberried his book cover blurb from Sri Lanka), Esquire's A. J. Jacobs and Wally Amos. As a humor columnist for the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Memminger has twice been named the top humor columnist in the country by the National Society of Newspaper Columnists (for newspapers under 100,000 circulation.) His work has been distributed by the New York Times News Service and published in Newsweek, Better Homes & Gardens, OMNI and the Boston Globe. He was the only contributor from Hawaii to "Chicken Soup for America's Soul" (in honor of those who died during the 9-11 attacks) and is author of a previous book, "Hey, Tourist! Buy This Book!" Memminger also is an award-winning screenwriter and was staff writer on the television show "Baywatch Hawaii."

Product Details

• Paperback: 184 pages
• Publisher: Watermark Publishing LLC; 1st edition (September 30, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0977914313
• ISBN-13: 978-0977914319
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #767,051 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hawaii's laugh-maker, January 15, 2007

By	Randy Ruff (Honolulu) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Charleyworld strikes again!! I truly have no idea where this author gets his prodigious amount of material. Whereas, most of the considered humorists of the islands write a few standup bits to gain the respect of the local community, Memminger manages to come up with jewels four times a week. From the simple days of Mickey Sands to super-sleuthing Blue Ho'okane, no one seems to come up with more quality writing from the islands than this author. While many of the people think of humor as Chris Rock or some other bad-mouthed charlatan, this book reminds the reader of a younger Art Buchwald or a much younger Will Rogers. But, with an umbrella in the drink while you are reading. And no with no profanity evident, Memminger proves that true humor does not have to be foul. I would recommend this book to any Hawaiian, any tourist who plans on visiting Hawaii any time soon, or any intellectual who harbors a legitimate loathing of mayonnaise.

5.0 out of 5 stars fresh perspective, April 6, 2007

By	Reader Views "www.readerviews.com" (Austin, Texas) - See all my reviews

Reviewed by Regan Windsor for Reader Views (3/07)

Charles Memminger is a national award-winning columnist for the Honolulu Star-Bulletin. His book, "Hey Waiter, There's an Umbrella in My Drink!," contains samples of these light-hearted and often laugh-out-loud views on Hawaii, the critters it houses (which includes the insects, small rodents, tourists, and Charley himself!) and a variety of other subjects of interest!

The book is broken into "chapters" of themed collections of thoughts, opinions, and observations on various types of subject matter. The opening chapter includes insight on the peculiarities of Hawaii, while the next describes its various "critters." The third chapter, "Welcome to Charleyworld," offers a hilarious glimpse into the strange and wonderful world of Charles Memminger. The following quote comes from an article describing a horseback riding experience: "My horse's name was Thor, which was ironic, because that's exactly what my thighs were after riding for 45 minutes."

"Hey Waiter, There's an Umbrella in My Drink!" continues with tales of the unique happenings in Maui, some interesting insights on writing and writers, reasons to lighten up, and ends with a small chapter of Charleyisms. "I've got two major problems: I never forget a face and I can never remember a name."

"The number of empty parking spaces at a mall decreases in direct proportion to how badly a driver looking for an empty parking space has to pee."

Whether you are looking for some humor to escape the seriousness of life, you want to learn a little about the unique islands of Hawaii, or you're looking for a fresh perspective, "Hey Waiter, There's An Umbrella in My Drink!" is the solution. If laughter is indeed the best medicine, then this book is your prescription!

5.0 out of 5 stars laugh aloud, January 3, 2007

By	Frances P. Haws (Hawaii) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

A wonderful book of humor. A definitely laugh out loud book. Great to pick up the spirits if one feels low.