How I Got This Way [Paperback]

Patrick F. McManus (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 15, 1995

Patrick McManus, the bestselling author of such hilarious books as A Fine and Pleasant Misery and Never Sniff a Gift Fish, now offers readers solid thoughts on the qualities that define leadership, beginning with the need to be tall, and much more, in this outrageous collection of short pieces that reveals his tortuous trip along the writer's path.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

There's a smile or guffaw to be had on almost every page of McManus's ( The Good Samaritan Strikes Again ) collection of essays, some of which are original, others reprinted from Outdoor Life . Dealing primarily with growing up in rural Idaho, the pieces introduce boyhood friends such as Eddie Muldoon, with whom McManus dug a pit to catch wild animals that unfortunately caught Eddie's father and a skunk--simultaneously; the priest with a fear of birds who came to dinner before the McManuses had moved their spring crop of chicks to the henhouse; and Rancid Crabtree, who demolished a 400-pound pumpkin at the county fair with the author's monster-sized slingshot. Stories abound about hunting, fishing and arduous treks, including a piece about hiking with George Bush during the 1992 presidential campaign. There's entertainment aplenty here that even indoorsy folk should enjoy.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

YA?The cover of this short-story collection features a face-front headshot of the author cheek to cheek with a large ape. The brief selections are of the type one might hear from a droll uncle/grandfather prefaced by the phrase, "When I was a boy." They are mainly outdoor adventures, some of which masquerade as hunting trips, and celebrate life. All are laugh-out-loud funny. Teachers looking for one-to-two-minute fillers or examples of humorous essays may want to join their students in dipping into this delightful time warp.?Barbara Hawkins, Oakton High School, Fairfax, VA
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Holt Paperbacks (October 15, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080503482X
• ISBN-13: 978-0805034820
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #311,220 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Patrick F. McManus is a renowned outdoor writer, humorist, and longtime columnist for Outdoor Life and Field & Stream. His most recent books are the Sheriff Bo Tully mysteries Avalanche and The Blight Way. He is the author of many other books, including such runaway New York Times bestsellers as The Grasshopper Trap, The Night the Bear Ate Goombaw, and Real Ponies Don't Go Oink! He lives in Spokane, Washington.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best of his lot, June 25, 2000

By 

R. Bolton "Read A Lot" (Orange, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: How I Got This Way (Paperback)

No matter if you are the outdoors type or not this book is funny. Out of all all his books this one is best since he tells of the characters of his youth, plus a little embellishments. Also makes fun of himself most of the time which he is supremely talented at. WOuld also recomend the audio version which gives a touch of humorous sound to the funny words.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Patrick McManus is a first rate comedy writer., September 26, 1996

By A Customer

This review is from: How I Got This Way (Paperback)

Patrick McManus with his hilarious stories make kids and grownups feel write at home. In his book "How I Got this way" he will make you laugh until you shed tears of joy, and read the stories to all your friends and family. This book is so funny I rate it a perfect 10 and I wish I could rate it higher because this book and all the other books he has written are some of the best books I've read. He is one of my favorite authors. If you start reading this or any of Patrick McManus's books you will not be able to put it down. Happy readings

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pat is the best outdoor humor writer, February 3, 2001

By 

Jeffrey Yale "scorptat" (Wallingford, CT USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: How I Got This Way (Paperback)

I have read all but one of Patrick McManus's books and love them all. This one is just as funny as the others. The things he writes about remind me of stories my own father would tell me about his misadventures growing up. If you love hunting, fishing, camping, and/or the outdoors in general, you'll like this book. OK, even if you hate the outdoors, you will still find this book funny.