How to Survive Being a Presbyterian!: A Merry Manual Celebrating the Funny Foibles of the Frozen Chosen [Paperback]

Bob Reed (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 16, 2001

In this tongue-in-cheek celebration of the funny foibles of the Frozen Chosen, the 300-year-old Percy T. Presby declares:"Presbyterianism is a series of meetings occasionally interrupted by a worship service.""The national drink of Presbyterian women is decaf coffee.""Some Presbyterians believe that a jazz band is the Boston Pops."This Presby 101 handbook uses an advice format to describe Presbyterians by ostensibly addressing new members of the church. But it is also a humorous primer and survival manual for ALL people in the denomination. Gently skewering the history, worship habits, and endless committee meetings, it covers clothing, potluck dinners, and-yes-sex, all from the Presbyterian perspective."Insightful Witticisms"-Tampa Tribune"Keeps the Humor Flowing"-Cleveland Plain Dealer"A Gentle, Affectionate Poke"-Spokane Spokesman Review

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Bob and his wife, Max, sing in the choir and are members of the Winter Park (Florida) Presbyterian Church. This book grew out of thirteen years of trying to comprehend the Presbyterian denomination. Bob thinks his presence on this earth is proof that God has an unusual sense of humor.

Product Details

• Paperback: 210 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse (January 16, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595152252
• ISBN-13: 978-0595152254
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,129,711 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Synod Staffer Says: "This Book Is a Hoot!", April 13, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: How to Survive Being a Presbyterian!: A Merry Manual Celebrating the Funny Foibles of the Frozen Chosen (Paperback)

This is an engaging, gentle, and hilarious picture of what it means to be a Presbyterian. While laughing at what Bob Reed writes, you learn what polity, presbyters, and potluck dinners have in common. At the same time, one is reminded of our roots and forefathers and how we came to be where we are.

Humorous books have never been high on my reading list, but this was one I could not put down. I shocked people in a doctor's office, laughing out loud at Mr. Reed's stories. Certainly not the behavior of one of the "frozen chosen."

This account of Presbyterianism will also interest those associated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) who are not Presbyterian. While poking gentle fun at all of us in this denomination, it gives a picture of Presbyterians doing things "decently and in order."

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Retired Presbyterian Minister Calls This a Winner, April 9, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: How to Survive Being a Presbyterian!: A Merry Manual Celebrating the Funny Foibles of the Frozen Chosen (Paperback)

Bob Reed, a loyal Presbyterian, tells it as he sees it in "How to Survive Being a Presbyterian." New and seasoned Presbyterians and sympathizers will be surprised at what they learn, and they will laugh a lot. Gone from the church will be the cloak of excessive seriousness and pretentious piety.

The author manages to avoid the frivolity of the cynic and the levity of the smart aleck. His alter ego, Percy T. Presby (cleverly drawn by Deborah Zemke), keeps stepping out of history to instruct as the reader smiles.

Reed, who is at home in the world of entertainment, is entertained by the church, and loves it the more.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT PRESBYTERIAN HUMOR!, February 5, 2004

By 

Kay Gordon (Orlando, FL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How to Survive Being a Presbyterian!: A Merry Manual Celebrating the Funny Foibles of the Frozen Chosen (Paperback)

This is one funny book! The author takes on Presbyterians from an "inside the church" angle. It's a warm and gentle spoof of our denomination that imparts some real information about the founders and basic beliefs of our church.

I discovered it from an article in the Tampa paper that talked about its "insightful witticisms." It has that. This is not a serious tome but rather a good and humorous look at everything Presbyterian.

I have given it to my pastor and some church friends. It makes a good gift. I recommend it to all Presbyterians who want a good laugh.

Kay Gordon, Orlando