Customer Reviews

Never Hit a Jellyfish With a Spade: How to Survive Life's Smaller Challenges

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

"How to laugh", "how to sit", "how to drink"...These CD's were about "how to" laugh at everything in life. This is a comical look at the small things in life. This was a delighfully entertaining book. I originally 'borrowed' it from my public library. I immediately purchased afterward.

This is not a serious 'how to' book. Obviously in a section on "how to sit" the author makes casual observances about these little things in life and how we do them with specific intent and we don't even know it. This is not intended to be a psychological analysis of everything we do, instead pokes fun at everything we do. While not a book on etiquette, Guy Browning seems to identify the 'do's' and don'ts' of eating, drinking, peeing, sitting, stratching, etc. based on subconscience thoughts we all have about ourselves, or what others might think about us. Maybe good thoughts. Maybe bad. All truly inciteful and humorous.

The tidbits are funny because for the most part they are true. I laughed out loud several times. The Audio CD version is 5.5 hrs. It was a delight to listen to one a day. It's too much for one sitting, but I looked forward to it each evening.

For those like me in the US, we also get an english vocabulary lesson, as many of the words I have never used myself, though I know what Guy Browning meant. The british accent is extremely easy to understand.

Audio Version (CD)- British actor Simon Vance read the book impecably and is a comedian in his own right.

Silly humor mixed with a little dry humor though all of it very easy to understand. I will try some more from this author.

This is not really about how to survive life's small challenges, which may be why one other reviewer was so disappointed. Instead, it's about HOW TO MAKE YOU LAUGH! It's hilarious. If you like Dave Barry, you'll love this, too. Almost every single sentence is packed with funniness. That's why the chapters are so short--every sentence counts. Guy Browning is a very witty fellow, but also very down-to-earth. This would be a great Christmas/Birthday present for any literate guy with a sense of humor.

I read Guy Browning's columns in The Guardian (newspaper in the UK). He can be both funny (ha ha) as well as funny (sad) at the same time.

In "How to Endure" he writes "Despite the plethora of human rights legislation, there is still no guaranteed right to a life of happiness and sunshine. Until this legislative oversight is fixed, into every life a little rain must fall. That's why it's important to have a pair of spiritual galoshes".

I don't know what drives Mr. Browning to write, I am just glad he does. This collection will be an important part of my library, of that I am certain. Right next to my spiritual galoshes.

I'll make this short. If you have lived, can think, and have a sense of humor buy this. (Must understand sarcasm to understand book) ;)

I think that this was a hilarious book. I would suggest it to anyone with any sense of humor- sarcastic or literal! I found this book to be extremely helpful with the basic things in life- such as how to use a knife and fork, how to die, how to swim (2nd best in the book!), or how to do extreme sports (Definitely the funniest). Each topic was written with an amazing eye to the readability. This is a must read for the light hearted and happy person. Happy Reading!!

If youre looking for an easy read and not too serious, this is the book. I am not a reader but this books brings the laughs!

This book consists of chapters with smaller sections within - 1 to 3 page blurbs... it is just a collection of random thoughts on the obvious and regurgitated with a supposed whimsical view - not funny and quite painful to read - unfortunately this was the book i grabbed for a long train ride - big mistake.