Customer Reviews

The Pocket Guide to Mischief

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I think that Bart King is my favorite "author you never heard of". His latest book, The Pocket Guide to Mischief, is one of those entertaining tongue-in-cheek reads that you'll love as an adult, and then you'll hope your kid never finds it. If they do, you'll become their "nemesis" for sure...

Contents:
Introduction; Choosing Your Target or Nemesis; Mischief Quiz!; Harmless Trickery 101 - How to Defend Home and Self; Oldies but Goodies; Practical Jokes Inspired by Ancient Rome; Amusing Slights and Friendly Jibes; Spy Games; Mischief of the Rich and Famous; Inspired by the Oxford Dictionary; International Mischief; Mischievous Foods; Sporting Mischief; Duels; Bodily Mischief; Lessons from Stravinsky; Be True to Your School; Careers in Mischief; Acknowledgments; Bibliography

The book starts out with an explanation of "mischief" so that everyone's on the same page when it comes to crossing lines. Then there's the "warning pledge"... "I will be safe. I will not damage or destroy property. I will be sly. I will never hurt anyone with a prank. I will never prank anyone for money. Hail, Cheese Whiz!" I don't know whether I'm pleased or dismayed that this would play well in the crowds I run with. :) Anyway, each chapter is a mix of humor, history, and suggestions on tricks and pranks you can have fun with once you have picked your nemesis. Like perhaps taking a handful of paper from the copy machine or printer, write a humorous note on the bottom of the page (such as "<name> is a genius!"), and then replace them back in the device. Make sure your nemesis is the next person to use the machine... Or see if you can plant one end of a two-way radio somewhere (or even on a pet if you can pull it off), and then "talk" to the people as they walk by. I also learned how to insult in the Scottish tradition, using such great words as bluntie, dandiprat, muppet, and "muffin top". I'm sure my Scottish friends will help expand that vocabulary, too.

Bart's writing reminds me in some ways of Dave Barry... off-beat, a little insane, but a lot of fun if you're willing to go with the flow. I read his Architectural Guide to Portland (where we both live), expecting something less than riveting. What I got was the funniest and most informative architecture book I've ever read (it was the first architecture book I ever read, too... but I digress). My offer to read and review this one came in an email titled "Bad News". He even dropped the copy off at my house with an inscription on the inside cover... "My apologies in advance". With that kind of interaction, how could I refuse?

Much fun to be had here, and depending on the types of friends you keep, plenty of material for "enhancing" that friendship.

This handy-dandy little book is chockfull of mischief, jokes, humor and just plain nonsense! Brought to you courtesy of Bart King, the author of The Big Book of Boy Stuff, The Big Book of Girl Stuff, and The Pocket Guide to Brilliance, this book is another fun and funny work of art.

I guess I should say that in a way it is very hard to categorize this book, as it has a little of everything, none of which is to be taken too seriously. But, it is a lot of fun to read through. Heck, to review it, I had to wrestle it away from my teenager!

This book is a great way to escape for a little while. Absolutely hilarious and thoroughly enjoyable to read. Possibly marketed toward children, but it is great for all ages, especially those light at heart. If you were ever a child you will love this book!

This was a stocking stuffer for my teenage son - I think he really enjoyed it. The shipping was incredibly fast considering I purchased it over the holidays.

The premise of this book looked promising enough for a gift purchase. And scanning the book "pre-wrap," I found that author had taken a good idea and really run with it.

Responsible adults will be pleased to know that Bart King goes out of his way to delineate and define between silly, victimless hoaxes (good) and inappropriate pranks (which are definitely not encouraged). But even the "lectures" are presented in such a light-hearted fashion, they are enjoyable.

Astoundingly, there is even an entire chapter dedicated to the history and proper execution of kvetching, complaining, and otherwise expressing displeasure. Outstanding.

Oh, and as for that gift book? I never finished wrapping it. Some things are too good to give away!

This book was pretty good but i was looking for more like practical jokes and pranks than advice on how to insult people and the jokes of other past pranksters. A well written enterraining book but not enough prank ideas for me. I also found it a little bit silly at some parts.