Things That Suck [Paperback]

Jason Kaplan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 20, 2010

Life and the problems that plague it are best viewed not in relation to what has gone wrong, but what could go wrong. After all, life is about perspective, right? So, when you can't seem to escape Murphy's law, take solace with a few passages from humorist Jason Kaplan's Things that Suck. From getting dumped and having no one to kiss on New Year's Eve, to the nightly news, frivolous lawsuits, Jar Jar Binks, and, yes, even mosquitoes, Things that Suck flows with all the unpleasantries that rank high and low on the Kaplan scale of suckage. Lauded by New York Magazine as "surprisingly perceptive," Things that Suck calls attention to examples of suckitude such as:

* The morning commute

* Your driver's license photo

* Overly perky people

* People who think they're great at British accents

* The kid kicking the back of your seat

* That kid's parents

Think of this book as company for your misery, or as an intriguing way to understand the complicated world we've created and the complex variety with which it screws us over each and every day. Whether you've experienced schadenfreude (deriving pleasure from another's misfortune), or you've simply had a no-good, very bad, terrible day, take comfort with Kaplan's compendium, Things that Suck, and realize things aren't so dreadful after all.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Lowbrow/Brilliant" and "Surprisingly perceptive..." --New York Magazine

A NOT SO 'WARM & FUZZY' FLIP BOOK
You don't have to be a pessimist to enjoy this book by Jason Kaplan - you just have to be ready to laugh. As the name clearly states, Things that Suck is not for those looking to read about fluffy clouds and puppies, but rather those who can relate to the suckier things in life. This book is basically a list of everything that can (and tends to) go wrong in someone's life, and there's no denying just how much of this book rings true. Whether it's "getting dumped by text message," "not remembering the last time you got some," "going in without an exit strategy" or "having to live on dried ramen noodles," you'll definitely find yourself thinking, "I hate it when that happens." --YRB Magazine --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Jason Kaplan has had a number of careers, including being a sound designer for TV and film, doing tech support for TiVo users, and running a side business that sells toilet seats online (www.flushnice.com). He currently works as a screenwriter in Los Angeles, California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing; Original edition (July 20, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0740797603
• ISBN-13: 978-0740797606
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 5.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,758,851 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Jason Kaplan has had a number of careers, including being a sound designer for TV and film, doing tech support for TiVo users, and running a side business that sells toilet seats online (www.flushnice.com). He currently works as a screenwriter in Los Angeles, California.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Things that are funny..., April 2, 2008

By 

S. Fontana (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Things that Suck (Perfect Paperback)

This book is loaded with laughs. I have it on my desk at work and everyone who walks by can't help but pick it up and flip through it. Everyone has his or her favorite "Thing" that sucks! Every reader can relate. In addition, the list has a poetic rhythm that makes it all the more entertaining. You will enjoy receiving this book as much as you will enjoy sharing it with others.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars sucks so good, March 22, 2008

By 

Sunil P. Nayar - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Things that Suck (Perfect Paperback)

i dont usually like books like this. but thats probably because most of them are trying to tell me what to be happy about forgetting one simple fact: misery makes happy. from the second i saw this book - similar in size, shape and color to maos little red book (another list of things that suck) - i had to have it and can only hope it has the same far reaching and history changing implications as maos. but honestly, the book is clever without being cloying, inventive without being crass, intimate without being creepy and sucks without sucking (plus a free cartoon. go figure.) it makes for a perfect birthday gift because, to paraphrase gore vidal, it is not enough to be happy. others must be unhappy.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What can I say? I laughed out loud, too!, May 8, 2008

By 

S. Altobello (New York City, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Things that Suck (Perfect Paperback)

True, this has "bathroom reading" written all over it, but I spend a lot of my life in that room! Kaplan's knack for spooling off a list of similar frustrations--and then jumping to a radically different--but equally annoying--apsect of life is what repeatedly brought a smile to my face. Great stuff.