Fun Run and Other Oxymorons: Singular Reflections of an Englishman Abroad (Paperback)

by Joe Bennett (Author) "At this time of the year it is important to rake up leaves..." (more)
Key Phrases: silver beet, deputy principal, New Zealand, Bill Gates, Richelle Roberts (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Why is it that a man with a vacuum cleaner just has to discover exactly what it is capable of sucking up? And have you ever wondered why cars parked outside massage parlours contain dogs? Why Monopoly is the root of all evil? Why every man should own a circular saw? Or wondered what it's like to sleep on a waterbed when drunk?

Joe Bennett is an Englishman abroad. With prose as clear as sunlight he illuminates normal life. The result is abnormally funny. He celebrates simplicity, and lacerates pomposity. Among his many topics are consultants, cappuccinos, karaoke, therapy, apostrophes, dogs and golf.

In his own words, 'If anything holds these observations together it is that I like people but not in herds. I distrust all beliefs, most thought and anything ending in ism. Most opinion is emotion in fancy dress.'

Enjoy the company of this old-fashioned wit, whose sparkling vignettes highlight the absurdities of life.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK (August 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0743205111
• ISBN-13: 978-0743205115
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,846,822 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fun Run Entertains, July 27, 2000

By	Jim Grove (Victoria Canada) - See all my reviews

This is a largely funny collection of short, independent anecdotes, fictions and would-be essays by columnist Joe Bennett. Funny as they are, however, Fun Run is more than a humor book.

There's serious work behind Bennett's crafted silliness and brilliant satire. His columns methodically strip bare every institution, social trend, and public figure that carry the scent of pretension - himself included.

Fun Run looks at cappuccinos, government speak, home repair, vitamin therapy, Russian fishermen and American foreign aggression. In the process, Bennett plays with a range of styles and tones, at turns didactic, absurd, ironic and thoughtful. His range is so broad that readers who like predictability might disapprove. I didn't.

I enjoyed how Fun Run changed rhythm, tone and thematic scope with each column. I usually put books by columnists down after 15 minutes because they become predictable and repetitive. I stayed with Fun Run for a good evening - it captivated me with its variety.

Fun Run is a fun read. It entertains and enlightens, and Bennett has a tremendous command of language.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is a hand's down must have in your book collection, July 10, 2004

By	B.S. Hurley - See all my reviews

Joe Bennett's humour has a way of making you smile even when you don't want to! Bennett's witty and original way of explaining everyday occurences has an effect that makes you think how funny (and strange) life really is. Get this book!