REVIEW: "Created in Darkness by Troubled Americans: The Best of McSweeney's Humor Category"

OK, I tend to be a little behind most when it comes to discovering books and authors and all that.  OK.  I'm slow.  Established. Let's move beyond that. 

After I enjoyed David Eggers' book A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, I looked for other projects in which he was involved.  He's done a lot of work as editor of compilations and though, there's an occasional intro he's written, most of his work is rooted in editing.  Although it's not his writing, I'd like to think that he endorsed the writers' works (whether or not that's actually true is of no interest to me, really - it just helped me justify the purchase).  PLUS I've recently discovered that I like the ease of reading compilations during times in my life when I can't seem to move from chapter to chapter in a regular book without reading the same chapter two times (or more).

So, the first compilation into which I've dug my eyeballs is called Created in Darkness by Troubled Americans: The Best of McSweeney's Humor Category.  Now, I know I'm going to be considered out of the loop or, at least, out of touch in the literary world when I admit that I have NO idea what McSweeney's is, but it had 'HUMOR' in the title and it looked and sounded interesting.

The fact is, I've only been pleased with half of the half of the book I've read thus far, but I read such great stuff tonight that I wanted to share.  'The Spirit of Christmas' by Kurt Lochs was twisted, but hilarious.  'On the Implausibility of the Death Star's Trash Compactor' made me laugh outloud, read it to my husband, and then continue to laugh when he was ultra-serious about his counter-arguments.  'Excerpts from My Speech on Forest-Fire Prevention' by Arthur Bradford led me to read it twice just to relive the tearful laughter.  The last ones I read, entitled 'Journal of a New COBRA Recruit' (by Keith Pille) and 'Some People Don't Like Celebrities' (by Michael Ian Black) also left me a little sore.  I had to close the book for the day.

Then there's the little blips which still need some recognition - they are truly little more than brief bits of humor, but they make your side hurt just the same.  Try a few of these titles on for size:

* 'As a Porn Movie Titler, I May Lack Promise' by John Moe

* 'Words That Would Make Nice Names for Babies, If It Weren't for Their Unsuitable Meanings' by Stephany Aulenback

* 'Canceled Regional Morning TV Shows' by John Moe

Now I bought this sucker on Amazon.com for a penny and shipping of about $4 ... and I am enjoying it so very much.  I just thought I'd share it with those of you who feel you may not have time to read a regular book and those who appreciate / enjoy humorous writing.  I just take it with me when I know I may be in the car, an office, or a waiting room somewhere for a while.