Category: Comedy

attic?

Posted on by Greig

Dave Gorman Vs the Rest of the World

Dave Gorman

What do you do when you get bored and have time to kill? Dave Gorman asked his followers on twitter if they fancied playing a game.
This book chronicles his travels all over the UK to play strangers, acquaintances and friends at various games from Monopoly to Darts with odd pub and board games thrown in.
Gorman has previous when it comes to taking on insane challenges – see Are You Dave Gorman? and Dave Gorman’s Googlewhack Adventure which are both very funny books (I’ve read them but they escaped being reviewed on the blog).
Gorman has a pleasing style and the book is genuinely funny but there’s just something tired and bored underlying the adventures.
Something screams “I want to stop doing crazy stuff and to settle down!”
Recommended if you liked his earlier books.

Rating: B+

ralph?

Posted on by Greig

Agent ToThe Stars

John Scalzi

Scalzi’s first novel (written first, published later) is a fun romp set in Hollywood. Drawing on his experiences as a film critic and insider knowledge of the film business to tell the story of a showbiz agent who becomes the representative for visiting aliens.
It’s funny in the same sort of way as The Android’s Dream and at the same time has brilliant, genuinely SFnal, aliens. While being utterly different it kind of reminds me of Pratchett in that it uses humour as a foundation in order to philosophically explore real issues with a light touch.
Totally recommended if you’re looking for a fun, pacy bit of science fiction.
See here for my original review

Rating: A-

brighton?

Posted on by Greig

My Shit Life So Far

Frankie Boyle

My Shit Life So FarOf the comedian’s biographies I’ve read this year, this is closest to an actual biography. True it contains substantial chunks of his stand up routine, but it also feels like you’re getting some insight into what makes Boyle the man he is.
It is of course very funny in places.
I’d say it’s worth picking it up dirt cheap someplace – no need to encourage him too much.

Rating: B+

coven?

Posted on by Greig

Wyrd Sisters

Terry Pratchett

This, the 5th Discworld book, is the first where Pratchett really finds the style and tone that he would use for the majority of the rest of the series.
A brilliant parody of Shakespeare, Witch stories and fantasy in general it also happens to be the first book in the Witches sub-series (Granny Weatherwax appears earlier in Equal Rites but that’s more of a standalone DW book).
If you’ve never read it before I very highly recommend it.
It’s a great wee book that I’ve knocked down the score of because there are better Pratchett books out there now and I’m way too familiar with the book now and have rung much of the humour out it – even though I’ve not read it in at least 7 years.

Rating: B+

jelly?

Posted on by Greig

Agent To The Stars

John Scalzi

What if, instead of making first contact by arriving on the White House lawn and demanding to see the President, friendly TV-informed aliens decide they need a Hollywood agent to boost their image before they make proper contact.

A very readable and enjoyable book from Scalzi. It doesn’t quite hit the heights he reached later but still well worth reading.

Rating: A-

porkpie?

Posted on by Greig

Good Morning Nantwich

Phill Jupitus

I got a cheap ebook of this as I use the 6music breakfast show as my alarm clock and this book is mainly about his time presenting the show.
To be honest it’s not a great book and it’s not that revealing.
It’s a book with limited appeal and not worth the bother unless you really like Phill Jupitus or were a fan of his radio show.

Rating: B

tick?

Posted on by Greig

Thief Of Time

Terry Pratchett

Thief of TimeMy favourite of the Susan Sto Helit books
Has the advantage of featuring Lu Tze and the Monks of History
Has the advantage of featuring Lu Tze and the Monks of History
Has the advantage of featuring Lu Tze and the Monks of History
Has the advantage of featuring Lu Tze and the Monks of History
Has the advantage of featuring Lu Tze and the Monks of History
Has the advantage of featuring Lu Tze and the Monks of History
Has the advantage of featuring Lu Tze and the Monks of History

Rating: B+