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

Nothing ruins a joke so surely as being told in advance how funny it is. God forbid I ruin this book for you. So this is not a prediction that you will love it, but it's a suggestion that you try.

For the sake of your time, we'll do a quick test. Listed below are actual contents of "Created in Darkness by Troubled Americans." If you find no curiosity tugs at you, then feel free to move on in Off. Please begin.

Ineffective Ways to Subdue a Jaguar

My Beard, Reviewed

On the Implausibility of the Death Star's Trash Compactor

Fire: The Next Sharp Stick?

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

As a Porn Movie Titler, I May Lack Promise

also jokes at expense of Noam Chomsky, Howard Zinn, Ezra Pound, Adolph Hitler, and a few gods of a Nordic persuasion

Still reading? Good for you!

Now before rushing off/opening a browser window to procure your copy (hard, soft, new, or used depending), please know:

a) Don't try the Barnes and Noble in Cape - they're out.

b) The book, as with other tasty treats, is best if not consumed all at once. Towards the end you'd be numb to the taste.

c) McSweeney's is great well beyond what my words can convey. If you like books as a general rule and interesting/indepedently published ones especially, spend some time with their website. Humor writing's only one part of what they do.

d) There is something for everyone in between these covers. That means there will be things that are not particularly for you. Not every page is going to cause your small sleeping dog to look up with concern at your bursts of laughter. Some pages will. Probably several. Enjoy.