Many need to complete serials has me still reading this 'group of scientists have sex with aliens to fund their space travel and experiment' supposedlMany need to complete serials has me still reading this 'group of scientists have sex with aliens to fund their space travel and experiment' supposedly humorous sci-fi adventure. A splintered team desperate to increase their income looks to employ what appears one of the hottest scientist out there, whose main focus is the environment; meanwhile Doug has to be rescued, which sadly, or is that humorously leads to an alien invasion. Can love, or should I say sex conquer all? An even firmer attempt to tell a story, further displays the creatives team lack of skill in that area! a 4 out of 12 Two Stars, is me being generous for the audacity of the primary concept. [image] 2024 read...more
The second adventure for this group of scientists that film their escapades with aliens to fund their work and space travel focusses more on storylineThe second adventure for this group of scientists that film their escapades with aliens to fund their work and space travel focusses more on storyline and humour and kind of fails. The thinly veiled Trump character is over the top and most of the story points were predictable, if anything I ma surprise that I gave this as much as a 4 out of 12, Two Stars! [image] 2024 read...more
Features 'the best' conversations / world views of left field zany thinking / 'village idiot' Karl Pilkington on the Ricky Gervais Show Podcast. Karl'Features 'the best' conversations / world views of left field zany thinking / 'village idiot' Karl Pilkington on the Ricky Gervais Show Podcast. Karl's world view gets a bit repetitive after awhile, and it is the response to his 'conversational pieces' by Gervais and Marchant that gave me the most humour in this non-fiction read littered with Pilkington fictions! A 6 out of 12, Three Star read that I presume will be very much loved by fans of the Podcast. [image] 2024 read...more
Richard Ayoade of Nigerian-Norwegian heritage, is a well known UK actor, writer, comedian etc. who somehow managed to talk his publisher into allowingRichard Ayoade of Nigerian-Norwegian heritage, is a well known UK actor, writer, comedian etc. who somehow managed to talk his publisher into allowing him to write tongue-in-cheek book about the rationale and intent of the crew (mostly director and camera people) in producing the Hollywood rom-com 'View From The Top' starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Christina Applegate! Now you would think that this isn't enough material for a book, and it isn't so there are numerous digressions include personal ones for Ayoade. The book is funny as a concept and in many places but it also feels like the same joke said Ad Nauseum, over exaggerated film and camera work analysis giving much more depth than it deserves all with a bug brush of humour. 7 out of 12, Three Stars, for a very daring idea, executed as best as it could be. [image] 2023 read...more
Mia is 45, and happily married (separate bedrooms), lives in a nice house (originally bought by her hubby and his first wife), is a great step mum (alMia is 45, and happily married (separate bedrooms), lives in a nice house (originally bought by her hubby and his first wife), is a great step mum (although the first wife/mother is always popping round); has a great job (she has to micromanage the gormless chief executive) and is in love (with her cat, 'Pigeon') and is pretty much living the ideal conventional life, but is this the life that Mia wants? [image] This is a mature top range rom-com, where the "rom" is on the the periphery and the "com" is what this is all about. A delightful dark-ish comedy set around a "my pet has died" grief counselling group and essentially about forming and living one's best-self and not taking on a label that society expects from you. One of the best 'rom-coms' I have ever read, well written and pushing boundaries throughout, yet still remarkable insightful, heartfelt and most of all funny! A ground breaking book that re-imagines the "cat-lady" taking her and pet ownership to new heights! A recommended Autumn read! A 9.5 out of 12, super fun Four Star read. [image] 2023 read...more
Apologies in advance, but I need to get to a place where I don't waste time detailing reviews of reads that I have conferred One Star on; this is a reApologies in advance, but I need to get to a place where I don't waste time detailing reviews of reads that I have conferred One Star on; this is a rehash of the first book in the series where almost every bit of 'humour' is centred around Tilman's social skills that are very limited because of his ultra nerdish disposition, with the added 'twist' that his partner is pregnant. So, can a book be maintained off of a single joke/situation? My answer is capital lettered NO! A 3 out of 12, One Star read that is merrily making its way to my local charity shop at the earliest opportunity. [image] 2023 read....more
After spending two decades in a free love hard-Left and pro-environment commune the family moved back to the real world after a few dramas saw the comAfter spending two decades in a free love hard-Left and pro-environment commune the family moved back to the real world after a few dramas saw the commune dream wither. Doro the mum, now retired spends a lot of her time looking after 23 year old Oolie, who has Down's Syndrome. In her late 20s, daughter Clara takes up after her commune legacy and works in a local school that services a sink housing estate (projects); and her brother Serge is using his nerd brain studying at Cambridge, well actually that's what the family think, in reality he is making lots of money working as a finance trader in London. [image] Taking the story in alternating chapters with one of the aforementioned three being the focus/storyteller Lewycka has brought together, especially with her good writing and superb research and them translation of how trading really works, a surprisingly good light comedy, that really tackles the capitalism vs idealism debate in such an intriguing and non hamfisted way; not ot mention a harsh (but fair?) look at the almost pointlessness of the the commune movement in its hey day. An easy Four Star 8 out of 12. [image] 2022 read...more
Chabuddy G was a breakout character from UK mocumentary 'People Just Do Nothing' centred around a illegal UK garage house music ('pirate') radio statiChabuddy G was a breakout character from UK mocumentary 'People Just Do Nothing' centred around a illegal UK garage house music ('pirate') radio station, and him being a local 'businessman'. The beauty of Asim Chaudry's creation and depiction of Chabuddy G as a failed entrepreneur with high ambitions, who is caught somewhere between his immigrant heritage and knowledge of 'the streets', is not only the genius comedy but the ability to show and portray moments of angst and pathos. This book completely captures just the comedic side to Chabuddy G, and is laugh-out-loud funny in parts. A strong Three Star 7 out of 12. [image] 2022 read...more
I was very kindly sent a paperback copy of this book by the author Lee Darkin-Miller, and to be honest this was his first book, and it didn't come to I was very kindly sent a paperback copy of this book by the author Lee Darkin-Miller, and to be honest this was his first book, and it didn't come to me via one of the big publishing houses I began fretting before I read it, about how I was going to be diplomatic about my review... how wrong was I? Very much so! This modern UK comedy starts in a flat where our very unorthodox protagonist stumbles over the 'forked' corpse of someone he has just killed! [image] The plot has it all, a character who can't pronounce his 'Rs' to a protagonist who gives everyone he meets a nickname until their names are finally revealed! It has a cult, skinheads, organised crime, riots, mysteries galore, and lots of kitchen utensil action! The protagonist's early comedic banter was over the top, but after awhile it settled down, and that's the only negative I have of this book. Me, Mr 'I only like the best comedy' very muchily enjoyed this very well balanced comedy that managed to balance a huge farce with a riveting and entertaining storyline, and not to mention a superbly eclectic cast of likeable characters, including the 'baddies'. The best thing about this book though, alongside the top drawer comedy writing, was the multiple mysteries and pretty complex plotting for this genre. A very enjoyable and surprisingly compelling read says I! 8 out of 12. Oh, and as for Teddy, well, you have to read this to find out :) [image] 2022 read...more
Independently wealthy eco-terrorist Twilly Spree as a huge issue with personal polluters and litterers and is as likely to tailgate a random litterer Independently wealthy eco-terrorist Twilly Spree as a huge issue with personal polluters and litterers and is as likely to tailgate a random litterer on a highway as he is to try and take on a corporate polluter; and it's his determined pursuit of such a litterer that he finds himself the sole person looking to prevent the environmental destruction of an island to build a gold course at the hands of various conspirators in corporate or government power. What he doesn't know that he has a huge potential ally in the elusive and now rarely seen eco-warrior fanatic that is Skink! [image] As ever with Carl Hiaasen books for me, yes it's quite funny and innovative with it's pro-environment and anti corporate and government themes, yet all the comedy is still very predictable and the characterisations limited to what is needed for the comedy so many of them feel quite linear including the main protagonists; despite that I do find his work very readable and interesting, it maybe needs a bit of angst and/or pathos to push it over the Three Star rating for me? 6 out of 12. Dog lovers should note that this is not a throwaway book title, as one of the main protagonists is a black Labrador :) [image] 2022 review...more
You can read the blurb above or anywhere online, so on this occasion I will go straight to my thoughts, because the time taken to write/read about thiYou can read the blurb above or anywhere online, so on this occasion I will go straight to my thoughts, because the time taken to write/read about this book would leave you none the wiser as like his previous books, the core concepts and base characters of this read are quite original and pretty funny, but that's its peak. Once you've read one Jonasson it feels like you've read them all, a cast of quirky unconventional characters, at least one pretty unpleasant antagonist and a cascade of what feel no less than forcibly constructed comedic occurrences and situations. Still worth a read, and I liked it, just nothing new to shout about, plus the 'very poor (economically) African characters' comedy is starting to wear pretty thin, for me. 5 out of 12 Two Star read. The most annoying thing is that I bought this brand new, full price to make up what was left on a National Book Token I used. [image] 2022 read...more
For the last 2 decades comedy agent Steve has been obsessed with a woman he has never spoken to, and just very briefly seen on two occasions on a nighFor the last 2 decades comedy agent Steve has been obsessed with a woman he has never spoken to, and just very briefly seen on two occasions on a night out over 20 years ago! When I say obsessed, we're talking about dreams, searches, posters made and shared, and an inability to find a partner! Now in his 40s, Steve realises once and for all that he just can't move on in his life, until he finds the mystery woman and decides that a 'Jerry Springer' like reality TV show is a untried way of possibly finding her! Will he find the woman? Will she be single? Will they like each other? Will Steve ever grow up? These questions and more are answered in this actually quite neat UK 'lad' romantic-comedy. Although it is packed with linear characterisations and humour, and cliched gender roles, it all comes together quite well :) 7 out of 12. [image] 2022 read...more
Now a financial advisor on breakfast television Becky Bloomwood still has three serious problems, she loves shopping, she can't stop shopping and she Now a financial advisor on breakfast television Becky Bloomwood still has three serious problems, she loves shopping, she can't stop shopping and she shops to de-stress, and in this the sequel to Confessions of a Shopaholic, she finds herself in New York with lots of credit.. Ye Gads!!! Sometimes, the writing, the genre, and the core story concepts don't matter, al that matters, as in this case is a likeable but fallible character, and entertaining and relatively wide supporting cast. some great comedic scenes and at the heart of it a a fun and feel-good read. [image] The massive added bonus for me is that yet again this book is primarily a romantic-comedy minus the romantic, more a modern relationships-comedy. I don't know how anyone can read one of these books and not find themselves cheering our Becky as she yet again escape financial ruin... that's not a spoiler, you always knew she would, we're just here for the fun-ride. It's so refreshing to read a super best selling series and grasp exactly why it has sold so well and reached so many people. 7 out of 12. [image] 2021 read...more
The first time Jason (Jase) met her, the complete stranger smiled at him as he helped her with her bags, and the only thing she left behind was her diThe first time Jason (Jase) met her, the complete stranger smiled at him as he helped her with her bags, and the only thing she left behind was her disposable camera. And thus begins this 'heart-warming everyday tale of boy stalks girl'! I should add immediately that the book's 'stalking' subtitle is more a device to garner interest, than a description of what happens in this actually really funny, and dare I say wonderful read! [image] I promise you I'm not going through a mid-life crisis, despite me reading yet another London based, (I live in London) male written, quirky romantic comedy. If anything I think I've been getting all these man-reads from the same thrift store. This was such an enjoyable read, in that it focuses on the minutiae of Jason's life and the world (mostly London) through his eyes, as he and his best friend, Dev, seek to use the photos from the disposable camera to find the mystery woman that Jase believes could be his soulmate! The comedy is really good, in that it's more about comical real life situations, as opposed to the forced skits many other comedic writers end up writing. By the end of the book I felt like I really knew/know Jason; I felt like I'd been on a journey with him and fully understand and empathise with person he became at the end of his story. [image] The reason why I love the TV shows Parks and Recreation and The Office (USA) so much is that alongside the great comedy there is pathos, angst and pain, setting the comedy and characters in a real world, and thus making the comedy that much funnier, this book was of that ilk for me! 9.5 out of 12, my highest ever rated comedy I've read, I believe! [image] 2021 read...more
A former celebrity recently out of prison for statutory rape, a foul mouthed seemingly highly irrational (and rude) daughter of a Government Junior MiA former celebrity recently out of prison for statutory rape, a foul mouthed seemingly highly irrational (and rude) daughter of a Government Junior Minister, a middle-aged mother that has spent her entire adult life looking after her severely disabled son, and JJ, failed band member and failed boyfriend - the paths of this eclectic group cross and they form a companionship of sorts, after they each had decided to commit suicide at a popular suicide spot on New Year's Eve at the same time! This is the story of the pact they made and what they did next. [image] Instead of Hornby's usual well constructed quasi-dark-ish comedy with a human heart and message, this unlikely scenario quickly descends, not too unexpectedly, into farce. A good old-fashioned UK written and set farce. But is it any good? I would say no; like so many farces the book feels like it was written to bring the characters to each farcical moment; in addition with the need to give voices to the two leading female characters, Hornby shows a lack of ability (or interest?) to give them believable characters or dialogue! Sadly after a string of good reads I've finally found a Hornby that very much doesn't make the grade for me, but does make me laugh out loud a number of times. 4.5 out of 12. Obvious trigger warnings for making light of suicides and suicidal thoughts, but also dysfunction, missing family members, the disabled, and even junior Government Ministers. It makes me wonder why, seriously, why did Johnny Depp originally movie option this book (he also provided a quote for this version's cover!)??? [image] 2021 read...more
2021 review: This is a difficult book to fairly judge, as on one hand it's a pretty exceptional piece of memoirish writing with lashings of great come2021 review: This is a difficult book to fairly judge, as on one hand it's a pretty exceptional piece of memoirish writing with lashings of great comedy from this American-Indian celebrity who manages to be 'honest', helpful, entertaining and poignant as well as funny; on the hand at 220+ pages it feels like a collection of blogs, great blogs, but not really a book that I'd have been happy to pay £7.99 for (which I didn't). Then again since so many 'memoirs' don't even come close to this on so many levels, is what I raised worth mentioning? I don't know, but I felt the need to share. [image] An absolute must-read for women of colour, all younger women, fans of The Office and The Mindy Project. Good enough for me to keep in my collection and desperately seek her other work, but then I am already a big fan. 8 out of 12, doesn't seen fair, but most of the chapters on dating and dating related issues did very little for me. Worth reading alone for the fictionalised dating chapter of an alternate Mindy Kaling, written solely in digital communications (email, Twitter, texts etc.), and it's extremely funny! [image]...more
Carl Hiassen has been recommended to me by another reader continuously for years, but me being a typical egocentric know-it-all man, who considers humCarl Hiassen has been recommended to me by another reader continuously for years, but me being a typical egocentric know-it-all man, who considers humour totally subjective, and myself a tough nut to crack, just didn't get round to seeking his work out. With the overflow of used books to my local thrift stores as we come out of Lockdowns, I picked this up and was instantly hooked with the easy writing, genuinely believable but funny characters with some subtle dark undertones in this story of a animal loving father and son having to act as consultants to a power and fame driven faux survivalist reality TV show star and his latest venture in the Florida Everglades. [image] Reading this engaging read reminded me of two key things I want from books - children's books that don't talk down to the reader in anyway (I had to Google to find out this was a middle school-er read, as I couldn't tell by the writing, despite two of the key protagonist being middle teenagers; and that humour is more effective in a non-humorous 'real' world, I find I loathe comedic realities! All in all, I really enjoyed this book, and to coin the cliche, this was a book that I couldn't put down - I found myself finishing it off, by picking it up to read at 6.30 am on a Sunday morning! I also went out and immediately bought more of Hiaasen's work! 8 out of 12. [image]...more
She's back! Fourteen-year old India Smythe is 'seeing' her high fore-headed Oboe playing beau and all should be good right? Well as good as it gets whShe's back! Fourteen-year old India Smythe is 'seeing' her high fore-headed Oboe playing beau and all should be good right? Well as good as it gets when your boyfriend super-charms your parents too well; your make-up tutor friend still believes she knows anything about make-up; there's school bullies, netball, a 10-year old stalker and the Coronavirus! I enjoyed India Smythe Stands Up, but this book surprised me for being so much funnier. [image] Written for early teens, a very safe school friendly book, but also really funny. And I mean really funny. I'm a talking laugh-out-loud! It certainly looks like India Smythe is here to stay, and since Sarah Govett's The Territory trilogy has been optioned for TV, this series seems a perfect fit for that path as well. [image] Huge thank you to the team at Marotte Books for forwarding me a free copy in exchange for a review... not for the free book, but for providing a wonderful few hours fun and laughter that I got from reading this...more
To paraphrase the first page of this lighthearted and uplifting look at the last summer at school, mostly from the vantage point of the public transpoTo paraphrase the first page of this lighthearted and uplifting look at the last summer at school, mostly from the vantage point of the public transport bus that takes them there - this is the story of Lizzie, Star and M (Emma); the story of Dodo, Pram Gram, Tuba Boy, Bottom Bob and Top Bob; the story of the Good Lookings and The Beautiful Stranger; this is the story of 11 O'clock chocolate cake. [image] I think humour is so subjective, it's hard to get it right, and even harder to get that balance right for teenage readers, but I feel Pitcher nails it, in this idyllic First World Problems reality with a little unexpected and thought provoking dark centre! Dark centre... cue up another GIF:- [image] This surprisingly tasty, despite being very sugary at times, wonderful 12-14 aged read about kids doing their final pre-college/sixth form exams, is a masterclass in how to write for an adolescent audience, 8 out of 12. But let's be honest, you're still here because of the GIFs! :) [image]...more
In this volume, the best of the three Kev mini serials / volumes from the first season of The Authority - The Authority Omnibus, Kev's latest mission In this volume, the best of the three Kev mini serials / volumes from the first season of The Authority - The Authority Omnibus, Kev's latest mission sees him getting involved with The Authority again! Garth Ennis's tongue-in-cheek 'Kev' books are a great, albeit unlikely, companion for The Authority series, with their semi-comedic satire on the military, and daring to a darkly comedic, but critical look at Northern Ireland and the Troubles. [image] 2011 read, 2017 read...more
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