August 21, 2007
To Say Nothing of the Humor
Book Review by Jenn Joshua, RTF Staff Writer
Recently, I read Three Men in a Boat (To Say Nothing of the Dog). When I asked around, I couldn’t believe that most people have never heard of it… Hopefully, no longer!
This book is hilarious and picturesque—rambling yet precise:
Jerome K. Jerome is a master storyteller and I still marvel at his comical translation of a real life event… especially since autobiographical works don’t tend to be that funny.
Exaggeration and bold understatement are what breathe life and excitement into this recounting of the three men (including Jerome) and a dog that decided to take a boating trip down the Thames River some one hundred and fifty years ago.
Littered with amusing anecdotes and Jerome’s arbitrary, but highly entertaining rabbit trails, I don’t think you’ll want to set it down. And you may as well forget trying to read the stories aloud; it’s just about impossible to do without choking on laughter!
True humor, clean humor, real humor is almost non-existent these days. In fact, it seems a major portion of today’s humor consists of putting characters in ridiculously unbelievable or uncomfortable situations where you’re not sure whether to laugh or cry—for example, the bride spills chocolate sauce over her wedding dress minutes before she must walk down the aisle or some other such awkward dilemma.
It also seems that a big part of today’s humor revolves around putting someone else down in an eloquent fashion. And who was is who said that puns were the lowest form of humor?!
So let’s support the good kind of humor. This book may not be available at your local bookstore, but most libraries should carry it. Check it out and see what you think…
Your standard for true humor may never be the same again.
“A man’s character is most quickly revealed by the things at which he chooses to laugh.” -T.F. Lawrence
Jenn is a 16-year-old homeschool graduate whose love of writing is practically unsurpassed by any other hobby. She updates her blog when she’s not working with a friend on their sequel to Stoker’s Dracula.
Debbie says:
Sounds AWESOME!
I can’t wait to check it out…you wrote an excellent review! Way to go, Jenn!!
Debbie
Alex says:
I checked my library website and you were right -they did carry the book! I reserved it, and will hopefully pick it up this afternoon. Thanks for the recommendation; I’m always looking for something good to read.
Alex
Britnee says:
This is awesome! If anyone could recommend a book, it’s Jenn.
D.T. says:
Britnee’s right: I love your recommendations! I hope you write more soon.