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Rating: 
Summary: Another funny read from the walking disaster area himself!
Review: Even Pat's penchant for disaster is overshadowed when he meets Grover in their Cub Scout group. But his old friend Goosey managed to profit from his near-death experiences with Pat.
Never, EVER, let Pat help out when you have been in an auto accident. Of course, there is always the dead duck in the chimney to vent your frustration on.
Find out how Pat handles an ungrateful boss when he does janitorial work- and be glad you haven't hired him!
Beware of getting under Pat's cabin, you might meet his pet. Just a few of the advisories as to what you'll encounter here.
Rating:
Summary: 'Pass out laughing' funny
Review: I have always thought that Patrick McManus is the funniest writer on the planet. I read his stories when I need to laugh or relax. Sometimes I irritate my wife by reading it in bed. I try not to laugh out loud, but I only succeed in sounding like I am trying to muffle continuous sneezes.
However, not everyone gets it. I have been shocked by watching people read McManus without so much as a smile (though most start snorting like wild pigs on acid) . My only guess is that getting McManus requires a couple things. First, it requires some understanding of his experiences. He absolutely nails all of the stupid things 'outdoors men (outdoors people)' do and think, but don't want anybody to know about. Second, you have to see the self-deprecating aspect of his humor. Third, you can't look for great literature in integrated books. Patrick McManus is an excellent writer, if you see these as independent stories simply collected in a volume. They are meant for adults who want to laugh at themselves. So, If you are willing to or already meet the above three criteria, you will love this book.
By the way, I am a professor of clinical psychology and (other than worrying a little about McManus) I sometimes recommend this and other McManus books. I do this with people who have racing thoughts and anxiety at bedtime, and when I believe they have the necessary experiences to find it funny. It often works quite well. I think of his stories as little pieces of happiness. (Oh, that even makes me sick to hear. Sorry)
Rating:
Summary: Everything Pat writes is hilarious, subtle, witty...
Review: tasteful, and completely obnoxious. Out of the four books of his that I have read [ The night the bear ate goombaw, they shoot canoes... Fine and pleasant... and this one] This is the funniest one in my opinion. If you liked any of his other books, You gotta like this one. They are all a collection of the same kind of stories, except his latest book. They are all short and simple and run along the same lines. Male stupidity, outdoor troubles, childhood memories of embarassment and goofy adventures. If you grew up in the country especially, you will probably slap your knee after every paragraph. Pat McManus is the Diabolical genius of humorous writing. This guy ruins me for anybody else who writes something with only the intention of being funny. And I don't mind at all. I'm willing to be spoiled by such great writing. Anybody who knows a troop of crazy eccentric characters from their own childhood or right now, will identify with crazy eddie muldoon and Melba Peachbottom. Yeah that's right, Melba.... Peach... Bottom. I'm sure he changes the names with names like that and His friends girlfriend Velveeta. The best part of his writing is letting him rope you in to actually believing a conversation or interaction and then realizing that you just even if only for a second bought into the most ridiculous thing, and he knew you would all along. Feeling stupid and flat out tricked is the funniest part of reading these books. Some of the people and thoughts, couldn't even be made up by THIS guy, so you have to believe some of it. And once you believe some of it, he's got you set up right where he wants you, IT'S GREAT. If you appreciate good humor and take things all in fun, or need a laugh after a horrifying camping trip, you should definetely buy this book or any other Pat book. You can just expect the same hilarious thing with most of the other ones, because they're all short funny stories. My cheeks hurt from smiling and my ''Funnnnnnnnnnyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!'' muscle hurts from laughing. Get it.
Rating:
Summary: One of his best
Review: This is one of McManus' best books. After writing for 30 years, his writing has definitely improved. This is a great example. I highly recommend it!
Rating:
Summary: One of his best
Review: This is one of McManus' best books. After writing for 30 years, his writing has definitely improved. This is a great example. I highly recommend it!
Rating: 
Summary: McManus Indeed Strikes Again
Review: This is the eighth time that Mr. McManus has put together a collection of his humorous experiences from childhood, through his early days as a manipulator of truth at a public relations agency, and of course more recent forays as the intrepid guide and indomitable leader of a variety of outings. This is the fourth collection of his stories that I have read, and I believe that leaves me with 8 to still enjoy. One of the remaining books is done with his sister who is generally known in these books as the, "Troll", and that volume is to have dozens of variations for recipes on, "whatchucalit stew". It would be unfair to say that there is no familiarity in these stories as I read the 4th collection. There is a great difference between familiarity and repetition, and the author is not guilty of the latter. What is becoming familiar are the friends of his childhood through to the present day with names that would make Dickens proud were he alive and writing in 20th Century Idaho. These characters are based upon real people that he has mercifully disguised, as how many people would want the moniker Rancid Crabtree, with all the attendant implications? These stories are innocent, honest, and without anything that would keep them on a coffee table for any member of household to read. Even his first kiss in the back of a friend's car, that is a stretch to call a kiss, would be comfortable in a G rated Disney film. His stories may primarily take place in his, "Gothic Idaho", and other states in the West and Pacific Northwest, but they translate to everyone's childhood to some degree, and are pure reading enjoyment, completely without pretense or prevarication.
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Summary: * A slightly different perspective *
Review: This was my first sojourn into books by Patrick McManus. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book. The anecdotes about life and the way he takes a slightly different perspective are great and they expose the perverse humor in many common tasks. Try this book, you will enjoy
Rating:
Summary: I think I broke a rib laughing
Review: Warning!!! This book could cause divorce!! I was reading in bed with my wife trying to sleap and while holding in the laughter the bed was shaking so hard the neighbors gave me a wink and told my wife she looked like she needed rest..... If you enjoy/endure the outdoors you can relate to this book and will not be able to put it down.
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