Rubber Legs and White Tail-Hairs

Rating:
Summary: excellent book for all who appreciate good humor
Review: Although I am only 13 years old, as soon as I discovered Patrick McManus's I knew that they were a winner. The innocent style in which they are written make even those who don't enjoy outdoor sports to laugh out loud. The only problems with McManus's books are the fact that many people listening to you read these books think you are insane for laughing so much. So I would like to thank Mr. McManus, n case he ever reads this, for producing such wonderful works. I have enjoyed them, and passed them on to many people. They always enjoy them

Rating:
Summary: Be prepared to chortle with outdoors experiences
Review: Did you know that wolves hoot? Did you know that the deadliest weapon a fisherman can have is a banana? Did you know that unfileted bluegills multiply as the night wears on? Did you know that the best way to avoid a whipping is with a bouquet of buttercups?Did you know that a car roof is the black hole of fishing? Did you know that you can get out of a reckless driving charge if you're stuffing pigs in a sack? It's all true, and if you don't believe it, read this book and see for yourself!

Rating:
Summary: McManus' funniest ever!
Review: Fans of Pat, Retch Sweeney, The Troll, Al Finley and the manic Rancid Crabtree will love this collection! I especially love the chapter where Rancid helps the boys make an ice sled out of an old truck fender and a parachute. This book made me laugh several times throughout, and brought back a lot of my own memories growing up in Washington's timber country. A must-read for any McManus fan!

Rating:
Summary: I'm the guy in "Outdoor Burnout".
Review: I am the guy Pat talks about at the beginning of "Outdoor Burnout" At the time I wrote to him I was sick of the outdoors and nature in general, Pat put it all into perspective for me. Now when I get fed up with bad weather, balky lanterns, leaky tents, and all the other hazards of the great outdoors, I stop and think, "Pat could make a great story out of this".

Rating:
Summary: I'm the guy in "Outdoor Burnout".
Review: I am the guy Pat talks about at the beginning of "Outdoor Burnout" At the time I wrote to him I was sick of the outdoors and nature in general, Pat put it all into perspective for me. Now when I get fed up with bad weather, balky lanterns, leaky tents, and all the other hazards of the great outdoors, I stop and think, "Pat could make a great story out of this".

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: The funniest McManus of all.
Review: If by chance you haven't read any of Pat McManus' books yet, I might suggest you start with this one to insure you get hooked for life. If you didn't think that life in the panhandle of Idaho could be funny, your in for a real treat. Here's to you Miss Deets.