Office Space

Office Space
[DVD Office]

This 1999 film is something of a cult classic -- not a huge blockbuster, but a quirky oddball comedy that fans keep coming back to again and again. Written and produced by Mike Judge, the man behind the animated hits Beavis and Butthead and King of the Hill, Office Space is, in part, based on a series of short animated pieces that feature nebbishy office worker Milton. Ron Livingston headlines the cast, as Peter Gibbons, a cubicle-inhabiting cog in a corporate environment at Initech. When the company appears to be going into downsizing mode, Peter and his co-workers hatch a scheme to use a software bug to skim a vast amount of money from the company's accounts before they get canned. The humor here is painful and absurd. Gary Cole is a scene stealer as Bill Lumbergh, the main boss, who puts his employees through sheer hell in preparation for firing them. Peter, the unsuspecting victim of a hypnotist, who leaves him suspended in a state of mind in which his inhibitions are removed, is a fascinating character, as is Milton (Stephen Root), a mumbling cubicle dweller who was fired but never left the building. Jennifer Anniston is featured as Peter's new girlfriend, who is working for a T.G.I. Friday's-like restaurant, whose management is obsessed with the employees wearing "flair" -- buttons, badges, etc. This is smart, savvy comedy, poking fun at corporate culture as well as examples of idiocy in other venues as well. Totally unbelievable, but cathartic for anyone who's felt like taking revenge on a boss. You'll never look at the red Swingline stapler in your office the same way again!-- recommended by Scott C. - Bennett Martin Public Library [subscribe to Scott's It's All Geek to Me! newsletter or any of the libraries' 37 other monthly booklist newsletters!]

[ Internet Movie Database entry for this film ]

Have you seen this one? What did you think? Did you find this review helpful?

New reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide website. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually over the course of the entire month.

The Ten, Make That Nine, Habits of Very Organized People. Make That Ten

The Ten, Make That Nine, Habits of Very Organized People. Make That Ten. The Tweets of Steve Martin
by Steve Martin [817 Mar]

Having been a fan of Steve Martin for a long time, and also having a Twitter account of my own, I couldn't pass this one up when I saw it on the "new books" display. Martin originally set up his twitter account as a means of self-promotion. After having and using his account for several months, however, he realized Twitter was an interesting venue to experiment with humor. This book compiles some of the results of his experimentation. Organized in a loose chronological fashion, readers can see Martin's progression as as Twitter user. He also saved and reprints here some of the humorous responses he received from his followers, which turned his Twitter experiment into a two-way street. I enjoyed this as an extremely light-weight read -- I finished it in less than an hour overall, and was laughing throughout. On the other hand, I'm very grateful I was able to get it from the library, because the formatting -- hard cardboard cover -- and price -- $15.99 -- were ridiculous for a book of this limited size. So...if you're a fan of Steve's style of wry, sarcastic humor, track this one down for some quick laughs. [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try Steve Martin's novels and autobiography.] -- recommended by Scott C. - Bennett Martin Public Library [subscribe to Scott's monthly booklist newsletter - It's All Geek to Me!]

[ official Steve Martin web site -- don't forget to follow him on Twitter! ]

Have you read this one? What did you think? Did you find this review helpful?

New reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide website. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually over the course of the entire month.

If You Ask Me (and Of Course You Won't) (on CD)

If You Ask Me (and Of Course You Won't...)
by Betty White [Compact Disc Biography White]

Betty White reads her own book to you on this book-on-CD. I enjoyed this light memoir as she discusses a few favorite topics. She doesn't dwell long on each topic but mentions her latest projects, working with Sandra Bullock, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sigourney Weaver, the Hot in Cleveland TV show and her co-stars, reminiscences about her husband, some of her early work, and of course stories of her animals. Only two hours on CD. -- recommended by Charlotte K. - Bennett Martin Public Library

[Also available in downloadable audio and print formats.]

[ Betty White on Wikipedia ] | [ publisher's official If You Ask Me (and Of Course You Won't) web site ]

Have you read this one? What did you think? Did you find this review helpful?

New reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually over the course of the entire month.

Hocus Pocus

Hocus Pocus
[DVD j Hocus]

Before she and her sisters were hanged for witchcraft in the 1600's, Winifred Sanderson says a curse claiming that when a virgin lights the black flame candle they will come back to life. In modern day Salem, Max tries to impress a girl by lighting the candle, which brings the witches to life. Now he and his sister along with the girl he's trying to impress have to save Salem from the witches. The storyline alone is good but add to it the comic genius of Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker and you've got a great Halloween movie that never grows old. [If you enjoy this, you may wish to try The Witches (DVD j Dahl)] -- recommended by Carrie K. - Bennett Martin Public Library and South Branch Library

[ Internet Movie Database entry for this film ]

Have you seen this one? What did you think? Did you find this review helpful?

New reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually over the course of the entire month.

This Time Together: Laughter and Reflections

This Time Together: Laughter and Reflections
by Carol Burnett [Compact Disc Biography Burnett]

Although not her first autobiographical offering, this is a good overview of her life and career for those who love her work and those who may not know much about her. And I can't imagine anyone BUT Carol Burnett narrating her own memoirs. From the young girl who was raised primarily by her grandmother to the renowned comedienne/actress/variety performer, she is an American icon and American success story, whose luck and talent has been tempered by tragedy. Oddly, although she mentions her middle husband, Joe Hamilton, who was the father of her children and the producer of the venerated "Carol Burnett Show", she doesn't really talk about him much. All in all, it's a good and not overly long 'listen'. There is a small amount of adult language, and Carol becomes quite emotional on the chapters about the deaths of a young fan and her own daughter, Carrie. -- recommended by Becky W.C. - Walt Branch Library

[Also available in downloadable audio, print, downloadable E-book and Large Print formats.]

[ Wikipedia page for Carol Burnett ]

Have you listened to or read this one? What did you think? Did you find this review helpful?

New reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually over the course of the entire month.

Hot in Cleveland: Season One

Hot in Cleveland: Season One
[DVD Hot]

I've been a fan of Wendie Malick ever since "Just Shoot Me" and I've heard nothing but good things about this series so I added it to my list. It's about these three middle-aged women from LA who decide to fly to Paris. One is an actress, whose show was just cancelled; another is a writer; and the last one is the eyebrow queen of L.A. On the way to Paris the plane has to make an emergency landing in Cleveland. At first they're upset, but then they go to a bar and are stunned that the men are looking at them instead of past them like they do in L.A. They decide to stay and move into this house where they meet Betty White's character, who is the caretaker of the house. The series is hysterical, I highly recommend it. If you're looking for a good comedy with actual storylines this is the one for you. [If you like this you may also enjoy "Just Shoot Me" with Wendie Malick as an ex-model working for a fashion magazine (available through interlibrary loan), or Frasier with Jane Leeves as Daphne.] -- recommended by Carrie K. - Bennett Martin Public Library and South Branch Library

[ Internet Movie Database entry for this film ] | [ official Hot in Cleveland web site from TV Land ]

Have you seen this one? What did you think? Did you find this review helpful?

New reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually over the course of the entire month.

Worst Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Holidays

Worst Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Holidays
by Joshua Piven and David Borgenicht [394.26 Piv]

This is a quirky book about how to handle a variety of holiday emergencies. The situations covered range from plausible (grease fires, food poisoning) to unlikely (getting someone unstuck from a chimney, fending off a reindeer attack) to downright silly (silencing a group of carolers, how to treat a wrapping-paper cut in 10 steps). The combination makes for entertaining and (sometimes) informative reading. -- recommended by Peter J. - Virtual Services Department

[ official Josh Piven web site ]

Have you read this one? What did you think? Did you find this review helpful?

New reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually over the course of the entire month.

The Politically Correct Stories series

The Politically Correct Stories series
by James Finn Garner [398.2 Gar/817 Gar]

James Finn Garner hopped on the bandwagon of "political correctness" parodies in the mid-1990s with several volumes which retold classic tales in a more...progressive...tone. The humor in all three of the libraries owned by the libraries (Politically Correct Bedtime Stories, Once Upon a More Enlightened Time: More Politically Correct Bedtime Stories, and Politically Correct Holiday Stories: For an More Enlightened Yuletide Season) is all a bit heavy-handed and blatant, but still chuckle-worthy. The holiday version, with its retelling of "A Christmas Carol", "The Hanukkah Story" and "'Twas the Night Before Christmas", with the removal of all references that could be considered sexist, ageist, spiritual or imperialistic, is particularly bizarre. Give these a try if you're a fan of broad humor! -- recommended by Scott C. - Bennett Martin Public Library

[ official James Finn Garner web site ]

Have you read this one? What did you think? Did you find this review helpful?

New reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually over the course of the entire month.

The Stupidest Angel

The Stupidest Angel: A Heartwarm Tale of Christmas Terror
by Christopher Moore

This Christmas tale is not Dickens! As the author warns: it contains cusswords and people in their forties having sex (in the graveyard). In Pine Cove, Dale Pearson quarrels with his ex-wife, Lena. Since this is a different kind of Christmas story, he is later dispatched with Lena's shovel. (He falls on it and impales himself.) Since Dale was dressed as Santa, Josh Barker, who witnesses the death, believes that Santa has died -- and expresses the wish that he could come back to life. Theo Crowe, the town constable, who also smokes pot, is called to the scene of the quarrel. Theo is married to Molly Michon, former movie queen, known for playing Kendra, Warrior Babe of the Outland. Now that her career is over, she is seriously medicated. Trim and tanned Tucker Case, a pilot for the DEA, rolls into town with his fruitbat Roberto, who wears Ray-Bans. Understand that it is Roberto who wears the Ray-Bans! Another visitor is a blond man wearing a long black coat: he is the archangel Raziel, who grants Josh's wish. Dale comes back to life as a zombie. This book is not for all tastes, since is totally off the wall and outrageously funny. Tucker shows up again in another book by Moore. -- recommended by Rianne S. - Bennett Martin Public Library

[Also available in book-on-cd format.]

[ official The Stupidest Angel web site ] | [ official Christopher Moore web site ]

Have you read this one? What did you think? Did you find this review helpful?

New reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually over the course of the entire month.

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
by Douglas Adams

When hitchhiking through the galaxy, the traveler's most indispensible accessory is his towel. Fortunately, Ford Prefect, a native of the planet Betelgeuse, and a roving researcher for the Hitchhiker's Guide, always keeps his in his satchel. To avoid the destruction of the Earth, Ford and his British friend, Arthur Dent, stowaway on a Vogon flagship. When the captain discovers them aboard, he reads poetry to them: the Guide specifically warns against listening to Vogon poetry: it is the third worst in the universe. The second worst is that of the Azgoths of Kria, and the very worst poetry perished with its creator, Paula Nancy Millstone Jennings, in the destruction of the planet Earth. Without mercy, the captain catapaults them into space. They are rescued by Zaphod Beeblebrox and his Heart of Gold ship. Zaphod is the ex-hippie President of the Imperial Galactic Government. They arrive in the vicinity of the planet Magrathea--and are asked to leave. When they remain, a computer launches a warhead at them. An explosion creates a sperm whale and a bowl of petunias. The whale dies; the petunias think, "Oh, no, not again." Arthur now learns that the computer Deep Thought was created to discover the answer to life, the universe, and everything. After thinking for seven and a half million years, computer (the second best ever) announces the answer: "forty-two." Earth was created to develop the question--and it was destroyed just five minutes before its ten million year mission was to be accomplished. In that case, since they're feeling a bit peckish, the intrepid travelers will stop for a bite at the Restaurant at the End of the Universe. -- recommended by Rianne S. - Bennett Martin Public Library
[The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy began as a radio play, which was then adapted into three novels. The fourth and fifth novels were original to novel form. All stories in the series have been produced in audio format, either as book-to-cd adaptations or as recordings of the original radio plays. The library has several audio versions of these stories.]

[ BBC's official Hitchhikers Guide web site ] | [ official Douglas Adams web site ]

See more books like this on our In Space No One Can Hear You Laugh booklist
Listen to a discussion of this book in our 'Casting About, Program 23 podcast

Have you read this one? What did you think? Did you find this review helpful?

New reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually over the course of the entire month.

I Shouldn't Even Be Doing This...

I Shouldn't Even Be Doing This...and Other Things That Strike Me as Funny
by Bob Newhart [817 New]

I've always been a fan of Bob Newhart, ever since getting hooked on The Bob Newhart Show back in the 1970s, and subsequently tracking down his Grammy-winning Button Down Mind of Bob Newhart comedy album(s). So...when this autobiography/memoir appeared back in 2006, I couldn't pass it up. Bob's book is a very entertaining read, filled with lots of recollections of high points in his comedy career, but after finishing it my first feeling is that the book didn't really add up to much. It's very light-weight as biographies go, and even fairly weightless in comparison to other similar humor books. While a lot of page space is taken up with his earlier comedy career in standup, and his first real breakthrough on television (The Bob Newhart Show), his later hit, Newhart, although long-running and tremendously popular, only gets a few pages -- about the casting and about the unforgettable final episode. And his two lesser-know shows, Bob, and George and Leo get less than a paragraph combined. The book came out before he became involved in the recent series of made-for-TV-movies about The Librarian, in which he has a major role. Overall, although this book is a fun read, I don't know that I'd recommend it for anyone but a die-hard Bob Newhart fan, and even then if you're a big fan you've probably heard most of the stories he tells already, in his many talk-show appearances. On the other hand, it will bring back fond memories of seeing him chatting with Johnny Carson on the Tonight Show! -- recommended by Scott C. - Bennett Martin Public Library

[Also available in Large Print format.]

[ official Bob Newhart web site ]

Have you read to this one? What did you think? Did you find this review helpful?

New reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually over the course of the entire month.

Me Talk Pretty One Day

Me Talk Pretty One Day
by David Sedaris [817 Sed]

This is a collection of essays by David Sedaris that had me in stitches the whole way through. David comments on particular moments in his life in a humorous, often sarcastic way, even though sometimes the memories aren't all pleasant. The book is split into two main sections, 'one' which takes place in America, and 'deux' which chronicles his time spent in France. Both are equally entertaining. David Sedaris' sense of humor easily kept me hooked the whole way through. -- recommended by Stephanie G. - Bennett Martin Public Library

[Also available in downloadable audio, unabridged book-on-cd, and abridged audiotape formats.][ official Bio and Appearance Schedule for Sedaris on his agent's web site ] [ David Sedaris page on Wikipedia ]

Have you read this one? What did you think? Did you find this review helpful?

Ten (or more) new reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog over the course of the entire month.

The Code of the Woosters

The Code of the Woosters

by P.G. Wodehouse

Uproarious adventures ensue when Aunt Dahlia Travers asks her nephew, Bertie Wooster, to pinch (steal) a silver cow creamer for her husband, Tom, who collects antique silver. A rival collector, Sir Watkyn Bassett, has acquired the piece, which Aunt Dahlia feels rightfully belongs to Tom. Of course, Bertie refuses, but he does accept an invitation to Totleigh Towers, Sir Watkyn's manor house, where he must contend with the following: Madeline Bassett, who mistakenly believes that Bertie is in love with her; Gussie Finknottle, Madeline's current fiance and one of Bertie's best friend; the thug Roderick Spode, who harbors a secret; and, of course, Sir Watkyn himself. (Bertie once came up before him for stealing a policeman's helmet.) Only Bertie's super intelligent valet, Jeeves, can sort out the tangled threads that the visit produces. -- recommended by Rianne S. - Bennett Martin Public Library

[ Wikipedia page for P.G. Wodehouse ]

Have you read this one? What did you think? Did you find this review helpful?

Ten (or more) new reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog over the course of the entire month.

Delicatessen

Delicatessen

directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet

This movie has been referred to as both a twisted black comedy and post-apocalyptic horror. The 1991 French film portrays a world where food (and sometimes running water) is scarce. The local currency is comprised of various grains. And, the postman carries a gun to protect himself from muggers. The butcher/landlord who runs the Delicatessen has an agreement with his tenants whereby they don't "squeal" about where he gets the meat from which is sold in his shop and he guarantees not to make them the cut of the day. Things take an interesting turn when the butcher's daughter falls for his newest selection to stock his shelves and aligns herself with the vegetable-eaters to save him. If you like dark comedy - this movie is for you! -- recommended by Jodene G. - Walt Branch Library

[ Internet Movie Database page for Delicatessen ]

Have you seen this one? What did you think?

Ten new reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog over the course of the entire month.