Bark by Lorrie Moore

In one of the eight short stories that make up the collection Bark, a woman comes to realize that, “Living did not mean one joy piled upon another. It was merely the hope for less pain…” Here, in one thought, is the theme of this collection by Lorrie Moore. Middle-aged men and women separate, divorce and try (without much success) to connect with new partners. Career choices and financial decisions have turned out to be mistakes. Children shock and disappoint. Illness looms in the future. Anxiety caused by financial collapse and a distant war hangs over society.  But this book is not as grim as it sounds. The characters in these stories are stoic. And, because Moore is an acclaimed wordsmith with a mischievous sense of humor, they deal with their problems by joking and wisecracking and punning. Moore also creates improbable scenarios that are gently humorous. A woman accidentally cooks a pan of chicken on the CLEAN setting of her oven but takes it to the party anyway. After a motorcycle gang realizes it is terrorizing the wrong outdoor wedding, they apologize and meekly drive away. The stories in Bark are about early 21^st century American life. They are sad, ironic and quirky, just like real life. 

Check out Bark by Lorrie Moore @ the library!

Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosh

Have you ever written a letter to your future self, and asked said future self to "write back soon"? Have you ever wondered if your dog was less intelligent than other dogs? Have you ever gotten overly excited by cake, the prospect of a birthday party or a toy that you never quiet used for it's intended purposes? Then you might just be Allie Brosh, author of the popular blog and now book Hyperbole and a Half.

This is a collection of popular posts as well as new material that will have you laughing out loud  The illustrations are just as absurd as the stories, and add that certain touch of humor that anyone who has tried to draw in "paint" is familiar with.If you are already a fan of Brosh's website, there is new material, and even if you've read every post, it's just as funny in print. Fans of offbeat humor, as well as the observer of life's oddities will also enjoy an unusual and humorous take on life found in Hyperbole and a Half.

Check out Hyperbole and a Half @ the library!

The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling

Disagreeable people often make the most interesting characters in a book. J.K. Rowling’s The Casual Vacancy has so many disagreeable characters she has created a real page-turner, despite a mundane sounding plot concerning an election for a village council. Only Barry Fairbrother, who suddenly dies at the very beginning of the book, seemed to be decent and sincere. The others either seethe with anger and resentment or smugly bask in unwarranted self-esteem. Mr. Fairbrother’s sudden death creates a vacancy on the Pagford Village Council. He had grown up poor and worked his way into the middle class without forgetting his roots.  As a member of the council, he was the strongest supporter of the public housing complex called The Fields where the poorest Pagford citizens live. After his death, several people announce their intention to run for the vacant seat but none have his leadership abilities or empathy for the residents of The Fields. Gossip, lies and dirty tricks undermine the campaigns and reputations of several candidates as well as some of the current council members. Hostility to the public housing residents is the single issue driving the election. Many of the residents of The Fields, particularly the Wheedon family, have so many problems they cannot make an effort to even appear to be the “deserving poor.” But in Pagford, all the citizens have faults and weaknesses. Moral superiority and decency does not necessarily come with education, money or class. 

Check out The Casual Vacancy @ the library! (Perhaps while waiting for your hold on The Cuckoo's Calling!)