Boogers Are My Beat FROM THE PUBLISHER
The New York Times calls him "the funniest man in America," and his legions of fans agree, laughing and snorting as they put his books on bestseller lists nationwide. Now Dave Barry gives us the real scoop on such cultural phenomena as: The scientific research for the world's funniest joke (you can bet it includes the word "weasel"); RV camping in the Wal-Mart parking lot; Outwitting "smart" kitchen appliances and service contracts; Elections in Florida ("You can't spell Florida without 'duh'"); The Olympics, where people from all over the world come together to accuse each other of cheating; The truth about the Dakotas, the Lone Ranger, and feng shui; The choice between death and taxes; and much, much more.
FROM THE CRITICS
Library Journal
A Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist, Barry has been entertaining readers across the globe with his appealing mix of humor and commentary. In his latest book (after Dave Barry Is Not Taking This Sitting Down), he riffs on topics such as presidential elections, cheating at the Olympic Games, airport security, and RV camping at Wal-Mart. For the most part, the humor is in the vein of the title, but it is intended to get the audience's attention so that Barry can make his political or personal points rather than shock his audience. This reviewer particularly enjoyed the piece about his sharing his daughter's taste for Bear in the Big Blue House, because she was a fan of certain children's TV programs when her own children were small (rest in peace, Mr. Rogers-die, Little Ponies!). Likely to circulate well as we all absorb the effects and observe the ramifications of current political and military decisions on our "normal" lives, this book is recommended for all public libraries. [Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 5/15/03.]-Necia Parker-Gibson, Univ. of Arkansas Libs., Fayetteville Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
AudioFile
Dave Barry is funny, but Dick Hill's reading is overly enthusiastic. Hill reads clearly in a resonant voice, but often too loudly and with overdone expression. It isn't hard to miss a Dave Barry joke, so some of the humor wears thin as Hill rattles off the lines in a staccato fashion. Most of the humor is recursive, that is, returning to the same topics over and over again. While Barry's material may be difficult to imbue with a sense of surprise or tension, Hill's reading is too obvious. R.F. © AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine
Kirkus Reviews
Fans may be surprised that the indefatigable comic somehow omitted his name from the title, they will be happy to find "boogers" emblazoned up there on Barry�s latest gathering of columns. His journalist�s beat also covers long forgotten historical topics like the Great Florida Presidential Election Recount, the last Winter Olympics, and Gary Condit. He reports on the dances of Republican conventioneers and the hip-hop of Bill Clinton. Barry, accompanied by Jamling Tenzing Norgay, climbs Miami�s Mt. Trashmore and, among other studly things, considers Humvees. (He draws a manly line at using guest towels, however.) Of course, there�s material about women, income taxes, and a running debate with North Dakota. The formula ("seriously, folks") may be running a bit threadbare, but any Federal Statute or Law of Nature notwithstanding, he�s still funny. If you don�t think so, you are a Bad Person. Also included: Barry�s two somber and acutely written pieces on the events of 9/11. Boogers remain all his, though. (10 line drawings) Author tour
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