As a great fan of humor writing, I was eager to get this book for review. It is a collection of short pieces on politics, family, general absurdities, and some social commentary thrown into the mix.
Here is what the promotional blurb has to say about this book:
In Sitting on Cold Porcelain, readers will find an amusing, perceptive, and laugh-out-loud take on the state of our country and our world, on celebrities and politicians, and all the news events that make us roll our eyes and groan.
Its satirical essays include “Giuliani’s Gaffe Could Qualify for Political Darwin Award,” “Rush Limbaugh: The Don Rickles of Radio,” “State of The Union 2010: Bitch-Slapping Congress,” “Islamic Cleric Declares Jihad on Mickey Mouse,” “Little Egypt to Run Against Sarah Palin,” and “Who Moved My Mascarpone?”
You will also find Rose’s hysterical consultations with her friend, Mrs. Giordano, a South Philadelphia Malocchio (evil eye) doctor. Mrs. Giordano bloviates in Italian and is the Italian equivalent to the ‘Numa Numa Guy’ in front of the TV when she watches The O’Reilly Factor.
Some parts of the book did make me chuckle, especially the introduction which explains the title. Perhaps because I could relate? I also really enjoyed the “State of the Union 2010: Bitch-Slapping Congress.” Anyone who regularly reads my blog knows I take shots at government all the time, and Rose took some good shots in that piece.
In “Modern Terrorism Techniques” Rose reports that New Zealanbd cleared a shopping mall of unruly teens by piping in music by Barry Manilow.She referred to the music as “the kryptonite of our young people.” Then she went on to suggest that certain music could replace water-boarding at Guantanamo as part of President Obama’s improved humane policies toward detainees.What a clever idea. I’ve always thought we women could solve the world’s problems if given half a chance.
This is a fun book that can be read all in one sitting, or in short bursts, perhaps instead of reading the back of the cereal box at breakfast. Trust me. This is a much better read. Fans of Erma Bombeck will find some similarities in the writing, and anyone who likes satire will enjoy the book.
Rose A. Valenta is a nationally syndicated humor columnist. Her irreverent columns have been published in Senior Wire, Associated Content, Courier Post Online, NPR, Newsday, USA TODAY, the WSJ Online, and many other local news and radio websites.
She is the author of Rosie’s Renegade Humor Blog. This is the blog for people who would be knowledgeable about current events and politics if only politicians and news anchors didn’t stretch the truth.
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FTC Disclaimer. This book was sent to me by the author, I’m sure with the hope that I might say something kind about it. But I was not paid or threatened to fulfill that hope. It was just out there waiting for my response.
Maryann,
Thank you so much for the great review!
Rose
You’re welcome, Rose. I enjoyed the read.
I’m glad you found it a fun read. I was worried. It seems if a book tells you upfront how funny it is, it’s usually not. Changing the music in a mall is a good idea.
I was a little worried, too, Helen. I learned a long time ago in book marketing not to hype a book that way. But, as I said, I’m a sucker for humor, and the book does live up to the hype.