Rating: 
Summary: A Fine and Pleasant Misery
Review: A Fine and Pleasant Misery written by Patrick F. McManus was a good book. He used Humor in it, which made it more interesting. He wrote of the adventures he had when he was younger, along with the adventures that he still enjoys today. The book has its dull times, but over all it is an exciting book. Many times through out the book I was confused only because I didn't know what some of the terminology meant in such subjects as fishing. If you are interested in camping, fishing, hiking, rafting, or anything to do with the outdoors, I would recommend this book!
Rating: 
Summary: A Fine & Pleasant Misery can be summed up in one word: GREAT
Review: All of Mr. McManus's books are funny. I am afraid to read his books at night for fear of waking my family up with my fits of laghter. Everyone should have a chance to read his wonderfully funny books. The world of outdoor humor without McManus would be in a sad, sad state. I for one hopes he keeps writing so outdoor humor won't fall into thw e state mentioned before. Keep up the great work, Pat!
Rating: 
Summary: First is not Best
Review: Even though this was Pat's first book, it is definitely not his best. It is funny, but his more recent work shows a mastery of anecdote writing and his love of it. I recommend How I got this Way and The Good Samaritan Strikes Again over A Fine and Pleasant Misery because they are more well written and funnier. This is still not a bad book, McManus just has better.
Rating:
Summary: First is not Best
Review: Even though this was Pat's first book, it is definitely not his best. It is funny, but his more recent work shows a mastery of anecdote writing and his love of it. I recommend How I got this Way and The Good Samaritan Strikes Again over A Fine and Pleasant Misery because they are more well written and funnier. This is still not a bad book, McManus just has better.
Rating:
Summary: How to make suffering profitable and an art form...
Review: How do you color the front half of a man red and the back half blue?
What does it feel like to get hit by lightning?
When does a rafter use a dog for a paddle?
Why should you use the Modified Stationary Panic instead of the Full Bore Linear Panic?
Why would two naked people chase a hysterical fat kid up a mountain in the middle of a blizzard?
If the answers to these don't keep you indoors, nothing will!
Rating:
Summary: All right, you can panic now
Review: I can't remember why I picked up "A Fine and Pleasant Misery". Perhaps the very notion of a humor writer for Field and Stream appealed to me.At any rate, I don't regret it. My favorite piece may be the Modified Stationary Panic, although every scene at the army surplus store is golden. On the other hand, kid camping is so true to life (yet hysterical) that perhaps it should be required reading for all parents (and kids attempting to sleep outside). The only caveat, don't read in bed, you'll laugh so hard you may fall out and hurt yourself.
Rating:
Summary: All right, you can panic now
Review: I can't remember why I picked up "A Fine and Pleasant Misery". Perhaps the very notion of a humor writer for Field and Stream appealed to me. At any rate, I don't regret it. My favorite piece may be the Modified Stationary Panic, although every scene at the army surplus store is golden. On the other hand, kid camping is so true to life (yet hysterical) that perhaps it should be required reading for all parents (and kids attempting to sleep outside). The only caveat, don't read in bed, you'll laugh so hard you may fall out and hurt yourself.
Rating:
Summary: All right, you can panic now
Review: I can't remember why I picked up "A Fine and Pleasant Misery". Perhaps the very notion of a humor writer for Field and Stream appealed to me. At any rate, I don't regret it. My favorite piece may be the Modified Stationary Panic, although every scene at the army surplus store is golden. On the other hand, kid camping is so true to life (yet hysterical) that perhaps it should be required reading for all parents (and kids attempting to sleep outside). The only caveat, don't read in bed, you'll laugh so hard you may fall out and hurt yourself.
Rating:
Summary: Fishing and Hunting were never this funny before McManus
Review: I have a friend who's never been hunting, has fished, I think, exactly once in his life, and who has nonetheless gleefully read every book McManus has ever written. He gave me a McManus book for my birthday over twenty years ago, and I've been a devoted fan ever since. McManus has a way of painting a verbal picture that manages to stretch the bounds of good taste without ever quite going beyond them. More than one of his stories has conjoured up an image I don't think I'll ever get out of my head- and that still makes me laugh today. Buy this book. Buy *any* McManus book. They're all hilarious.
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)
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