Bumper Sticker Wisdom: America's Pulpit Above the Tailpipe

Rating:
Summary: Sociology book disguised as coffee-table fare
Review: I LOVE this book! Carol Gardner just amazes me, page after page, with her absolutely non-judgemental interviews of some of the most colorful characters in the United States.

This book is not just to read and say "Ha ha, wasn't that a good bumper sticker?" This book is about people: their sense of humor, their dreams, their dramas, their lives. Every bumper sticker page includes a photo of the person, some basic facts about them (age, occupation, favorite pastimes, etc.) and a concise interview explaining why they put the sticker on their car.

Ordering information is also included in the back for many of the featured stickers. I actually purchased "Christians - can't live with them, can't throw them to the lions anymore" from the manufacturer.

My only question is - WHERE IS BUMPER STICKER WISDOM II? The back page said it's in the works, but this book was published in 1995.

Rating:
Summary: A "rear end" view of America and its people

Review: Know why Santa wears a red suit?
Cause fat people don't look good naked

The profound statement above is:

a. A question from "Christmas Trivia for $100" on Jeopardy!

b. An excerpt from Santa Claus' revealing new book, "Real Men Wear Red."

c. A bumper sticker that is located on the back of Santa Claus' car.

If you guessed, "c" then you are correct! This revealing bit of information about
Santa's preferred style of dress is actually a bumper sticker that is located on the rear
window of Papa John O'Brien's car. Papa John, who bears a remarkable resemblance to
you-know-who, is employed as Santa Claus in real life.

This and other bumper sticker wisdom can be found in the humorous and
informative book, "Bumper Sticker Wisdom - America's Pulpit Above the Tailpipe" by
Carol W. Gardner.

Bumper stickers. Some are funny and some are profound. Some are just plain
strange. We see them every day, every where and on every type of car. Yet did we ever
stop to think what they mean beyond the obvious message or why the owner of the car
put them there? Author Carol Gardner spent two years searching for the funniest and
most interesting bumper stickers in America. As a result, she waved and flagged down
people from all walks of life - from farmers to stockbrokers, from migrant workers to
scientists. In "Bumper Sticker Wisdom" she explores the meaning behind a wide variety of
stickers - from views on religion, politics, and education to work, family, and
relationships - and provides us with a snapshot look at the person behind the message.

If you've ever stopped for a red light and strained your neck to get a look at the
couple who put "Nudist families have more fun," on their bumper or wondered what
"Subvert the dominant paradigm" really means than "Bumper Sticker Wisdom - America's
Pulpit Above the Tailpipe" is for you!

Caroline Kent
[e-mail]