INTO THE TWILIGHT, ENDLESSLY GROUSING

Rating:
Summary: McManus is Mc FUN is
Review: As a long time reader of Mr. McManus, my first run-in with this hilarious author was back in the days when I'd steal my dad's Outdoor Life and Field and Stream magazines to sneak away and pour over Mr. McManus' columns. I'm all grown up now, and don't have to steal my dad's magazines. I'm much sneakier now. I buy the books on the pretext that I'm getting them for my husband, then I read them instead. Mr. McManus, you are a delight!! Please write more!

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)

Rating:
Summary: We need George Irving
Review: I have every Patric McManus audio tape performed by George Irving and they are a delight. I purchased this latest book on audio cassette. What's with the music (banjos) and southern "good ole boy" accented reading? I always thought that Idaho was north and west of the Mason Dixon line. This tape is a bust. I never fully realized what a talent George Irving has for bringing these stories to life. Please dont' tart up the tapes with music that doesn't fit the time frame or geographic area on which these stories are based.

Rating:
Summary: All McManus books are a 5. They are all alike!
Review: I rareley laugh out loud when I read. While reading this I laughed so hard I teared, snorted, screamed and possibly had a brief out of body experience. The first book of Pat's I read made me laugh. Every time I read a new book or reread an old one I just thought it got funnier and funnier. I can't wait to review them all. The more you understand how he writes the funnier it gets. To some of the folks I know, I can't even mention his name for fear that they will explode with laughter. This book talks about the terrible crime wave which left a whole town with ...news. Also discussed are topics such as Beards, Laziness, Pipes, secret junk food clubs, fishing, life-saving techniques and imagining you're eating roast beef. Sure if you hunt and or fish or camp-it would help you laugh at these stories, however my own grandmother thinks he's hilarious and does none of these. You can't go wrong either way. Even if you have never killed a poor defenseless Avid! Ha! You've got to laugh. If you like trouble, then buy this book!

Rating:
Summary: We need more McManus!
Review: If you are looking for a cure of the everyday problems of society, then this is the cure you seek! Spend a few minutes with Pat, Eddie, Rancid, Troll, and all the cast of characters that rumble through Pat's childhood and grownup life, and feel better for it! This book, as well as Pat's other books, is an impressive piece of humor writing.

Rating:
Summary: good stories, uninspired narration
Review: Terry Beaver's narration is disappointing. He can't hold a candle to George S. Irving or to P. MacManus in narrating MacManus' tales. It doesn't seem that Beaver understands the underlying gist much of the time, so his diction doesn't add to the hilarity of the tale.

Rating:
Summary: Great Reading
Review: This book brings a new meaning to outdoor lit. His humorus tales and fun characters make this book fun for all ages. For anyone looking for good reading or even for humorus interp. for speach as I did, Patrick Mcmanus is on the top of the list.

Rating:
Summary: Great Reading
Review: This book brings a new meaning to outdoor lit. His humorus tales and fun characters make this book fun for all ages. For anyone looking for good reading or even for humorus interp. for speach as I did, Patrick Mcmanus is on the top of the list.