Parodies and spoofs: non-fiction Books

Book SynopsisCaptain''s log: We have entered a galaxy where beloved illustrator Jenny Parks has conjured an astonishingly vivid homage to the original Star Trek series with an unexpected twist: a cast of cats. Featuring a hilarious new take on iconic characters and scenes—from Kirk in the Captain''s chair to Spock offering his Vulcan wisdom—this eye-opening adventure stays true to the tone of the classic TV show. Playful, loving, and from a strange new world, Star Trek Cats is the perfect gift for fans of, well, Star Trek and cats.TM & © 2017 CBS Studios Inc. STAR TREK and related marks and logos are trademarks of CBS Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved. Trade Review"Set phasers to furry because these two felines are boldly going where no cat has gone before." * Mashable *

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Book SynopsisTrump has it. Obama owned it. Putin would kill for it; if you've got Spinfluence, then you can twist the truth, influence opinion and control the masses. The new Fake News Special Edition of the Spinfluence comes fully loaded with the latest highly-classified information about the most toxic propaganda on the planet. Is Fake News responsible for a conman winning the Whitehouse? Who is really guilty of pedalling alternative facts'? The first edition of Spinfluence was banned in dozens of countries around the world, so get your hands on a copy of the new Fake News Special Edition and discover the secrets behind the spin before it's too late. Spinfluence will appeal to crooked politicians, media manipulators and corporate big-wigs alike, in fact anyone interested in how to exploit people for profit or power. Covering fun techniques and tactics such as emotional hijacking, brainwashing and hysteria harnessing - Spinfluence is a glorious and insightful read about how to bend the truth and subvert the will of the herd.

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Book SynopsisThis last year has been one of great turmoil as wars, epidemics and extreme climate events have ravaged the globe. Sometimes it has felt as if the old certainties that have shored up our worldview for so long are being swept away in an unstoppable torrent of disaster, chaos, and disarray. But one thing has stolidly and steadfastly resisted the foaming tides of time: Viz. No matter what cataclysms and catastrophes lay waste to our fragile planet, the potty-mouthed comic's loyal readers know they can expect an annual packed full of stuff about toilets, second-rate celebrities and unfeasibly large testicles to take their mind off oncoming Armageddon. And this year - as Viz's latest annual The Zookeeper's Boot goes on sale - is no exception to that rule. A stout and glossy 226-page hardback, The Zookeeper's Boot is stuffed with the hilarious stuff that has made Viz the country's fourth* or fifth** favourite humorous magazine (* ** possibly sixth) for well over four decades... * Edge-of-seat Adventures: Jack Black to the Future, The Titanic Mystery, The Death of Nelson and Bad Bob the Randy Wonderdog * Cartoons: The Fat Slags, Sid the Sexist, Biffa Bacon, Mrs Brady Old Lady, Johnny Fartpants, The Real Ale Twats and Roger Mellie * Readers' letters and Top Tips, spoof ads, quizzes, games, Roger's Profanisaurus and much more So this Christmas, let The Zookeeper's Boot tread its muck across your festive threshold (and those of all your friends, relatives and acquaintances), spreading its merry bouquet wherever it goes.

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] A howl drifted up from nearby woodland and everyone shifted closer together. 'How about a ghost story,' suggested George.From the author of November 2016 Number One Christmas bestseller, Five on Brexit Island, join the Five in their next hilarious adventure in this bestselling series for grown-ups!It's a dark winter's night and the Five are scaring themselves witless recounting tales that would terrify the bravest of souls. From encounters with American werewolves and being lost in space, to ghostly graveyard apparitions, it is hardly surprising that there is a sleepless night ahead of the intrepid crew. Even grumpy old Uncle Quentin and kind Aunt Fanny cannot be relied upon to be entirely themselves . . .

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Book SynopsisTHE PERFECT GIFT for all of the ''GROWN-UPS'' still wondering what life is all about. Talking about the farmer''s market:How much are these carrots? What, per kilogram?Each? Really? What does ''heritage'' mean? Could I just have an onion, then, please?Oh. Do you take credit cards?_____________Talking about running:Why am I running? Where am I going?Do I want a longer life if I have to spend so much of it running?Why aren''t I at home? Am I running away from home? Am I scared of home? Why is my brain full of weird, horrible thoughts? Is it because running is so very, very boring? Why did I forget my headphones? This delightful book is the latest in the series of Ladybird books which have been specially planned to help grown-ups with the world about them. The large clear script, the careful choice of wordTrade ReviewHilarious * Stylist *

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Book SynopsisThe PERFECT GIFT for the ones who are yet to know the meaning of the words ''hard work'' . . . in other words the back-to-schoolers and the university goers. __________________________________This is a student.He is leaving home for the first time.By the time he graduates, he will be grown-up: exhausted, hideously in debt and unable to imagine going to bed sober.__________________________________Reynard has brought everything he needs for his first year.He unpacks his fancy-dress costumes, his four-way extension leads, his pair of pants and all his didgeridoos.By doing front, back, inside-out front, inside-out back, and using Febreze and Imodium, he plans to make his pants last until half term.__________________________________ This delightful book is part of a series of Ladybird books which have been specially planned to help grown-ups with the world about them. The large clear script, the careful choice of words, the frequent repetition and the thoughtful matching of text with pictures all enable grown-ups to think they have taught themselves to cope. Featuring original Ladybird artwork alongside brilliantly funny, brand new text. Other titles in the Ladybirds for Grown Ups series: How it Works: The Cat How it Works: The Dog How it Works: The Grandparent The Ladybird Book of the Meeting The Ladybird Book of Red Tape The Ladybird Book of the People Next Door The Ladybird Book of the Sickie The Ladybird Book of the Zombie ApocalypseHow it Works: The Husband How it Works: The Wife How it Works: The Mum How it Works: The Dad The Ladybird Book of the Mid-Life Crisis The Ladybird Book of the Hangover The Ladybird Book of Mindfulness The Ladybird Book of the Shed The Ladybird Book of Dating The Ladybird Book of the Hipster

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Book SynopsisPrepare to laugh' Reese Witherspoon253 steps to becoming an anti-it girl.Funny woman, Instagram star and international comedy sensation, Celeste Barber's Challenge Accepted! is a raucous, hilarious and outspoken guide to life, unwanted gas and how to rock a sexy scar.Part-memoir, part-comedy routine, part-advice manual, Challenge Accepted! is Celeste at her best, revealing her secrets to love, friendship, family and marriage (oh hai, #hothusband), and how to deal with life's many challenges why she checks the bath for sharks, how Nutella quite literally shaped who she is as a woman, and why being famous on Instagram is like being rich in Monopoly. It's real, like totally, really real.Trade Review‘Prepare to laugh when reading this memoir. Just when Celeste has you in stitches, she hits you right in the heart.’ –Reese Witherspoon

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Book SynopsisGaming just got a whole lot funnier.What was the console gamer''s New Year's resolution?1280x720.Why did Frogger cross the road?Because after an hour and a half you've finally completed the level.Why would a grown-up want to play Pokémon Go?Wynaut?This is a joke book for anyone who knows that AAA isn't just a battery type, you don't need scissors to do some crafting and that you don't have to go outdoors to try camping.*Parental guidance: Occasional fruity language and jokes of a sexual nature*

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Book SynopsisLaugh till you cry in this new collection of stories from the award-winning Serena Williams of humor writing (New York Times Book Review) about raising babies and trying not to be one.Called a comedic Godsend by Conan O''Brien and the Stephen King of comedy writing by John Mulaney, Simon Rich is back with New Teeth, his funniest and most personal collection yet.Two murderous pirates find a child stowaway on board and attempt to balance pillaging with co-parenting. A woman raised by wolves prepares for her parents'' annual Thanksgiving visit. An aging mutant superhero is forced to learn humility when the mayor kicks him upstairs to a desk job. And in the hard-boiled caper The Big Nap, a weary two-year-old detective struggles to make sense of a world gone mad.Equal parts silly and sincere, New Teeth is an ode to growing up, growing older, and what it means to make a family.

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Book SynopsisMy fellow irrelevant Australians. Never, in the history of our democracy, has Australian political life been in such a parlous state. There are people living in this country who have never seen true political leadership, having been governed in recent times by the dullest, most sanctimonious, hypocritical choir of patsies. This book will give them a woefully overdue idea of what a real leader looks like.Leadership is not like a can of Popeye''s spinach - you have to earn it. And earn it I did. And I am going to tell you how. In The Gospel According to Paul, writer and satirist Jonathan Biggins draws on his award-winning play to harness the eviscerating wit, wisdom and confidence of Keating, showing us the evolution of Paul John Keating, from Bankstown to the Lodge and beyond. Almost the autobiography Keating said he would never write, it is a timely reminder of the political leadership we are sorely missing.

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Book SynopsisThese guinea pigs really know how to act' The Times Born into the litters of two rival families, star-cross'd lovers Romeo and Juliet fall tuft-over-paw for each other before learning that they are sworn enemies. O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo?' squeaks Juliet from her balcony, before declarations of undying affection are made and a secret wedding is planned. But the path of true love does not run smooth, and Romeo soon finds himself banished from the city of Verona after playing his part in a fatal brawl with Juliet's family. In a desperate attempt to scurry away together, they devise a plan fraught with danger that eventually leads to heart-break Discover Shakespeare's classic tale of romance and tragedy, retold in an entirely new way.Trade ReviewThese guinea pigs really know how to act * The Times *An unexpected hit * Guardian *Really fun * Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisFrom conception and birth all the way through to death and rebirth, The Story of Life is the laugh-out-loud, brilliantly surreal follow up to Motivational Quotes to Help You Be More Positive by social media star and illustrator Chris (Simpsons Artist)

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Book Synopsis For real mums at their wits’ end, this grown-up activity book is perfect for all mothers in a bad mood. Let's face it: motherhood gives you SO many reasons for bad moods. From stretch marks to toddler rage and teenage sulking – it's as if your little (or not so little) darlings seem to have been put on this earth just to drive you up the wall. With The Little Book of Bad Moods for Mothers, you can finally drop the pretence of holding it together and simply explode. Without hurting anyone. Here are just some of the cathartic activities: What UNWANTED advice have you been given about being a parent? Fill out the answers! Draw yourself BEFORE AND AFTER pregnancy. Be very realistic. What are the MOST IRRITATING characteristics that your child has inherited from your partner? A chance to secretly moan about your partner too! What would you REALLY like to say to your child? Resist the urge! Write it down instead. What is the most IDIOTIC TEEN TREND you have witnessed? Be honest... So, if you have to stop yourself screaming louder than your crying infant or throwing food back at your terrible toddler, remember that YOU ARE NOT ALONE. This book is for you.Trade ReviewPerfect for any mother prone to grumpiness, this grown-up activity book for bad-mooded mums will raise a smile and should pull her, at least temporarily, out of the doldrums * Scotsman *Definitely the dark side of motherhood * Bristol Post *

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Book SynopsisJack Dee has been very busy during lockdown and would like to update everybody on what he's been up to. While the nation has been baking bread and clearing out cupboards, Jack has retrained online as a psychotherapist and is now open for business. After FOUR HOURS study, he has a certificate of completion from The Ruislip College of Advansed Learning [sic].If you have an emotional, relationship, work or other issue that you need help with, or if you've just totally lost your sh*t and can't take it anymore, then he would love to hear from you.This book will be a rich compendium of your problems along with Jack's unique, very professional, advice.Trade ReviewSo funny, and so wise. Just like the man himself * Richard Osman *Morally bankrupt ... Not a book to be seen on your shelves during a zoom call * Jo Brand *Britain's foremost humourist and a compassionate counsellor have both told me Jack doesn't know what he's talking about * Graeme Garden *Funny, sometimes bracing * Spectator, Books of the Year *What Is Your Problem? is indeed very funny, and it's partly because much of Dee's advice is not at all helpful. But what's even better is that sometimes his advice is-albeit inadvertently-genuinely wise and illuminating * Caroline Sanderson, The Bookseller *I recommend you read this. You'll thank me * Barry Cryer *I inhaled it. HILARIOUS. So sharp - it really made me laugh * Katherine Ryan *Jack dispenses advice exactly as you'd want him to: with both hilarious insight and healthy disdain for everyone involve * Romesh Ranganathan *A breath of fresh air * Sun *Timely resurgence of the pull-yourself-together school of therapy * The Times/Sunday Times *Absurd, occasionally useful, and always sardonic * Sunday Express *

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Book SynopsisMeet C. H. Dalton, a professor of racialist studies and an expert on inferior people of all ethnicities, genders, religions, and sexual preferences. Presenting evidence that everyone should be hated, A Practical Guide to Racism contains sparkling bits of wisdom on such subjects as:· The good life enjoyed by blacks, who shuffle through life unhindered by the white man's burdens, to become accomplished athletes, rhyme smiths, and dominoes champions· The sad story of the industrious, intelligent Jews, whose entire reputation is sullied by their taste for the blood of Christian babies· A close look at the bizarre, sweet-smelling race known as women, who are not very good at anything - especially ruling the free world· A crucial manual to Arabs, a people so sensitive they are liable to blow up at any time. Literally.Trade Review"Read it with someone you hate."—Jon Stewart

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Book SynopsisKenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams, Betty Marsden and Hugh Paddick star in 20 episodes of the anarchic 1960s radio comedy.Round the Horne arrived on BBC radio in 1965, bringing laughter to Sunday lunchtimes throughout the land. It carved a niche in the history of broadcast comedy, a sketch show which prodded the boundaries of propriety and innuendo. At its heart was the suave and upstanding Kenneth Horne, around which revolved the multiple naughty personas of Kenneth Williams, Betty Marsden, Hugh Paddick and Bill Pertwee. Among the parade of regular characters were Julian and Sandy, the camp couple of resting thespians happy to turn their hands to anything, Rambling Syd Rumbo the musical cordwangler, Fiona and Charles the passionate duo, and J. Peasemold Gruntfuttock the world’s dirtiest man. Meanwhile regular film parodies, spoof sagas and musical interludes peppered the mix.Round the Horne earned its place in the annals of comedy history, and is fondly remembered today as a groundbreaking series that influenced many more to come. Here the entire third series can be enjoyed once again, along with a PDF booklet featuring cast biographies and a full series history. Duration: 10 hours approx.

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Book SynopsisDan Rhodes is a true original' – Hilary Mantel 'I read this novel right through the day I got my hands on it, laughing like a banshee.' - David Sexton, Sunday Times When the sleepy English village of Green Bottom hosts its first literary festival, the good, the bad and the ugly of the book world descend upon its leafy lanes But the villagers are not prepared for the peculiar habits, petty rivalries and unspeakable desires of the authors. And they are certainly not equipped to deal with Wilberforce Selfram, the ghoul-faced, ageing enfant terriblewho wreaks havoc wherever he goes Sour Grapes is a hilarious satire on the literary world which takes no prisoners as it skewers authors, agents, publishers and reviewers alike.Trade ReviewSour grapes? Oddly not. The narrative tone here is peculiarly benign, as if to explain all these absurdities as helpfully as possible, and the effect is just hilarious. I read this novel right through the day I got my hands on it, laughing like a banshee’ David Sexton, Sunday Times; ‘Piercing and hilarious’ The Times, Best Books of 2021; ‘A book trade romp. The plot is amusingly preposterous’‍ The Spectator; ‘Deeply silly, frequently juvenile’ New Statesman; ‘No one in the publishing industry escapes a brutal skewering in this laugh-out-loud satire. I loved it’‍ Sara Lawrence, Daily Mail; ‘The funniest book since Cold Comfort Farm’ Julie Burchill; ‘A rollicking satire of publishing, writers and book festivals. As broad as the Atlantic but filled with zingers’ Ian Rankin; ‘Dan Rhodes is a true original’‍ Hilary Mantel; ‘Dan Rhodes is totally sick and brilliant in all the right ways’ Douglas Coupland; ‘Dan Rhodes is one of England’s greatest purveyors of eccentric comedies’ John Self, The Times

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Book SynopsisFrom marital bliss to margaritas, wives are awfully wonderful and this tip-top collection of retro photos and frightfully funny captions capture everything to love about marriage.The Wit and Wisdom of... is a series of terrifically humorous books brought to you by the rip-roaringly funny folks behind the best-selling On-the-Ceiling greetings cards.Perfect as a birthday, Christmas, Valentine's Day or Mother's Day gift for long-suffering wives everywhere.Also available: The Wit and Wisdom of Dad, The Wit and Wisdom of Mum and The Wit and Wisdom of the Husband.

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Book SynopsisYou may take my ballsBut I will lick what remainsAnd then, dear, your faceImagine if your dog could talk to you. Better still, imagine if it could express its innermost feelings in poetic form. This hilarious, insightful book confirms what we've all long suspected - that inside every dog is the soul of a poet. From retrieving sticks to rivalry with cats; from cold winter walks to endlessly chasing tennis balls, no stone of a dog's life is left unturned.With a delightful photo alongside every haiku, this is the perfect gift for any dog lover.

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Book SynopsisFrom the author of What I Lick Before Your Face comes this hilarious companion, Please Stop Touching Me ... and Other Haikus by Cats.Jamie Coleman returns with this brilliant collection of feline flights of fancy. His hilarious haikus take us inside the minds of our most popular pets revealing their inner-most secrets, their disdain for their owners and the poetry that is common to all cats.Featuring over 50 haikus complete with glorious images, this is a hysterical gift for cat lovers, cat haters, and poetry enthusiasts alike.

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Book Synopsis'Game changing. Juche is to shape the cultural zeitgeist just as The Little Book of Hygge did.' Fern Brady'A book to bring shame upon our depraved morals and our wilted-spinach governments.' Ivo GrahamHow did North Korea become the top-rated destination on Tripadvisor? The answer is Juche ...'In this earth-quaking lifestyle manifesto, I, Comrade Hyun-gi, will share with you the blueprint to a healthier, happier way of life. Juche will teach you westerners how sleeping under your desk yields a better work/life balance; why food rationing promotes a greater generosity of spirit; how sealed borders prevent the agony of long-distance relationships and why pensions prevent people from living in the moment. So come, dear Comrade, and step free from the landmines and tripwires of capitalism and march with me towards the socialist dawn that awaits us all.''As dry as it is daft - I loved it.' Jordan BrookesTrade ReviewGame changing. Juche is to shape the cultural zeitgeist just as The Little Book of Hygge did. * Fern Brady *A book to bring shame upon our depraved morals and our wilted-spinach governments. * Ivo Graham *As dry as it is daft, I loved it. * Jordan Brookes *

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Book SynopsisThis collection of imagined book covers will have you scratching your head and laughing out loud with every page turn. Though Pranks with Sausages and Holy Bible II don't actually exist, Rejected Books offers up a professionally produced catalogue of the worst books imaginable, and what these tomes (and plenty more) could look like.Rejected Books includes delightfully weird covers of imagined books like:The Sculptors Who Couldn't Do HandsCooking with Breast MilkPossessed Toys: A Buying GuideUnfortunate Gluing AccidentsCamel Toes Through HistoryEnjoy the worst book pitches of all time and rest assured that anyone can have a future in publishing ... even if your ideas are totally horrible.

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Book SynopsisHave you ever been ensnared by a Scorpio? Ghosted by a Gemini? Catfished by a Cancer? Well dear reader, this is the book for you. Strap in as Astrologer B.J. Lovegood takes you on a journey through the galaxy where you'll learn how to dodge red flags and avoid dating disasters.Never Shag a Scorpio is an amorous adventure through the zodiac. Funny, smutty and embarrassingly accurate, it will teach you how to lure a Leo, turn on a Taurus and impress a Pisces' parents.Complete with full romantic profiles for each star sign and hilarious and handy listicles such as 'Top 5 places to have sex with a Sagittarius' and 'A Taurus's top 5 breakup songs', this book is your go-to guide to navigating the steamy side of astrology.

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Book SynopsisOtters are some of the most delightful animals on the planet.These long, lean, furry creatures embody pure joy in so many ways they live for napping, playing, making friends and eating, and forget about the rest. Pretty inspiring, right?In a world that can often seem divided, lonely, and just plain cruel, the otter reminds us of what's important in life.What other animal: Holds hands with their friends whilst napping so they don't float away? Communicates in a flurry of whistles, chirps, chuckles, clicks and coos? Builds a waterslide on a daily basis? Befriends other species, just because? Eats food off their tummy while floating peacefully with their pals?These intelligent, adorable, water-dwelling mammals have a lot to teach us about the way we live. So, kick back, grab a pal, dive in and reconnect with your playful side, just like you otter!

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Book SynopsisThe latest no-f**ks-given guide from July 2017 New York Times bestselling author of the international sensations The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F**k, Get Your Sh*t Together, You Do You, and Calm the F**k Down.How to stop saying yes when you can't, you shouldn't, or you just don't want toWith 2 million copies sold worldwide, Sarah Knight's bestselling No F*cks Given Guides prove that she's the Queen of No: no to a single extraneous f*ck given, to unwanted obligations, overcommitting, and overcomplicating her life.For Sarah, saying no is easy. For the rest of us, it's stress-inducing, blood pressure-raising, teeth-grinding hard. But it doesn't have to be. F**k No! is filled with tips, techniques, and practical strategies that will arm you with not only permission to decline, but plenty of ammunition for doing so.An encyclopedia of examples, a cornucopia of comebacks, a plethora of polite replies: if you're looking to say no (and without being selfish, unlikeable, or mired in missing out), you've come to the right place.Trade ReviewI love Knight's book * Sunday Times Magazine on The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F**k *Life-affirming * Guardian on The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F**k *Absolutely blinding. Read it. Do it. * Mail on Sunday on The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F**k *Changed my life . . . I wasn't alone - the book became an international bestseller * Vogue on The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F**k *s15For practical and sweary self-help advice with no bloody lectures, Sarah Knight is the bollocks * The Pool *

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Book SynopsisWelcome to the jungleWhen you've grown up thinking your twenties are all about working hard, playing hard and trying not to get pregnant, life comes at you fast when you go from hump to bump.So you thought adulthood would mean a high-flying career and a luxury lifestyle, but instead have ended up with a Lycra-based wardrobe and a deep fear of what lies at the bottom of the ball-pit in soft play?Join comedian Sophie McCartney as she voyages deep into the uncharted territories of mating, birthing, feral offspring, mums overdoing it at the watering hole, and the perilous viper's nest of the school WhatsApp group.With laugh out loud humour and eye-watering honesty, Sophie shows how whether you've had a day full of whining or a night full of wine, there's joy to be had in the perfectly imperfect wild ride into parenthood.Trade Review ‘Reassuring, relatable and laugh-out-loud funny – I loved it!’ Sarah Turner, The Unmumsy Mum ‘Brilliant! Painfully accurate and criminally funny. Like a chat with your most outrageous friend.’ Ellie Taylor ‘If you’re looking for the funniest mum on Instagram, you’ve found her!’ Mother & Baby magazine

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Book SynopsisFirst published in 1941, No Bed for Bacon is a comic classic. Out of print since 1985, but much-discussed in the press following the release of the Oscar-showered film Shakespeare in Love, the novel fizzes with wit, warmth and the occasional custard pie. It is a festive celebration of ''The Great Bard'' par excellence.Five o''clock and all''s well in Merrie England. But not for long. Good Queen Bess is stirring in her four-poster and is feeling neither happy nor glorious. Down at the Globe, Will Shakespeare is chewing the end of his quill: something''s amiss with Love''s Labours Wunne. And Walter Raleigh, boiling his new potato in the depths of the regal kitchens, is getting very hot under the collar of his latest cloak - will his spud achieve the perfect fluffiness for The Royal Tasting? Heads are sure to roll before the day is out.

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Book SynopsisMallory Ortberg presents...Texts from Jane Eyre is a whimsical collection of sharp, satirical and side-splittingly funny text message conversations from your favourite literary characters. Of course if Scarlett O''Hara had an unlimited data plan, she''d be sexting Ashley Wilkes at all hours; and if Mr Rochester could text Jane Eyre, his ARDENT MISSIVES would be in ALL-CAPS; and Daisy Buchanan would text you from behind the wheel - and then text you to come pick her up after the car crash. Texts from Jane Eyre is a witty, original and very clever kind of mashup that brings your favourite authors and literary characters right into the twenty-first century.Mallory Ortberg is a genius.Trade ReviewIn Texts from Jane Eyre Mallory Ortberg hilariously proves that she understands fictional characters better than they understand themselves. She makes me laugh like no one else.Dear Mallory Ortberg's Publisher: Please send me 27 cases of Texts from Jane Eyre, because I ate it like it was candy coated in crack cocaine, it's the best, and I need to give it to everyone.I'm not sure what's more impressive - the ferocity of Mallory Ortberg's intelligence or the ferocity of her wit. Texts from Jane Eyre is uncanny in its sly humor and still, there is much in these pages that is familiar. Ortberg takes some of the greatest literary characters (and a few lesser ones), and offers us an entirely new and thrilling way of thinking about them and what they might be like in this dazzling digital age.Witty and literate. Smart-ass humor with an emphasis on smart. I'm not sure who I'm more jealous of: Mallory Ortberg for her comic brilliance, or whoever got to sit next to her in high school English.

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Book SynopsisLeo Tolstoy meets robots in this “creepy, thrilling, and highly enjoyable” sci-fi mashup of the classic Russian novel Anna Karenina (Library Journal). “ . . . lives up to its promise to make Tolstoy ‘awesomer.’”—The Onion AV Club It’s been called the greatest novel ever written. Now, Tolstoy’s timeless saga of love and betrayal is transported to an awesomer version of 19th-century Russia. It is a world humming with high-powered groznium engines: where debutantes dance the 3D waltz in midair, mechanical wolves charge into battle alongside brave young soldiers, and robots—miraculous, beloved robots!—are the faithful companions of everyone who’s anyone. Restless to forge her own destiny in this fantastic modern life, the bold noblewoman Anna and her enigmatic Android Karenina abandon a loveless marriage to seize passion with the daring, handsome Count Vronsky. But when their scandalous affair gets mixed up with dangerous futuristic villainy, the ensuing chaos threatens to rip apart their lives, their families, and—just maybe—all of planet Earth.Trade Review“Literary hybrids of Jane Austen novels and zombie stories? That’s so last year. Quirk Books, which released the best-selling novels Pride and Prejudice and Zombies and Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters, has seen the future of the mashup novel, and it is Leo Tolstoy and robots.”—New York Times “Anna’s nightmare, one of the most famous passages in Anna Karenina, clearly anticipates the ‘steampunk-inspired’ atmosphere of Android Karenina… Tolstoy didn’t know about steampunk or cyborgs, but he did know about the nightmarishness of steam power, unruly machines, and the creepy half-human status of the Russian peasant classes.”—Elif Batuman, author of The Possessed, via The New Yorker “Creepy, thrilling, and highly enjoyable!”—Library Journal “Whenever a truly pulpy trend reaches its apotheosis like this, I can't help but wonder if we'll get a new classic out of it.”—io9 “Android Karenina lives up to its promise to make Tolstoy ‘awesomer.’”—The Onion AV Club “Winters, a playwright, librettist, and author of Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters, connects all of Tolstoy’s dots in the cleverly bizarre world he has created and he transforms a Russian novel into a reasonably demented work of science fiction.”—Galley Cat “With Android, Winters has given Tolstoy's beautiful Russian epic a steampunk edge, filling the book with robots, space travel and yes, even a few aliens.”—Techland

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Book SynopsisKenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams, Betty Marsden and Hugh Paddick star in 15 episodes of the anarchic 1960s radio comedy.Round the Horne arrived on BBC radio in 1965, bringing laughter to Sunday lunchtimes throughout the land. Over the course of sixteen weekly episodes it carved a niche in the history of broadcast comedy, a sketch show which prodded the boundaries of propriety and innuendo. At its heart was the suave and upstanding Kenneth Horne, around which revolved the multiple naughty personas of Kenneth Williams, Betty Marsden, Hugh Paddick and Bill Pertwee. Among the parade of regular characters were Julian and Sandy, the camp couple of resting thespians happy to turn their hands to anything, Rambling Syd Rumbo the musical cordwangler, Fiona and Charles the passionate duo, and J. Peasemold Gruntfuttock the world’s dirtiest man. Meanwhile regular film parodies, spoof sagas and musical interludes peppered the mix.Round the Horne earned its place in the annals of comedy history, and is fondly remembered today as a groundbreaking series that influenced many more to come. Here the entire second series can be enjoyed once again, plus the 1966 Christmas episode, 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' and a special Transcription Services episode 'The Man With The Golden Thunderball'. along with a PDF booklet featuring cast biographies and a full series history.

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Book SynopsisBored of the same old dinner-party chitchat? Spice up your soirées, impress your guests and show up your brother-in-law with Dangerous Experiments for After Dinner, a book full of hilarious, and sometimes dangerous, after-dinner tricks and challenges.Twenty-one daredevil tricks are illustrated along with step-by-step instructions and explanations of the science behind them. From sabering a bottle of champagne to hammering a needle through a coin, each of these feats is guaranteed to wow your guests.

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Book SynopsisSportsman. Lover. Bon viviant. Cad. Ross O'Carroll-Kelly is many things to many people. But ten years after he lifted the Leinster Schools Senior Cup, Ireland's most beloved rogue remains one of its most misunderstood figures. His accomplishments on the rugby field - and in the bedroom - remain the stuff of legend, but the truth about him remains hidden by the accretion of myth.Now, for the first time, the lid is lifted on the enigma that is South Dublin's most eligible married man. In more than a hundred interviews with his family and friends - those who've loved him, hated him and slept with him - the first ever composite portrait of the Celtic Tiger's most famous cub emerges.From the mother who didn't want him to the father who wanted him too much, from the friends who shared his misadventures to the women who shared his bed - or, failing that, a back alley or bus shelter - this searingly honest biography fills in all the blanks in the life of the self-styled Cock of Foxrock.'One-liners are as sharp as ever' Irish Independent'You'll look at Ross O'Carroll-Kelly in a whole new light ... highly enjoyable' Sunday Tribune'Always a funny, sharp and humane writer' Irish TimesTrade ReviewSome day there will be a university course explaining the appeal of Ross O'Carroll-Kelly... Rarely has a character so despicable, so selfish, so self-obsessed and so utterly thick been so loved * Sunday Independent *Consistently laugh-out-loud funny * Irish Independent *Essential reading * Irish Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisWhen you like, live forever, what's there to live for?'About three things I was absolutely certain. First, Edwart was most likely my soul mate, maybe. Second, there was a vampire part of him - which I assumed was wildly out of his control - that wanted me dead. And third, I unconditionally, irrevocably, impenetrably, heterogeneously, gynecologically, and disreputably wished he had kissed me.'And thus Belle Goose falls in love with the mysterious and sparkly Edwart Mullen in this hilarious send-up of Twilight. Pale and klutzy, Belle arrives in Switchblade, Oregon looking for adventure, or at least an undead classmate. She soon discovers Edwart, a super-hot computer nerd with zero interest in girls. After witnessing a number of strange events - Edwart leaves his hash browns untouched at lunch! - he saves her from a flying snowball and Belle has a dramatic revelation: Edwart is a vampire. But how can she convince Edwart to bite her and transform her into his eternal bride, especially when he seems to find girls so repulsive?Complete with romance, danger, insufficient parental guardianship, creepy stalker-like behaviour, and a vampire prom, Nightlight is the hysterical tale of a vampire-obsessed girl, looking for love in all the wrong places.Trade ReviewLaugh-out-loud funny * The Book Bag *

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Book SynopsisAbsolutely Huge is a spoof biography of a fictional Welsh rugby player, Gethin 'Huge' Hughes. Mimicking the standard sports biography format, the book explores the highs and lows of his remarkable and often controversial career both on and off the pitch. An affectionate satire on Welsh rugby and the media hype that surrounds it.Trade ReviewThis hilarious spoof biography of fictional Welsh rugby player Gethin 'Huge' Hughes charts the highs and lows of his remarkable and controversial career both on and off the pitch, affectionately sending up Welsh rugby, culture and the media hype that surrounds it. After a stunning international debut and glory for club and country, by the age of 20 Huge is the biggest star in Welsh rugby. He's dating pop star Heledd Harte, the 'nation's sweetheart', and after one particularly heroic moment at Twickenham is voted Second Best Welshman Ever. But the good times don't last. He inadvertently incites a pitch invasion, causes a diplomatic row on a Lions tour, gets involved with some calamitous product endorsements, suffers World Cup heartbreak and is voted the Second Worst Welshman Ever. Things don't improve after early retirement at 23. A disastrous appearance on reality TV is followed by a brush with death on Mount Snowdon, an entanglement in a political scandal at the Welsh Assembly, a court appearance and a very public break-up with Heledd. On the eve of his playing comeback, and for the first time, the full extraordinary story of his years in the spotlight and what happened afterwards will finally be told. "From the Swansea Valley to the stars and back again, Gethin Hughes’ story is an Odyssey for our times. Hilarious take on the chemistry between huge talent and the 21st century." – The Guardian "I couldn't put it down – hilarious from start to finish. If I'd got to play alongside Huge, even I might have learnt a few things!" – Mike Phillips, Wales and the British and Irish Lions "Full of wry humour – an Absolutely Huge tale which captures the humour and spirit of Welsh rugby, told by one of social media's funniest people." – Dai Lama, @WelshDalaiLama "If you love either rugby or Wales, you'll enjoy this book. If you love both, Absolutely Huge is the must-read book of the year." – Jonathan Edwards, MP for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr "You'll laugh, you'll cringe, maybe even cry out of pure sympathy for a character that is so great and so flawed at the same time. Upton... is a brilliant storyteller. His love of rugby comes through loud and clear. It is not just humour for humour's sake. This is social and sporting commentary at its best. It's the most entertaining rugby title we have ever reviewed." - International Soccer Network -- Publisher: Y LolfaTable of ContentsThen Now Chapter 1: Genesis Chapter 2: Setting Sail Chapter 3: Entering the Dragon Chapter 4: Monster Hunting Chapter 5: Lion Taming Chapter 6: Sticks and Stones Chapter 7: International Blue Chapter 8: Media (Nearly) Killed the Rugby Star Chapter 9: Huge No More

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Book Synopsis‘Doodle with Intent’ is a new illustrated Art Story series by Dude Ll.A nonsensical picture book with 116 illustrated pages of whimsical pen and ink, and brush and ink doodles, with a short cryptic tale about the quirky good in life.It is a picture book for adults- (but it is not X-rated), that reminds us of the random oddities and complexities at play in nature and our lives.

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Book SynopsisThis book is described as being 'in a genre all its own'. Truly it is. Simeon the cat has two ambitions. the first is to become famous, which is why he writes this book, and the second is to meet the White Rabbit. While pursuing these goals, he takes time to air his views on Oxford, Mr Bean, the internet, on how the British do not value words, and on a while host of other things. He guides us through Oxford's history, landmarks and legends, and provides an entertaining and original introduction to the city. Over-confident in his ability to reason, he enjoys talking with academics and students. All use their real names in the story - Profs of Physics and Medieval German, and postgraduate students. He creates havoc in Blackwell's, discovers an unpublished poem. by Gerard Manley Hopkins, and lays plans to take the grin off the face of the Cheshire Cat. Does he really meet the White Rabbit? It seems he does! Oxford is unique in so many ways. It is the only city in the world where one is in and out of stories all the time. Morse, Mr Bean, Bridgehead, Dickens, Alice in Wonderland, Harry Potter. There is no book that does the job of this one in linking story to reality. It's laugh-out-loud funny, in a dry, sixth-form-humour way. You'll love it!Table of ContentsHow it all began. PREFACE By the typist PART I: Simeon, a Very Oxford Cat PART II Simeon's First Big Adventure PREFACE TO PART III By the typist: Preparing for Simeon's next trip PART III The first day of the following month

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Book SynopsisThe Old Testament: but more mad, more merry, more... Milligan!And God said, Let there be light; and there was light, but Eastern Electricity Board said He would have to wait until Thursday to be connected.There have been many interpretations of the Old Testament over the centuries but never one quite like this. Spike Milligan has rewritten, in his own inimitable style, many of the best-known stories of the Old Testament, featuring characters like King my brain hurts Solomon, the great oaf of a giant Goliath and the lesser-known crossword clue, Hushai the Archite.Believers and non-believers alike will enjoy this hilarious re-working, where the jokes, jests and jibes tumble over each other from Chapter One, Verse One until kingdom come.Trade ReviewThat absolutely glorious way of looking at things differently. A great man -- Stephen FryA totally original comedy writer -- Michael PalinClose in stature to Lewis Carroll and Edward Lear in his command of the profound art of nonsense * Guardian *Manifestly a genius, a comic surrealist genius and had no equal -- Terry Wogan

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Book SynopsisA shockingly candid and raw autobiography from legendary anchorman, jazz flutist, and host of The Ron Burgundy Podcast, Ron Burgundy.From his humble beginnings in a desolate Iowa coal mining town, his years at Our Lady Queen of Chewbacca High School to his odds-defying climb to the dizzying heights of becoming America’s most trusted and beloved television News Anchor, Ron Burgundy pulls no punches in Let Me Off at the Top! In his very own words Burgundy reveals his most private thoughts, his triumphs and his disappointments. His life reads like an adventure story complete with knock-down fights, beautiful women and double-fisted excitement on every page. He has hunted jackalopes with Bobby Kennedy and Peter Lawford, had more than his share of his amorous exploits, and formed the greatest on-air team in the history of televised news. Along the way, he hobnobbed with people you wish you knew and some you honestly wish you didn&rsquo

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Book Synopsis2022 IPPY AWARDS SILVER MEDALIST - HOLIDAY “[A] breathtaking family treasure to page through, highly recommended.” —Midwest Book Review An instant holiday classic. A happy little Christmas miracle.Even after more than 20 years after his death, pop culture icon, painter, host, and teacher Bob Ross has never been more heralded than he is today. His memorable quotes, friendly face, and signature hairstyle grace merchandise and memes around the world. But what makes Bob as beloved as he is are ultimately his core values, and his peaceful, joyful demeanor that encouraged his students and viewers to not only appreciate their natural talents but to appreciate the natural world around them. Bob was, in many respects, the embodiment of the classic holiday sprint which encourages peace on Earth and good will toward men.Now, for the first time, inspired by the classic Clement C. Moore’s story, this fully-authorized tale of a painter (and his little squirrel friend) on a cold winter night pairs Bob Ross's most beautiful wintertime landscapes with a meditation on embracing not only your inner creativity, but the beauty of nature, and the feelings of peace, friendship, and harmony that blankets the entire holiday season like a happy little snowfall. Perfect for families, fans, and painters of all ages, Bob Ross’s Happy Little Night Before Christmas is the perfect addition to any holiday tradition.

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