(Part 2) Best humorous american literature books according to redditors

I'm unhappy about Israel because it's the only country that I can think of off the top of my head that is first-world and supported by the US, yet advocates ethnic dominance and is quite militarily aggressive. I'm unhappy about Israel because I think that a lot of people who dislike Israel have a legitimate beef -- the taking of Palestinian land and property and their relegation to refugee status, the fact that it's "okay" for Israel to have a nuclear weapon arsenal, yet we're willing to attack Iran on the (unlikely, disagreed with by all US intelligence agencies and advocated only by Israel) idea that Iran is trying to achieve parity. I'm unhappy because when someone points their finger at the US and says "you allowed, supported, and helped do this," I don't have an answer for them -- sure, I didn't personally do it, but when my nation is blocking UN calls for ceasefires after Israel invades its neighbor, Lebanon, I wind up with the same responsibility that I do every time my country does something that's wrong.

I'm unhappy because Israel serves as such a flashpoint for violence. I'm unhappy because some of the greatest advocates for the United States entering more invasions and attacks are doing so because they feel that it would benefit Israel -- Joe Lieberman (D-CT) interrupting a hearing on the poor Iraq situation to repeatedly advocate immediate US attacks on Iran still makes me angry and frustrated, just like Tom Tancredo (R-CO) advocating nuking Mecca. Same goes for Norman Podhoretz (he of the "we're in the middle of World War IV", the guy who got the highest civilian award in the United States from Bush.

I'm unhappy about Israel because, while I can understand anger and fury over the Holocaust, it does not excuse re-enacting the bulk of Hitler's initial solution for Jews on the Palestinians. Just because the Nazis cut off food and medical supplies to Jews in Polish ghettos does not excuse doing the same to Palestinians in Gaza because those Palestinians disagree with a regime of ethnic dominance.

I'm unhappy with Israel because, if any other country (say, Iran) did the sort of things that it is doing, it would have been criticized by every other nation out there.

And for that matter, I'm not a particularly huge fan of Obama (though I expect that I'll like his administration more than Bush, but that's true of most past administrations). I'm not anti-Jesus except insofar as I'm not superstitious and I think that religion can be harmful, most notably today in the form of how homosexuals are treated. I don't think I'm particularly pro- or anti- Large Hadron Collider -- I wasn't aware that there was a pro- or anti- movement one way or the other.

I know the term 'snog' is not because of this book, but when I see the word now it's all I can think about: Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging: Confessions of Georgia Nicolson

You significantly over state the case against Israel's policies. Here are some corrections:

Israel's policies towards the Palestinians is horrible but it isn't genocide. Rather, it is de facto apartheid. You can read more about it here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israeli_apartheid

It isn't Israel itself that is trying to instigate World War III (or 4) but rather a group of ideologues who call themselves Neoconservatives. They do have significant attachment to Israel, but they themselves do not represent Israel (there is a distinction.) These Neoconservatives are trying to provoke and sustain a long war between Israel and its allies and Islam. Read more in the main book:

http://www.amazon.com/World-War-IV-Struggle-Islamofascism/dp/0385522215

This thesis of trying to provoke a long war is also presented in the BBC Documentary series entitled "The Power of Nightmares." You can watch it free on line, just google the title.

With regards to the JFK theory, I haven't seen this before, but the US has had a semi-pro-Israel policy since Roosevelt acknowledged the creation of Israel. The claim comes from Vanunu, the Israeli who blew the whistle on its nuclear weapons program. Here is some coverage of that accusation:

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=39631

The main reason why the US is pro-Israel is a result of the "Israel lobby" and AIPAC:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel_lobby_in_the_United_States

Lastly, referring to Israel as "the cancer that will be exterminated" is pretty insane and suggests to others that you aren't thinking this through.

I think that you have to focus on the reality of the situation so that you can determine effective levers of change. You currently seem to not be dealing with reality, thus you will not gain much traction.

What makes you think we don't? I hate old people with a BLAZING passion. They are the boat anchors of this nation and do nothing but get in the way and hinder progress at every turn. Read 2030 The Real Story of What Happens to America by Al Brooks and you can get a good laugh at the future these fucks will give us. They are a menace behind the wheel and in shopping lines everywhere. I lived with Bush's regime in Florida and have seen this state crumble to pieces because the old's get out and vote for these republican fucks that truly are destroying the country I grew up in.

You guys should read How to live safely in a science fictional universe. The entire premise is just time travel, what the fuckery, and awesomeness.

Water Music - T C Boyle.

Odd, hysterical, and magnificently written.

>As a thought experiment, how would you feel about bestiality erotica? Infant molestation erotica? Murder erotica? I am not suggesting that these are necessarily the same as incest. Is there, though, a line that can be drawn?

If you have an individual who reads about infant molestation, who's wanted in connection to a child rape case - his kindle purchases can be used against him by prosecution. What we are really talking about here is porn. Child porn is universally denounced, but not for the "thought crimes" it invokes, but for the under age performers.

If someone gets their jollies off reading a book about these things rather than molesting a child, I'm 100% approving of it.

> If it is to Amazon's financial detriment, I have no doubt that they will reverse their policy.

I use to work in a small video chain. Porn videos were easily 30-40% of revenue. It's what allowed the chain to survive against the likes of blockbuster and hollywood video. I'm sure it's out of business today, but I would imagine there is at least 10% of profit stream for Amazon here, where Netflix could see that 30% increase in sales easily.

While a book like Lust Lizard of Melancholy Cove isn't an erotic book, there is a short bit of hilarious bestiality in it. Amazon is setting a precedent for removal based on content that's ill defined, and this should disturb people.

A really good writer that does a good job at making everyone fleshed out, is A. Lee Martinez.

If you like high-fantasy read In the Company of Ogres

If you enjoy the supernatural elements read Gil's all fright diner

If you want a detective read the Automatic detective

If you want a modern mythological read Divine Misfortune

If you want a a strong female lead with bouts of comedy try A nameless witch

If you want a book that has plenty of monsters try Monster

If you want eldritch horrors threatening the world try Chasing the Moon

And if you want a contrast to the heroes saving the day here is a story of a kobold housemaid who ends up in a perilous situtation Too Many curses

I can't stress enough how wonderful this writer is, his ability to make likable and strong characters is phenominal even when he jumps genres.

I strongly recommend that you pick up at least one of his books, his books were released a while ago and they should be fairly cheap. The Amazon prices were under $10 USD so it shouldn't be hard to get one or two, but he does a good job at making sure no-one you meet is just another cog to play a role.

/u/allergictoapples /u/NamesNotCrindy -- are you guys going to read David Duchovny's book "Holy Cow"?

here it is.

Edit: and here's a video

The Author of Waiters Rant wrote a book on this subject called Keep the Change which covers tipping in most service industry cultures in the US including some places where you might not have known people live off of the tips.

Sure.

I write epic fantasy under the name Jeffrey L. Kohanek. I have two complete series published, both in the same universe. Runes of Issalia and Wardens of Issalia are both coming of age/epic fantasy series. The first is a trilogy with a vibe landing somewhere between The Belgariad and Codex Alera, featuring an outcast who discovers a long lost magic and becomes a central figure in a struggle to save his world. The second series takes place 18 years later and features a team of trained agents who must use their skills and magic abilities to thwart a rising empire intent on eradicating magic and anyone who can wield it. The series has a vibe somewhat akin to Mistborn.

I also am writing a new series of six or more books titled Fate of Wizardoms. The first book just released last week and is currently set to $0.99 to reward early adopters (price goes up on Friday). The series itself is inspired by many things, but most of all, by Wheel of Time. However, it is far faster paced and the central male character is a rogue like Mat Cauthon (whom I adore, post Rhuidean). The first book is a heist-assassination and might give readers a vibe from Lies of Locke Lamora or Six of Crows. The other books are more epic in scale, which is my norm (first book has a smaller scope to set the stage).

All of my books are based on magic systems. I am really into magic, its uses, and its limitations. My writing style is less purple than most, focusing on dialogue, action, and emotion and is most closely compared to Brandon Sanderson.

Also, many of my books are available in audio, including my newest series, narrated by Travis Baldree, who also produced Will Wight's Cradle series.

Anyone reading this can send me a PM if they would like a free eBook or audiobook promo code in exchange for an honest review.

There is a book like this, Sir Apropos of Nothing (http://www.amazon.com/Sir-Apropos-Nothing-Peter-David/dp/0743412338)

Ooh ooh I read this! It's The Ask by Sam Lipsyte.

There's a book with a slightly similar name and cover called "How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe"

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0307739457/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_fYxPDbFFN7H6S

Could be a case of misremembering this as the (seemingly) fake cover

Yep.

And just in case you haven't - a great read.

Hunt for Valamon by DK Mok. Epic fantasy with humor, from an award shortlisted author.

Sure. A Lee Martinez

Examples:

My favorite is probably The Automatic Detective which is a noir detective story where a robot built for war decides to become a detective and has to unravel some kidnappings and an alien plot to take over the world and discover his own origin.

Gil's All Fright Diner: where a redneck werewolf and vampire stop off at a diner that happens to be a locus for otherworldly horrors.

Chasing the Moon: A woman finds a great deal on an apartment, the catch being she can never leave and has to deal with Vom the Hungering who lives in the closet.

In the Company of Ogres Never Dead Ned gets put in command of an army company composed of misfit Ogres, Goblins, Trolls, and such.

He's got a lot of callbacks to Lovecraftian horror and classic D&D-like fantasy. It's all wrapped up in humor, but maybe not as biting and as dry as Pratchett's. It's also not a continuous series, so you don't get to see the universe and characters develop as much.

Overall, I have yet to read a novel of his that I didn't enjoy.

It's funny you should mention Carl Webster, as I just bought The Hot Kid at a thrift store last week.

By the way, since it looks like you're a big fan of Elmore Leonard's stuff, I would highly recommend checking out Carl Hiaasen. His style and characters are very similar while being a lot funnier and more satirical (e.g. each book makes fun of an aspect of pop culture: televangelism, the paparazzi, "gotcha" journalism, reality television, etc.). Much like Leonard, almost every story takes place in his beloved city of residence (the Miami Keys is to Hiaasen as Detroit is to Leonard).

My favorite book of his is the 2016 novel, Razor Girl, but I have never read a book of his that I didn't thoroughly enjoy. I cannot recommend him enough.

Reference?

You should probably read some books about this, I suggest Water Music by T.C. Boyle, good read all around.

I feel like this is straight out of David Duchovny's book Holy Cow

fuck it, I'm human

The habit that I have that I guess could be considered heinous is that I don't always flush after I use the bathroom if I know that no one else is going to use my bathroom for a while.

I would absolutely love [Snooki's second book] (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DF7L31U/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2TO408LL5V6YG&coliid=I2IB0AFWG6PCLY).

/u/AllisonChadwick was the first person to gift me here it felt amazing to see my name on a [Gifted] post, Everyone here is so warm and welcoming it is great to be part of this community.

I love my strong will power if I have my mind set on something I make sure it gets done. Item, Wanting to be someone else is a waste of who you are. Thank you for the contest.

A guy whose blog I used to read wrote a book about this topic.

Please tell me your username is from these books.

An unfortunate series of events - Lemony Snicket

And
The Georgia Nicholson Series

Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging: Confessions of Georgia Nicolson (Confessions of Georgia Nicolson, Book 1)

http://www.amazon.com/Sir-Apropos-Nothing-Peter-David/dp/0743412338


that one and two others im to lazy to find and post

First of all...

Tipping for Maids is customary. S. Dublanica has devoted a chapter in his book "Keep The Change" on the topic.

Please bear in mind, that while waitstaff and cleaning staff are paid derisory wages, part of the reason is because tipping is supposed to fill the gap. Introduce a mandatory minimum and, in essence, tipping becomes mandatory. As it stands, we do have the option to tip light or not at all. Or, alternatively, enjoy being generous. When I eat out or stay in a Hotel, part of the fun experience is leaving a decent tip. I think it's cool that I have the Power to make someone's day a bit better.

The Marriott needs to wake the fuck up and fire it's Marketing People. What genius thought this one up? A much better policy would have been to explain why there wasn't much margin for a pay rise for cleaning staff, offer something and the envelopes. As it is, they look like dicks. In point of fact, providing envelopes is an appropriate hint to their customers, as the status quo in the US is that tips augment wages. Is it right or wrong? I honestly don't know. It's complicated, but it is how it is, and if you don't want to leave a tip, then don't stay in Hotels and don't eat out. If you do, leave a decent tip.

There's a great book on the topic!

The Lust Lizard of Melancholy Cove (Pine Cove Series) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0060735457/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Ug4KAbJCH4Y7J