Product Description
In this classic crack-up of a book, Dave Barry gives his wacky perspective on sex, childbirth, parenting and other forms of slow, cruel torture.

In Babies and Other Hazards of Sex, Dave exposes natural childbirth for what it is:a pop phenomenon of the 1960s that, along with paisley bell-bottoms and creative sideburns, deserves a rest. He examines the new federal law requiring prospective fathers to free themselves from their self-made macho prisons--to laugh, cry, love and just generally behave like certified wimps.

Dave also reveals, for the first time in print, the secret chant for painless childbirth.

Then learn why no secret chant could possibly take a woman's mind off the fact that she is in such pain that she wants a gigantic comet to crash into the earth and kill her and her husband and the dotor and the nurses and everyone else in the world.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (24)

Typical Dave Barry -- and that's a good thing!
Dave Barry is in classic form in this book.If you or someone you know is a new parent, this would make for a really fun gift.

A Doula Favorite
This is such a great read. I'm a doula in Austin, TX ([...]) and I bring this book with me to births in my doula bag along with my massage tools and essential oils. I've frequently read it aloud during early labor to help pass the time and distract mom from the discomfort of the early contractions. Every time I read it to a couple, the three of us end up laughing out loud! I'd recommend it for anyone expecting a baby. :)

Made me smile
This is a cute little book. As a new Dad, it made me smile and even laugh out loud a couple of times. That is generous praise from me, since I find most supposedly humorous books about child rearing painful to read.

It's short, the drawings are cute, and the writer's attitude is fun. I don't know if it was worth $10, but it's a nice fluff book.

Amazing!
This book is BEYOND funny!!! My dad bought this for my mom in the 80s, and I just found it in my basement and I love Dave Barry, so I was really excited. Typical Dave Barry humor...relatible events with an exaggerated twist that make you literally, laugh, continually, until you are under the kitchen table on your back, sustaining the laughter.
This isn't intended to be ACTUAL pregnancy advice, obviously, so I don't know why anybody would take the title, cover, or author and assume this is a serious book.
Buy this! Every sentence is pure gold!

Horrible!
This book was absolutely NO help whatsoever!!!Totally ridiculous!It was so out of date that it was pointless.I originally bought it for my husband but after reading through it, threw it away! ... Read more

Product Description
Just in time, Dave Barry supplies the wholly original, much needed history and guide to the new American politics and its three capitals, Washington, D.C., Austin, and South Florida. No surprise: it's hilarious.

Understanding the urgent need for a deeply thoughtful balanced book to explain our national political process, Dave Barry has not even come close. Though he himself has covered many campaigns, run for President several times, and run for cover at the rainy inauguration of George W. Bush (the man will spare nothing for his art) Barry has instead outdone himself.

Below the Beltway includes Barry's stirring account of how the United States was born, including his version of a properly rewritten Declaration (When in the course of human events it behooves us, the people, not to ask "What can our country do for us, anyway?" but rather whether we have anything to fear except fear itself...) and a revised Constitution (Section II: The House of Representatives shall be composed of people who own at least two dark suits and have not been indicted recently.).

Dave also cracks the income tax code, explains the growth(s) of government, congressional hearing difficulties, and the persistent rumors of the influence of capital in the Capitol. Among other civic contributions, his tour of Washington, D.C., should end school class trips forever.


From the Hardcover edition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (27)

The government deserves it....
When an election year comes around, I try really hard to stay above the fray.I know that there will be rumors and speeches and policies that get everyone really riled up, and I like to think that I can remain emotionally detached and not allow things to get under my skin.

I usually last until about the Conventions, at which point the slumbering poli-sci major in my brain wakes up and grabs the controls.At that point, I start to take things WAY too seriously.I write long, link-filled diatribes about why certain candidates (who shall remain nameless, in case I ever want to recycle this review during another election year) are completely wrong, utterly bereft of any kind of legitimacy or moral standing and how the American people obviously have the intellectual capacity of zucchini if they vote for them.

It's easy to get caught up, because that's what they want. Logical, well-reasoned approaches don't go over well with the public, so they rely on the emotional heartstrings, and sometimes they get me.I turn really serious and absolutely devoted to the idea that I Am Right.

The only antidote to this is humor.It's why I love watching The Daily Show - the more seriously you take things, the more self-assured you become in the absolute rightness of your position, the more you need to be taken down a peg.You need to take a breath, take a step back and allow yourself to laugh at the process.If you don't, you end up risking becoming one of those humorless, fanatic talking heads that just drive everyone crazy.

So, if you need some laughs, and we all know we do, you could do worse than to pick up this book.

This is an original book, rather than a collection of Barry's columns, and he promises right from the outset that he would do absolutely no research whatsoever."To do an even halfway decent book on a subject as complex as the United States government," he says,"you have to spend a lot of time in Washington, D.C.So the first thing I decided, when I was getting ready to write this book, was that it would not be even halfway decent."

He is, of course, wrong.The book is at least three-quarters decent.

The government is a great source of humor, probably going back to the very first government when a particularly strong hunter-gatherer decided that he was the one best suited to tell the tribe what to do.Barry looks at the evolution of government, back from those early caveman days up to the early days of the twenty-first century.These days, instead of a large, heftable rock to beat possible opponents over the head with, they use commercials.Otherwise, the methods haven't changed.

Barry's sense of humor relies on him being The Common Man, someone who's not really interested in the intricacies of how the government works, but is perfectly happy just sitting back and making fun of it.He has a great time re-writing the Constitution ("Article IV, section 1: There shall be a bunch of States.") and illustrating the continual growth of the U.S. Government with the use of handy free clip-art pictures.

One of the best things he does is point out the fact that no politician ever, ever actually reduces the size of government, no matter what they promise. Government gets bigger, departments get more and more complex all the time, and there's really nothing that we can do about it but try and get a laugh.So whether it's the futility of trying to call prunes "dried plums" or trying to get Congress not to buy things that the military neither wants nor needs,the people in Washington that we trust to run the country are, obviously, insane.Why we keep sending them back is beyond me.

There is, of course, a section on the 2000 election - this book was written in 2001, so there was no escaping that - and a look at it from the unique perspective of those people who screwed it up for everyone.South Florida.The book gets kind of tangential at this point, going from making fun of the US government to making fun of Miami, but he does give us some warning.And in his defense, it is both funny and, in its own way, relevant.It has been argued that Florida is the reason why we've had eight years of George W. Bush, so perhaps if we understand it better we may avoid such... unpleasantness in the future.

But I doubt it.

So, if you're looking for a good laugh and something to remind you that you can't take all this too seriously, pick up the book.It won't solve your problems, and if won't stop you from wanting to strangle everyone on the internet who disagrees with you, but at least a moment's respite is worth it.

Hilarious as always
If you love Dave Barry, you'll love this book; very, very funny look at America's political system and how it really works, or in most cases, doesn't. If you're a Dave Barry fan but not into politics don't worry, Dave can make anything funny!

Listening to the CD makes the experience twice as humorous.
Dave Barry Hits Below the Beltway is funny for the Washington-themed humor.Add to this a section on the history of our government, a pinch of South Florida politics, and add the great, great narration, and you will laugh, laugh, laugh.

As Dave Barry states, if he wanted this to be a real good book on Washington politics, he'd have to spend a lot of time in Washington.So this is not going to be a really good book!

The jabs at the US Department of Agriculture (not sure whether it should be permitted to call dried plums "dried plums"), the driving habits of older Floridians, and the Clintonian escapades are all fair game to Barry.And wait till you hear the attorney arguments in the 2000 elections!

Read it and weep... from laughter!

One of Dave's best, and that's saying a lot.
Not as funny as his "Book of Bad Songs" -- nothing could top that. Not quite as funny as "Dave Barry Turns 40", but about on a par with "Dave Barry is Not Making This Up". Definitely a book that you won't want to miss, if you enjoy Dave's irreverent style (and who doesn't?).

Nothing deserves to be made fun of more than U.S. government...
Dave Barry once admitted to being a libertarian in an interview for "Reason" magazine, and nowhere more than "Below The Beltway" does his libertarian cynicism shine through.The commentary is just plain brilliant, besides being side-splittingly funny.Not a single D.C. institution escapes Barry's razor --Democrat or Republican, Congress, the President, the Supreme Court, or any one of the thousands of alphabet soup agencies that nobody voted for; all are deservedly skewered with just the right blend of satire, cynicism, outright nonsense and --most distubing of all-- actual quotes and references from real Federal agency "mission statements."Barry even openly admits that most of his material is made up on the spot --he even steers us to P. J. O'Rourke's "Parliament of Whores" for anyone who wants an even mix of humour AND verifiable fact-- but every so often he'll get to a part that He Swears He Is Not Making Up.And that's when the reader really starts to see government for the out-of-control, self-aggrandizing, eternally-consuming beast that it really is.I note with some amusement that some Amazon.com reviewers are taking Mr. Barry to task for his unrelenting attack on the silliness that is the Federal government, and it is those reviews that I can only conclude are either written by big-government apologists or actual Federal employees.As Barry himself says, only in Washington, D.C. is the phrase "Federal Worker" not considered funny.This book makes the WHY all the more obvious.Bravo, Mr. Barry, and keep making fun of the government for as long as there's juice in your word processor (or until Homeland Security forcibly shuts you down, whichever comes first).I have no doubt the self-important denizens of the nation's capital will continue to provide you with a never-ending supply of fresh material. ... Read more

Product Description
Yet another collection of Barry wit and wisdom by the Pulitzer Prize-winning humorist and the author of Dave Barry Turns 40. Reprint. NYT. 100,000 first printing. $75,000 ad/promo. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Great for teaching
This book is great for teaching students in high school that essays do not have to be boring and without personality.

Laugh-out-loud funny
"Question: Dear Mr. Language Person--What is George Bush's native tongue?Answer: He doesn't have one."

From "Ask Mr. Language Person" to the "Exploding Animal Institute" to Dave's classic announcement of his candidacy for the Presidency of the United States--his platform consists of a dramatic reorganization of the bureaucracy so that domestic affairs will all be handled by the Department of Louise, and foreign affairs by the Department of a Couple of Guys Named Victor ("Y'know, Victors, I wouldn't mind hearing that Fidel Castro had had an unfortunate accident...")--this collection of Dave Barry's weekly humor columns from the early 1990s still has the power to induce chortles, guffaws, and even the occasional cackle.

The audiobook version is well-delivered by Johnny Heller.Just don't listen to it in public unless you don't mind people seeing you grinning idiotically or hearing you laughing like a ninny.

Love it!
In one word:FUNNY!I've got all Dave Barry's books and love them all.
They make me laugh out loud.They all get five stars from me.

Good, but not genius
This is a collecton of his regular columns. They are funny, but not side-splitting. If you want to see what Dave can *really* do, try "Dave Barry's Only Travel Guide you will Ever Need".

Classic Dave Barry
Hilarious!Some references are a little dated now, but still tons of laugh-out-loud moments - I loved it!If you're a Dave Barry fan, don't miss this one. ... Read more

Product Description
"If you belong to the purple thumb brigade and agree that 'a tool is an object that enables you to take advantage of the laws of physics and mechanics in such a way that you can seriously injure yourself, you will find a kindred spirit in Dave Barry, the author of the hilarious book The Taming of the Screw." -Family Handyman magazine ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Classic Dave Barry
Silly fun, classic Dave Barry through and through.Also dig the illustrations, especially Mr. Screwy.

BookPurchase
I ordered "The Taming of the Screw" book on line and was pleased with the results.The book was in good condition, as stated by the seller.Delivery was prompt.I am quite satisfied with the handling of the order.

TOO SHORT!
This is typical Barry. Free flowing narrative, always funny, always consistent, never crosses the line by too much, a book you wouldn't be ashamed to have your mother catch you with...

My only complaint - it's too short! 96 pages?!!! If you're going to sell a book of that length, you had better give it to us at a reduced price. Please!

This is a funny book, but I can't fully recommend it because of the length. Instead I'd say by Money Secrets. Dave Barry's Money Secrets: Like: Why Is There a Giant Eyeball on the Dollar?

A DIY book that will have you rolling in laughter which is far better than home improvement
In 15 hilarious chapters Dave Barry takes on the DIY topics of Tools, Wood, Electricity, Plumbing, Walls, Heating and Cooling, Insulation and Weatherproofing, Masonry, Easy Projects, Impossible Projects, Household Pests, The Lawn and Garden, Car Repair, Home Redecoration, and Building Your Own House.

He defines a tool as "an object that enables you to take advantage of the laws of physics and mechanics in such a way that you can seriously injure yourself."

Barry has the following to say about wood. "Wood has been the preferred building material for thousands of years, because it is one of the few materials that will rot as well as burn."

On electricity, Barry defines alternating current as "electricity [that] goes in one direction for a while, then goes the other direction. This prevents harmful buildup in the wires."

Mr. Barry says the first step in fixing a broken pipe is to "go down to the dankest corner of the basement and locate the valve that turns off all the water in the house. This will be the valve that is covered with slime and a spiderweb containing a spider and the festering bodies of dead insects."

According to Barry, walls "keep the roof from falling down and damaging your television set."

Barry on solar energy: "The easiest way to heat your house with solar energy is to move it to Central America, which is located directly under the sun."

Barry on Masonry: "Any kind of building material that can fall on you and kill you."

Barry on cockroaches: "The only surefire way to get rid of roaches is to remove all the liquor from your house. Roaches can mate only when drunk. Can you blame them? Would you mate with a roach if you were sober?"

Finally, a DIY book for people who don't know anything about the subject and don't want to learn. You can read this book and it's totally frivolous Index without learning anything about home repairs. You will have a good laugh and never be tempted to do any home projects. So relax and enjoy the outlandish humor of Dave Barry safe in the knowledge that this book has no socially redeeming value.

This is golden!
I remember getting he original version of this book in the 80's, with the fanged screw on the cover. This book screamed 'read me', and this is for a woman yet! I found it quite funny. The play on words, and the hilarious depiction of tools was just precious. It's a book with a certain amount of toilet humor, but not overly done, and is still one of the finest humor books for its uniqueness. It also hits a nerve for many homeowners - anyone who has done home repairs themselves can instantly identify with it, and with a good laugh. This will always be one of my favourite books. It's great to read when you're having a bad day, a really bored day, and need laughs for whatever reason. ... Read more

Product Description
No book can guarantee you a long and happy relationship, even if the author didn't know about your secret hygiene problem. But the cover of a book is no place to discuss that. In Dave Barry's Guide to Marriage and/or Sex, one of America's most beloved writers turns his keen, if somewhat rheumy, eye to the institution of marriage.

Dating. "These are nonstereotypical times we live in, by which I mean that it is the responsibility of the woman to think up excuses that get progressively more obvious until the man figures out that the woman would rather chew on a rat pancreas."

Sex. "I'm afraid that we must talk here about sex in a very explicit manner, because we want to expand the Frontiers of Human Understanding, and also we want to sell as many books as possible to adolescent boys."

Marriage. "Most squabbles start with money. For example, you want to buy food, while your spouse wants to buy a thoroughbred racehorse. It's important, in these situations, for both of you to be willing to sit down and try to achieve a workable compromise. In this case, you could buy a thoroughbred racehorse and eat it."
Amazon.com Review
Dave Barry's humor speaks for itself. Barry on dating: "These are nonstereotypical times we live in, by which I mean that it is the responsibility of the man to ask for the date, and the responsibility of the woman to think up excuses that get progressively more obvious until the man figures out that the woman would rather chew on a rat pancreas." Barry on falling in love: "When two people have been on enough dates, they generally fall in love. You can tell you're in love by the way you feel: your head becomes light, your heart leaps within you, you feel like you're walking on air, and the whole world seems like a wonderful and happy place. Unfortunately these are also the four warning signs of colon disease, so it's always a good idea to check with your doctor." If you think you might be in danger of having a date, falling in love, or getting married, buy this book immediately. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Great Gag for Newly Weds, Great Laughs for the already married
I bought this book as a gag gift for a friend of mine. After glancing through it I kept it for myself. I want my Wife to read it but I don't want her getting too many ideas or too wise to me. For the people who have been married a number of years and whose marriage is filled with humor, this is a good laugh romp. Some Truth and some tongue in cheek humor. It tells you to not take life too seriously. A very Funny Book.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHHAHH (etc.)
Another classic Barry.The title alone should give it five stars, but the content overwhelms my funny bone.

At one point, I was falling out of my chair I was laughing so hard!

oh well....5 STARS

Early Barry. . .
Though not as good as his later works, definitely worth buying, though 'Dave Barry's Guide To Life' is also availiable on Amazon.com and contains this and three other works of similiar quality and length by the same author, while being slightly cheaper than this edition alone.
Recommended.

Breaking Up Or Getting Engaged?
If you've made it to that chapter (Chapter 4) without laughing so hard you have beverages coming out of your nose, please check your pulse.You may already be dead.

Anyone who has ever read a Dave Barry article can appreciate his incredibly dry wit and hilarious sense of humor.Barry always seems to capture subjects that are serious, but manages to put a funny twist on them.Not only does he nail the concept of marriage AND/OR sex in this book, but the illustrations by Jerry O'Brien are the perfect compliment.The outrageous diagrams on "How to French Kiss" remind me of my life just last week, er, I mean high school.

This book is loaded with helpful tips for both men and women.For instance, Barry feels that the best bet for a new bride on how to get along with her mother-in-law is drugs.If only more people could read this book!

This book has something in it for everyone.If you are about to get married, the chapter entitled "How to Have a Perfect Wedding No Matter What" will definately come in handy.Of course, those of you already married, chapters "How to Argue Like a Veteran Married Couple" and "Children: Big Mistake or Bad Idea?" will, most definately, be of interest.

Barry's book is a fairly quick read, and would make a nice addition to anyone's book collection, if not for the mere fact that it is a great conversation piece.Any fan of Dave Barry will love it, and if you live on another planet, and have never heard of him, this is a great book to start with.You can't help but laugh!

A funny worldwide reality
Barry continues being one of my favorite. His approach to human marriage relationships is no doubt almost a law (a little bit exagerated,maybe). Chapters 6 7 8 and were my favorites. I've just married and it was sort ofan x-ray of my situation, except by the fact that have always believed inwhat he precisely satirizes: we don't need to spend a fortune in afull-of-critics-and-unpleasant people-that will not help you solve yourinfinite problem-night. His statements I think are of an almost universalreality. The only inconvenient for us latin american readers are perhapsthe local jokes He is very serious (I'm not kidding)in telling us: Life isvery simple and worth enjoying! Why screwing it up? ... Read more

Product Description
Dave Barry makes his fiction debut with a ferociously funny novel of love and mayhem in south Florida.

In his career, Dave Barry has done just about everything--written bestselling nonfiction, won a Pulitzer Prize, seen his life turned into a television series. And now, at last, he has joined the long list of literary figures from Jane Austen to Tolstoy who have made the transition from humor columnist to novelist...and done it with a style and inventiveness that establishes that, yes, he is very good at that, too.

In the city of Coconut Grove, Florida, these things happen: A struggling adman named Eliot Arnold drives home from a meeting with the Client From Hell. His teenage son, Matt, fills a Squirtmaster 9000 for his turn at a high school game called Killer. Matt's intended victim, Jenny Herk, sits down in front of the TV with her mom for what she hopes will be a peaceful evening for once. Jenny's alcoholic and secretly embezzling stepfather, Arthur, emerges from the maid's room, angry at being rebuffed. Henry and Leonard, two hit men from New Jersey, pull up to the Herks' house for a real game of Killer, Arthur's embezzlement apparently not having been quite so secret to his employers after all. And a homeless man named Puggy settles down for the night in a treehouse just inside the Herks' yard.

In a few minutes, a chain of events that will change the lives of each and every one of them will begin, and will leave some of them wiser, some of them deader, and some of them definitely looking for a new line of work. With a wicked wit, razor-sharp observations, rich characters, and a plot with more twists than the Inland Waterway, Dave Barry makes his debut a complete and utter triumph.

"The funniest book I've read in fifty years."--Elmore Leonard

"Despite wealth, fame and a tendency to undermedicate himself, Dave Barry remains one of the funniest writers alive. Big Trouble is outrageously warped, cheerfully depraved--and harrowingly close to true life in Florida. This book will do for our tourism industry what Dennis Rodman did for bridal wear."--Carl HiaasenAmazon.com Review
Dave Barry, the only newsman to win a Pulitzer for exemplaryuse of words like booger, will please humor and crime-fictionfans alike with this racy debut novel. The scene is Miami. In ritzyCoconut Grove, the teen son of Eliot, a newsman turned adman, sneaksup to spritz a cute girl with a Squirtmaster 9000 to win a high schoolgame called Killer. Meanwhile, two hit men sneak up to kill the girl'sabusive stepdad, Arthur. Arthur cheated his bosses at corruptPenultimate, Inc., which equipped a Florida jail with automaticgarage-opener gates that accidentally freed prisoners in a lightningstorm.

Farcical confusion ensues, witnessed by a saintly bum named Puggy, camped in a tree in Arthur's yard. Puggy works at the Jolly Jackal Bar & Grill, which has no grill and actually sells guns and bombs to an offshoot of the Crips and Bloods called the Cruds, and to Penultimate (which plans to conquer Cuba). But when dim thugs Eddie and Snake rob the Jolly Jackal and Arthur tells them it's a Russian mob front selling bombs, the proprietor snorts, "Bombs, pfft! No bombs! Is bar."

Can Snake and Eddie spirit a suitcase nuke through Miami, "where most motorists obeyed the traffic and customs of their individual countries of origin"? Can Eliot and cop Monica Rodriguez save the day? And how do the 300-pound hallucinogenic Enemy Toad, the 13-foot-long python Daphne, highway goats, and the Denture Adventure seniors' theme park fit in? Everything fits perfectly, including a few dark passages new to Barry's work. But one warning: if you read this book while drinking milk, at some point it will spurt out of your nostrils. --Tim Appelo ... Read more

Customer Reviews (321)

Good fun without the manic pace of a Tim Dorsey novel...
As a fan of the South Florida novel genre (think Hiaasen and Dorsey), I couldn't pass on reading Dave Barry's Big Trouble.I can't resist the chance to escape into the world of inept criminals and off-the-wall personalities that seem to make up a significant portion of that population.:)I'm a bit surprised that I somehow let this one get by my radar for so long (originally published over ten years ago), but oh well.

Big Trouble reminds me of a Tim Dorsey novel without all the characters being on speed.In fact, most of the characters could, in a different setting, be semi-normal (funny, obnoxious, conceited, etc.)Most of the craziness revolves around the action.An innocent game of "Killer" (high school kids targeting others with squirt guns) intersects with an attempted hit by two real killers, an attempted "rescue" by a non-sober security guard, two homeless drifters who are attempting to become "kingpins", and a few arms dealers who have one device on hand that even they're scared of.The plot lines move from a loose weave to a tight knit fabric as the action races to a conclusion.Of course, being that all this takes place in Florida, it's pretty difficult to tell how it's all going to work out.

Overall, Big Trouble was a fun read.Imagine yourself poolside or on the beach, with a nice beverage of choice next to you, and you've got the idea.It's not a replacement for the insanity that is Tim Dorsey, but it's in the same ballpark.

Disclosure:
Obtained From: Library
Payment: Borrowed

Maybe the begining is funny...
The beginning of the book was funny, but than in the middle it got horrible. When I picked up the book I expected it to be funny, like Tim Dorsey's books. I didn't expect the plot to be great, just funny. But than in the middle there is a near rape scene that just goes on. What I don't understand is why it's in the book? I'm not usually one to complain about a rape scene if it's done in a non-serious funny way, or even if it's serious but it's in a serious drama. But in a book like this, a realistic near rape scene with no comedic value just doesn't make any sense. I don't enjoy in real life watching a person getting raped, which is what it was equivalent to. And as someone else said, the book seemed like a cut and paste job, so with it not being too funny, there is no real reason to read this. Anyway, I threw away the book what I got to the rape scene.

this is one funny book
I love reading all kinds of books and I have all my life, so I know a good book when I see one, and I'm telling you, this is one of them.I'll admit when I read some of the reviews I was sceptical at first, but I got this book at Goodwill for a buck, so what the heck, right?There are at least 10'main' characters and several story lines but Mr. Barry skillfully weaves them together and allows you to follow along without have to stop and go back to find out who is who and what are they doing with that suitcase or water gun?Mr. Barry is adept at creating a story that flows seamlessly from one scene to the next.FYI, if you were ever a fan of I.M. Fletcher, you will thoroughly enjoy this book.

ABSOLUTELY TERRIFIC
This is such a great book.Dave Barry is (was) great as a columnist, but this novel shows he can keep you up all night.I read this in one sitting.No, it's not complicated, does not address world issues, but, it will keep you laughing.My favorite character: Roger, the dog.His issues with frogs and his stint as Elizabeth Dole are priceless.GET THIS BOOK!!

the worst book i have ever read
Dave Barry was never meant to do anything other than observe a static situation and try to think of how best to make it sound funny. He's good at that. But he couldn't develop a character if his life depended on it. In this book nuclear weapons go off, people are kidnapped, they fall in love, and yet when you're finished reading it it's as if nothing happened at all. None of the characters change, nothing interesting happens, it's a bunch of vectors pointing in straight lines going to their logical destinations with no surprises, nothing clever, and a deeply insipid delivery all along the way. If you're thinking of reading this, don't. I implore you, get a GOOD book, or at least a better one, which means ANY book, other than this one. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (17)

Bravo, Suzette!
With The Art of Column Writing, Suzette Martinez Standring has kicked a last second field goal to win the Super Bowl or, if you prefer baseball, hit a home run in the bottom of the 9th inning of Game 7 to win the World Series.

Drawing from the experiences of literary behemoths like Pete Hamill, Dave Barry, and the late, great Art Buchwald, Suzette weaves their expert analysis into a delightful outline for current and fledgling column writers to follow.The information she includes is monumental in scope; there is nothing left out.In fact, you could safely (and properly) conclude that The Art of Column Writing is as important a guide to writers as a wiring schematic is to a Marine Corps jet mechanic.

Suzette's approach is funny, insightful, thought provoking, and dead on accurate.And when you couple her own dazzling, syndicated commentary with lessons gleaned from the literary mountaintop, you are rewarded with what is clearly one of the very best How To books ever written.

The most remarkable, indeed, encouraging, side of this story is that while Suzette's The Art of Column Writing is an unqualified marvel, it is also being used as a text book by teachers in writing classes across America.Hey, talk about 20/20 foresight.

Packed With Sound Advice and Insight for Any Writer
Newspaper columnists have an admitted challenge to draw their readers into their work and compel them to read their writing. If you write a column for a newspaper or a magazine on a regular basis, get this book. It's excellent and packed with wisdom from many different well-known writers.

These columnists have drawn a consistent readership and any writer can profit from the study of this book. Why? Whether you have a growing readership in your blog or a column for a magazine or a regular spot in a local newspaper, you have to draw on the tips and techniques in this title. I liked what author Suzette Martinez Standring wrote in the Introduction: the Quest for a Column saying, "It is better to ask, 'How can I make my work worth of being published?' Let's take a moment to deconstruct a newspaper column. It compels or captivates with a tale, a message, or a persuasive argument. Jam-pack those thoughts into, say, 600 select words. Create an engaging start, an informative middle, and ideally, a surprise ending, all written in a voice so signature any reader could identify the columnist even without a byline. 'What we do is more like a short story,' said legendary metro columnist Pete Hamill during a 2005 NSNC meeting in Texas. Time, talent, and practice are required to do condensed writing well." (page 11)

EVERY WRITER can profit from reading this book because the universal nature of the skill of column writing.

First Place Award for Educational Book, 2008
First Place in the Educational Book category was awarded to The Art of Column Writing in the 2008 Royal Palm Literary Awards, sponsored by the Florida Writers Association.(See award listing on www.floridawriters.net)

Professional writers never stop learning
And this should be required reading. An aspiring writer/columnist will find the material useful, inspiring in very practical terms. For the same reasons a seasoned writer/columnist will regain the motivation that led her/him to start writing in the first place. Thank you Suzette!

Overly pleased and entertained
I could not have learned as much as I did from this terrific book in a college journalism class.While sophisticated, entertaining and anecdotal, it's also amazingly funny.

Its scope is impressive, not to mention being well-indexed.It's a complete compendium, I believe, for the existing or aspiring columnist. ... Read more

Product Description
The year is 1901--it's been twenty-three years since Peter and the Lost Boys returned from Rundoon. Since then, nobody on the island has grown a day older, and the Lost Boys continue their friendship with the Mollusk tribe, and their rivalry with Captain Hook. Meanwhile in London, Molly has married George Darling and is raising three children: Wendy, Michael, and John. One night a visitor appears at her door; it's James, one of Peter's original Lost Boys. He is now working for Scotland Yard and suspects that the heir to England's throne, Prince Albert Edward, is under the influence of shadow creatures. These shadow creatures are determined to find a secret cache of startstuff which fell to London many centuries ago. The starstuff is hidden in an underground vault which has only one key: the Sword of Mercy, a legendary weapon kept with the Crown Jewels. Molly is determined to help, but when she suddenly goes missing, it is up to her eleven-year-old daughter, Wendy, to keep the starstuff out of the Others' clutches. She has heard her mother's stories of a flying boy named Peter Pan, and he may be her only hope in saving the world from a shadowy doom... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

I loved this book!
I have loved the whole series of "Peter and the Starcatchers" books.This one was just as exciting as the others and I was not disappointed.

Another great Peter Pan book
This is another great installment of the Peter Pan prequels. It starts just a little bit slowly, and then before you know it you're on page 350 and totally engrossed in the story!It's a well-crafted, original and complex story but still stays true to the Pan lore that we all know!!As long as Dave Barry keeps writing these books I'll keep reading them.

Great final book of series
Dave Berry and Ridley Pearson ended this series with style, as well as high level entertainment.My son talked me into reading the first book, Peter and the Starcatchers, and then we were hooked.Unlike a lot of children's book series these days, the authors were able to maintain age-appropriateness throughout.This was a fun read, with a difficulty level similar to the Harry Potter books.I enjoyed it.

A Delightful Action Filled Adventure for Readers of All Ages
My son, who has a PhD in mathematics, introduced me to this series; I was initially skeptical about reading another book about Peter Pan, after all, what more could be said I thought. I read the book as a child, and had seen the animated movie so what could possibly be left to write about?

Was I ever wrong about that notion, I was captivated by "Peter and the Starcatchers" and became a devoted fan of this series! What a fun trip to read of Peter's beginning and an explanation of how he became the boy who would never grow up as ably and entertainingly penned by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. The incredibly fertile imaginations of these writers seemed to really blossom as they decided to fill in the details that get us to the point where J. M. Barrie takes up the narrative.

I have had the joy and pleasure of reading "Peter and the Starcatchers," "Peter and the Shadow Thieves," "Peter and the Secret of Rundoon," and now "Peter and the Sword of Mercy." All four books have been a delightful romp through sometimes humorous, yet sometimes threatening, action filled adventures as the reader follows the story of Peter and his friends. Some of the imaginative villains in these books make Captain Hook seem like a "not so bad" kind of guy.

I was definitely amused as I read the suggested age range for these books, 9-12; there is no question in my mind that children in that age range who enjoy reading a good adventure should certainly enjoy all of the books in the series. The truth of the matter, at least in my experience, is that readers of almost any age who enjoy a well written adventure story will have fun reading these books not only once but more than once.

I am truly pleased to have read them and have them available to read again. I can recommend them highly to anyone whose inner child has not shriveled and died.

What an Adventure!
When is the next book coming?????This series capped by this riveting edition has been a joy to read with our 9 year old.Barry and Pearson do capture such an adventurous spirit in this series.This book has it all and was just so much fun to read.My son couldn't wait for bedtime to get another chapter.(well that might be a slight exageration, but he was willing to go to bed!)
We have read every book in the series and they all rate very well.Each has been able to put you back in with the Lost Boys.Such an interesting perspective.Very clever. ... Read more

Product Description
Everyone loves Dave Barry.His hilarious and irreverent syndicated newspaper column and numerous best-selling books incite universal laughter.In "The Greatest Invention In The History Of Mankind Is Beer" and Other Manly Insights From Dave Barry, Dave goes on a testosterone riff, enlightening all about the intricacies of being male. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

A Waste
There is nothing to this book. A sentence or two on each page. More like a booklet than a book.

Cute, amusing, not worth paying list price for.
But since it no longer seems to be available for list price, what the heck. It's worth a quick read if you can get it cheap. Not nearly as good as a full-length Dave Barry book, though.

Some right-on-target thoughts
The book is worth reading. Many of the observations are Dave Barry insightful. Then there are some fillers.

The problem is that most of Dave's best works requires you to go from the perfectly obvious to the unbelievable and believe it. This takes time and skill. This is what the book lacks.

"The Greatest Invention in the History of Mankind is Beer"
I read this book after reading another of Dave Berry's hoping it would be better. Well, it was not. For one thing, it is very short and only one passage per page. This is the same as some of his others. I would only remcomend it to someone with nothing else to do.

For a more indepth review, see my other Dave Berry review, the books are very similar, so are my thought on his two books.

Have a good one.

Ryan

Dave Barry's "The Greatest Invention" is not that great
This little book is a big disappointment.Most or all of Barry's other books are his column or column-length pieces, in which he piles one incongruity on another to hilarious effect.This book is merely a collection of cute paragraphs.Dave Barry is Dave Barry.He's not Henny Youngman. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (52)

Awesome book!!!
One of Dave Barry's BEST books!!!! I laughed myself silly! For anyone who loves US history!!!!! Two thumbs up!

Absolutely Hilarious Read
Dave Barry Slept Here was my introduction to the ingenious comedy of Dave Barry, when a friend lent it to me 20 years ago, and I've been a fan ever since. This is my favorite book he's ever written.If you know even a little bit about US History, then you will find this satire hilarious.

This was pretty funny... for about 10 pages.
This book was pretty funny... for about 10 pages then it got really old. It took me about 60 pages to give up on it altogether. There's a reason that SNL skits only last five minutes, Dave.

I understand Barry is a columnist of some sort so in small chunks his material is probably golden but in book format this just didn't work at all.

Funny everytime
This book is incredible. You will be laughing out loud. The more U.S. history you know the funnier it is. I highly recommend this book for anyone. It is a great gift for a student of U.S. history as they will learn to appreciate it more the more they learn.

The Funniest Book I've Ever Read
Dave Barry's "Dave Barry Slept Here" is a hilarious pseudo/satire-history of the United States.Anyone familiar with Dave Barry's wit from his columns will immediately recognize the same wit unleashed on so much of our history that we have heard, if not necessarily really learned, throughout our lives.

Dave Barry writes like a high-school student - intentionally, of course.He attributes great advances to "technology," isn't interested in the Smoot-Hawley Tariff so he skips it because it sounds boring, and decides that every important event in American history happened on October 8th so that he doesn't have to remember any more dates (even the Fourth of July happened on October 8th, 1776).And he ends every chapter with hilarious "discussion questions" that are just as funny as the text.

I've read and re-read this hilarious book, and it's great to just pick up and start reading in the middle whenever you need a good chuckle.Anyone who likes Dave Barry, enjoys American history, or is interested in what three-word sentence you can rearrange the letters in "Spiro Agnew" to spell (hint: the first word is "grow") should read this book and enjoy!
... Read more

Product Description
Take a ride on the Dave Barry time machine. Each page of the amusing daily Dave Barry 2011 Day-to-Day Calendar features funny stuff that Dave has written through the years. Remember when televised poker was all the craze? Dave recalls the excitement: "Poker players do not betray any feelings, so most of the time what you have, visually, is a bunch of grim-faced guys sitting around a table, looking like a hemorrhoid support group." Throw in Dave's annual Holiday Gift Guide, and it all adds up to one hilarious calendar.

Copyright (c) 2010 by Dave Barry Cover photo by Bill Wax/Daniel Portnoy ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Easy to find
Finding the Dave Barry Daily calendar .... which my husband loves, but I can rarely find it...was a treat. I should
have looked here in past years, but I didn't and I have learned a lesson. It was easy to find on your web site and
came in more than enough time for his Christmas present.He will love it each day for 2011. The price was nice
as well...better than at the mall...even if I could find it there.
Connie King ... Read more

Product Description
Peter Pan, the Lost Boys, and Captain Hook have been some of the world’s most storied characters since J.M. Barrie introduced them in his beloved tale, Peter Pan. In this new picture book, Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson take a fresh look at these characters as only they can. Created for the animated film, Mary Blair’s illustrations helped to define the look of this Walt Disney classic and bring all the magic of Never Land to life—from the ominous Skull Rock to Peter’s secret underground lair. 

Laced with humor, action, and a dash of pixie dust, this cheeky retelling and vibrant concept art are woven into an entertaining new take on a classic story.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

I Love Mary Blair
I purchased this book just for Mary Blair's artwork. The illustrations are great, but I might recommend her "Alice in Wonderland" based on illustrations alone.

A must for any BLAIR fan!
PETER PAN is my favorite WALT DISNEY film and love the art of MARY BLAIR!

Bought it for the beauty, love it for the text!
I saw this book at the Walt Disney Museum in San Francisco (an adult museum dedicated to the man's life). This book was in the gift shop, but I decided to pass, then changed my mind at home and ordered it on Amazon.
The illustrations are lovely, although many are castoffs, background, or not really defined. Thats ok, because it lends the book a dream-like ambiance. What I really like is how it is written. It is an artful and lighthearted retelling of the story, not the usual heavy handed writting in children's Disney books.

Walt Disney's Peter Pan Mary Blair
This is a really pretty book. I can't wait to read it to my kids. I only wish there was more of the Mary Blair artwork. It doesn't have the silhouetted fire dance painting. Lots of wonderful pages though.

Masterfully Written
As I was reading this book to my boys, I kept thinking how masterfully it was being told.Most children I would think have only experienced Peter Pan on DVD.What a joy to read this beautiful, engaging story to my children.If you have read "The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry and the Big Hungry Bear", you will love the way this book has been written with the same engaging text.It took me approximately 20 minutes to read.I was not overwhelmed by the volume of text at bedtime!The pictures are on one page and a small paragraph on the facing page.The amazing animation by Mary Blair are an imagination gold mine. I wish I had read this to my kids prior to them every seeing the movie.Don't make the same mistake I have! ... Read more

Product Description
"Just the ticket for the '90s."
SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
If you're too young for a nursing home yet too old to be a rock star, if your marriage is as exciting as scraping grass off the lawnmower blades, then this hilarious book by Pulitzer-Prize-winning columnist and author is for you. Put on your protective eyewear and take a probing look inside your increasingly Spam-like body at: The Midlife (Yawn) Marriage; Wise Financial Planning for Irresponsible Scum Such as Yourself; Sex After 40 (or, Sex? After 40?), and other harsh, but amusing realities that leave you laughing, crying and drooling.
Amazon.com Review
Is Dave Barry going mature on us? Well, no. But inDave Barry Turns 40, he does do some thinking out loud aboutthe aging process, aiming his thoughts at his"career-pursuing, insurance-buying, fitness-observing,Lamaze-class-taking, breast-feeding, data-processing, mortgage-paying,Parents'-Night-attending, business-card-exchanging,compact-disc-owning, tooth-flossing" contemporaries. Funny andtrue-to-life, especially if you were born before 1957. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

A Step up from the `Guide to Life' books, solid, but few laugh out loud moments
This is competent work, Barry riffing ably and amusingly on his life stage. I don't feel at all ripped off, but I didn't enjoy it as much as Greatest Hits - I think Barry is best in the column format, having the freedom to rove widely, and to occasionally go a bit surreal. It good, and occasionally laugh out loud good, but perhaps I'm a bit spoiled having read a few of his books now. He comes off better when I compare him to others rather than to himself.

There is also a surprising couple of serious pages - the only ones I've read of his - a sort of an easter egg/DVD extra.

Book's Nearly 20 Years Old Now, More of How the Baby Boomer Generation Coped With No Longer Being Young and Cool
This was published back in 1990 and Barry has subsequently released Dave Barry Turns 50 (2000) and no doubt will do a turning 60 novel in 2010.What Barry achieves with these releases is not so much a look at everyone turning 40, 50 etc (although there are some hilarious observations everyone doing this can relate to) but more of a look at how his generation, the baby boomers (which could be your own generation, your kids or your parents depending on how you are) coped with the realisation they no longer were the revolution changing element of society, setting the bar of what is cool but instead are looked at in the same way they looked at their parents,ie "uncool" by the next generation/s.Reflections on the reality of what his generation (and the world) turned out to be today compared to the paths they thought their lives would follow.This book is very funny, a bit dated in parts if you are comparing it to someone turning 40 today but an excellent insight into understanding your parents generation or if you are from that generation to laugh at the humour of how your generation has turned out.

Barry tackles topics such as your disintegrating body, beauty tips, coping with midlife crisis, bedroom action after 40, ageing parents, sports and a lot of other topics.Barry also gives the reader a number of hilarious exams throughout so the reader will know if they are grown up yet and determining how bad their marriage is.He also provides tips on how to geeze covering topics such as fashion, dealing with your children and grandchildren, driving and announcing your intimate medical problems.

Barry has written a substantial amount of humorous non fiction observation type books. If you love this genre also check out John O'Farrell and Wil Anderson.Barry has also written a few hilarious works of fiction (in the style of Carl Hiaasen, Bill Fitzhugh etc) the best being his masterpiece Tricky Business.

Too close to home...
Fortunately or unfortunately, Dave Barry and I are similar in age.I've lived through the eras of music, computers, child-rearing, and fads that he's been through.I have been exposed to double secret probation (a good name for a rock band)

In other words, I have first hand, up close and personal, and insider information that he is absolutely right in this analysis about what women really want.

They can have that remote over my dead body.

hysterical reading
"Somebody has to be the grownups, and now it's our turn," writes Dave Barry in "Dave Barry Turns 40."Indeed, and this guide will provide some assistance as well as make you laugh.Barry provides a helpful quiz for Baby Boomers who, "defined hip.We set all kinds of world hipness records and we were sure they'd never be broken." Alas, growing older means becoming less cool, at least in the eyes of the younger generation. It also means dealing with "Your Disintegrating Body."Barry also takes a look at "Midlife (Yawn) Marriage," "Planning Your Male Midlife Crisis," "Sex After 40" and "Sports for the Over 40 Person (OrGod Had a Reason For Creating the Barcalounger)", among other topics. He also provides quizzes like the "Standardized Psychological Maturity Scale," and charts like "Male Lifestyle Phases," and on a more serious note, dealing with your own aging parents.Lastly, he describes "How to Geeze," hint for men "wear Bermuda shorts, black knee socks, and wing-tipped shoes.Very amusing.

Hilarious!
Easily the most enjyable Barry book I have read.Coincidentally, it was my first as well.

Barry is a master at comedy, and this only proves it further.

Highly recommended! ... Read more

Product Description
Have a very Barry Christmas!

In this “hilarious” (USA Today) national bestseller, Pulitzer Prize–winning humorist Dave Barry pens one of the warmest, most delightful Christmas stories ever. The year is 1960, and the Christmas pageant at St. John’s Episcopal Church is a very big deal. Doug Barnes is a shepherd this year, which is better than being a Three King, because you get to carry a stick. There are problems, however. The girl he likes is playing Mary opposite a Joseph who is depressingly smart, athletic, and cute; the family dog is doing poorly, and they have no idea what they’re going to tell Doug’s little sister, Becky; and his dad’s just gotten a flat tire, which means they might not even get to the pageant. But Christmas is a time of miracles. And for Doug and his family, this will be the most miraculous Christmas of all. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (40)

I was laughing out loud
The Shepherd, the Angel, and Walter the Christmas Miracle Dog, by Dave Barry (124 pgs., 2006).This book was hilarious.I was laughing out loud.I was laughing so loud & so often & it was so late at night that I was afraid I might be waking up my neighbor.I mean real laughing.Not tittering.Laughing out loud for long periods of time.Belly laughing so your stomach shook.I so envy Dave Barry his skill in being able to make readers do this.To laugh out loud is one of the best things in life!
This is another in a long line of small, sentimental Christmas novellas penned by famous authors.I guess the publishers ask well-known writers for these kinds of books.They probably sell real well at Christmas time.
Here, Barry mines his own childhood in Armonk, NY.Funnily enough, I'm familiar with Armonk, as my Cousin Jeffrey & his family lived here for many years.We attended a number of family parties at his home.Barry could have been writing about my cousins, except this is about his own family, a dog, Christmas pageants, miracles & even death.It all works out okay & the laughs just spill out of the mouth & the belly.
I loved this book.

Not in the Same League as Barry's Other Novels, Plus it Only Takes About Half an Hour to Read
This is not in the same league as Dave Barry's other fiction novels, the best being Tricky Business.Unlike that masterpiece and the not quite as good Big Trouble, the main ingredients of eccentric characters and lots of humorous situations aren't what this book is about. There is the odd bit of humour such as not knowing where to put Frank, but saying this is a funny book that will have you laughing out loud is a bit of a stretch. The novel (if you can call something so short a novel) is a flashback trip down memory lane for those who were kids growing up in America in the 60s. No doubt if I was born twenty years earlier I might get a bit more out of this short story, I can appreciate the descriptions of growing up in that era but the nostalgia aspect is lost on non baby boomer generations. The numerous photos and advertisements padding out the short word count also probably add the memories for baby boomers and something they can maybe use as discussion points with kids of today.It's a nice story but nothing special and it is very predictable.If it's still in your local public library by all means borrow it but unless you're of the era it's set in I wouldn't pay money for it.A half hour read short story that's isn't up to the usual high Barry standard just isn't worth it, especially if you haven't read the others.

You've also got to wonder why when both Frank and Walter were some sort of St Bernard cross, and there's even a picture of a St Bernard in the book that the publishers chose to put a Golden Retriever on the cover? I'm also not quite sure why they marketed this as an adult fiction novel when it so small on word count (even Barry's greatPeter and the Starcatchers) children's series books are lengthier than this.This could easily have been marketed as a junior fiction book, I mean Barry's great children's novel Science Fair also had a similar aged child as the narrator of the story and got up to more adult aspects of life than Doug Barnes does. It's also novel length in size.I guess the fact it's set in the 60s when religion was such big a part of the community and other non modern day aspects the publishers may have figured kids can't relate but I wouldn't hesitate giving them a go at this. If anything the reading level required would be higher with the other books mentioned in this paragraph.

Basic plot of The Shepherd, the Angel, and Walter the Christmas Miracle Dog revolves around the childhood of Doug Barnes growing up in the 60s suburb of Asquont, near New York.He basically recounts a couple of Christmas's past, his family life, his younger sister's ageing dog Frank, ant filled car, school life, and the Nativity plays he was forced to take part in inside a building whose residents included a number of bats.The story is really too short to give away anything else but obviously being the title includes Walter the Christmas Dog you know that he'll make an appearance at some stage.

light, entertaining
This book made me laugh a few times.It was amusing and light, pleasant, quick reading for the season.I won't recommend it for my book club, however, because there's just not enough there to discuss.

An Instant Classic
I picked up The Shepherd, the Angel, and Walter the Christmas Miracle Dog by Dave Barry because I used to love reading his column in the Sunday paper and because I love to read Christmas books in December.I read this book in about an hour and as soon as I put it down, I went to the store to buy my own copy of it.

To me this story has everything to make it a Christmas classic.I thought the story had the feel and tone of the movie, A Christmas Story.It is a simple story about Christmas during a simpler time. It is funny, sad, and just a great story to read.I've taken to reading this book every Christmas Eve (since it is such a quick read) and I recommend it to everyone I meet (literally).

Stress reliever/stocking stuffer.
If you're a baby-boomer, you will love this book! It's a quick read: a time capsule, of sorts, about growing up in the 60's, the space race, burgeoning hormones and tweener crushes, beloved pets, what constitutes family and community and even *spoiler* bats in the belfrey. If you're currently suffering from holiday or garden variety stress or just want to time travel to a place guaranteed to make you laugh and maybe shed a tear or two, buy this book, sit back and enjoy! ... Read more

Product Description

While Peter is away from the island, James and the other Lost Boys discover a mysterious cave. Shining Pearl and her sister Little Scallop warn the boys that the cave is a dangerous place, inhabited by a creature known as the Goat Taker—a beast so scary that even the Mollusk tribe fears it. But the boys can’t resist trying to discover the cave’s secrets. When the first of those secrets turns out to be a tantalizing hint of a famous haunted treasure, Captain Hook and his band of cutthroat pirates quickly join the hunt. Before long the children are fleeing for their lives in a dark and deadly underground labyrinth…and their only hope of escape is to solve the mystery of the Cave of the Dark Wind.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

A great adventure story worth reading as a stand-alone
The Lost Boys, Little Scallop and her older sister Shining Pearl are spending another idyllic day in Never Land. After unsuccessfully trying to race snakes, the Lost Boys quickly become bored and seek other ways of passing the time until Peter Pan returns home from his visit in London. When Thomas suggests exploring a hill above the Mollusk village, Shining Pearl reveals this would be a bad idea. Near the Goat Meadow is a cave that they are forbidden to go near, for it is the home of the Goat Taker.

Several years ago, when goats began to go missing and all that was left behind was a bloody trail leading to a dark cave, the Mollusk tribe decided to find out who or what the Goat Taker was. However, when the venture yielded unfortunate results, the chief deemed the place too dangerous. Now, once a month, a goat is left tethered near the cave --- dubbed the Cave of the Dark Wind --- in order to prevent the Goat Taker from nabbing more than just goats.

This dark possibility doesn't deter James, the leader of the Lost Boys, from wanting to explore the cave, much to the sisters' disappointment. Reluctantly, Shining Pearl decides to join the boys in their exploration of the Cave of the Dark Wind. They get more than they bargained for, however, when James makes a surprising discovery, and the Pirates, led by the fearsome Captain Hook, decide to go on an expedition of their own in hopes of finding legendary treasure. Will the Lost Boys solve this mystery, or will they be captured by pirates?

Despite being the second book in Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson's series, CAVE OF THE DARK WIND is a great adventure story worth reading as a stand-alone. Mystery, humor and exciting action will entice young people to keep turning the pages as they follow Shining Pearl and her friends (along with foes) on their latest adventure on the magical island of Never Land.

Good, Fun, Just not quite Great
We have read all the books in the Peter series, and had a whopping good time, I might add!Our favorite version has been the Jim Dale audio tapes--he could make repair manuals sound like a dramatic adventure, I am sure.This was our favorite of the shorter books, a good story, good chance to spend time with the characters we had gotten to know.It seemed a bit like a screenplay in parts, one good adventure after another, but it appealed to my boys.I appreciated a relatively fantastical but still believable plot.I'ld recommend all the books in order, though the Carnivale story was a bit odd for my taste, once you get to know the stories, you'll want to know them all.

A wonderful childrens story
The Never Land books are wonderful extensions of the Peter Series by Berry adn Pearson.The neverland books are an easier read with larger print but still entertaining.

Entertaining adventure for young readers
I read this book not because I'm a fan of Peter Pan's Lost Boys, but because I'm a fan of Karen Marie Moning's "Fever" series. Moning mentions a "Dark Wind" in one of her hints regarding the mysteries in the ongoing Fever books. I followed that clue, read this book, and was rewarded with a "two-fer".

1. I learned what this Dark Wind is, and yes, it could be a clue in deciphering one of the Fever series' many ingenious puzzles.

2. I read a thoroughly enjoyable children's book that I can now recommend to parents and children alike.

Dark Wind starts with bored children who decide to do what they've been told not to do. Not a new theme by any means, but handled here with humor and a light hand in the "I told you so" message. Yes, they get into trouble. And yes, things in the end are better than they were previously for all the good guys. But throughout, it's an adventure for the characters and the reader, and one that never sounds dumbed-down or preachy. My only negative response is to the repeated mentions of Tubby Ted's obsession with eating -- maybe a tad overdone.

This is an easy read, but (as an adult) I never found it boring. The writing is colorful, fast-paced, and the illustrations an added treat. Even though my other "Dark Wind" question was answered early in this book, I finished it anyway. It was a satisfying short detour from usual weightier topics.

Nice Chapter Book Spin-Off of the Peter Pan Series by Barry & Pearson
Have you ever wondered what was going on with the Mollusks. The pirates, and The Lost Boys while Peter was away having adventures in Peter and the Starcatchers, Peter and the Shadow Thieves and Peter and the Secrets of Rundoon?Well, this easy chapter book series (billed A Neverland Book) neatly fills that gap quite nicely.This story takes place in between Starcatchers and Shadow Thieves and features James (along with the other lost boys and of course, Shining Pearl and Little Scallop) on a madcap mini-adventure involving a mysterious "monster", pirates, a cursed treasure, and the infamous Black Stache (and his gang).We begin the story with The Lost Boys learning of "The Taker" an evil monster living in the Cave of the Dark Wind and being somewhat interested in proving he too can have adventures, James becomes convinced that he can solve the mystery of The Taker and make the goats of Mollusk Island safe again.Along the way they encounter a lot more adventure and danger than they bargained for...will they discover the identity of The Taker?Is it really a monster?How will Black Stache and his gang of greedy pirates try to foil their plans and try to get the treasure for themselves? And more importantly, will they succeed? You'll have to read to find out!

Overall, this is a cute addition to the Neverland stories, though I would wager this is most appropriate for a slightly younger age range than the longer Pan novels Barry and Ridley have written thus far.Cave of the Dark Wind comes in at 166 pages and is a nice early chapter book with large spacing and type (and some nice black and white pen and ink illustrations) with an entertaining and easy to follow storyline that younger fans of Peter Pan and get into easily on their own (best for ages 4-8) and it would certainly make a great read aloud story for younger readers!I give it four stars, both of my kids loved it and we all hope that there will be many more of these to come...we absolutely loved reading more about the Mollusks, the Lost Boys, the stranded pirates and of course the mermaids!!!
... Read more

Product Description
Dave Barry isn't just funny.His hilarious syndicated newspaper column and numerous best-selling books have sparked the kid of adulation that's often reserved for rock stars or world leaders.His wit cuts right to the core of life's absurdities.In "My Teenage Son's Goal In Life Is To Make Me Feel 3,500 Years Old" and Other Thoughts On Parenting From Dave Barry, Dave shares his hopes, fears, and insights about his own stint as a father. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Cute, amusing, not worth paying list price for.
But since it is almost certainly possible to find it for less than list price, what the heck. It's worth a quick read if you can get it cheap; there are some very funny bits in here. Just not enough of them to make a full-priced book.

Barry's great, but THIS title is not...
Let me begin by saying that I love the humor of Dave Barry.However, for this title (I ordered the Kindle version) you don't get a "book" in the usual Dave Barry style.It's more a "Chicken Soup" type book.Each page is a paragraph or so that stands alone, each unrelated to the next apart from the common parenting theme.These seem to be a "best of" group, selected from previous books or newspaper columns.If I'd known this in advance, I probably wouldn't have purchased this one.Don't misunderstand -- they're nice, funny, sometimes even hilarious.However, they're just brief quotes, not fully developed stories.Again, no fault of the humorist, but it wasn't a very satisfying read.

Cute gift for a parent
A cute, funny collection of clips from Dave Barry's columns over the years. Anything funny he wrote about parenting. You can read it in an hour or less and it would make a good gift book for a parent.

Use to read aloud to your friends with kids
Too short!This small book is a collection of Barry wit... one witticism per page.I can't picture it being worth the full price, even if you are a Dave Barry fan.However, I picked up mine for a buck even at B&N.At about a penny per comment, I felt there was balance in the universe.

Dave Barry is getting lazy
Unlike his first dozen or so books, this offering is so meager as to be insulting to his fans.I loved the guy from the first newspaper column I stumbled across.Now I think he should quit being so lazy, or quit writing. ... Read more

Product Description
Follow the adventures of Peter, Molly, Tinker Bell, and the Lost Boys in all three Peter Pan prequels: Peter and the Starcatchers, Peter and the Shadow Thieves, and Peter and the Secret of Rundoon. Don't even think of starting this trilogy unless you're sitting in a comfortable chair and have lots of time. These fast-paced, impossible-to-put-down adventures are action-packed, touching, and tons of fun! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Peter & Starcatchers series
Purchased for son when he is at this level of reading.However, I am hooked.Short chapters, simple reading and adventurous.Simple concept of good versus evil.

Beautifully written and illustrated! A real treasure!
What a beautiful set! Faithful to the endearing and magical Peter Pan, this set is packed with adventure! Great stories by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson and exquisite paintings and drawings by Greg Call. I highly recommend this set.

Excellent hardcover boxed set for a great price!!!
I got this set for my young step-daughter who is almost eleven. She used to read only Captain Underpants books, but started reading Harry Potter this past summer and she really could not put them down! I got these for her because her reading seriously improved this past summer(not that there is anything wrong w/ Captain Underpants!)and she began using better vocabulary as well as became a better speller. She loves this gift and is sure to just eat them right up and is excited to begin them! At this price, you cannot go wrong with this set!

Good Books!
My daughter is five years old, and we started reading chapter books together not too long after she turned five (so about 6 months ago). We both love anything having to do with Peter Pan or Tinkerbell; so when we saw Disney advertising these books, we had to have them! I am so pleased with them! They are easy to read (and for her to understand) and have some black-and-white pictures within the story. They also look cool! The pages are a faded yellow and are staggered to make it look like the books are old (which gives it more of an old-pirate look). It is also very intersting to read books that show Peter's origin, and to make guesses together on what we think is coming up. We are only about half-way into the first book; but I am sure that we have many months of good-reading ahead of us! And they are also fairly simple to read; so I am sure that in a few years when she is reading more easily on her own, they will be books she will want to read again by herself. What really pushed us over the edge into buying the books was being able to read the first chapter online before buying it. I read it aloud to my daughter, and we were both hooked! I suggest these books for girls and boys alike. They are probably better for boys (because of the whole pirate theme and with Peter as the main character) but we both love them, and we're girls. Besides - anytime I (as her mother) get excited about something, it is very easy to get my daughter involved as well. She is always on-board with some mommy-daughter reading before bed. :-)

Peter Pan Lives!
these books...
dear lovers of Peter Pan, magic and adventure,
...are a wonderful retelling of the Peter Pan story, starting with how Peter became magical, how Tinker Bell came into being, about the parents of Wendy and her brother's when they were children, and how they came to know Peter, and adventures and villains worth reading about. We really love these tales and hope there'll be many more.
kyela,
the silver elves ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Great collection
Fantastic collection of Dave Barry books."Claw Your Way to the Top" was my favorite bit.Love the subtitle: "How to become the head of a major corporation in roughly a week."

Not Barry's Best
I have read (and loved) almost all of Dave Barry's books but this one was a disappointment. I didn't even finish it.Maybe the subjects (babies, marriage...) just didn't grab me but I would recommend many of his later books over this one.

Less enjoyable than the columns, but still funny
I was first blown away by Dave Barry's Greatest Hits, a selection from his often hilarious (occasionally in a surreal way) column. This follow-up purchase was my cheapskate way of getting four books in one omnibus (and hardcover no less) edition: at amazon someone sold the book for something like a cent and all I paid was standard postage.

Well, next time I'll be a bit less frugal and fork out for another collection of his columns. The `Guide to Life' books were still amusing, occasionally laugh out loud, but not quite at the same standard. I think the short column format suits Barry better than sticking to one theme for an entire book. He earns his money, but at times it seems to require more effort to squeeze out all the pages; whereas at his best his columns feel like he's just joyously ranting on a theme he doesn't have to sustain for any length of time before being distracted by something else.

It's a bit of a time piece too - although for anyone who lived through the 80s that can be an enjoyable feature. That being said, it's interesting how many things still ring true, even raves about computers with a fraction the RAM but disturbingly similar frustrations.

Vintage Barry.
This is an omnibus edition containing four semi-related examples of Dave Barry's early, fairly short works: Dave Barry's Guide To Marriage and/or Sex, Babies and Other Hazards of Sex, Stay Fit and Healthy Until You're Dead, and Claw Your Way To The Top.

The humor is mostly some of Dave's better stuff, although I thought that the first two sections were funnier than the last two; still, even those are well worth reading. Overall, about on a par with "Dave Barry's Only Travel Guide You'll Ever Need".

Funny more often than not
I bought this as a gift for a friend, who just happens to be an expectant mother.She was showered with "how to" books on raising babies, so I thought I would give her one more -- the Dave Barry guide.I started reading it, and ended up chuckling more often than not.A recommended read to someone who wants a laugh, and enjoys Dave Barry's outrageous writing style. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (9)

Way too expensive
When I ordered this book, I did not realize that it was a pitiful excuse for a book. It is more like Chairman Mao's little red book. $ 4.95 is a ridiculous price to pay for this.

Poor value.
No only is this book tiny (as has been mentioned by almost every other reviewer, but hey, if you read the product description, you'd know that) but every "column" in it is a reprint of one that has appeared in a regular-sized Dave Barry book. It's funny, I'll admit, and for someone unfamiliar with Dave Barry it might be an amusing and fairly cheap introduction to his humor, but to a regular fan there is nothing here worth spending even a small amount of money on.

funny but miniature
I have spent years enjoying every book that Dave Barry's has written. I ordered this because I had never seen it anywhere.When I received the book I was disappointed to discover the reason... it is an extremely miniature novelty publication .. much smaller than the smallest mobile phone. As always, this volume contains some funny material, but unless you are an ultralight backpacker you might want to consider Mr. Barry's more substantial works. ..... "Dave Barry's Bad Habits" or "Dave Barry Slept Here" among many others are worth their weight in gold.

tiny book
you can't tell from the picture but the book is like 3" tall.it has some funny stuff, but it is a key chain book - so prob not worth getting because it won't line of with any other books on your shelf.

Warn in description that it is a mini-book
The book was funny, but the customer should be told in the initial description that it is a mini-book.I mean, who in the world reads the product dimensions for a book? ... Read more

Product Description
An illustrated omnibus edition featuring the best of the Pulitzer Prize-winning humorist encompasses Dave Barry Turns 40, Dave Barry Talks Back, and Dave Barry's Greatest Hits. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Too "Funnily" True -(Even Today)
Published in the mid 1990's, this book presents a compilation of various "news" columns (sometimes extended) that were written by Mr. Barry for the Miami Herald.Because of the time period in which these articles were written, some of the material is seriously out-of-date, as was the (often commented on) hairstyle then sported by Mr. Barry.Also, from a female perspective, some of the book's material was a bit too male-oriented for me (personally) to apppreciate.That said, I found the book OVERALL to be highly entertaining - hysterically funny in its actual and exaggerated portrayals of the aging of the (white) baby boomer generation.Reading the book also sparked my curiousity about Mr. Barry's growth since its publication - an interest I have so far not had time to pursue.

Love Dave Barry, but this isn't his best work
Maybe it's because much of this book was written about events from the 80s and 90s, or maybe I'm just getting older, but I didn't laugh out loud as much at this book as I usually do at Dave Barry's books.There were some notable essays that did get me snickering, and the whole book was enjoyable, but I didn't get that stitch in my side that I have from reading some of his other work.I found his novels (Big Trouble, Tricky Business) very funny, and some of his other column collections, too.Don't make this the only Dave Barry book you read.

A fantastic book
This is a compilation of three books, 2 of which are columns from the mid 80s through early 90s.The third is Dave Barry Turns 40, a book about aging.All are hilarious.I have sent this book to people in asia and europe and they have all loved it.This book is simply wonderfully funny and entertaining.

Dave Barry hits a home run!!!
Being form Norway, I discovered Dave Barry when I was living i New Orleans for some time. And what a great author. And trust me, if you want to read a book that will make you roll on the floor laughing, then buy this. You get three of Mr. Barry's very best books and only that makes it worth the price. In theese books Dave barry guides you through his wonderful stories, that he's not making up, telling you abut the time he painted his lawn and he shares his innermost feelings about his dogs. (They are stupid)(The dogs, not Mr. Barry's thoughts) Anyway..... This could go on and on, but I'll be short.Buy the book. You'll never regret it ! ... Read more