I've read almost all the Stephanie Plum novels by Janet Evanovich. And though it breaks my heart, I have to say it: the books became formulaic somewhere around book 10 or 11. Stephanie is a bounty hunter who never improves, has annoying co-workers and family members, has two hot love interests that never work out, and is cursed with terrible luck with cars. I thought I had just reached my fill.
 |
| (Source) |
I kid you not. I'm not just saying this. Really, I cried from laughing so hard.
Books have made me cry twice in my life. One was Harry Potter Book 6 (and no, I was NOT crying from laughing. Not at all.), and the other is Finger Lickin' Fifteen. I'm pretty sure Where the Red Fern Grows made me cry, but I quit the book when I figured out what was going on and haven't touched it since.
I'm not sure what made Evanovich's hot dog scene so funny in FL15, but it worked. That being said, I still haven't read book 16. I'm afraid it will slip back into the formula and the happy memories I have of the other books will be overshadowed with frustration.
So, in an effort to keep things short and posit an easy-to-answer question, I ask you this:
What is the funniest book you've read?
i did this subject for J, but this recommendation is so strong I'm going to read this book (I'll be back if I have any complaints).
ReplyDeletecheers,
mood
Moody Writing
OMG - you HAVE to finish Where the Redfern grows. Yes it is sad. And yes you will bawl. But then ending is so worth it and beautiful. The ending is what makes me reread it, even though i know i'll just sob through it
ReplyDeleteLook, if you're not into your topics anymore, you could have easily done "L:Lindsay". There's plenty to write about that subject.
ReplyDeleteAs for the funny, I've not read many books that have funny scenes. I'm typically a lovey dovey or murder/mystery type girl. Although, I have snickered at scenes before, I don't think I've ever laughed.
Is FL15 a book that you can read out of sequence or are there already pre-established characters and relationships that it would do the reader well to read in order?
I read FL15 a couple of years ago in the car during a long drive home from Louisiana and I remember laughing my ass off at a few scenes. Of course I can't remember which scenes now! I'm pretty sure one of them did involve a hot dog, though.
ReplyDeleteI read Sizzling Sixteen and I can't really remember much about it now. I tend to read them quickly during the summer but then I forget what they were about. *reads synopsis of 16 online* Okay, I don't remember much about the book except that I think I found it pretty boring. I don't want to give up on the series so I'll probably continue to read them (I don't buy, I borrow) and hope that eventually Stephanie will grow as a person and settle down with one man (Joe! While Ranger is HOT, he isn't settle-down material). I love Lula and Grandma Mazur.
Nothing comes to mind as "funniest book" at the moment.
@Lindsay, I just picked up 16 at the library yesterday. J Evanovich does a very nice job of giving enough background of each character in the first 10-15 pages so I would say you could easily pick it up anywhere in the series. To me, it's like watching a sitcom. There are some story arcs, but each episode stands alone.
ReplyDelete@Teresa, I'm giving 16 a shot. It should only take a day or two to get through and since my brain is traumatized with dystopian and zombies, some canned funny sounds great. However, I disagree with you! I'd take Ranger over Joe and I'm ready for Grandma Mazur to pass on. And I'm indifferent to Lula. Something better happen to someone; I'm 30 pages in and I can already tell I'm getting bored with some characters.
Vonnegut and Judy Blume.
ReplyDeleteJudy Blume's kids books, but I am smack dab in the middle of Wifey and it is amusing.