For those who aren’t aware, Tom Papa is a comedian known for his work in film, television, radio, and onstage. He is the head writer for Live from Here (formerly A Prairie Home Companion) as well as a regular on the radio show. 

So it should come as no surprise that this book is a humorous compilation of short anecdotes about families and growing up. There are various chapters such as

Moms & Dads / Children / Family Life / and Pets.

And under those headings are stories such as

Don’t Ask Your Father / Boys Stink / Someone Threw Up There /  and Get a Fish.

Though the stories have some funny places,

“Fish are great. You always know where they are, you’re never going to find a fish eating out of your garbage, and they don’t jump up on the kitchen table and start licking plates.”

they also tend to take on a down-er feel at times. I’m feel sure is an attempt at sarcastic humor, but . . . well, that’s how I felt. Some family members, teachers, kids, are depicted as rude, thoughtless, miserable people.

That being said, much of the book will bring about some chuckles. And I think chuckles are brought about on very individualistic bases. So let me know what you think.

My Thoughts

What Concerned Me: Though I really liked the first story titled Moms & Dads, where Papa relates his thoughts regarding his parents then what his kids no doubt think of him, the rest of the book takes a back seat. In other words, it’s a bit of a let-down.

What I Liked Best: Without a doubt, there were places that made me reminisce and smile. As I said earlier, the first story hit my funny bone. One part from that story is about accidentally killing his daughter’s pet: a newly acquired snail that was crawling on the sidewalk. With an accidental crunch, a life was ended.

While this may seem like a minor event, she is showing no signs of forgetting and continues to bring it up several times a year.

“Remember when dad killed Snaily?” she’ll ask as if she’s bringing up a murder that I am still doing time for. “I do,” she adds.

Rating by Reviewer is 4 stars
4 STARS

Not only does she still remember, but I have a sneaking suspicion that this might be the opening to my eulogy.”

It was an innocent mistake, with no ill intent, that will permanently be a part of my record. And that’s the rap 

sheet for every parent. All the smart things you try to say, all the thoughtful lessons you try to impart, are eclipsed by the more memorable dumb moments in between.

So put your resentments aside, give them some respect for keeping you alive, and get through whatever phase of the relationship you’re in, with the comforting knowledge that of course your parents are dumb. We are too.

Since this is the end of that story, it’s only right to share that the story starts out with

My parents are dumb. That’s what we all think at some point in our lives.

If you only make it through a few of these short stories, you will definitely walk away feeling a little lighter and not quite so serious about life.

 Author: Tom Papa

Publisher:  St. Martin’s Press; 1st edition (June 5, 2018)

Special promotions

~Let's Share Thoughts~