Larryisms, Book One by Larry John has some fun spots in it, but it was a mild disappointment. The cover is fun, with an expressive guy’s face making all kinds of serious and goofy expressions. It’s also a cute small square instead of the traditional paperback size.

The book is simply a list of pithy sayings, which ordinarily I’d love. The fun part is supposed to be figuring out when Larry is serious and when he’s just joshing. Hmm, not so fun because of the high “groaner” quotient.

As you may have guessed, the sayings themselves are a mixed bag. Some made me laugh out loud, and quite a few made me smile. I appreciated the somber truth in others. And the rest? Pure groaners.

A few examples:

  • “I think going to the bathroom is the biggest ‘waste’ of time.” (groan)
  • “When people say, ‘Do you have a minute to talk?’ They don’t mean 60 seconds.” (smile)
  • “I am always amazed how often I have to decide to tell the truth. It should be easier.” (Huh. Interesting thought!)

Minor criticism: I know my copy was an ARC (Advance Reader Copy). But there were quite a few quotes repeated.

My personal verdict: I’m not sorry I read it, but I’m glad I didn’t pay for it. On a scale of 1-5, I’d give it a 2.

And the price on the back of $14.95 is waaaaay too high.

Disclaimer: I’m a participant in LibraryThing.com’s Early Reviewers program and get freebie books in exchange for reviews. (Positive or negative, doesn’t matter.) You get to select from a list of books and periodically something from the list will be sent to you. Unfortunately, my review isn’t so “early” … mea culpa. I’ll do better next time!

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