Fish Whistle: Commentaries, Uncommentaries, and Vulgar Excesses

This is the first time I've read Pinkwater, and it won't be the last. Pinkwater's marvelous book is a collection of stories from his life. He is an average joe, and speaks in a very straightforward and jovial way. It's the little details Pinkwater provides that make the stories funny and warm. Like for example, the way his favor would say "fish whistle". A lot of zany characters also populate his past and make this book a joy to read. Pinkwater accurately captures these quirks without being mean spirited or making fun. He knows these people are different and doesn't fault them for it. The parts of the book I loved the most were the stories in which Pinkwater is traveling. He is the quintessential American tourist. He is away from the US, but still wants to find little snatches of home, as shown by his (successful) search for a Jewish deli in Japan. But, he accepts his foibles and makes a go of it. He is entirely unpretentious about his personality and is unafraid to make fun of his mistakes. That lends a human element to this book. A great book for any reader.

I almost died laughing at this book. I can offer no greater encomium.

This collection of stories (most of which aird on NPR, I believe) is the best book on my bookshelf. The wrighting is brilliant, and humorous. Each piece is enjoyable because it is easy to identify with the events. I am always thinking about one story or another from this book, becuse they apply to real life so well. Buy this book if you are a fan of funny, honest stories.