How to Survive Being a Presbyterian!: A Merry Manual Celebrating the Foibles of the Frozen Chosen

This is one funny book! The author takes on Presbyterians from an "inside the church" angle. It's a warm and gentle spoof of our denomination that imparts some real information about the founders and basic beliefs of our church. I discovered it from an article in the Tampa paper that talked about its "insightful witticisms." It has that. This is not a serious tome but rather a good and humorous look at everything Presbyterian. I have given it to my pastor and some church friends. It makes a good gift. I recommend it to all Presbyterians who want a good laugh. Kay Gordon, Orlando

A broadly satirical but earnest and warm-hearted look at the peculiarities of Presbyterianism, "How To Survive Being a Presbyterian!" is a delightful little book that will amuse and inform everyone who opens its cover. Author Bob Reed covers a wide range of topics, from the beginning of the Reformed tradition to modern worship practices, including deft (albeit exaggerated) illustrations of typical churchmembers' personalities down to what color car Presbyterians should drive. Reed's text is highlighted by clever observations of the fictional Percy T. Presby, a 300-year old parson with a keen eye and a sharp tongue who has something to say about creation, prayers, confession, women, and just about everything else. A clever and informative book that should please any Presbyterian, or anyone who ever wondered what the Reformed Church is all about. Definitely recommended.

This is an engaging, gentle, and hilarious picture of what it means to be a Presbyterian. While laughing at what Bob Reed writes, you learn what polity, presbyters, and potluck dinners have in common. At the same time, one is reminded of our roots and forefathers and how we came to be where we are.Humorous books have never been high on my reading list, but this was one I could not put down. I shocked people in a doctor's office, laughing out loud at Mr. Reed's stories. Certainly not the behavior of one of the "frozen chosen."This account of Presbyterianism will also interest those associated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) who are not Presbyterian. While poking gentle fun at all of us in this denomination, it gives a picture of Presbyterians doing things "decently and in order."

Bob Reed, a loyal Presbyterian, tells it as he sees it in "How to Survive Being a Presbyterian." New and seasoned Presbyterians and sympathizers will be surprised at what they learn, and they will laugh a lot. Gone from the church will be the cloak of excessive seriousness and pretentious piety. The author manages to avoid the frivolity of the cynic and the levity of the smart aleck. His alter ego, Percy T. Presby (cleverly drawn by Deborah Zemke), keeps stepping out of history to instruct as the reader smiles. Reed, who is at home in the world of entertainment, is entertained by the church, and loves it the more.

This is a funny book about a serious subject. I got a big kick out of it. It covers alot of history and things about the Presbyterians that I did'nt know about because I'm a Methodist although my sister is a Presbyterian. I laughted and learned a lot and I'm sending a copy to her. It jokes about what cars to buy and what not to bring to a potluck dinner and how to conduct a meeting. The little jokes by a cartoon character about the church are really funny.