Spider's Night on the Boom: And Other Fiascos

If you are looking for a book that can bring your family together, this is the one. I was reading this book alone and laughing out loud when my daughter came over and asked, "What's so funny?" I started reading to her, through my tears of laughter, and soon we were both laughing. Eventually, I read the entire book to her aloud.How many books can get an 8 year old to turn off the television? Not many. Mr Anderson combines wit and humor, with good old-fashioned family values. These stories from the heartland convey love and friendship, innocence and wonder.You will not be disappointed with this read!

Gary E. Anderson's collection of 49 "bite-size" short stories contains a little of everything. There are some very funny tales of his childhood and teenage years, some humorous recollections of his many years as a single father, raising two kids by himself, and some stories that are very touching and inspirational, as well. There are so many wonderful and funny moments in this book, it's hard to pick out my favorites. The title story, "Spider's Night on the Boom," about a group of young men, fishing off a log boom, is full of delightful images and funny situations. And if I had to choose my favorite "warm and fuzzy" piece, I'd have to choose "Somebody Else's Dark," about his young daughter, unable to fall asleep in a strange house.Anderson has a grasp on family values that's rare in literature today. Many of the stories in the book were first published in his "Wit and Wisdom" column in Iowa's largest-circulation rural monthly, Iowa REC News. "Spider's Night on the Boom" contains a liberal helping of both, offering some of the funniest wit and the most touching wisdom you'll find anywhere. I'd recommend this book to anyone who ever was a kid, anyone who ever was a parent, anyone needing a laugh, or anyone looking to find inspiration. It's all here, told in Anderson's unique style.