The Are You Being Served? Stories: Camping in and Other Fiascos

I haven't seen this in over seven years. It doesn't matter. If you U.S. citizens can pick up PBS on your tele, get on over there at about 11PM. Don't watch the news. It'll just repeat what you saw during dinner and read in the newspaper and/or on the Internet, and depress you besides. And, since I mentioned meals, give you indigestion. I lived in the U.S. for 36 years, and the last newsperson I watched was probably Walter Cronkite. So, blow off the news and watch this show instead. I have no idea why I'm writing this. It's been ages. But, I stand by it. Unless, that is, Dubya lobbed a few smart bombs at PBS under the Patriot Act. One can never be sure. (Bombs smarter than the president, I might add.)

This book is not a good introduction to Grace Brothers for the uninitiated. I enjoyed the stories very much, but I had long ago memorized every episode of the BBC series on which they were based. The stories differed in dialogue and small plot points with the episodes on which they were based, and it was those differences that kept me reading. Are You Being Served was genius because of its writing and the talents of the actors and actresses. In the written medium, only the former comes through, and without the timing of actors' execution, it seems a little wooden. Still, if you can supply their voices in your head, you'll probably enjoy it.

I really enjoyed this book but I do think this could have been more... More insider tid-bits for the die-hard fan...For people who are very familiar with this show it might be nice to have had a more gossip-y book (more like the show public tv puts on about mrs. slocumb)...It reminds me a bit of the iron chef book. Fun to get but nothing really that the true fan wouldn't already know. I can see this being an adorable addition to a theme basket with a *tea* theme... teas. tea ball, tea pot, scones and this book. It might be a nice way to intoduce someone to the show or a good book for a very new fan.

I LOVED IT! JUST AS FUUNY AS THE TV SHOW

Of course, this little book cannot compare to the comedy of the actual BBC series. However, for those short stints on planes and a quick read before sleeping, this book's chapters are a wonderful opportunity to revisit those wacky characters at Grace Brothers. I found myself chuckling and enjoying the nice stories (yes, they are all actually based on plots of individual AYBS? episodes). If it's raving rioutous comedy you are after, this is not the book for you.