The Bear in the Attic

As a middle school reading teacher, with 35 years of experience, I can tell you that this is the one author I recommed for reluctant readers, especially boys. I discovered this author when our second son decided he didn't like to read. Well, he didn't read much but he loved Outdoor Life and the books by Mr. McManus. I would encourage parents and teachers to read these books and find the attraction these will have on boys of middle school age. ascott west virginia

This book makes you laugh out loud even when you are having the bluest day. Good medicine for what ails you.

We've read with pleasure Patrick McManus' stories for more than twenty years and this may be his best collection, yet.The story that supplies the book's title ranges through a veritable history of a small Idaho town affected by World War II before any of its content relates remotely to a bear or an attic. Some feel annoyance at such digressions; my view is that I choose to spend a bit of time in this story teller's company because he does not hurry, does not abridge any telling detail or elide a nanosecond's chuckle.What is especially satisfying about this collection is its scope: a long, almost Homerian tale to begin the game; recollections of a youth well spent in snow caves and shooting; modern -- which is to say recent -- anecdotes involving recreational vehicles and psycho-palaver. Pat McManus, if he were a tenor, would have the range to sing all the voices of the Mikado, himself. Many humorous essays do not invite the reader's return; a punchline lets the air out of the literary balloon. But I find myself picking up this book repeatedly because the writing makes me laugh. Each journey through an essay shines new light on an element of humor, of piquancy I had missed before. With Mr McManus, the joy really is in the journey, not in the destination (or punch line).

Pat McManus comes through again! Just when you think he must surely have run dry, he has another batch of great tales centered on his outdoor experiences. I particularly liked the title piece; somewhat more reflective and in-depth than his usual tales but, equally entertaining. I also enjoyed the mix of old guy (which I am) problems mixed with flash-back or straight kid stories. If you are a Pat McManus fan, you'll love this!

It has been several years since Pat McManus published a book of new stories. His recent books have been either anthologies combining the material from other books, or in one case, a how-to book on humor writing development. This book is more of the same amazing stories you've grown to know and love from the mind of Patrick McManus, most of which were originally featured in the pages of Outdoor Life magazine. It includes more stories originating in "Blight," Idaho, of Rancid Crabtree, Crazy Eddie Muldoon, (and Mr. Muldoon) Mrs. Swisher, and a bear that hibernates in the attic. Highly recommended for the outdoor fan, or for the general McManus fan, such as myself.