The Harmon Chronicles

I had to stop reading mid-paragraph several times I was laughing so hard. Simpler than Sedaris, but of the same ilk. And to the reviewer, who gave it 2-stars and "finishes every book they start", well, we'll all let that statement be a judgement as to your judgement.

Chronicles is loaded with such delightful images, all framed within Leon's brilliant humor prose cadence. I have never laughed out loud so much while reading a book to myself. Even Leon's method of spacing his text weaves a magical comic spell. For example: reporting on his travails at the Eighth Annual America's Most Beautiful Baby Contest in Phoenix, he writes, "I've arrived early. Immediately, through direct eye-interaction from those in the mall, I've already been singled out as a child-abducting pervert. I'm the only one here without a baby. Just a grown man, alone, taking in a beautiful baby contest on a scorching hot Saturday morning, thank you." A space in the text as Leon ponders this situation. And then: "You really stand out without a baby. I should've brought one." Leon has of course been compared with the likes of other infiltrators like Tom Green and Michael Moore, and though he does share similarities with those entertainers, the skill and pace of his storytelling places him in a slightly different field.

Stand-up comedian, comedy writer, and all-around goofball Leon sets his funnybone crosshairs on the more absurd aspects of American culture in the hysterical Harmon Chronicles. A sort of literary version of "Jackass" or Michael Moore without all the self-righteous baggage, Leon roams the country -- and, at one point, France -- enthusiastically participating in inane activities and just being a general nuisance. Posing as a German named Dieter Lieterschvantz, he gets hired at a fast food restaurant...just to see how quickly he can get fired. As "aggres-vert" athlete Chas Lemon, Leon tries to find a corporate sponsor at the X Games. And during one inspired bit, Leon attempts to find out just how crazy one has to be before a gun shop clerk refuses to sell them a weapon. And then there's the forays into bounty hunting, Scientology, and lap dancing. Leon's take on Americana is silly, intelligent, and irreverent

This book was my introduction to the bizarre world of Harmon Leon and what a way to start! I couldn't help giggling through the entire thing as he passes himself off as ridiculous personas to the most serious, unsuspecting victims with hilarious results. It was a vicarious experience - I only wish I had the guts to try it! Harmon gets to peek behind the curtains of Scientology recruitment, the world of lap-dancing and experiences first-hand the scary permissiveness of buying a gun despite presenting himself as most likely to take aim from a rooftop! An extremely funny read.

I love this book. It made me laugh so hard I almost fell of my chair. Harmon is a master of uncovering the irony in every situation. I will be buying many copies for my friends and co- workers down at the plant.