The Pocket Guide to Mischief

This was a stocking stuffer for my teenage son - I think he really enjoyed it. The shipping was incredibly fast considering I purchased it over the holidays.

The premise of this book looked promising enough for a gift purchase. And scanning the book "pre-wrap," I found that author had taken a good idea and really run with it. Responsible adults will be pleased to know that Bart King goes out of his way to delineate and define between silly, victimless hoaxes (good) and inappropriate pranks (which are definitely not encouraged). But even the "lectures" are presented in such a light-hearted fashion, they are enjoyable. Astoundingly, there is even an entire chapter dedicated to the history and proper execution of kvetching, complaining, and otherwise expressing displeasure. Outstanding. Oh, and as for that gift book? I never finished wrapping it. Some things are too good to give away!

Reviewed by Leslie Granier for Reader Views (4/08) "The Pocket Guide to Mischief" begins by focusing on how to play fun pranks that are not physically or emotionally hurtful to the victim. The reader is then taught how to choose a target or nemesis for their pranks. This target should not be a stranger or a shy or sensitive person because it is important for them to know the pranks are meant in a fun and good-natured way. The author lists five rules for mischief-making which include safety, not causing property damage, and never hurting anyone with a prank. Listing these rules is important because this book will appeal mainly to young males (ages ten to fifteen) as well as some adults who have never grown up and need to be aware of dangerous results that could occur. There is also a short quiz to help determine how much of a mischief maker one is. King's writing style is humorous and fast-paced. As a former middle-school teacher, he is familiar with what appeals to kids. He includes many interesting, odd facts about a variety of topics. Mischief made by many famous people, including world leaders and members of royalty, is incorporated nicely into this book. There are also a few chapters dedicated to unusual vocabulary words that children will undoubtedly remember. Kids may not realize they are learning while they are reading such a fun book. Some of the antics Bart King writes about remind me of another Bart-- Bart Simpson. As someone who has spent a lot of time around children, King has definitely had first-hand experience with mischief makers. This adds plausibility to the book because children will believe in, or respect, someone more if they know that person really understands what it is like to be their age and what kinds of things they face on a daily basis. "The Pocket Guide to Mischief" is a light, entertaining, and easy read. Children will get a kick out of it and will likely learn a few things in the process. Parents should read the book too so they can be sure the child understands the importance of safety when playing pranks.

I think that Bart King is my favorite "author you never heard of". His latest book, The Pocket Guide to Mischief, is one of those entertaining tongue-in-cheek reads that you'll love as an adult, and then you'll hope your kid never finds it. If they do, you'll become their "nemesis" for sure... Contents: Introduction; Choosing Your Target or Nemesis; Mischief Quiz!; Harmless Trickery 101 - How to Defend Home and Self; Oldies but Goodies; Practical Jokes Inspired by Ancient Rome; Amusing Slights and Friendly Jibes; Spy Games; Mischief of the Rich and Famous; Inspired by the Oxford Dictionary; International Mischief; Mischievous Foods; Sporting Mischief; Duels; Bodily Mischief; Lessons from Stravinsky; Be True to Your School; Careers in Mischief; Acknowledgments; Bibliography The book starts out with an explanation of "mischief" so that everyone's on the same page when it comes to crossing lines. Then there's the "warning pledge"... "I will be safe. I will not damage or destroy property. I will be sly. I will never hurt anyone with a prank. I will never prank anyone for money. Hail, Cheese Whiz!" I don't know whether I'm pleased or dismayed that this would play well in the crowds I run with. :) Anyway, each chapter is a mix of humor, history, and suggestions on tricks and pranks you can have fun with once you have picked your nemesis. Like perhaps taking a handful of paper from the copy machine or printer, write a humorous note on the bottom of the page (such as " is a genius!"), and then replace them back in the device. Make sure your nemesis is the next person to use the machine... Or see if you can plant one end of a two-way radio somewhere (or even on a pet if you can pull it off), and then "talk" to the people as they walk by. I also learned how to insult in the Scottish tradition, using such great words as bluntie, dandiprat, muppet, and "muffin top". I'm sure my Scottish friends will help expand that vocabulary, too. Bart's writing reminds me in some ways of Dave Barry... off-beat, a little insane, but a lot of fun if you're willing to go with the flow. I read his Architectural Guide to Portland (where we both live), expecting something less than riveting. What I got was the funniest and most informative architecture book I've ever read (it was the first architecture book I ever read, too... but I digress). My offer to read and review this one came in an email titled "Bad News". He even dropped the copy off at my house with an inscription on the inside cover... "My apologies in advance". With that kind of interaction, how could I refuse? Much fun to be had here, and depending on the types of friends you keep, plenty of material for "enhancing" that friendship.