Drop The Dead Donkey 2000

Book Name : Drop The Dead Donkey 2000
Author : Hamilton And Beaton

What is it about : The crazy, funny and the un-thinkable which happened to the crew members of a TV Newsroom as we approached the end of the Millennium. Also thrown in were a government fixer (poo sweeper), a wide-eyed South African bimbo and a revengeful watch guard. Oh, did I forget ? and a lot of impotent Englishmen and a dozen or so squaddies who committed suicide mysteriously after a gala dinner. Intrigued ?

Some thoughts after having read the book : This book managed to achieve what a TV comedy (sitcom) should - never a dull moment ! From the characterisation of the 8 crew members of CEO, Editor, News Readers etc. (and the never-appeared Chairman of the franchise) to the sinister build-up of the biggest scandal of the century (even Millennium), the book never disappointed. Just pure hilarity scenes after scenes, witty conversations, acidic comments never stopped flowing. After I finished reading, I felt that I was part of the crew wanting to go back to that office for more of the killing laughters ! The front cover of the book and the fact that these were the actual actors/actresses of the TV show, made visualisation more vivid and the pace frantic and I ended up having sympathy for them all, working in this loony house !

Would I recommend this book to you : When was the last time you had a light hearted moment ? Or the last time you laugh till your belly ached ? Pick this book up and read on ! WARNING - this book can cause serious un-controllable laughing symptoms, avoid reading in public.

The Never Lonely Planet

Book Name : The Never Lonely Planet
Author : Martin R. Oliver

What is it about : An old-hand traveller recounts his many intriguing journeys from whence he was an apprentice in Conventry - the once car-maker of the world, falling in luv with the intoxicating Brazilian cultures (and women), enduring the British Immigration when he went back to the now-strange homeland, to his later "not quite the backpacker" boat trips down the Mekong; the Author tells the stories with the style and humour of the likely bloke who stood next to you at the bar, beer-in-hand, having a good-o chin wag. The Foreword was written with insight and wisdom about Life - now, that can only come from a man who has been around and has the ability to reflect.

Some thoughts after having read the book : Remember that witty Brit you met in the London pub, or that Aussie you met along the Pan-American Highway with the driest, couldn't-give-a-shxt slap-stick humour ? Well, that could be our Author of this book - he just kept me entertained throughout and I felt I almost became a friend, going down the local bar each night, to hear him out for yet another exciting story. I looked forward to continue reading every day when I picked up where I left off. Just non-stop humours and laughters.

Would I recommend this book to you : Really a book to take anywhere with you, mind you, the book is so entertaining that you might finish it too soon ! However, if you are not a frequent traveller or the adventurous type (a.k.a. boring old fart), you might not be in sync with the flow, idea or purpose of all that in the book; or the book might just inspire you to get that plane ticket and start packing !