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Dogshit Saved My Life
My goal, my life’s ambition if you like, is to give direction to comedy, purpose to satire. And this is probably why I write the way I do, in order to use self-deprecating, piss-taking humour to bring to the fore situations that just don’t stack up. To demonstrate that serious issues can be approached with humour.
Hardly any subject is taboo to the Englishman when he’s laughing, and this often seems insensitive to other cultures, but the bedrock of the British sense of humour is a strong sense of sarcasm and self-deprecation. The British can be very passionate – and if you doubt that try going to a football match - but that passion is often hidden deep in our humour so that other nationals fail to not only recognise the deadpan delivery and are never too sure if they’ve been involved in a serious conversation or just a little bit of friendly banter. Having said that my style of writing is now appealing more and more to the American market.
This book is not a novel, and if you’re looking for a book that is all sweetness and light, please give this one a miss. It’s not for you. I won’t be offended and I honestly wish you a great life. If everyone likes me, then I’m not being controversial enough.
If you’re looking for Humorous books about Life, Comedy Writing or even Humorous Books for Adults then take a chance on this book
If a chapter doesn’t suit, just move on.
Hardly any subject is taboo to the Englishman when he’s laughing, and this often seems insensitive to other cultures, but the bedrock of the British sense of humour is a strong sense of sarcasm and self-deprecation. The British can be very passionate – and if you doubt that try going to a football match - but that passion is often hidden deep in our humour so that other nationals fail to not only recognise the deadpan delivery and are never too sure if they’ve been involved in a serious conversation or just a little bit of friendly banter. Having said that my style of writing is now appealing more and more to the American market.
This book is not a novel, and if you’re looking for a book that is all sweetness and light, please give this one a miss. It’s not for you. I won’t be offended and I honestly wish you a great life. If everyone likes me, then I’m not being controversial enough.
If you’re looking for Humorous books about Life, Comedy Writing or even Humorous Books for Adults then take a chance on this book
If a chapter doesn’t suit, just move on.
154 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 24, 2014
8 people are currently reading
1853 people want to read
About the author
Karl Wiggins
25 books322 followersKarl Wiggins – Author, humourist, raconteur and (unfortunately) master of dysphemism
I'm an author with seven books on Amazon Kindle, and I'll state right from the start that I have a particular aversion to fellow authors who befriend you and then immediately message you saying, "You might like my book ..... check it out."
I don't do that. If people wish to know more about my books the information is here to read, but I won't invade your personal space (not to mention precious time) with pleas to check out my own books
My goal, my life’s ambition if you like, is to give direction to comedy, purpose to satire. And this is probably why I write the way I do, in order to use self-deprecating, piss-taking humour to bring to the fore situations that just don’t stack up. To demonstrate that serious issues can be approached with humour.
Embarrassingly, a number of the reviews for my books seem to involve people losing control of their bladder; “Anyone who is a bit saucy, very fond of boobies and doesn't mind peeing slightly when they laugh too hard, this is the book for you!” “Best not to read this book on the train if you have a full bladder because by the end of your journey you will have a damp patch in an embarrassing place.” “I have to admit that I wet myself twice while reading it but this may in part have been due to my age and a couple of bottles of a fine St. Emilion,” “Due to the laughter you owe my secretary one clean pair of knickers.”
Two reviewers have even suggested I should tour as a stand-up comedian; “I found myself laughing out-loud and even sharing segments with my spouse ….. I think Karl could tour as a stand-up comedian,” “Mr Wiggins has views on life that are expressed in a manner worthy of any stand-up comedian.”
So my scribblings do seem to raise a smile and a chuckle, and either way you look at it, that has to be a good thing. Hardly any subject is taboo to the Englishman when he’s laughing, and this often seems insensitive to other cultures, but the bedrock of the British sense of humour is a strong sense of sarcasm and self-deprecation. The British can be very passionate – and if you doubt that try going to a football match - but that passion is hidden deep in our humour so that other nationals often fail to recognise the deadpan delivery and are never quite sure if they’ve been involved in a serious conversation or just a little bit of friendly banter.
Having said that my style of writing is now appealing more and more to the American market, and I write a regular column for a newsletter in Copiague, Long Island, New York. I’m really enjoying connecting with the people over there.
Interestingly enough, my writing style has been compared to two people, both now dead, Charles Bukowski and Socrates. Their names keep popping up in reviews; “Mr Bukowski, meet Socrates. This is an exceptionally amusing collection of observations of daily life,” “The prose style reminded me quite a lot of Charles Bukowski’s short essays and observations,” “It reminded me a lot of Bukowski’s novels, but particularly Factotum and Post Office,” “Had me laughing out loud several times, which doesn’t happen often to me. It reminded me a lot of Bukowski’s novels,” (I swear those are two completely separate reviewers), “Karl Wiggins is like a contemporary Socrates.”
I’m sure both Socrates and Charles Bukowski would turn in their graves. But then again, maybe not.
My books;
'You Really are full of Shit, Aren't You?' is my latest and possible my favourite. It's an agony uncle / advice columnist style book, but unlike most agony aunts I cut them no slack.
I'll be the first to admit that 'Dogshit Saved my Life' and 'Calico Jack in your Garden' are not to everyone's taste, but the reviews are good, so I seem to be hitting the right note.
'Shit my History Teacher DID NOT tell me' kind of speaks for itself I guess, as does 'Grit - The Banter & Brutality of the Late-Night Cab Driver.' I drove cab in b
I'm an author with seven books on Amazon Kindle, and I'll state right from the start that I have a particular aversion to fellow authors who befriend you and then immediately message you saying, "You might like my book ..... check it out."
I don't do that. If people wish to know more about my books the information is here to read, but I won't invade your personal space (not to mention precious time) with pleas to check out my own books
My goal, my life’s ambition if you like, is to give direction to comedy, purpose to satire. And this is probably why I write the way I do, in order to use self-deprecating, piss-taking humour to bring to the fore situations that just don’t stack up. To demonstrate that serious issues can be approached with humour.
Embarrassingly, a number of the reviews for my books seem to involve people losing control of their bladder; “Anyone who is a bit saucy, very fond of boobies and doesn't mind peeing slightly when they laugh too hard, this is the book for you!” “Best not to read this book on the train if you have a full bladder because by the end of your journey you will have a damp patch in an embarrassing place.” “I have to admit that I wet myself twice while reading it but this may in part have been due to my age and a couple of bottles of a fine St. Emilion,” “Due to the laughter you owe my secretary one clean pair of knickers.”
Two reviewers have even suggested I should tour as a stand-up comedian; “I found myself laughing out-loud and even sharing segments with my spouse ….. I think Karl could tour as a stand-up comedian,” “Mr Wiggins has views on life that are expressed in a manner worthy of any stand-up comedian.”
So my scribblings do seem to raise a smile and a chuckle, and either way you look at it, that has to be a good thing. Hardly any subject is taboo to the Englishman when he’s laughing, and this often seems insensitive to other cultures, but the bedrock of the British sense of humour is a strong sense of sarcasm and self-deprecation. The British can be very passionate – and if you doubt that try going to a football match - but that passion is hidden deep in our humour so that other nationals often fail to recognise the deadpan delivery and are never quite sure if they’ve been involved in a serious conversation or just a little bit of friendly banter.
Having said that my style of writing is now appealing more and more to the American market, and I write a regular column for a newsletter in Copiague, Long Island, New York. I’m really enjoying connecting with the people over there.
Interestingly enough, my writing style has been compared to two people, both now dead, Charles Bukowski and Socrates. Their names keep popping up in reviews; “Mr Bukowski, meet Socrates. This is an exceptionally amusing collection of observations of daily life,” “The prose style reminded me quite a lot of Charles Bukowski’s short essays and observations,” “It reminded me a lot of Bukowski’s novels, but particularly Factotum and Post Office,” “Had me laughing out loud several times, which doesn’t happen often to me. It reminded me a lot of Bukowski’s novels,” (I swear those are two completely separate reviewers), “Karl Wiggins is like a contemporary Socrates.”
I’m sure both Socrates and Charles Bukowski would turn in their graves. But then again, maybe not.
My books;
'You Really are full of Shit, Aren't You?' is my latest and possible my favourite. It's an agony uncle / advice columnist style book, but unlike most agony aunts I cut them no slack.
I'll be the first to admit that 'Dogshit Saved my Life' and 'Calico Jack in your Garden' are not to everyone's taste, but the reviews are good, so I seem to be hitting the right note.
'Shit my History Teacher DID NOT tell me' kind of speaks for itself I guess, as does 'Grit - The Banter & Brutality of the Late-Night Cab Driver.' I drove cab in b
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 26, 2014
Let me start off by saying, "What a book!" There is something inside this novel for everyone under the sun!
Dogs***Saved My Life ISN'T fiction. It's a series of actual events as the author remembers it, and written in the point of view of a Brit's sense of humor. When you least expect it, you find that the next sentence you read will cause you combust with ear-splitting laughter. I also found myself sharing some of the stories in this novel with family, friends and coworkers, but I couldn't recite it like Wiggins did, so I'm sure I sounded like someone who just left a comedy show, trying to repeat the comic's jokes. I'm sure my recitals didn't do any justice for the novel, but at least I followed it up with, "Just buy the book!"
Although you laugh a lot, there are other elements to be enjoyed. The Miner, for me, was the most heart-gripping chapter. I'm a huge fan of Catherine Cookson. She wrote extensively about this subject with characters I still remember reading about in my youth. Reading this chapter brought it all back, as well as tears in my eyes. It was endearing and humbling to read, and very true. Regardless of one's nationality, we as a group of people have suffered something in our history that was heart-wrenching to remember. I suggest you buy the book on this chapter alone, as everyone should read it.
Humorous rants, by far, is the newest genre to hit the book industry, and opening one of its tales is like having personal time with Sarah Silverman. Dogs*** Saved My Life is the sort of novel you read after a hard day's work! You come home restless and tired, and need some quiet time to wind down. I would even go so far as to say this book is therapeutic. All doctors should prescribe in place of Zanax and Zoloft, and the good thing is there are no side effects, unless you suffer from a weak bladder. If you do, be ware! Please allow me to give you an example. While reading the chapter Same-Sex Marriage, I laughed so hard that had my bladder been weak, I would have had an embarrassing moment. I don't suffer from a weak bladder, but I do suffer from asthma. Wiggins had me cackling like someone with fits, falling from a chair, and although I was reaching for my inhaler, I couldn't stop reading. Dear Sue! Sue is Wiggin's wife, and he mentions her often. I can only imagine what this woman's life is like being married to such a man. I mean, this book talked about everything under the sun, and when I say everything, I mean everything. Regardless of where you live in the world, you become familiar with Wiggin's life tale, as the issues and events he tells us about has happened to all of us at some point. Some of my favorite 'cackling' moments are the meeting with the board at work (priceless!), wax is whack (you won't laugh without shedding some tears on this part), my almost first time (classic!), wine & spirits (way too funny and I'm certain we all have had a moment like this), what kind of granddad will Wiggins be (was Sue right? LMFAO!).
There are so many areas of this book that gives you a good chuckle! There are also areas that will make you think and ponder, some to the point that you will purse your lips tightly and give Wiggins a firm nod for taking the subject on. As an avid reader of fiction, I thought it would be hard to review this book. In the end, I realized that this novel could almost be an autobiography. Instead of giving you every boring facet of his life as others might do, because they believe their entire life is fascinating, Wiggins perfected the novel by bringing out only the humorous times, as well as the issues he feels strongly about. After reading this book from cover to cover, there are areas that will stay with you always, and when you reach the end, you feel as if you know a man across the water by the name of Karl Wiggins, his wife Sue and their son Kai. They will feel like friends old and new to you, and thinking of them will make you smile.
For fiction buffs, if you read this book and wonder what you can learn from it, I'll tell you. You learn to view serious subjects from someone else's point of view. You learn that humorous rant novels can be therapeutic. You will learn if you, yourself, have a weak bladder (go ahead and take this challenge. I dare you!). You learn that dogs*** truly did save Wiggins' life (very touching!). And last but not least, you learn that sometimes laughter will spring out of you, regardless of the subject matter. I have to admit, I'm wondering if the alter in the backyard still exists or if Sue had it torn down. I can't express how HARD I laughed at Wiggins in this chapter.
I loved this book. Every page. I'm sure you will, too. Especially if you have any kind of sense of humor.
Dogs***Saved My Life ISN'T fiction. It's a series of actual events as the author remembers it, and written in the point of view of a Brit's sense of humor. When you least expect it, you find that the next sentence you read will cause you combust with ear-splitting laughter. I also found myself sharing some of the stories in this novel with family, friends and coworkers, but I couldn't recite it like Wiggins did, so I'm sure I sounded like someone who just left a comedy show, trying to repeat the comic's jokes. I'm sure my recitals didn't do any justice for the novel, but at least I followed it up with, "Just buy the book!"
Although you laugh a lot, there are other elements to be enjoyed. The Miner, for me, was the most heart-gripping chapter. I'm a huge fan of Catherine Cookson. She wrote extensively about this subject with characters I still remember reading about in my youth. Reading this chapter brought it all back, as well as tears in my eyes. It was endearing and humbling to read, and very true. Regardless of one's nationality, we as a group of people have suffered something in our history that was heart-wrenching to remember. I suggest you buy the book on this chapter alone, as everyone should read it.
Humorous rants, by far, is the newest genre to hit the book industry, and opening one of its tales is like having personal time with Sarah Silverman. Dogs*** Saved My Life is the sort of novel you read after a hard day's work! You come home restless and tired, and need some quiet time to wind down. I would even go so far as to say this book is therapeutic. All doctors should prescribe in place of Zanax and Zoloft, and the good thing is there are no side effects, unless you suffer from a weak bladder. If you do, be ware! Please allow me to give you an example. While reading the chapter Same-Sex Marriage, I laughed so hard that had my bladder been weak, I would have had an embarrassing moment. I don't suffer from a weak bladder, but I do suffer from asthma. Wiggins had me cackling like someone with fits, falling from a chair, and although I was reaching for my inhaler, I couldn't stop reading. Dear Sue! Sue is Wiggin's wife, and he mentions her often. I can only imagine what this woman's life is like being married to such a man. I mean, this book talked about everything under the sun, and when I say everything, I mean everything. Regardless of where you live in the world, you become familiar with Wiggin's life tale, as the issues and events he tells us about has happened to all of us at some point. Some of my favorite 'cackling' moments are the meeting with the board at work (priceless!), wax is whack (you won't laugh without shedding some tears on this part), my almost first time (classic!), wine & spirits (way too funny and I'm certain we all have had a moment like this), what kind of granddad will Wiggins be (was Sue right? LMFAO!).
There are so many areas of this book that gives you a good chuckle! There are also areas that will make you think and ponder, some to the point that you will purse your lips tightly and give Wiggins a firm nod for taking the subject on. As an avid reader of fiction, I thought it would be hard to review this book. In the end, I realized that this novel could almost be an autobiography. Instead of giving you every boring facet of his life as others might do, because they believe their entire life is fascinating, Wiggins perfected the novel by bringing out only the humorous times, as well as the issues he feels strongly about. After reading this book from cover to cover, there are areas that will stay with you always, and when you reach the end, you feel as if you know a man across the water by the name of Karl Wiggins, his wife Sue and their son Kai. They will feel like friends old and new to you, and thinking of them will make you smile.
For fiction buffs, if you read this book and wonder what you can learn from it, I'll tell you. You learn to view serious subjects from someone else's point of view. You learn that humorous rant novels can be therapeutic. You will learn if you, yourself, have a weak bladder (go ahead and take this challenge. I dare you!). You learn that dogs*** truly did save Wiggins' life (very touching!). And last but not least, you learn that sometimes laughter will spring out of you, regardless of the subject matter. I have to admit, I'm wondering if the alter in the backyard still exists or if Sue had it torn down. I can't express how HARD I laughed at Wiggins in this chapter.
I loved this book. Every page. I'm sure you will, too. Especially if you have any kind of sense of humor.
October 10, 2014
If I were to go travelling this is the book I would take with me. Or any comedy book by Karl Wiggins, like 'Grit', or 'Calico Jack', or 'Shit My History Teacher Did Not Tell Me' because his brand of humour appeals to me. He has superb comic timing. Like most writers in the comic fiction/anecdote genre, Karl has an acute observation of people and their foibles. His books would banish the tedium of waiting at any transit point, and have me laughing on a journey so much the other passengers would be curious as to what I was reading.
I love Tom Sharpe’s books. Karl’s humour is different and equally funny. For example, reading this book I laughed at his tales of the time when he was a waiter, and of his trials at his workplace. Similar stories told by other writers might be amusing but not have me laughing aloud. Karl’s talent lies in the way he narrates his anecdotes; he crafts his words to convey humour in a manner that equals the comic timing of Tom Sharpe.
My views will not be shared by everyone – Karl polarises opinion in the ‘love him or hate him’ style. However, to quote from this book, 'I write to entertain, but that's not who I am'. The same can be said of any comedian - it's an art they use to entertain, one which Karl is good at and in which he deserves every success. If you already know and love his books this one is a must-have. If you haven’t read any of his books before, you’re in for a treat!
July 17, 2014
Another class production from Author Karl Wiggins. His writing may be considered an acquired taste, but it’s certainly a nectar I enjoy. This is the third book of his that I have read, and this one continues with more stories from a Man’s man point of view. And with that POV comes great humor and lots of laughs.
The stories in “Dogshit Saved My Life” are somewhat random. It’s about everyday life things which is often far funnier than anything that can be made up. I especially enjoyed his stories from within the work place which is a taste of a real English environment.
I rate this book 5 stars because I enjoy his humor, but it’s safe to say this isn’t the kind of book for everyone. If you’re sensitive or a crusader for political correctness, stay well away. If however you enjoy a good laugh and insight into life’s little quirks, this is a fantastic book that will have you laughing at his unique way of expressing his observations.
The stories in “Dogshit Saved My Life” are somewhat random. It’s about everyday life things which is often far funnier than anything that can be made up. I especially enjoyed his stories from within the work place which is a taste of a real English environment.
I rate this book 5 stars because I enjoy his humor, but it’s safe to say this isn’t the kind of book for everyone. If you’re sensitive or a crusader for political correctness, stay well away. If however you enjoy a good laugh and insight into life’s little quirks, this is a fantastic book that will have you laughing at his unique way of expressing his observations.
September 28, 2014
When it comes to humor, I suppose I'm a bit of a voyeur since I covet a closer peek inside the psyche of those whose wit strikes my fancy. I'd never read anything by Karl Wiggins, and must honestly say I was drawn in by the title. Now, being female (I can prove it in a court of law so don't request photos), you'd think I wouldn't dig some of the machismo writings of Mr Wiggins, and some of my feminist friends might tar and feather me over praising this work, but for the love of Pete, it's damn funny! This guy is my kind of humor and I can see myself doing some of the idiotic things he does (usually not on purpose), especially sleeping in public, and then falling onto the floor while bumping into innocent bystanders during the tumble.
Wiggins' rants cover a variety of subjects, and albeit his point of view is shared by many - he's a brave SOB to put it in writing. Of course I could not be a member of his "Fat Club" since I only weigh a few pounds more than my dog, but even this short installment made me laugh.
My exposure to the American corporate environment has been quite positive, but I suspect Wiggins isn't embellishing much regarding the British workplace. With everyone around trying to be so politically correct, it's refreshing to read someone who isn't walking on eggshells and worrying about offending. And he will offend, oh yeah. Dogs***t is not for girlie boys, uptight women, or the faint of heart, but definitely for those with a sense of humor and an insatiable appetite for the quirky and somewhat absurd. I think most people who love Ricky Gervais will "get" Karl Wiggins. Just look at Karl's author picture and see the mischief beaming back at you from his happy eyes. Now, imagine what life is like for his wife, Sue, who gets exposed to his behavior 24/7. She's likely annihilated the alter in their backyard by now, so let's all hope for her sanity she is somehow receiving daily blessings from the God or Gods of her choice.
I was reading this book in the hospital while some serious events were occurring, and during down time I burst out laughing so hard, the nurses came in the room to make sure all was okay with the patient. I hadn't realized my hee-hawing was that loud. But Wiggins also includes writings within DSML that make you ponder the deeper sides of life, which take this read far beyond "bust a gut laughing" humor.
Calico Jack is next on my TBR list. Go. Read. Wiggins!
Wiggins' rants cover a variety of subjects, and albeit his point of view is shared by many - he's a brave SOB to put it in writing. Of course I could not be a member of his "Fat Club" since I only weigh a few pounds more than my dog, but even this short installment made me laugh.
My exposure to the American corporate environment has been quite positive, but I suspect Wiggins isn't embellishing much regarding the British workplace. With everyone around trying to be so politically correct, it's refreshing to read someone who isn't walking on eggshells and worrying about offending. And he will offend, oh yeah. Dogs***t is not for girlie boys, uptight women, or the faint of heart, but definitely for those with a sense of humor and an insatiable appetite for the quirky and somewhat absurd. I think most people who love Ricky Gervais will "get" Karl Wiggins. Just look at Karl's author picture and see the mischief beaming back at you from his happy eyes. Now, imagine what life is like for his wife, Sue, who gets exposed to his behavior 24/7. She's likely annihilated the alter in their backyard by now, so let's all hope for her sanity she is somehow receiving daily blessings from the God or Gods of her choice.
I was reading this book in the hospital while some serious events were occurring, and during down time I burst out laughing so hard, the nurses came in the room to make sure all was okay with the patient. I hadn't realized my hee-hawing was that loud. But Wiggins also includes writings within DSML that make you ponder the deeper sides of life, which take this read far beyond "bust a gut laughing" humor.
Calico Jack is next on my TBR list. Go. Read. Wiggins!
July 25, 2017
The author falls into the all-too familiar trap of not realizing by quoting racists to make points that are supposed to be non-racist, you are showing (perhaps) a bit of your true colors and not doing service to your position. He quotes Michael Richards to proffer a position on race issues and even Bill Cosby to show how life just isn’t fair. Quoting a highly suspected serial rapist isn’t the way to go to bolster anything. I fully expected a segment citing Mel Gibson to show how pro-Israel he is.
And there’s the simplistic tripe that laments they can’t have “White History Month” in the USA and surely just can’t grasp why there should be a Black Lives Matter phrase when All Lives Matter!
Another thing he likes to quote from others or state himself is that something that many (myself included) found racist is not racist because the racist stated “THIS IS NOT RACIST!” (often in Caps). You can usually expect to find something racist to follow this just as when someone says “no disrespect, but…” there’s a solid chance what comes next is disrespectful.
I do not consider myself a liberal (which is true because I just told you I’m not! It has to work both ways, right?) and agreed with more things he believes than you might think, but I have to call out silliness when it’s there. An example: "Not all terrorists are Muslims but all terrorists to date have been Muslims."
Well, that's just not true. Terrorism is defined as “the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims.” If Wiggins would disagree with this definition, he then inadvertently supported it with a pretty great section in this book on the IRA and USA's convenient call to Britain to stand by them to fight terrorism after 9/11. Anyways, a few US counters to make the point:
November 2015: Robert Dear kills three in Colorado at a Planned Parenthood in Colorado Springs
June 2015: Dylan Roof kills 9 in a Church in South Carolina to start a race war
June 2014: Right wing idiots in Las Vegas go on a shooting spree, killing 3
Aug 2012: White supremacists kill 6 Sikhs in Wisconsin
This book is a hodgepodge of chapters on all types of issues. This kind of stuff would normally make me toss the book in the trash, but I will say I read the whole thing and there were some chapters I loved. The one on the Bible had me laughing my arse off multiple times. I actually read it twice it was so funny and that's pretty rare. He writes a really great poem about a miner. A few chapters detailing his construction site job were pretty interesting and at times, pretty funny too. The chapter that spawned the title was nice.
I wish he'd left out the political stuff. It didn't really fit to me and it was a turn-off. There wasn't anything particular original in it either so the reader will either be part of an echo chamber or rolling his/her eyes.
And there’s the simplistic tripe that laments they can’t have “White History Month” in the USA and surely just can’t grasp why there should be a Black Lives Matter phrase when All Lives Matter!
Another thing he likes to quote from others or state himself is that something that many (myself included) found racist is not racist because the racist stated “THIS IS NOT RACIST!” (often in Caps). You can usually expect to find something racist to follow this just as when someone says “no disrespect, but…” there’s a solid chance what comes next is disrespectful.
I do not consider myself a liberal (which is true because I just told you I’m not! It has to work both ways, right?) and agreed with more things he believes than you might think, but I have to call out silliness when it’s there. An example: "Not all terrorists are Muslims but all terrorists to date have been Muslims."
Well, that's just not true. Terrorism is defined as “the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims.” If Wiggins would disagree with this definition, he then inadvertently supported it with a pretty great section in this book on the IRA and USA's convenient call to Britain to stand by them to fight terrorism after 9/11. Anyways, a few US counters to make the point:
November 2015: Robert Dear kills three in Colorado at a Planned Parenthood in Colorado Springs
June 2015: Dylan Roof kills 9 in a Church in South Carolina to start a race war
June 2014: Right wing idiots in Las Vegas go on a shooting spree, killing 3
Aug 2012: White supremacists kill 6 Sikhs in Wisconsin
This book is a hodgepodge of chapters on all types of issues. This kind of stuff would normally make me toss the book in the trash, but I will say I read the whole thing and there were some chapters I loved. The one on the Bible had me laughing my arse off multiple times. I actually read it twice it was so funny and that's pretty rare. He writes a really great poem about a miner. A few chapters detailing his construction site job were pretty interesting and at times, pretty funny too. The chapter that spawned the title was nice.
I wish he'd left out the political stuff. It didn't really fit to me and it was a turn-off. There wasn't anything particular original in it either so the reader will either be part of an echo chamber or rolling his/her eyes.
September 30, 2017
Meh. I think to really enjoy this book you would have to be: a) British. b) a construction worker in Britain or c) a xenophobe.
September 3, 2021
It's a good job we have the ability to laugh at ourselves (we humans, that is), or else we would cry. Karl explains this very well. Loved it.
April 13, 2016
The good bits about this book are the parts about the building industry, travel around London and things connected to Luton and Watford FC. Outside that the UKIP fallacy- things great in the past - not so great now abound. Also, the Daily Mail casual racism is too much for a gentle person such as me. These urban myths about migrants doing x,y or z are perpetuated - they need to be examined for truthfulness. The swearing and vitriol is not funny - calling people names is pretty childish. If you find Jeremy Clarkson funny, them this is for you. Mr Wiggins I think I know what you would say to me " If your so clever how come you haven't written a book? Eh Eh!". And in this regard I woulsd reply Fair play to you Gunga Din.
January 9, 2015
I mostly liked it.
I truly enjoyed Karl's sense of humor. I found myself laughing quite a bit. He likes to use a LOT of examples when trying to illustrate a point, which got a bit tedious, but all in all I enjoyed the read.
I truly enjoyed Karl's sense of humor. I found myself laughing quite a bit. He likes to use a LOT of examples when trying to illustrate a point, which got a bit tedious, but all in all I enjoyed the read.
May 4, 2023
I've had this one on my list for a while because I loved the title, but found it to be quite repetitively right wing and fully believing itself to be right on. Like, if it wasn't sold as being non-fiction then I'd assume that this was an attempt at taking the piss out of gammons (probably the UK parlance for rednecks). That's not to say that there was nothing to enjoy in this, and other perspectives are available, but it did take me a while to get through it because there was little for me to relate to.
September 8, 2020
Never Boring
It's Karl Wiggins. He touches on lots of subjects all over the place. It's not always funny--some things are just honest common sense with good advice. But what is funny is just hilarious. Chapter 48 had me laughing so hard I had tears rolling down my face. I actually laughed a lot longer than the length of the chapter. I haven't decided if Mr. Wiggins is a genius or just crazy. Maybe a little bit of both? Definitely a fun read.
It's Karl Wiggins. He touches on lots of subjects all over the place. It's not always funny--some things are just honest common sense with good advice. But what is funny is just hilarious. Chapter 48 had me laughing so hard I had tears rolling down my face. I actually laughed a lot longer than the length of the chapter. I haven't decided if Mr. Wiggins is a genius or just crazy. Maybe a little bit of both? Definitely a fun read.
March 1, 2016
Many of the articles in this book are exactly what I cut and paste and save to my own commonplace book because they affirm my own opinions of what goes on in the world. I feel like the author took a walk through my mind and cherry picked.
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