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Wrong Planet - Searching for your Tribe
The most unexpected and revealing book of our time. A rallying cry for the elusive spirit of these time. A cry for those who want to change the world!
Karl Wiggins has a powerful and potent knack for expression which has completely escaped restraint and self-control. Too much writing nowadays is watered-down garbage. The world is looking for something new, and in this book, Wiggins has created many ‘worth-pondering-over� ideas!
We are experiencing the same intensity of energy in diminished and more concise time periods, which is why more and more Wrong Planet tribes are gathering
Karl Wiggins informed me, when I agreed to write the forward for this book, that his goal was for those he calls Carefree Scamps to finish the book slightly punch-drunk. And I admit that with me he’s managed it remarkably.
If you don’t believe that a limited number of astute, dedicated human beings can change the world, or simply just call attention to its imperfections and vulnerabilities, this book is going to change your mind.
But before you get there, in the first third of the book Karl introduces us to a number of famous eccentrics who just didn’t (or don’t) ‘fit in�
He discusses the erratic, the bizarre and the downright kooky. People such as David Bowie, Marilyn Monroe, Janice Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Keith Moon, Arthur Rimbaud, François Villon (the Medieval Beatnik), Bessie Stringfield, Sixteen-String Jack Rann, Anne Bonny & Mary Read (the Lesbian Pirates), Frida Kahlo, the Beat Generation poets and a whole host of dropouts, misfits, pranksters, bohemians, court jesters, comedians, crackpots and Gypsies.
The reader will love reading about these swashbuckling daredevils, headcases and artists who changed their world, and even more so when Wiggins goes on to blend some of them with those from his own tribe. He identifies Wrong Planet people clearly, drops hints on how we can spot them, and finally instructs us in how to discover our own ‘tribe� if we haven’t already found them
This book will shake your perceptions �.. and it’s lovely!
Karl Wiggins has a powerful and potent knack for expression which has completely escaped restraint and self-control. Too much writing nowadays is watered-down garbage. The world is looking for something new, and in this book, Wiggins has created many ‘worth-pondering-over� ideas!
We are experiencing the same intensity of energy in diminished and more concise time periods, which is why more and more Wrong Planet tribes are gathering
Karl Wiggins informed me, when I agreed to write the forward for this book, that his goal was for those he calls Carefree Scamps to finish the book slightly punch-drunk. And I admit that with me he’s managed it remarkably.
If you don’t believe that a limited number of astute, dedicated human beings can change the world, or simply just call attention to its imperfections and vulnerabilities, this book is going to change your mind.
But before you get there, in the first third of the book Karl introduces us to a number of famous eccentrics who just didn’t (or don’t) ‘fit in�
He discusses the erratic, the bizarre and the downright kooky. People such as David Bowie, Marilyn Monroe, Janice Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Keith Moon, Arthur Rimbaud, François Villon (the Medieval Beatnik), Bessie Stringfield, Sixteen-String Jack Rann, Anne Bonny & Mary Read (the Lesbian Pirates), Frida Kahlo, the Beat Generation poets and a whole host of dropouts, misfits, pranksters, bohemians, court jesters, comedians, crackpots and Gypsies.
The reader will love reading about these swashbuckling daredevils, headcases and artists who changed their world, and even more so when Wiggins goes on to blend some of them with those from his own tribe. He identifies Wrong Planet people clearly, drops hints on how we can spot them, and finally instructs us in how to discover our own ‘tribe� if we haven’t already found them
This book will shake your perceptions �.. and it’s lovely!
346 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2018
7 people are currently reading
1,429 people want to read
About the author
Karl Wiggins
25books318followersKarl 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
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 8, 2018
I can relate to ‘Wrong Planet: searching for your Tribe�. The first chapter made me realize my ‘condition� has a name! I certainly fit in with the Carefree Scamps. I loved being taken back in history, learning things I never knew about the �70’s rock ‘n roll music industry, and what an amazing woman Bessie Stringfield was. Every chapter is an insightful peek into a famous person’s life and death - and their Tribe! The book is written in typical Karl Wiggin’s style; humor with heart. I highly recommend! I enjoyed the photos as well. ‘Death is a Pigeon� will stick with me. Are you a Rag, Tag & Bobtail? See what Tribe you're in.
October 26, 2020
Informative as Well as Entertaining
I'm no stranger to Karl Wiggins' work. I've said in the past reading Karl's work is like listening to your mate down at the pub. But he's your smart mate. Full of wisdom, snark, has an opinion about everything, and above all, thoroughly entertaining. Searching for Your Tribe is putting people into cliques where they best fit, which is what we all tend to do anyway. What surprised me about this book is the amount of research that went into it. One might think your mate Karl down at the pub is full of shit, but this book proves otherwise. Did you know Marilyn Monroe was rubbish at learning her lines? Jimi Hendrix blew Eric Clapton away with his guitar playing when Jimi was an unpaid unknown? Turkey issued an International Arrest Warrant for Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, for illegal trespassing? No, me either. The list of amusing antidotes, interesting and obscure facts, and outrageous tales goes on and on. As usual with Wiggins' writings, if you're looking for entertainment, it's all here. And with Searching for Your Tribe you are going to say to yourself more than once, "Huh, I didn't know that."
I'm no stranger to Karl Wiggins' work. I've said in the past reading Karl's work is like listening to your mate down at the pub. But he's your smart mate. Full of wisdom, snark, has an opinion about everything, and above all, thoroughly entertaining. Searching for Your Tribe is putting people into cliques where they best fit, which is what we all tend to do anyway. What surprised me about this book is the amount of research that went into it. One might think your mate Karl down at the pub is full of shit, but this book proves otherwise. Did you know Marilyn Monroe was rubbish at learning her lines? Jimi Hendrix blew Eric Clapton away with his guitar playing when Jimi was an unpaid unknown? Turkey issued an International Arrest Warrant for Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, for illegal trespassing? No, me either. The list of amusing antidotes, interesting and obscure facts, and outrageous tales goes on and on. As usual with Wiggins' writings, if you're looking for entertainment, it's all here. And with Searching for Your Tribe you are going to say to yourself more than once, "Huh, I didn't know that."
February 2, 2022
We all know that one guy down the pub�
We all know that one guy down the pub who takes up the whole conversation and just goes on a rant for hours and hours about anything and everything. And even though you don’t believe, understand or agree with everything he says you can’t help but be curious as to what he says next and you just nod along. This is the book version of that. Another reviewer on here says he knows the author and he says he writes like he talks. I can believe that. This would do well as a podcast. If you have heard of them it reminds me of another podcast such as to Russell Kane’s “Evil Genius”or even “No Such Thing As A Fish� by the QI elves which all make you say “Gee I didn’t know that� which is what this book does sometimes
We all know that one guy down the pub who takes up the whole conversation and just goes on a rant for hours and hours about anything and everything. And even though you don’t believe, understand or agree with everything he says you can’t help but be curious as to what he says next and you just nod along. This is the book version of that. Another reviewer on here says he knows the author and he says he writes like he talks. I can believe that. This would do well as a podcast. If you have heard of them it reminds me of another podcast such as to Russell Kane’s “Evil Genius”or even “No Such Thing As A Fish� by the QI elves which all make you say “Gee I didn’t know that� which is what this book does sometimes
August 17, 2023
We all know that one guy down the pub�
We all know that one guy down the pub who takes up the whole conversation and just goes on a rant for hours and hours about anything and everything. And even though you don’t believe, understand or agree with everything he says you can’t help but be curious as to what he says next and you just nod along. This is the book version of that. Another reviewer on here says he knows the author and he says he writes like he talks. I can believe that. This would do well as a podcast. If you have heard of them it reminds me of another podcast such as to Russell Kane’s “Evil Genius”or even “No Such Thing As A Fish� by the QI elves which all make you say “Gee I didn’t know that� which is what this book does sometimes
We all know that one guy down the pub who takes up the whole conversation and just goes on a rant for hours and hours about anything and everything. And even though you don’t believe, understand or agree with everything he says you can’t help but be curious as to what he says next and you just nod along. This is the book version of that. Another reviewer on here says he knows the author and he says he writes like he talks. I can believe that. This would do well as a podcast. If you have heard of them it reminds me of another podcast such as to Russell Kane’s “Evil Genius”or even “No Such Thing As A Fish� by the QI elves which all make you say “Gee I didn’t know that� which is what this book does sometimes
December 16, 2021
Dare I say an inspiring read? This will make you laugh, ponder deeply, and maybe illustrate a few of the misconceptions you have about yourself in this world� so long as you understand what “it� is!! If you don’t, I’m not sure if I feel bad for you or for myself. Regardless, a pleasant read, well researched even, and an intriguing bit of modern philosophy.
May 8, 2021
Well! I never knew that...
I don’t know what it says about me but I could really relate to this book. Philosophical without patronising. You can’t read this book without stopping and saying, “I never knew that.� At least once on your search for Your Tribe.
I don’t know what it says about me but I could really relate to this book. Philosophical without patronising. You can’t read this book without stopping and saying, “I never knew that.� At least once on your search for Your Tribe.
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