Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ

Few books are truly laugh-out-loud funny, but TLGoE comes through in fine form with several. A few caused me a little embarrassment in the crowded break room at work. Most of the time, I really wanted to read whole pieces out loud to the people around me. This is one to share with BFFs and sleeping companions.

Many of the stories contain mythical, religious, and fantastic figures, both literary and drawn from pop culture. The theme of love and romance never falters, keeping the collection on a steady track, whether tackling a sullen, hip-hop cupid, oblivious mad scientist, or overworked Creator. But it isn't just a bunch of whimsical trifles. There's sincerity and vulnerability here, too. Rich knows that love is pain and pleasure at once.

Simon Rich reminds me of Roy Blount Jr. a bit, but where the latter is often brilliant in his narration, Rich puts much of his cleverness in his dialogue. Probably understandable for a veteran sketch writer. My only criticism is that, given the brevity of the stories, I sometimes wanted a little more depth to run on. That isn't a failing of Rich's, merely a function of devouring the book in great chunks. It might be best served by reading a couple or three stories at a time and putting it aside for another quick session the next day.

It begins and ends with some of the best comedy I've read in a very long time, framing the merely good stories (though I hasten to add there are plenty of terrific ones in the middle) with several humorous home runs. Thanks, Simon, I sorely needed the funny at this time in my life, and you delivered, in spades.