I grew up reading his books and am now ordering them as gifts for my kids. They shoot canoes don't they and a fine and pleasant misery are my favorites.

McManus uses his thigh-slapping humor to urge us toward a kinder, more gentler humanity.

Well, when it comes to books they, aren't my thing. you see, I don't like to read but when I read the book They Shoot Canoes Don't They by Patrick F Mcmanus, now I like to read a little bit better. The book is about this guy Patrick Mcmanus. He tells these little stories about what stupid things he has done and or this that have happed to him or his friends and family. Like this one little story his wife goes through the garage tossing junk in the garbage and she finds this one box with his childhood memories and the he tells a little story about what happened. It all starts when he first meets his wife and he takes her hunting. She puts on his antler tag as a bracelet and can't get it off then he tells a different, story but Ill leave the rest for you to find out what happens.
Travis Knipfer

Well, when it comes to books they, aren't my thing. you see, I don't like to read but when I read the book They Shoot Canoes Don't They by Patrick F Mcmanus, now I like to read a little bit better. The book is about this guy Patrick Mcmanus. He tells these little stories about what stupid things he has done and or this that have happed to him or his friends and family. Like this one little story his wife goes through the garage tossing junk in the garbage and she finds this one box with his childhood memories and the he tells a little story about what happened. It all starts when he first meets his wife and he takes her hunting. She puts on his antler tag as a bracelet and can't get it off then he tells a different, story but Ill leave the rest for you to find out what happens.
Travis Knipfer

This collection of short stories is one of the funniest I have ever read. To fully understand the humor in these stories, you must enjoy outdoor activites and appreciate first-class sarcasm. Included in this book are about twenty-five chorts, all exploding with laughter at every turn of page.
These stories are about the personal experiences of the author, and the people that he is close to. He writes about hunting, fishing, camping, and other outdoor activites. His stories are so personal because he is writing about his past; as he was growing up, and his present. In addition to laughing at him, the reader also laughs at himself, because as you have said, thought, or done the very same thigns that he is writing about. One story in paticular describes his thoughts and fellings about getting glasses. At first McManus attributes the change in the world's clarity to communists, subsequently he is diagnosed with an astgmatism. He does not think that a big game guide should wear glasses, so he does not confide his new spectacles to his friends, until he realizes that an adult mentor of his also has glasses. Normally a person getting glasses would not be considered humor, but when written by this autor almost anything becomes funny.
In addition to entertaining, these stories also teach the reader. A few lessons that can be learned are: take time to enjoy the simple things in life, laugh at yourself, and take time out of your normal schedule to go outdoors and spend time with family and freinds. If you enjoy a good laugh pick up "They Shoot Canoes Don't They," or one of his many other novels.

Another very enjoyable McManus collection. I first started reading his material in the 80's. Now my kids enjoy his humor with me. Great for anyone who has a love for the outdoors and all the misadventures they have experienced.

I have always thought that Patrick McManus is the funniest writer on the planet. I read his stories when I need to laugh or relax. Sometimes I irritate my wife by reading it in bed. I try not to laugh out loud, but I only succeed in sounding like I am trying to muffle continuous sneezes.

However, not everyone gets it. I have been shocked by watching people read McManus without so much as a smile (though most start snorting like wild pigs on acid) . My only guess is that getting McManus requires a couple things. First, it requires some understanding of his experiences. He absolutely nails all of the stupid things 'outdoors men (outdoors people)' do and think, but don't want anybody to know about. Second, you have to see the self-deprecating aspect of his humor. Third, you can't look for great literature in integrated books. Patrick McManus is an excellent writer, if you see these as independent stories simply collected in a volume. They are meant for adults who want to laugh at themselves. So, If you are willing to or already meet the above three criteria, you will love this book.

By the way, I am a professor of clinical psychology and (other than worrying a little about McManus) I sometimes recommend this and other McManus books. I do this with people who have racing thoughts and anxiety at bedtime, and when I believe they have the necessary experiences to find it funny. It often works quite well. I think of his stories as little pieces of happiness. (Oh, that even makes me sick to hear. Sorry)

I've been an avid McManus reader for quite sometime and I just love coming back to his books. This book has some of my favorites in it especially ones that discuss his college experiences. This one is not his best but still definitely a keeper. If you have grown up in rural areas, enjoy the outdoors, or know an outdoor eccentric this book will have you laughing out loud.

I didn't think this book was quite as funny as A Fine and Pleasant Misery, but I still enjoyed it. I get a kick out of reading humorous literature about the outdoors, however, I'm not really into hunting and fishing, two activities that McManus spends a lot of time on. I mostly enjoy the stories about camping, hiking, and general wilderness survival.