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Often compared to Garrison Keillor and Mark Twain, Patrick F. McManus maintains just the right balance between baffled innocence and conspiratorial confidence. Since 1979, this humorist has been delighting readers with hilarious stories recounting his childhood in rural Idaho and relating his misadventures in the great outdoors. Whether you're a sportsman or a couch potato, he will have you laughing out loud at his escapades. In this collection of 30 tall tales, McManus introduces you to the show more perils of Trailer Trials and Mean Tents. Like Hemingway, McManus hunts the big fish in Down and Way Out in Brazil. The title tale, The Grasshopper Trap, unveils an ingenious invention for catching fish bait in motion. And in Hunting Camp Etiquette, McManus becomes a rustic Miss Manners. Narrator Norman Dietz adds additional spice to each impish line. You won't want to miss the other audio productions of McManus' works, including Never Sniff a Gift Fish and The Night the Bear Ate Goombaw. show lessTags
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Member Reviews
I really enjoyed this book. At the time that I started reading this, I was recovering from my attempt at reading American Psycho and I needed something not terrifying, horrific, and gruesome. My mom recommended and gave me two books from Patrick McManus.
After reading this, I can safely say that I have never read a book like this before. It was so wholeheartedly funny, so thoroughly relatable, and as a result so unique. I don't think I've read much humor before, but I will certainly read more McManus books after this.
After reading this, I can safely say that I have never read a book like this before. It was so wholeheartedly funny, so thoroughly relatable, and as a result so unique. I don't think I've read much humor before, but I will certainly read more McManus books after this.
This book was a delight. I would rate it on a par with the James Herriot novels, in a more earthy sort of way. One chapter made me laugh until my sides ached and tears rolled down my cheeks. In a way, his childhood memories bore enough resemblance to my own that it was a trip back in time. So fun to be surprised over and over in each chapter. Even when you see what's coming, you're not sure how it's coming.
A wonderful collection of short stories from Patrick McManus. He regales us with tales of hunting, fishing, camping and the adventures of his youth.
One of my favorite stories in this book was "How to go splat!" closely followed by "A hunker is not a squat!" McManus is a great outdoor humorist and I enjoy reading all his work.
One of my favorite stories in this book was "How to go splat!" closely followed by "A hunker is not a squat!" McManus is a great outdoor humorist and I enjoy reading all his work.
30 short stories guarenteed to make you laugh so hard your eyes will get filled with tears. Read "The Human Fuel Pump" and try not to roar out loud. This author is funny!
Collection of comedic short stories
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Author Information
44+ Works 6,497 Members
Patrick Francis McManus was born in Sandpoint, Idaho on August 25, 1933. He received a bachelor's degree in journalism in 1956 and a master's degree in journalism in 1959 from Washington State College, Pullman. He taught English, creative writing, and journalism at Eastern Washington State College from 1960 until he retirement in 1983. He was a show more magazine writer. From 1977 to 1982, he was a columnist and associate editor for Field and Stream magazine. From 1982 to 2009, he wrote a monthly humor column called the Last Laugh for Outdoor Life magazine and served as the publication's editor-at-large. His work has also appeared in Reader's Digest, Sports Illustrated, and the New York Times. He published 14 collections of his columns including A Fine and Pleasant Misery and The Horse in My Garage and Other Stories. His other books include Real Ponies Don't Go Oink!, The Night the Bear Ate Goombaw, The Deer on a Bicycle: Excursions into the Writing of Humor, and Whatchagot Stew written with Patricia McManus Gass. He also wrote the Sheriff Bo Tully Mystery series. He died on April 11, 2018 at the age of 84. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
Awards and Honors
Distinctions
Series
Common Knowledge
- Canonical title
- The Grasshopper Trap
- Original publication date
- 1985
Classifications
Statistics
- Members
- 558
- Popularity
- 52,791
- Reviews
- 5
- Rating
- (4.05)
- Languages
- English
- Media
- Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 11
- ASINs
- 8
