Kelly O.

This is the fifth book I have read as part of challenge no. 21 of my 52 things in 52 weeks challenge.

Bet you haven’t ever really thought about what goes into marshmallows, have you?

I’ve only just started to get into chemistry as part of my uni, and a few of our experiments involved the modification of a colour of an item using various other chemicals. Reading this introduction from Dan literally made me stop for a bit, and wonder why blue 1 would be needed. Seriously…anyone know? Did anyone else ever actually stop and look at ingredients for any food item in particular, only to wonder why a particular ingredient was actually necessary?

The rest of the book is a collection of stories ranging from the ponderings of other everyday occurrences that we never stop to really think about, or the bizarre moments in life (being certain you were in a specific place at a particular time, and someone else who was there at that exact same time not ever seeing you). There’s a lot in there that you’ll find that you think “oh yeah – why is that?”

This was the first time I’ve used an e-book in my 52 in 52 challenge, but when an offer was made for me to receive the book for free in exchange for my honest opinion, I definitely wasn’t going to turn that down! Reading an e-book was quite a different experience to be honest. I used my iPhone, and I definitely struggled as it came in a PDF format (on the iPhone you can’t change PDF font sizes using iBooks). However, if you had a dedicated e-book reader with a larger screen (iPad, kindle etc) you wouldn’t have the same problem. In addition, if it came in a format that was a bit more friendly to the iBooks app so that I could change the font size then it would be a lot better. There’s a kindle version so I would expect this problem would be resolved using the Kindle app.

Overall the book was quite enjoyable to read, and I found with the portability of the iPhone I was able to read little bits here and there. It’s not a book that will keep you gripped to your phone until you’ve finished it, but it’s still great for those moments when you want something light-hearted that will give you a laugh here and there. There was also one moment in the book where I finished the chapter, sat back and realised how lucky I am. I won’t give it all away, but the writer, Dan, lived his life in a wheelchair and shared a story of one of those moments where he completely relies on others for assistance. It truly made me feel blessed that I have every limb in my body, and my own problems seem greatly insignificant. Sometimes we all need a bit of a wakeup call so we can reevaluate our lives, and realise that most of our problems really are quite small in the grand scheme of things.

http://amyo.id.au/kelly/booksmovies-etc/52-in-52-weirder-than-marshmallows-by-dan-fogg-plus-win-a-free-copy

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Leslie R.

Weirder than Marshmallows is a book of essays by Dan Fogg. It was really enjoyable and pokes a little bit of fun at everyone. It’s an easy read, which I like, and each essay is short. This is nice with a little one to chase around the house.
I like Fogg because he tackles serious ideas with humor and fun. Great read, and I was happy to receive a copy!!

http://oneyeartodisney.blogspot.com/2011/11/weirder-than-marshmallows-indeed.html

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Tiffany D.

Weirder Than Marshmallows is a collection of essays and observations based on the author’s life. Dan Fogg discusses everything from the stupid side of human nature to the very serious Columbine shooting.

What I liked most about this book is that it didn’t really feel like I was reading. It was more like Dan was sitting next to me and we were having a conversation about life and all the ridiculous things we come across. I loved that he brought up a lot of topics that I have thought about before and have even complained about. It took me only a little over an hour to finish although it felt like I breezed through it in minutes.

Since this is such a short book, it felt more like reading a magazine article or even a blog post. I think because I read this in e-format and online, it added to that feeling. I may have felt differently had I been reading a print version.

Even though I enjoyed the book, I did find a few topics repeating themselves. A topic would be discussed in the first part of the book, only to pop back up again later on to repeat the same observation. Perhaps if they were combined and edited, it would have made for a more engaging section. As it was, most chapters were only a page long. I really enjoyed the chapter about his father’s lack of common sense and found myself disappointed that it was so short.

Overall, I liked what I read. I’d recommend this to anyone who was looking for something quick and fun to read without having to invest too much time. I was very sad to see that Dan Fogg passed away before this was published. One can only wonder where he could have taken his writing had he had more time. However, I was happy to see that he has some fiction work that may eventually be published. I will definitely be looking forward to it.

http://bookcoverjustice.blogspot.com/

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Kathleen

I love reviewing books! So I couldn’t wait to print out Weirder Than Marshmallows make a cup of coffee and get lost in a book of what I thought would be about marshmallows. Boy was I wrong! The book is actually about everything but marshmallows except for the first page. Once I started reading it I couldn’t put it down. I found my self bursting out laughing at parts, which led to odd looks from others in the room. The book being only a short 28 pages printed front and back ended far to soon. I found myself relating to some of the chapters and thinking to myself are people really that stupid? Laughed again and said to myself yes just look at today’s television shows. This is a must read book for anyone who enjoys or needs a good laugh.

http://kathleensblogspot.com/2011/10/02/weirder-than-marshmallows-book-review/

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Mardesia C.

I recently was sent a copy of Weirder Than Marshmallows by Dan Fogg of NightFire Publications to read and review.

Before you break out the sticks and start the fires the Preface explains what the book is about: “But this book isn’t about marshmallows, despite the ramblings above. This book is about stories. Stories that are, like marshmallows, strange, mind boggling, but somehow appealing to the public at large. Hard to explain, impossible to ignore.”

From the moment I read the synopsis of this e-book, I knew that I had to read this book. There are people who are doing stupid and/or ignorant stuff and need to be ridiculed? Well then sign me up! My dear hubby has the nickname around our house of Sarcastro and I must admit that I could easily be Mrs. Sarcastro. What can I say, it’s my super power?

The Mr. Fogg definitely raises some interesting questions/observations in his 5 essays about the things that people do and the curious warnings found on product packaging. Many times I found myself smiling and nodding as I read his words.

http://www.keepingyourcents.com/

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Deborah H.

When I received this book to review, I was very excited because the title totally caught my attention, I love books that leave me thinking about those oddities of human behavior, those things we all do, but few of us would actually admit to, and if we do, we’re just all the prouder because that is what makes us unique…

I laughed hysterically in the beginning. I found Mr. Fogg to be truly funny. He had a talent for writing up things, that were not just weird, they were genuinely kick me funny but not so much in a mean way.

As the book went on, I found less humor, and more of poignant side to Mr. Fogg’s writing. I was touched by some of the stories he had to tell. Particularly those of being helped in New York as disabled person, but then thoroughly confused a while later as he talks of being lost and alone in the same city.
Over all, I felt that some of the stories could have benefited from a bit of order adjustment, because there were times I was left scratching my head in wonder of what the author was talking about. But don’t let that deter you from buy this book because it is well written, and the author’s knack for painting a picture in his short essays, and drawing you into his mind is above and beyond just mere imagination.

This book is a quick read, and worth the time for sure.

I give it a definite thumbs up!

http://itsreallyonlymyopinion.blogspot.com/

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Melissa T.

Who doesn’t love marshmallows? You can toast them, make cute crafts and yummy treats with them. But now you can enjoy marshmallows in a different way. Read the E-book, Weirder Than Marshmallows, by Dan Fogg.

This book of essays is an E-book for your Kindle reader. It will be available in other formats in the future.

If you like humor that makes fun of the stupid things other people do, then Weirder Than Marshmallows is for you. Lets face it we all do stupid things every now and then, but some do it more often than others. Things that no one should ever need to be told not to do. You know what I am talking about. Like the tag on the blow dryer that says keep away from water. Is that something we really need to be told not to do? Obviously because if someone hadn’t done it, the tag wouldn’t be there. Do you think someone really attempted to put a blow dryer in water, or do you think someone has a really cool job sitting around thinking up dumb things people will do with their products? I think it is the first.

These are the types of true stories told in, Weirder Than Marshmallows. I won’t give too many details, because I want you to read the book for yourself. You will laugh, scratch your head, and even wonder if something you ever did belongs in this book. I am sure I could qualify for a couple. Like the time I rode on a four wheeler with no helmet, shorts on, and no shoes. Yes, I crashed and my legs looked like burnt toast. It is things like that, for which all these safety stickers, signs, and funny books are made of. So get some tissues, you will need them from laughing so hard. These are all unique essays, of really dumb things people have done. I have never heard of these, that is how new and dumb they are. It is also not too long, so you won’t get tired of laughing at others. I had a good laugh at the expense of others, you can too. It can be our little secret.

http://melissashomeschool.blogspot.com

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Leah S.

I was given the chance to review the book “Weirder than Marshmallows” by Dan Fogg. Put together with the help of Deborah Carney. The first thing that caught my eye about the book was the title!! Who doesn’t love marshmallows??? Each of the stories in this book are witty, sarcastic and true!!

Beyond the front cover and title there is nothing in this book regarding marshmallows. But inside you will find five essays that will make you laugh out loud and wonder how can people really be that stupid?? It is not the type of book that is leaving you hanging wondering what is coming next, but it is the type of book that will leave you wanting more!

This is perfect book for bathroom reading. A friend who is kind of down would get a laugh out of this book! And lets face it, who doesn’t love reading about someone else’s stupidity?

http://clairsfreebies.blogspot.com/

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Katie H.

I recently received the eBook Weirder Than Marshmallows by Dan Fogg from NightFire Publications to read and review. I really had no idea what to expect going in, but was pleasantly surprised at the well written and humorous take on things that Dan had.

The book itself is a compilation of essays and observations written by Dan Fogg that were compiled and edited by Deborah Carney. Dan’s life was tragically cut short in 2002, but his legacy lives on among his friends and family, and hopefully through the publishing of this book, society will also hear and read the words of a man who spent most of his life confined to a wheel chair, but observed the world around him with the eyes of a cynic and comedian.

Dan shows an obvious sense of humor and heart of a comedian in his take on life and random things around us. From his thoughts regarding the unusual warning signs on products and places in our lives, to the stupid actions of society in general at times, he looks at things with a cynics heart and what I consider to be a much more honest view than most of what we read and hear. His take on peoples disabilities and how there is a tendency for “groups” to stick together and make themselves stand out more rather than being diverse and incorporating into society really hit home. It was refreshing to see someone who himself suffered a disability be honest about how it is taken advantage of and exaggerated. Yet, on the same token, not discounting or overlooking the disability itself.

Overall, I was very impressed with this eBook. The quality of writing is excellent. Both Dan in his creativity and honesty and Deborah in her editing skills managed to pull together a great book of humor and well, weirdness that I truly appreciated. This book is long enough to read a few pages a day, or short enough to read in one sitting. My only complaint or drawback has to do with the use of foul language in a few places. Although I understood the placement and get the reasons behind it, I still felt it was unnecessary to get the point across in the book. This brought the book down to a 4 star for me.

Weirder than Marshmallows is definitely a great eBook to grab as a gift for the comedian in your family or just what I would call a “coffee table” book for yourself. Something light and fun to read when you want to unwind or could use a few laughs.

http://brewingdaily.blogspot.com/

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Krista L.

I was recently sent “Weirder Than Marshmallows” to read and review.
I have to say this is a very funny and amusing book written by Dan Fogg.
It showcases some of the stupid things people say and do today in a very humorous and insightful way. You will get a kick out of knowing you are not the only one who ever said something dumb then wished they could take it back.
He very eloquently puts into words what we all think everyday when we hear or see a random act of dumb, but we don’t say out loud.

How many times have you thought to your self “wow, that person has no common sense?” Dan Fogg just puts those thoughts into words.

In this book he also covers stupid technology and even paranormal tales.
Every story in his book actually happened to a live human being. Maybe that is what makes it so interesting to read.

http://www.couponfreestuff.com/2011/11/weirder-than-marshmallows-book-review.html

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