I am always intrigued by how an author comes up with a title to a book. Sometimes they are pretty self explanatory and other times they seem more obscure. Until I dove in to this very quick read of essays, I wasn’t sure exactly what the title referred to. My curiosity as to the naming of the title was quickly answered when I read the preface and was asked to ponder why (white) marshmallows list the dye blue 1 as an ingredient. Yes, that does seem weird to me. And yes, I did check my own bag of marshmallows in the cupboard and saw it listed as an ingredient. So, I thought that this was a good start to the book and was interested to see what other essays and musings Dan Fogg had to share with us.

As I read though the section of “Do Not Stop On The Tracks”, I couldn’t help think about all the many baby products that I have read such warnings on, those warnings that were common sense and didn’t need to be spelled out but they obviously had to because more than one person lacked the common sense that was required to use such a product.

The book includes other sections titled “En Masse” “Technology Sucks” ‘That’s Just Freaky” and “Weird Stuff”. I did find some of the observations to be more critical and cynical than I am myself, but some of the other observations were entertaining to read. My favorite essay in the collection is called “The Vortex” and seemed to be the start of a movie. He did a good job describing the setting that allowed me to get a clear picture and understand his feelings. And I thought the most, shall we say – educational, was “Electile Dysfunction 2000: Heard from Florida Lately?”

I did enjoy reading though his collection of favorite quotes. Reading what inspires or provokes a person helps you to draw up a mental image of their character and provide a deeper insight to their writings.

http://savegreenbeinggreen.blogspot.com/2012/11/book-review-weirder-than-marshmallows.html

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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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Nikki

This book is a great read, it is humorous, insightful and the book says what we are all thinking at some time or another but don’t actually want to say it out loud! It is a fun read and I recommend it to anyone that is looking to relax and read a book that isn’t complicated to read! I am a fan of books that are easy to read because most of the time I am reading when my crazy boys are making a lot of noise, which was the case with this one as well but it was fun and I was able to read through it without any issues understanding it.

I have to say that I am sad that the writer passed so suddenly and that it is nice that his mother has released some of his work. The story behind the book is also included in the book at different areas throughout and I appreciated the inside look at what Daniel’s life was like, who he was, and what happened to him. It makes the book more personable, I think.

Overall, a great read!

http://www.nickelanddimingwithnikki.com/2011/12/review-giveaway-weirder-than.html

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Allison L.

I have been reading a lot lately I don’t want to give you examples because I want you to read this. Dan has some great thoughts, observations, and discussions that you should read. I guarantee you that you will have conversation points as well from this book.

I decided to read and write my review before checking out what other people had to say about the book. Turns out we are almost always in a clear consensus: This book has great stories & has good flow, excellent writing. I recommend it.

I am honestly heartbroken to become a fan of Dan Fogg’s work knowing that he has passed. I look forward to other publications of his work, but based on his style of writing and frank honesty, I would have easily been a lifelong fan, anticipating his continuous work.

http://www.thehonestdietitian.com/2011/12/weirder-than-marshmallows-book-of.html

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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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Jerri R.

Books that make fun of the inherent behaviors of human beings are popular for more reasons than one. Stand up comedians have been making a living for years making fun of themselves and others. It’s just one of those things, we do silly, sometimes stupid things and they just insist that you laugh at yourself lest you will be crying. Weirder Than Marshmallows is just one such book.

Nightfire Publications released this awesome book for the Kindle and honestly, you need nothing but time and a place to rest for some serious belly laughs. They say laughter is the best medicine and seriously, laughing at other people is a lot of fun, even if you won’t admit you partake of such fun. And, the sad thing is, you may find a story in the book that leaves you wondering if someone was spying on you. It really is that real. Again, leave room for lots of belly laughs.

Just as a side note, I don’t recommend reading this and trying to retell the stories as you read because the people listening (mainly my spouse) won’t be amused by all the laughing and moreover the laughing to the point of not being able to finish reading the story to him so he can laugh too. OOPS! OH Well, life’s tough that way.

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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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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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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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