audiobook nonfiction/humor - absurd, but also kind of aggravating to hear these people (some of whom are probably just struggling actors that really need money) being wrung out in these purposely obtuse email conversations. They all had enough of a sense of humor to allow the interactions to be published (under changed names), but I'm sure there were dozens of others who didn't find it funny at all. Hopefully at least some of them got some compensation out of it (like some voice work on the audio?). ( )

Race Me in a Lobster Suit by Kelly Mahon is a 2019 Quirk Books publication.

If you know anything about Quirk Books, you know to expect the unexpected. This book, however, almost goes beyond the pale.

I’m pretty picky about humor or comedy in movies, television and books, having long outgrown base humor, or anything too silly, which is most comedy is today. But, because this book is supposed to feature actual correspondence, the human element enticed me to take the bait.

I worked for the public all my life, so I know how people can be. After many years of witnessing so many insane human behaviors, I commonly boasted that nothing could possibly surprise me anymore. In fact, on more than one occasion, a friend or relative suggested I write down all my experiences and publish them. Of course, my experiences were not choreographed in anyway, but now I’m thinking these situations may not translate so well in print.

But, if the outlandish conversations relayed in this book are indeed true, and the author is not pulling a gag on us, which I suspected on more than one occasion, it proves that truth is stranger than fiction, and the next time I read a book and start to question the realism or plausibility of it, I will remind myself of this book.

Despite the bizarre-o set-up, some of these e-mail conversations did make me chuckle. They also horrified and mystified me. It is scary, and maybe a little sad too, that people responded to these ads. No matter how desperate I was financially, could I consider doing something so outrageous- like being hired to tickle someone, for example.

However, according to the author, the emails printed here were done so with the permission of those who answered the ads. So, I guess they must have a self- deprecating sense of humor, or maybe they were offered compensation- who knows.

Bottom line-

I was amused to some extent, but mostly I found it a tad disturbing. I’m not sure what that says about MY sense of humor- but I did try to see the appeal and humor here. For the most part, though, this type of gag/prank humor doesn’t really appeal to me. It was just a little too silly for my taste.

On a more positive note, I think this author does have a knack for coming up with quick witted comebacks. It is possible she could find a niche in improvisation or comedy writing, but perhaps it would be best not use real people to experiment on.

3 stars ( )

Many years ago in Greece, there was a superbly hilarious TV show, a political and social satire. One of my favourite sections in each episode was dedicated to real advertisements found in newspapers and magazine. There was no Twitter or Facebook back then. Those adverts were so illogical, so utterly out of hand that it was difficult to believe they were genuine. And yet, they were. This book by Kelly Mahon brought these memories back to mind. Our current times are even more delirious and out of hand and I am certain that many 30-plus year olds who are going to read Race Me In A Lobster Suit will come to think that maybe this world has derailed to the point of no return in terms of intelligence and decency.

Anyway, this quirky little book was an absolute fun. Mahon created fake advertisements and initiated the completely crazy conversations with the people who were brave (or foolish, it depends on the way you look at the subject…) enough to answer her call. I found out that there are people who are willing to become a human piñata. To play dead for the sake of a couple’s fantasies. To knit a jumpsuit- human cocoon. To organize a fashion snow for 78 snakes. To volunteer for a cryotherapy programm. To provide urine samples. To become a canvas for someone to practise tattoos when that ‘’someone’’ is a completely inexperienced amateur. And many more stories…

This is one of the funniest books I’ve ever read. Or one of the most disconcerting. I don’t know. I’ll place an advertisement asking for a decisions helper. Who knows?

Many thanks to Quirk Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

My reviews can also be found on https://theopinionatedreaderblog.wordpress.com/ ( )

Kelly Mahon obviously has a high tolerance for awkward interactions. In her new book, Race Me in a Lobster Suit, she collects emails from her unique project that exposes how far people will go to make some quick money. Mahon put up classified ads with outrageous requests for paid services and some of the responses she received led to longer conversations and intense negotiations. The acts that are agreed upon are at times simultaneously hilarious and depressing. Some examples of requests include: participating in the titular race, acting as a fake fiancé, taking part in a nightmare reenactment, and dressing up snakes for a fashion show. Those who agreed to participate generally had an openness to adventure and a good sense of humor. As Mahon increases the absurdity of the details involved in the activities, her respondents eventually realize it must be a joke or just stop responding. What is truly amazing (and alarming) is how long some people keep believing in the ruse, and how little compensation they demand given the tasks assigned. Readers will enjoy this short collection of experiments, especially those who approach Race Me in a Lobster Suit with an appreciation for the nonsensical.

Thanks to Quirk Books and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an objective review. ( )