Under review

Pretty much the only book about ocean wildlife you'll ever need. Packed with pertinent information, such as the reason the deep sea is so dark is because it's covered in good quality navy blue curtains from Pottery Barn, that the culture of the sea relies heavily on musical theater, and that most barracudas speak Spanish and some German and want to direct films. But the most important information, to me, is found in the book's introduction:

"One interesting thing about the sea that you will understand: anything you find in it can be eaten. This is different from trees or rocks or fire, and that makes the ocean unique. If you put your hand in the ocean and pull something out, an animal or plant, you can put it straight into your mouth."

I'll keep this crucial information in mind for the rest of my life. ( )

This is one fabulous book! Delightful, informative, entertaining. Everyone I have forced to read this book has absolutely loved it. More than that, they've learned life lessons such as how to know if you are being eaten by a sea creature. ( )

You always know you are going to get something unique and possibly off-the-wall with McSweeney's... and the Dr. Haggis-on-Whey series takes the cake. Seriously... we're talking taking the natural sciences into the looney bin... and then out to lunch... for cake.

Anyway... This series so so funny and weird -- that I'd hire either Benny or Dr. Haggis-on-Whey to give a public lecture any day.

If you threw a really old National Geographic, some 1950s elementary school science text books, a dose of pop culture and some pop psychology all into a blender and hit frappe you would get this book. This silly parody will leave you snorting with glee. You don't have to be a baby boomer to appreciate Dr. Doris Haggis-on-Whey, but it helps. ( )