always been a fan of the Simpson family. ( )

I could take or leave most of this book's stories, as many of the pieces have just the dumb gags without the wit of the TV show itself. I did enjoy the "Lisa in Wordland" strip (I liked the literary references and the "Phantom Tollbooth"-like wordplay) and the short essays by Groening shed some light on the Simpsons as well as on his own character. Since I only paid 50 cents for this at the library, it was definitely worth the price, but I would borrow or look for it used unless you're a real Simpsons completist. ( )

The first time around, this book was very funny. It had stories including all of the Springfield, from Lenny and Carl to Moe the bartender. Krusty has his date leave him for a chimp, he tells you where to go in time for a decent meal, which is nowhere besides Krusty Burger. The coyboy Matt "Tex" Groening gives you a wonderful tour inside Bongo Comics. Lisa takes on the mob when they open up a childrens play house as a front to launder money. Like I said, it was very good the first time around, but I'd say just check it out from a library, because unlike the TV show, these stories get very repetitive.
D.P.