How I Got This Way by Patrick F. McManus

From Barnes & Noble

Outdoor humorist McManus pauses long enough on his way through the woods to hold forth on such weighty subjects as the theory of convergence (why, when a hunter goes one way, the elk go another); the qualities of leadership (height and a good head of hair); more.

From the Publisher

Patrick McManus, the bestselling author of such hilarious books as A Fine and Pleasant Misery and Never Sniff a Gift Fish, now offers readers solid thoughts on the qualities that define leadership, beginning with the need to be tall, and much more, in this outrageous collection of short pieces that reveals his tortuous trip along the writer's path.

Publishers Weekly

There's a smile or guffaw to be had on almost every page of McManus's ( The Good Samaritan Strikes Again ) collection of essays, some of which are original, others reprinted from Outdoor Life . Dealing primarily with growing up in rural Idaho, the pieces introduce boyhood friends such as Eddie Muldoon, with whom McManus dug a pit to catch wild animals that unfortunately caught Eddie's father and a skunk--simultaneously; the priest with a fear of birds who came to dinner before the McManuses had moved their spring crop of chicks to the henhouse; and Rancid Crabtree, who demolished a 400-pound pumpkin at the county fair with the author's monster-sized slingshot. Stories abound about hunting, fishing and arduous treks, including a piece about hiking with George Bush during the 1992 presidential campaign. There's entertainment aplenty here that even indoorsy folk should enjoy. (Sept.)

Library Journal

More humor from the author of The Good Samaritan Strikes Again.

School Library Journal

YA-The cover of this short-story collection features a face-front headshot of the author cheek to cheek with a large ape. The brief selections are of the type one might hear from a droll uncle/grandfather prefaced by the phrase, ``When I was a boy.'' They are mainly outdoor adventures, some of which masquerade as hunting trips, and celebrate life. All are laugh-out-loud funny. Teachers looking for one-to-two-minute fillers or examples of humorous essays may want to join their students in dipping into this delightful time warp.-Barbara Hawkins, Oakton High School, Fairfax, VA

Product Details

• Table of Contents

Table of Contents