I have been reading a lot lately & it has been absolutely wonderful. Reading Weirder Than Marshmallows by Dan Fogg was a breath of fresh air. It was refreshing to read something so honest and insightful. This was an easy read and quite entertaining. There were several times that I laughed out loud at topics that Dan discussed, since he tended to put opinions that I had in my head into actual words.

Weirder Than Marshmallows is divided into five categories. While reading the first three categories, I found myself making mental notes of talking topics that I would like to discuss with my friends and family. For example, well…I guess here is the thing; 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.

The Honest Dietitian blog

Originally posted 2011-12-20 07:24:29.

Review of: Weirder Than Marshmallows

Reviewer: jshallow01

Review:
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 curiousity 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.

What one thing about this book stood out the most for you?
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.

Reviewer Bio
A crafty mom of two that loves to read and teach people how to save money & a little bit of the earth.

Review of: Weirder Than Marshmallows

Reviewer: Becca

Review:
Have you ever done or said something stupid wish you hadn’t. Maybe you have been the witness to an act of stupidity. Well recently I was treated to the book Weirder than Marshmallows by Dan Fogg a series of essay that tackle why people do dumb things. This book was really entertaining it was like having the author sitting next to relating these tales to me. If you like a quick funny read then this book is for you. I give it two thumbs.

What one thing about this book stood out the most for you?
The title it caught my attention right from the beginning.

What is weirder than marshmallows? Well according to writer Dan Fogg, there are lots of things weirder than marshmallows. Fogg writes about the little weird things in life in his book Weirder Than Marshmallows. This is a book of short stories designed to make you laugh. And laugh you will…..

Twingle Mommy

My son is looking forward to reading this book next. I love when kids get excited about books and spend their time reading instead of in front of the television or playing computer games. My middle son is great about taking a book everywhere! This book is filled with great non-fiction stories that will make you stop and think. They are divided into four categories:

Do Not Stop on Tracks showcases warnings that should never have to be warned.
En Masse contains stories of mass ignorance.
Technology Sucks explores the hazards of the technological age.
That’s Just Freaky features Twilight Zone like tales of paranormality.

With Technology sucks being my favorite. Of course my second favorite is Do Not Stop on the Tracks. Have you ever wondered why there are warning signs – like Do not Eat on the packet of chemicals in new products (Did someone thing their bag came with a free set of chicklets), Do not use as a hedgetrimmer (Hmmm I think I’ll lift my push mower to trim these hedges), or Do not use in the shower (Electricity and water do not mix!) The really great thing in this book is that these are all true stories, though many times you have to wonder what would cause someone to think (or not think) that this activity was a good idea.