Jewtopia: The Chosen Book for the Chosen People
Jewtopia: The Chosen Book for the Chosen People – by Bryan Fogel
In this companion to their successful off-Broadway show of the same name, authors Wolfson and Fogel have as much fun with their Jewish roots as is humanly possible, exploring and excoriating Jewish history, culture and stereotypes. The tone is light and farcical, the humor decidedly-but cleverly-lowbrow. Fair warning to the devout: to these authors, nothing is holy. An excerpt from Moses’ progressively desperate (and profanity-laced) diary reads, “Had to drink my own URINE today. Breath smells like pee. AND I’M STILL FUCKING LOST.” Other topics of study are food (including petchah, one of the “foods we’re not so proud of”), a primer on conspiracy theories (”Did Jews stunt the growth of Gary Coleman so they could create Diff’rent Strokes?”), and a Jewish Guide to Life (”From Bar Mitzvahs to Bowels”).
While the syncopated factual-to-offensive rhythm can wear thin, and familiar jokes abound (”Christmas Vs. Hanukah,” anyone?), copious illustrations, tables and unexpected side-notes (an eight-part “Phone Conversations with Jewish Mothers” series) keep the material fresh, entertaining and downright shocking (a mock-up of Alan Greenspan in a Speedo and a large gold chain qualifies as all three). If you’ve ever pondered how exactly Noah spent his time aboard the ark (”Shuffleboard was available on deck 2″) or what gefilte fish really is, you won’t be disappointed. Just don’t forget the final exam. (Publishers Weekly)
From inside the book:
More Books the Exist:
!הָיָה נָעִים מְאֹד.
(Very nice!)
Soylent Ape
November 1, 2007 at 4:39 pm
I would totally buy this. I don’t care if I’m not Jewish. I can learn.
Cody
November 2, 2007 at 12:49 am
OK, Cody. First Lesson: Guilt.
Then read ahead on the bad food. There’ll be a quiz!
Soylent Ape
November 2, 2007 at 6:01 am
That reminds me of The Hebrew Hammer. Funny movie.
Cody
November 2, 2007 at 1:15 pm
Second lesson:
Jew is not a verb.
Stiletto
November 2, 2007 at 1:18 pm
Hey, people, Whorie Laurie needs your help. Vote for her here: http://2007.weblogawards.org/polls/funniest-blog-1.php
Or I will attack your faces.
keywork.
November 2, 2007 at 1:57 pm
Thanks for the alert, Key! I voted and added the link to the top of our current post.
bagel of everything
November 2, 2007 at 2:13 pm
Despite Laurie’s questionable sexual practices with livestock, she can be pretty damn funny and she definitely should take that award. Thanks for jumping on the Whorie Laurie Campaign Bus.
keywork.
November 2, 2007 at 2:17 pm
No need to thank me. She may be your fuck buddy, but she’s my mother.
So she should thank me :)
bagel of everything
November 2, 2007 at 2:21 pm
That’s the classiest thing you’ve ever said, Bagel. Daddy is way proud.
keywork.
November 2, 2007 at 2:47 pm
Thank you Bagel. This is nice what you and Soy are doing for me. I deserve it since giving birth to you rectally tore the ass out of me!
Seriously, thanks!
Laurie Kendrick
November 2, 2007 at 3:06 pm
It really did. Talk about ‘daddy’ stitches.
keywork.
November 2, 2007 at 3:11 pm
“She may be your fuck buddy, but she’s my mother.”
That sounds like the lyrics to a song.
Stiletto
November 2, 2007 at 5:09 pm
Yeah, I’m fuckin’ classy like that.
bagel of everything
November 2, 2007 at 10:24 pm
@ Stiletto: In some parts of the world, it is a verb.
Soylent Ape
November 3, 2007 at 1:38 pm
Soy, you just jewed that fact up, didn’t you?
The Bagel of Everything
February 22, 2008 at 6:55 pm
Yeah, now I’m going to Jew in to the kitchen and Jew myself a glass of water.
Soylent Ape
February 22, 2008 at 7:22 pm