Later Reflections on '50 Funniest'

               Reading Andy Borowitz’s idea of the fifty funniest American writers causes me to question my own idea of funny stories. While I have laughed at several of the stories, the majority did not have me laughing throughout. Before class even started, I could hear people discussing the readings and the humor they found in it. Did I miss something insanely humorous?! Yes, some of the stories are interesting and have funny parts, but there have only been a select few that I really enjoyed.

                For example, I enjoyed the first reading for today – “A Few Words about Breasts” by Nora Ephron. Her reflections on a mainstream insecurity for the middle school girl and the women in her situation were hysterical. Her story was entirely relatable for me. The best way to put it is that I grew up with two older sisters who are much more developed than me. My sisters and mother teased me to the same extent that Nora’s mother did, maybe even further. I think the fact that I could relate to parts of Nora’s insecurity made the story funny. Also, I can always find humor in awkward situations (when it’s not happening to me, which is often). Nora experienced so many of these situations with her giant insecurity. I especially enjoyed all her attempts to ‘develop’ – Mark Eden Bust Developer, slept on her back for four years, splashed cold water on them, and the ever popular padded bra. Nora kept me laughing and I appreciate that.

                The other humorous reading for today’s class would be Donald Barthelme’s “In the Morning Post.” I loved his added commentary and thoughts on his drinking habits. Donald was funny from start to finish in this short piece. He happily notes he is promoted to “Top Writer” then is shocked that Writer’s Digest labeled him as a drinker. Just the way he phrases things had me laughing. A couple of my favorites are listed below:

• “But how the devil did Writer’s Digest discover this?’
• “List of my vodka-soaked work”
• "Light is sissy and Heavy doesn’t go down so well with Deans...”
•  “Also, in bed, sobbing lightly.”
•    “Thought to be sober as white bread”

Donald’s story was just what I needed to read before the last two – “Tough as Bob War and Other Stuff,” and “Gothic Baseball.” While I enjoyed parts of these stories, I didn’t find the story as a whole humorous. I was able to find certain parts funny but I feel like that can be done in most stories. I don’t know if it is the selections we are reading or the overall book I’m not finding extremely humorous.

So, I am a little disappointed, Andy Borowitz. We have different humor and while I appreciate some of your choices, I don’t agree with all.