From Goodreads:  In his latest tour de force, Allen Smith takes on the challenges of life from his own gritty perspective. Everything from surviving on-line dating to enduring his first sigmoidoscopy and advancing age. Watching Grandma Circle the Drain is a collection of Smith’s most entertaining work from his previously published columns. In addition to his own experience with struggling to learn Spanish and annihilating the game of golf, he gives the reader an inside look at some of the things they’ve never wondered about, like managing persistent telemarketers, what it’s like to qualify as a sperm donor and some of the most unusual ways to make a living without a college degree. In part two, Smith takes aim at news stories by attacking issues like home schooling, women competing in the Tour de France, dozing air traffic controllers and the first person to marry (and divorce) himself. Watching Grandma Circle the Drain is a bite-sized, entertaining look at the way we complicate our lives. Once you read it, you’ll never look at life the same way again.

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I didn’t know what to expect going in to this book as it’s not a novel, per say, but rather a compilation of short vignettes dealing with random topics, but I have to say that it’s absolutely hilarious and well worth reading!  At first glance, one might not realize the hilarity that resides deep within the pages, though I think the cover and title are telling in that aspect.  But if you open up the table of contents, you’ll see interesting chapter titles, such as “Expelled from Match.com,” “Television Shows that Didn’t make the Fall Line-up,” “Golf Course Thugs,” Speed Dating Cougars, MILFs and Chihuahuas,” and many more that will most likely peak your interest, as they did mine.

One of my favorite chapters in the book is “Expelled from Match.com,” a hilarious take on the online dating site we hear so much about.  In this chapter, Smith creates a profile on Match.com that will have you bursting with laughter.  For instance, in the About Me section, he states, “I spend most of my time outdoors and love to travel.  Not having a place to live will do that to you.  I enjoy exercise and enjoy a good chase from the police on a warm summer evening…”  I can’t even write this without snorting.  To me, this is absolutely hilarious and I feel like Smith probably isn’t too far off on some of the crazy things people say on dating sites!

All in all, Smith has a very satiric wit, catching the reader by surprise and causing him/her many fits of laughter.  This is a great book for those who are looking for a quick laugh, especially as it’s designed to be a book you can peruse at your leisure since each vignette is a standalone piece.  I highly recommend this book!  Five stars.

I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.