This week’s reading wrapped up on a lighter note. I would never have guessed that I would find life lessons in either of these books.

First up is Remove Child Before Folding: The 101 Stupidest, Silliest, and Wackiest Warning Labels Ever by Bob Dorigo Jones. While I might argue with the accuracy of the subtitle, this was a fun read. I am fascinated by how the book came into existence and by the work Jones does with Michigan Lawsuit Abuse Watch (google M-LAW for more info).

To paraphrase Jones’s introduction: you won’t know whether to laugh or cry. The appropriate response while reading appears to be about 85% entertained and 15% outraged. Afterwards those should switch.

The other random read was actually a re-read of the novel Survivor. I am a big fan of Palahniuk’s work. I’m convinced that he browses the DSM in order to find the most inappropriate mix of disorders he can give his characters.

All in all a recipe for a fun romp through the lives of another cast of disfunctional Palahniuk characters in the most awful situations. NOT recommended for the easily offended.

Start with Palahniuk’s scathing commentary on fame and the media. Mix in some highly quotable lines and utterly ridiculous situations. Top with jabs at the upper middle class to taste. Bake at 425 for 40 minutes.

And somehow we can extract some great lessons on how we delude ourselves. Take for example the “quick fix.”

More and more everything in my life was a fix for an earlier fix for an earlier fix until I forget what the original problem was.

How many “quick fixes” have you applied recently and how many problems have you solved?
Are you taking responsibility for the results of your actions or looking for someone to blame (and sue)?