Review of WHY MEN ARE SUSPICIOUS OF YOGA;SOME FUNNY STORIES & SOME NOT SO FUNNY

Please use this forum to discuss historical fiction books. Common definitions define historical fiction as novels written at least 25-50 years after the book's setting.
Post Reply
User avatar
EBERE WRITES COCEPT
In It Together VIP
Posts: 516
Joined: 10 Apr 2023, 15:49
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 137
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-ebere-writes-cocept.html
Latest Review: Forty Years to Life by Brenda Bradford Ward

Review of WHY MEN ARE SUSPICIOUS OF YOGA;SOME FUNNY STORIES & SOME NOT SO FUNNY

Post by EBERE WRITES COCEPT »

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "WHY MEN ARE SUSPICIOUS OF YOGA;SOME FUNNY STORIES & SOME NOT SO FUNNY" by Robert Isenberg.]
Book Cover
4 out of 5 stars
Share This Review


Why Men Are Suspicious of Yoga: Some Funny Stories and Some Not So Funny is a humorous collection of thought-provoking stories that smoothly blend personal insights and experience with wit. Harvey called in to announce his mother’s funeral, which is to take place at 9:00 a.m. Sunday at Stanetsky Chapel. Harvey’s mother isn’t dead yet, but a funeral date has been chosen. Sal, on the other end, is disappointed he had to cancel their Sunday morning tennis game for the first time in 25 years to occupy Harvey’s mother's impromptu funeral. This is one of the stories in this intriguing book. Take up this book and expect to go on a humorous rollercoaster where the author is your tour guide.
 
This book isn’t just about yoga but instead explores the broader themes of how we navigate the absurdities of life that make us not so cool. Robert Isenberg uses his personal experiences and observations in various situations to craft a series of stories that capture the small, inconspicuous, and often overlooked moments of our lives. Like the ad that plays every seven minutes on our TV while watching a show, the constant home shopping ads that make us want to buy another rice cooker, and the aesthetics of a do-it-yourself shelf that convince us to change our well-functional shelf. All this is well explored in the Robert Isenberg book; topics ranging from health, summer gnats, owning a pet, and other daily aspects of one’s life and the human condition are well discussed in the book.
 
There are a series of commendable aspects in the book. First is the conversational and humorous tone the author uses throughout the book. Robert Isenberg writes with a self-deprecating kind of humor that makes readers feel like they are having a conversation with an old friend. Robert Isenberg's writing style, on the other hand, is sharp yet casual, thus making the tone of the book very approachable; his ability to swiftly explain and make the mundane exciting added to the charm of the book. His explanation that seagulls can read English and obey instructions is a testament to that. Another example is when he loses his red jacket that contains his car key, medication, and hairbrush, but in all of it, he is more concerned about retrieving his priceless hairbrush. He had to pay $665 roundtrip and other expenses to retrieve the priceless hairbrush.
 
Some parts of the book, however, may not appeal to every reader, as some parts of the book are repetitive. This repetition drags the plot and the pacing of the book back a little. The book is lighthearted and entertaining, but this also takes away from the impact of the more serious topics, like his vulnerability and self-esteem. For example, he claims to be not so cool after visiting the deli restaurant, and it took him a lot of time to build up his confidence to visit the restaurant again. Topics like this are not well executed due to the humorous tone of the book. This, however, may be a deliberate effort by the author to keep the tone light and not overburdening.
 
The book is excellently well-edited. It is well structured and free of grammatical and typographical errors, making for a smooth reading experience. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars for the little flaws above. The book delivers, as it says in its title, “some funny stories and some not so funny." I would recommend this book to readers looking to read a light, engaging book that balances humor with insights about human life.

******
WHY MEN ARE SUSPICIOUS OF YOGA;SOME FUNNY STORIES & SOME NOT SO FUNNY
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
User avatar
Yasmine Zaki Muhieddine
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 723
Joined: 16 Feb 2022, 07:39
Favorite Book: Shanghai'd
Currently Reading: Anticipation Day
Bookshelf Size: 245
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-yasmine-zm.html
Latest Review: Shanghai'd by Curtis Stephen Burdick
2025 Reading Goal: 15
2025 Goal Completion: 40%

Post by Yasmine Zaki Muhieddine »

This book with its humorous aspect feels like a breath of fresh air. However, I am intrigued about the story around Harvey's mother; why is he announcing a funeral if she is not dead? Unless he is planning on killing his mother (hopefully not), that is a morbid prank.
The combination of humor and food for thoughts makes an interesting book. I am adding it to my shelves.
User avatar
Bethel Saint Bright
Minimum Wage Millionaire Reader
Posts: 354
Joined: 14 Oct 2024, 03:52
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 63
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-bethel-saint-bright.html
Latest Review: Ordained by Richard Van Doren

Post by Bethel Saint Bright »

Who calls to arrange for her mother's funeral when she isn't dead? Harvey must be a crazy fellow. Well, I'd love to see if this was a prank or a serious situation.
Lawrence Stein
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 64
Joined: 02 Sep 2024, 07:03
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 10
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-lawrence-stein.html
Latest Review: My Trip To Adele by R.I.Alyaseer and A. I Alyaseer

Post by Lawrence Stein »

The fact that the book's plot includes someone's burial is arranged when they are still alive paints the story as intriguing. Well done on this detailed review.
User avatar
Nneka Bridget
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 212
Joined: 09 Oct 2024, 08:27
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 15

Post by Nneka Bridget »

"Why Men Are Suspicious of Yoga" by Robert Isenberg is a humorous collection of personal anecdotes that explores life's absurdities. Isenberg’s conversational and self-deprecating style makes everyday moments relatable and entertaining. While some repetition may dilute the impact of serious themes, the lighthearted tone is enjoyable. Your 4-star rating acknowledges its strengths and minor flaws, making it a good choice for readers seeking humor and insights about life.
User avatar
Lene Lena
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 468
Joined: 18 Jun 2017, 04:57
Currently Reading: The Visible Subconscious
Bookshelf Size: 85
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-lene-lena.html
Latest Review: The Unique Friendship of Grover and Steve by Lee Cherry
2025 Reading Goal: 36
2025 Goal Completion: 25%

Post by Lene Lena »

This book indeed transcends the boundaries of yoga, delving into the absurdities of life that often go unnoticed. Even though “Why Men Are Suspicious of Yoga” offers a unique blend of humor and personal anecdotes that resonate with readers, it’s commendable how you highlighted its flaws and were honest that it may not be for everyone. All in all, it sounds like Isenberg’s conversational and humorous tone creates an intimate reading experience. His self-deprecating humor fosters a connection, making readers feel as if they are conversing with a friend. I’d like to know why Harvey would plan his mother’s funeral when she’s still alive.
Post Reply

Return to “Historical Fiction”