An “extremely funny...brilliantly alive” ( The New York Times Book Review ) social satire of the highest order from bestselling author Sam Lipsyte, centered around an unwitting mindfulness guru and the phenomenon he initiates. In an America convulsed by political upheaval, cultural discord, environmental catastrophe, and spiritual confusion, so many of us find ourselves anxious and distracted, searching desperately for peace, salvation, and—perhaps most immediately—just a little damn focus. Enter Hark Morner, a failed stand-up comic turned mindfulness guru whose revolutionary program is set to captivate the masses. But for Fraz and Tovah, a middle-aged couple slogging through a very rough patch, it may take more than the tenets of Hark’s “Mental Archery” to solve the riddles of love, lust, work, and parenthood on the eve of civilizational collapse. And given the sudden power of certain fringe players, including a renegade Ivy League ethicist, a gentle Swedish kidnapper, a social media tycoon with an empire on the skids, and a mysteriously influential (but undeniably slimy) catfish, it just might be too late. But what’s the point of a world, even a blasted-out post-apocalyptic world, if they don’t try with all their might to keep their marriage alive? In this “awfully funny...tartly effective sendup of 21st-century America” ( Star Tribune , Minneapolis) Sam Lipsyte reaches new peaks of daring in a novel that revels in contemporary absurdity and the wild poetry of everyday language while exploring the emotional truths of his characters. “Recommended reading” ( Vanity Fair ), in which “every line feels as thrillingly charged as a live wire” ( O, The Oprah Magazine ), Hark is a smart, incisive look at men, women, and children seeking meaning and dignity in a chaotic, ridiculous, and often dangerous world.

In this hilarious collection, a Thurber Prize winner who is "one of the funniest writers in America" chronicles the absurdity of fame and the humanity of failure in a world dominated by social media stars ( Daily Beast ). Simon Rich is an award-winning humorist who draws comparisons to Douglas Adams (the New York Times Book Review ), James Thurber, and P.G. Wodehouse (the Guardian ). With Hits and Misses , he's back with a hilarious collection of stories about dreaming big and falling flat, about ordinary people desperate for stardom and the stars who are bored by having it all. Inspired by Rich's real experiences in Hollywood, Hits and Misses chronicles all the absurdity of fame and success alongside the heartbreaking humanity of failure. From a bitter tell-all by Paul Revere's horse to a gushing magazine profile of World War II's most infamous dictator, these stories roam across time and space to skewer our obsession with making it big -- from the days of ancient Babylon to the age of TMZ.

A rediscovered gem from the Roaring Twenties, "Cutie: A Warm Mamma" offers a biting satire of social reformers and urban life in Chicago. Co-authored by Ben Hecht and Maxwell Bodenheim, this collection of short stories delivers sharp social commentary through humorous and literary fiction. Exploring themes of city life and societal change, the book provides a unique snapshot of the era. Readers will find insightful, and often droll, observations on human nature and the complexities of social interaction. "Cutie: A Warm Mamma" remains a relevant and engaging exploration of the tensions between idealism and reality, rendered with a distinctive voice from a pivotal moment in American history. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to provoke thought and laughter, making it a timeless reflection on society and its discontents. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Venture into the realm of mythological fiction with Benjamin Disraeli's satirical fantasy, "Ixion In Heaven." This witty tale draws upon Greek mythology to explore timeless themes with humor and sharp social commentary. The story centers on Ixion, a figure from Greek myth, and his unexpected journey. Disraeli's work is a delightful example of satirical writing. Through clever prose and fantastical scenarios, the author delivers a story that transcends time. Readers who enjoy humorous fiction and imaginative reimaginings of classic tales will find this book a rewarding experience. "Ixion In Heaven" offers a unique blend of fantasy and satire, showcasing Disraeli's skill in crafting engaging and thought-provoking narratives. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.