When future archaeologists dig this volume from the rubble heap of our lost civilization, they will conclude, correctly, that the average American (1997-2004) was a beer-loving, fishing-obsessed owner of pet Sea Monkeys. . .. Or maybe not. Maybe they will regard this collection of columns the way discriminating readers regard it today: As a psychiatric case study of a disturbed Northwest family and their various obsessions.

Here are just a few of the issues discussed in this very funny book by Jim Kershner:

• Cell phones, and how they want to kill us.


• Driving, and why it should never be done with relatives


• Trout streams, and why we fall down in them


• The mountains, and the dangers of hiking with Ranger Rick

This is the second volume of columns that Jim Kershner has compiled from his columnist writings with The Spokesman-Review over the past 15 years. If you enjoyed his previous collection, The Human Comedy, Plus Other Species at No Extra Charge, you'll want to be sure to purchase this new volume!