Even More Laughs

September 27, 2010
Symphony Space and its distinguished cast bring these favorite humorous short stories to the world of recorded audio. This compilation blends classics, such as Saki's "The Schartz-Metterklume Method" (performed with sly humor by Marian Seldes) and Philip Roth's "The Conversion of the Jews" (read with verve by Jerry Zaks) with more recent works, including Miranda July's "The Swim Team" (milked for every laugh by Parker Posey). Thomas Mehan's "Ima Dream" (performed with perfect timing by Christine Baranski) and Harry Mathews's "Country Cooking from Central France" (given rather too much weight by Isaiah Sheffer) are one-line jokes that go on for too long. These entertaining stories will provide much-needed comic relief to combat winter's coming chill. and other adversities.

Starred review from March 15, 2011

Part of an Audie Award-nominated series featuring contemporary and classic short fiction originally performed by notable actors on Symphony Space's "Selected Shorts" public radio show, this latest collection makes for an immensely enjoyable listening experience. Stephen Colbert, Alec Baldwin, Parker Posey, Christine Baranski, and four other first-rate performers each read a story, by writers including T.C. Boyle ("The Lie"), and Philip Roth ("The Conversion of the Jews"); the actors are well suited to the pieces they read. Hilarious, refreshing, and thoroughly entertaining, these stories are so rich that there's a favorite story here for everyone. This latest impressive addition to the series is recommended for everyone who likes to laugh.--Gloria Maxwell, Metropolitan Community Coll.-Penn Valley Lib., Kansas City, MO

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