HOME SCHOOL BOOK REVIEW
Book: The Sense Of Humor: Let Humor Fast Track You to Healthier, Happier Living
Author: Max Elliot Anderson
Publisher: Elk Lake Publishing, 2016
ISBN-13: 978-1942513971
ISBN-10: 1942513976
Related website: http://yourhumorsense.blogspot.com (book)
Language level: 1
(1=nothing objectionable; 2=common euphemisms and/or childish slang terms; 3=some cursing and/or profanity; 4=a lot of cursing and/or profanity; 5=obscenity and/or vulgarity)
Recommended reading level: Teens and adults
Rating: ***** 5 stars (EXCELLENT)
Reviewed by Wayne S. Walker
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Anderson, Max Elliot. The Sense Of Humor: Let Humor Fast Track You to Healthier, Happier Living (published in 2016 by Elk Lake Publishing, Atlanta, GA 30024). During these uncertain times, what do people need most? In The Sense of Humor, author Max Elliot Anderson, who has spent most of his life in the production of documentary and dramatic films, client videos, and television commercials, and has also written many wonderful adventure and mystery books for middle grade readers eight and up, says that the answer is a good laugh. In his Introduction, Anderson says that the basic premise of the book is that “Humor and a sense of humor are unique gifts from God intended to enable people to enjoy a more positive life while at the same time brightening the corner where they are.” After all, even the Bible, in Proverbs 17:22, says, “A merry heart does good like a medicine.”
The book is filled with more than just Anderson’s opinions and ideas. “We interviewed people in the medical field and in education. We’ve cited research from authorities on the subject of humor and its benefits. Each person arrives at the same understanding. Including humor in all facets of our lives will improve our lives.” The first eleven chapters, roughly half the book, explain how humor does what it does and contain discussions of how humor relates to family, education, the workplace, relationships, national background, and even ministry. There is also a chapter warning about kinds of humor which are best to avoid because they are really “no laughing matter.”
The second half of the book, Chapter 12, enables the reader to experience fully everything discussed in the first half by providing a collection of perfectly clean, humorous jokes, anecdotes, and giggles, all arranged by subject material under such headings as health, family, education, work, relationships, ministry, miscellaneous, and vintage humor. While producing video programs and commercials for clients, Anderson observed the important role humor played in many different situations and has written the book to help people understand the power which a positive sense of humor offers. Did you know that Albert Schweitzer reportedly believed that the best medicine for any illness included a good sense of humor? Here is a book that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face, a spring in your step, and a song in your heart.
