42.13: Chew (Volume 6): Space Cakes, by John Layman (author) and Rob Guillory (artist) (2012 trade paperback, issues 26-30)

For sheer entertainment and crazy, intelligent fun, this comic is unmatchable. I've laid out the premise in earlier reviews (Volume 3 and 4/5, and I'll simply say that this volume--focusing on Tony's sister Toni--is more of the same quality. Without giving more away, I will say that this story arc concludes in a pretty grisly and sad way, but it doesn't make me want to stop reading, Instead, I look forward to seeing how Layman and Guillory spin off from here into a new landscape both serious and comical.

31.13: Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls, by David Sedaris (2013 hardcover)

Five of five stars. If you like other Sedaris, you'll enjoy this just as much. (I'm catching up on my neglected blog, so these are short entries. Post a comment if you read the book--or are interested in doing so--and I'll share more!)

3 and 4.13: Flambe and Major League (Chew, Volumes 4 and 5, issues 16-20 and 21-25), by John Layman and Rob Guillory (2011 trade paperbacks)

Without question, this is the funniest comic series that I read. (If you are unfamiliar with it, you can check out the backstory--as well as an explanation of my start as a comic reader--in my review of the third voume of the series at this link.) After my sister Sarah and I laughed our way through a Chew panel featuring Layman and Guillory at the 2013 Comic Con in San Diego, it's clear to see why the absurd plot of this comic works so well: these two guys love what they do and they have fun doing it. While the two did not know each other before the collaboration and conduct their work through text and email for the most part, when chatting and answering questions at the Con, they cracked jokes, finished each others sentences, and let their imaginations run. In addition to a fun session, it was an excellent example of a creative partnership that really works.

In Volume 4 of Chew, Tony and John continue to work cases but are increasingly frustrated that resources are diverted from the FDA to other agencies investigating the flaming letters in the earth's atmosphere. Regardless, they continue to track down poultry abusers everywhere, enduring the dangers of high-school food fights, botched USDA raids (whose agents are comprosed almost 100% of huge-breasted women), and NASA researchers. The fact that the terrorosts dress like mimes and the world is saved by a kick-ass secret-weapon names Poyo are just a few of the hilarities of this volume.

In Volume 5, Tony's boss at the FDA achieves his long-time goal and has Tony transfered out of the agency. As a kilt-wearing traffic cop, Tony may lack prestige, but he impresses his boss and co-workers by solving a robbery case. The glory doesn't last long, though, before he is kidnapped and forced to help his girlfriend's ex achieve his long-time quest of documenting the secret sex lives of baseball stars. Along the way, Tony's daughter Olive is recruited to use her cibopathic powers and John plies his charms with his new (grey-haired and wrinkly but still hugely-endowed) boss at the USDA to get a surprising new partner.

Chew's a fun romp, and one that will be enjoyed by those who both love food and have a strong stomach. Bon appetite! 

94.11: Finger Lickin' Fifteen, by Janet Evanovich (iBook, original publication date 2009)

I've posted entries about a number of books from Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series, so if you are in need of the back story, take a few minutes to visit these earlier entries: Troublemaker (entry 25) and Eleven on Top, Twelve Sharp, Lean Mean Thirteen, and Fearless Fourteen (entries 38-41). As I do when reading every book about the hapless Jersey bail bonds agent, while reading Fifteen I alternately found myself wondering why I was reading such silly stuff and laughing hysterically. I've said it before: for simple fun reading, you can't beat this series. 

In Fifteen the caper includes a barbecue contest, a maniac with a cleaver, and a serial arsonist. But really, who cares? The pleasure here is in the regular cast of characters, silly incidents, and zingy one-liners. I smile just thinking about it and plan to upload Sizzling Sixteen soon.