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A review by thisbookbelongstosk
Medallion Status: True Stories from Secret Rooms by John Hodgman
5.0
I bought this book at one of John Hodgman's live shows, knowing full well I was waiting to buy it directly from him rather than a few weeks earlier from my local bookstore. So obviously I'm already showing my bias.
I love John Hodgman and his comedy and his writing and his podcast. He's the "older white male" who makes me have faith in that category of person. He is intelligent, insightful, open, (I hate this word, but he's pretty damn) woke, and honestly civil in his discourse, which is a precious commodity these days.
I, naturally, really enjoyed this book. If you've enjoyed any of his other books, it stands to reason that you'll like this one, too.
Two chapters or essays that specifically stand out as my favourites are:
- Secret Family: where John discusses his time living in Paul F Tompkins and Janie Tompkins' spare bedroom like their adopted adult child while working in LA (away from home and his family). I'm arguably one of PFT's biggest fans (self-proclaimed) and ANY mention of him completely delights me, but this insight into their friendship and lives (like Paul ironing his shirts in the living room while watching the news) are just so sublime.
- Disney Jail: anything Disney related gets me excited. Not to mention the seedy underbelly that is behind-the-scenes at Disney. So the delight John shares with his son with regards to the knowledge of Disney Jail existing is wonderful (and so much like something my father and I would do or say). The endless musings of how you might get thrown into Disney Jail were delightful and I will never not think of John Hodgman when I see the treehouse or evil queen.
There are definitely other stories that standout. Some mildly political, some whimsical and silly, and some just straight up about showing love for Maine and the North Eastern US. I think that's a given with John Hodgman. And it's as comforting as an old favourite cozy sweater.
I give this book 2 famous corgis, 1 pin I bought at his show that displays a hot dog and reads "not a sandwich", and a wholesome love of beloved airline. (aka 5 stars).
I love John Hodgman and his comedy and his writing and his podcast. He's the "older white male" who makes me have faith in that category of person. He is intelligent, insightful, open, (I hate this word, but he's pretty damn) woke, and honestly civil in his discourse, which is a precious commodity these days.
I, naturally, really enjoyed this book. If you've enjoyed any of his other books, it stands to reason that you'll like this one, too.
Two chapters or essays that specifically stand out as my favourites are:
- Secret Family: where John discusses his time living in Paul F Tompkins and Janie Tompkins' spare bedroom like their adopted adult child while working in LA (away from home and his family). I'm arguably one of PFT's biggest fans (self-proclaimed) and ANY mention of him completely delights me, but this insight into their friendship and lives (like Paul ironing his shirts in the living room while watching the news) are just so sublime.
- Disney Jail: anything Disney related gets me excited. Not to mention the seedy underbelly that is behind-the-scenes at Disney. So the delight John shares with his son with regards to the knowledge of Disney Jail existing is wonderful (and so much like something my father and I would do or say). The endless musings of how you might get thrown into Disney Jail were delightful and I will never not think of John Hodgman when I see the treehouse or evil queen.
There are definitely other stories that standout. Some mildly political, some whimsical and silly, and some just straight up about showing love for Maine and the North Eastern US. I think that's a given with John Hodgman. And it's as comforting as an old favourite cozy sweater.
I give this book 2 famous corgis, 1 pin I bought at his show that displays a hot dog and reads "not a sandwich", and a wholesome love of beloved airline. (aka 5 stars).