The Book of Guys

The Book of Guys features 22 very funny stories about "ordinary guys, gods, heroes, and dim bulbs," told in the friendly, conversational style of silver-tongued master storyteller Garrison Keillor, the host and writer of the popular radio show "Prairie Home Companion," author of Lake Wobegon Days, Happy To Be Here, and many other books.

"Guys are in trouble these days," says Keillor. "Years ago, manhood was an opportunity for achievement and now it's just a problem to be overcome. Guys who once might have painted the Sistine Chapel ceiling are now just trying to be Mr. O.K. All-Rite, the man who can bake a cherry pie, be passionate in a skillful way, and yet also lift them bales and tote that barge."

In the book's introduction, a bunch of guys are drinking whiskey in the woods and singing mournful songs. One of them says, "I ain't no misogynist or chauvinist but I got to say, women are getting awfully impossible to please these days. . . . I quit playing softball and deer hunting and took up painting delicate watercolors, still lifes mostly, and tossing salads, and learned how to discuss issues and feelings and concerns and not make jokes about them, and they're still angry at me. A guy can't win . . . . So don't worry about it. Live your life. Oya! we all yelled."

This book is truly a hoot, even if you're not a guy.