5 VERY GOOD REASONS TO PUNCH A DOLPHIN IN THE MOUTH (AND OTHER USEFUL GUIDES)

Quirky, irreverent comic strips loaded with interesting and eclectic observations about the today’s society.

Web designer turned comic artist Matthew Inman (theoatmeal.com) offers a collection of cartoons that have appeared on his website over the past year, including some new material created especially for his debut release. Inman says his goal “is to entertain, inform, and offend.” He succeeds on all counts. Part sophisticated observation of modern society and part frat-boy humor, the book constantly surprises. His webcomics offer an ironic, hilarious and ultimately honest portrayal of everyday life—see one man’s descent into madness while trying to speak to an actual person in customer service. The unexpected awaits the reader at every turn. Browse through “7 Ways To Keep Your Tyrannosaur Off Crack Cocaine” before learning about Nikola Tesla and the development of AC electricity. A new-age Emily Post with a deep sarcastic undertone, Inman highlights a variety of social etiquette mistakes: “The 9 Types of Crappy Handshakes” is an especially effective greeting guide. The book contains some of the best explanations of how to use a semi-colon and sheds light on other grammarian pet peeves. The pullout poster on the end flap, “Why I Believe Printers Were Sent from Hell to Make Us Miserable,” will strike a responsive chord in anyone who has struggled with the simplest of modern technology.

Delightfully absurd musings on both everyday life and fantasy from an unusually creative mind.