Title: Spoiled Brats
Author: Simon Rich
First published January 1, 2014
211 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780316368629 (ISBN10: 0316368628)
Rating: 3.97
Overview
Simon Rich’s SPOILED BRATS is a delightful collection of stories that will have you laughing out loud. With a writing style reminiscent of literary greats Karen Russell and George Saunders, Rich brings his own unique humor to the table.
This book explores the complex relationships between parents and children, and the hilarious situations that arise from these bonds. In “Family Business,” a young chimpanzee chooses a different path than his hardworking father, causing tension and hilarity.
“Proud Mom” tells the tale of a mother who loves her child no matter what, even if he is a terrifying monster. And in “Animals,” a classroom hamster’s life hangs in the balance when a notorious student is given the responsibility of taking care of him.
SPOILED BRATS is a must-read for anyone who loves clever humor and absurdity.
About the Author
Meet Simon Rich, an American humorist whose first book, Ant Farm and Other Desperate Situations, was published by Random House in April 2007. Simon attended The Dalton School and was once president of The Harvard Lampoon.
He’s also the son of Frank Rich, an editorialist for The New York Times. Simon’s talent was recognized early on, and he received a two book contract from Random House before graduating from Harvard University in 2007.
Ant Farm and Other Desperate Situations is a hilarious collection of “giddy what-if scenarios” that was well-received. Excerpts from the book were even printed in “Shouts and Murmurs” column.
Simon’s second book, Free-Range Chickens, was published in 2008, followed by his first novel, Elliot Allagash, in May of 2010. Simon’s most recent work, Spoiled Brats, is a collection of short stories about love.
Currently, Simon is a writer for a show we’re sure you’ve heard of, Saturday Night Live. With his wit and humor, we’re excited to see what Simon has in store for us next!
Editoral Review
Spoiled Brats, written by Simon Rich and first published on January 1, 2014, is a collection of humorous short stories that utilize satire to critique society and modern culture. Rich, who has written comedy for SNL and The New Yorker, is known for his wit and intelligence, and Spoiled Brats illustrates his talent as a humorist.
The stories in Spoiled Brats are absurd and exaggerated, and often take commonplace scenarios, such as job interviews or family gatherings, and infuse them with outrageous characters and situations. Many of these stories are narrated by Rich himself, who often inserts himself into his own stories, blurring the line between reality and fiction.
One story, titled “Sell Out,” follows a struggling writer who agrees to pen a children’s book for a major corporation, only to discover that the book promotes toxic values and stereotypes. Another story, “Stay At Home Dad,” explores gender roles and masculinity, as a man gives up his job to stay home with his children, only to be met with ridicule and belittlement from his peers.
Rich’s humor is sharp and biting, and his satire is poignant and astute. He effortlessly blends social commentary with comedy, and his stories often tackle heavy topics with levity and wit.
He manages to find humor in even the darkest of situations, without ever crossing the line into offensiveness or cruelty. However, while Rich’s writing is undoubtedly clever and entertaining, there are moments where the humor falls flat or feels repetitive.
Some stories lack the emotional depth needed to make them truly impactful, and the constant use of absurdity can sometimes feel overwhelming. Overall, Spoiled Brats is an enjoyable and witty read, perfect for those who enjoy smart, satirical humor.
While it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, Rich’s talent as a humorist is undeniable. His stories are bold, hilarious, and thought-provoking, and he manages to use humor to shed light on important issues in our society.
While Spoiled Brats may not be the most groundbreaking collection of short stories, it is a solid addition to the genre and offers a fresh and unique perspective on modern life. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a good laugh and a bit of social commentary.
It’s a quick and entertaining read, perfect for a lazy afternoon or a long commute. Overall rating: 3.5/5 stars.
