A Philistine's Journal
An Average Guy Tackles the Classics
By Wayne Turmel

     Wayne Turmel's A Philistine's Journal - An Average Guy Tackles the Classics is an engaging and humorous account of Turmel's decision to read all of the literary classics he passed on in college. Each chapter is dedicated to Turmel's experience with one of the books. The introduction is particularly charming, as Turmel discusses his coming to terms with reaching forty years of age and comes to the realization that writing this book was cheaper than buying a new Corvette.

     Turmel manages to cleverly tie all of his thoughts about the books he's reading to his daily life, his family and his career. "The Jiffy Lube Theory of Marriage" is the title of the chapter involving the poetry of Robert Browning and the intricacies of managing marriage and relationships. Turmel clearly took the project seriously, but refuses to do so with much else and that is refreshing. The humor, however, does not get in the way of the insight he is able to take away from the books and then generously conveys to the reader.

      Turmel's background in stand-up comedy is evident, but is succinctly summed up near the end of the book where he rates the works in three columns: "Loved it," "Can Take or Leave it" and "I Wouldn't Read It Again with Your Eyes."

     Humorous non-fiction has become a trendy shelf at the bookstore, and many of the books feeling seem to be simply clones of bestsellers. Wayne Turmel avoids the cookie cutter style and presents his thoughts and humor in a completely original and engaging manner. A Philistine's Journal is great fun, a great read and highly recommended.