2017: The Year That Was: (But Shouldn't Have Been)

Mr. Schlarmann has a unique way of making the seemingly unending barrage of negative news, scandal and nationwide discord seem at least tolerable, and at times laughable. What is currently happening in the US is not funny, but this book is a much needed respite from the incessant fake news, hate and bigotry. Along with the sharp satire, the author gives an almost daily timeline of 2017, which is much needed in this time when one scandal quickly disappears under the next, and we sometimes forget how dangerous the actions of our "leaders" have become. It's basically a thrill ride through the year that marked the beginning of the end of what the USA once was, or thought itself to be, with a wink at those who are able to differentiate between fact, satire, and fake news.

Having survived 2017, I never thought that I would be able to look back on it and think it wasn't all that bad, but with the way this current year's going, it's nice to have a book like this to remind us of a simpler and less dangerous time.

I bought this book after a friend sent me a link to one of the writers satirical pieces from this year. The book is made up of around 15 pieces from each month of 2017 and runs through the entire first year of Trump from a satirical viewpoint.

Well presented comedy and satire. The book is split month by month with around 10-15 pieces for each. This means you can read a small amount each day or whenever you need a laugh.

Edgy comedy for edgy times. I've followed Schlarmann's work online for a couple of years and was always surprized it never made it into a book. Glad now to have something to make my commutes to work full of humor.