Odd Books

I thought that the many UK lurkers here might be interested to know that Waterstones have a couple of odd book compilations half price in their sale at present (at least in the Belfast branch but I assume nationally as well) [i]Scouts in Bondage: And Other Books from an Innocent Age[/i] by Michael Bell and the updated third edition of the incomparable [i]Fish Who Answer the Telephone and Other Bizarre Books[/i] by Russell Ash and Brian Lake These books have only been out a few months and of course I bought them full price just before Xmas javascript:emoticon(':(') Sad

A recent book that is both extremely odd, but also very in tune with our times, is 'The Personal Security Handbook: The Ultimate Guide to Protecting Your Home and Family' by Dr. Chris McNab and Joanna Rabiger (Lyons Press, 2003). I picked this up from a bargin bin and opened it find such classically paranoid advice as: "Watch Exits: Note who gets on and who gets off the train, and survey the platform through the exit door before you leave the train yourself." (p. 105)

Hello, I am searching for an odd children’s book that I read sometime between 1971 and 1973. Unfortunately I do not remember the title of the book or what exactly it was about, though a color illustration from the book still stands out in my mind even though I am now in my 40’s.

I have followed Alfred's purchases of odd books for the past 3-4 years. I even purchased a copy of 'How to Defend Yourself Against Alien Abduction" after reading his review. This site is a welcome refuge from the seriousness of other collecting websites. Again, congratulations for finding a unique collecting genre and sticking to it. Art Layton USA

There won't be any new book reports on the Odd Books site for a while, as I am attempting to write a book of my own. While you wait, please feel free to leave amusing comments or questions here. I'll endeavour to respond promptly, if not always politely.