Vandalism of Words - Book Review

An amusing book about everything and nothing at the same time, July 20, 2011

By 

Yarns and Musings (New Jersey) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: Vandalism of Words (Kindle Edition)

I found this as a free Kindle download and decided to read it a month later because the author himself said "What Is This Book About? Great question. The answer is so splendidly simple. This book is about anything, everything and nothing. It is an ideal companion on a bus or train where regular interruptions are guaranteed as every part of this book is very, very short. Ideal also for parents of young children who get interrupted a lot by screaming, crying and toilet training. Great too for those with a limited attention span" and I needed something because my attention span has been short and I didn't want to delve into anything too deep.

Terrific read, no rhyme or reason to his thought processes on any given day, much like I usually feel. Each "chapter" was an amusing excerpt from his blog and I read through it quickly, picking it up here and there. Great sense of humor, interesting commentary on everyday things some of us never would have thought about or if we had, we never gave them another thought, but he did and put it in print.

I liked his writing style so much, I went back and bought one of his books and plan to buy a few more of them.

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Vandalism of Words - Book Review

Natalie Valentina's review 

Jul 08, 11

bookshelves: my-alltime-favorites 

Read in July, 2011

This is a brilliant little compendium about how Derek Haines sees the world.

Like a "best of" of his blog... I find his thoughts quirky, funny, intelligent, sarcastic, twisted, insightful, wise and so utterly inescapable that I shared it with my husband, reading it to him. (Yes I forced him to listen at first)But then he started asking for more... And my husband is hardly enthusiastic about anything!(except my cooking) but now I am deviating a bit...

If you orgiastically acclaimed Malcolm Gladwell and his "what the dog saw" witch was a bit of a let down to be honest... Kind of the emperors new clothes... if You know what I mean... Then you will love this one. Its just less pretentious. And much more fun.

On a more personal note: This book has definitively established Derek Haines as my favorite author/writer I have EVER read. (I am reading his work backwards, I know) Thank you, Derek!

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Vandalism Of Words - Book Review

Reviewed by C.C.Cole
Review of Vandalism of Words (Kindle)

“Vandalism of Words” by Derek Haines reads like a collection of opinion columns by Derek on many things we experience in our everyday lives. He’s cynical, but carries his message with humor and clarity. I found it interesting that an Australian living in Switzerland has so much in common with others living a hemisphere away. He addresses everything to politics to usual family living acknowledging the imperfections of the world but at the same time not taking everything for granted. Heaven love him, he’s got an opinion and doesn’t mind saying so. Rock on, Derek, and congratulations, four stars!

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Vandalism Of Words - Book Review

Reviewed by Joe Young
This is a review of Vandalism of Words (Kindle)
Goodreads Reader

Derek Haines has a definite twisted view of the world. I happen to like his views as he expresses them in this collection of what I imagine to be past blog posts. The life he describes seems idyllic and his approach to writing makes it seem like an ideal pursuit. I find it easy to embrace his views of political leaders and others in authority. I think I understand his anger with all things colonial and expect his taste for beer, great coffee and delightful food made with local fresh produce may stem from his Australian exposure.

I can only lament that he found a wage earning wife to support him, share in his eccentricities and supply him with a Swiss citizenship while I must still struggle through life. Pick up this book and treat yourself to the humorous ramblings and pointed examinations of mostly everything he chooses to expose himself to. I found myself smiling and nodding while I was reading and largely jealous of his ability to make such a rewarding "Big" life for himself and his readers. I'm amazed he can think these "Deep" thoughts and not completely distract himself from his writing.

I highly recommend this read.

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Vandalism Of Words - Book Review

Weird, Warped and Wonderful
Reviewed by JustJan
Amazon Verified Purchase
Review of Vandalism of Words (Kindle)

This is a Sienfeld-style stream of consciousness that covers everything from mutton to skin rashes in the nether regions from the fabric softener. I did not burst out laughing at any point but I did chuckle softly on occasion. It is a peculiar and aimless rambling of an entertaining mind. I found myself nodding in agreement; snorting in disapproval; or raising an eyebrow inquisitively wondering how we arrived at such a thought. Between pondering how often he tipped the whiskey bottle and toying with entertaining adverbs, the author drops insightful tidbits. It is an interesting and entertaining look at everything and nothing at all.

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Vandalism Of Words - Book Review

Reviewed by Sriram Srinivasan
Vandalism of Words (Kindle)

Completed reading Vandalism of Words. It's funny, humorous, and made me laugh all the way. Also made me understand that an idiot is not equal to a fool :)

This is a collection of blog posts written by the author. He covers various topics from, food to politics to language. An easy read and one can complete this one in one sitting. I highly recommend Vandalism of Words.

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Vandalism Of Words - Book Review

Reviewed by Caroline Gerardo
Vandalism of Words (Kindle)

My Friday night read, Derek Haines Vandalism of Words.

The writing is witty, poetic and true.
Derek says, "When asked to describe my writing style, I would think carefully, wait a few seconds, and then answer, I have no idea!"

I recommend this book.

I'm not a whiskey drinker on ice, but his bittersweet view might need a belt when you are done.

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Vandalism of Words - Book Review

The Blogger's Bible 
Reviewed By Jack Eason (Beccles, Suffolk, England)
Amazon Verified Purchase
This review is from: Vandalism of Words (Kindle Edition)

I have just finished reading, crying tears of laughter, and agreeing with, the selection of Derek Haines' blogs.

If, like me, you contribute to the blogosphere in some small way, or if you are considering adding your two pennies worth, I urge you to read Derek Haines "Vandalism of Words". In collating this collection of his blog posts, Derek has unwittingly created the Blogger's Bible, or if you want to look at it another way, He show's how to blog. I thoroughly commend all who love the written word to get a copy.

Do as I have by starting your day reading three or four of the blog posts contained in "Vandalism of Words" pages. You won't regret it, and it will definitely put a smile on your face...