I Only Laugh When It Hurts: A Collection of Hard and Hilarious Lessons

Daniel Foxx
Pelican Publishing (2009)
ISBN 9781589806351
Reviewed by Cherie Fisher for Reader Views (7/09)


This book is a compilation of heartwarming and often funny stories from the author’s life.  Daniel Foxx grew up in the South during the 1940s when kids could still run free without parents worrying about their safety.  Many of Daniel’s early experiences were carefree, but not all as he grew up during World War II.  There were poignant moments as he realized that some of the neighbor’s sons would not be coming home.  

Many of the stories show the author’s wonderful sense of humor.  My favorite of them was the story about Mrs. Boozer (what a name!) who was Daniel’s Advanced Algebra teacher.  She was notorious for charging student 2 cents for not having their algebra book.  One time, when Daniel knew that she was going to do a book check, he took a $100 out of his savings (I was impressed that he that much in savings!).  When he told her that he did not have his book, she asked him for the 2 cents and he responded by asking if she had change for $100.  He stood there smugly thinking that he had pulled one over on her as she left the room.  When she returned awhile later, it was with a shoe box full of his change, in nickels, dimes and quarters.  She then made him count it and put all of the change in his pockets!  Way to go Mrs. Boozer!!!!

Looking back, Foxx realizes many things about life.  One of these includes: “I’m not supposed to need a nap now that I’m a grown up.  Listen, I didn’t need a nap when I was five years old, but they wouldn’t leave me alone.  Now I really know how to take a nap.  I could really do it good.”  Couldn’t we all Daniel?

This well-written book has wonderful stories that cross the generations.  Anyone from five to one hundred and five will enjoy the stories in “I Only Laugh When It Hurts” by Daniel Foxx.

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