Hey Waiter, There's an Umbrella in My Drink!: Tales from the Tropics by Hawaii's Favorite Humorist

Charles Memminger
Watermark Publishing (2006)
ISBN 0977914313
Reviewed by Regan Windsor for Reader Views (3/07)

Charles Memminger is a national award-winning columnist for the Honolulu Star-Bulletin.  His book, “Hey Waiter, There’s an Umbrella in My Drink!,” contains samples of these light-hearted and often laugh-out-loud views on Hawaii, the critters it houses (which includes the insects, small rodents, tourists, and Charley himself!) and a variety of other subjects of interest!

The book is broken into “chapters” of themed collections of thoughts, opinions, and observations on various types of subject matter.  The opening chapter includes insight on the peculiarities of Hawaii, while the next describes its various “critters.”  The third chapter, “Welcome to Charleyworld,” offers a hilarious glimpse into the strange and wonderful world of Charles Memminger.  The following quote comes from an article describing a horseback riding experience:  “My horse’s name was Thor, which was ironic, because that’s exactly what my thighs were after riding for 45 minutes.”   

“Hey Waiter, There’s an Umbrella in My Drink!” continues with tales of the unique happenings in Maui, some interesting insights on writing and writers, reasons to lighten up, and ends with a small chapter of Charleyisms.  “I’ve got two major problems: I never forget a face and I can never remember a name.” 

“The number of empty parking spaces at a mall decreases in direct proportion to how badly a driver looking for an empty parking space has to pee.”

Whether you are looking for some humor to escape the seriousness of life, you want to learn a little about the unique islands of Hawaii, or you’re looking for a fresh perspective, “Hey Waiter, There’s An Umbrella in My Drink!” is the solution.  If laughter is indeed the best medicine, then this book is your prescription!  

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