A Fistful of Fig Newtons

Jean Shepard is considered one of America's greatest raconteur. His stories about his childhood and early adulthood are at once hilariously funny, nostalgic (for an America long gone) poignant, and insightful. Shepard spins a yarn in such a way that has mesmerized several generations of Americans thought his long-time NYC radio show, and his short stories (mostly written for Playboy magazine in the 1960's and early 1970's). This collection is a follow-on to his very famous anthology "Wanda Hickey's Night of Golden Memories" Shepard's stories have been dramatized on Public Broadcasting's 'American Playhouse' and in that modern Christmas classic, "A Christmas Story" (You'll shoot your eye out!)! While the stories in "A Fist Full of Fig Newtons" are as fun as ever, the narration Shepard uses to tie the stories together; that of the author creeping through New York's Holland tunnel at a snail's pace, is tedious at times, it doesn't in anyway take away from the charm of the stories themselves. If you enjoyed "Wanda Hickey", you'll like "A Fistful" as well. If you've never read Sheppard, I suggest that you start with "Wanda Hickey's Night of Golden Memories" It's available on Kindle.Highly recommenced!

Gene Shepherd was an American treasure whose commentary on life here in the U.S was rich with knowledge, and delivered with humor that was appropriate and not condescending. His stories take us back to the America that used to be, warts and all, but are an accurate depiction of the life and times of a man whose talents were equal to that of Mark Twain's. He will make you laugh out loud.

I started reading this book last night, and stayed up late because every story was so engaging and so funny.His writing style is... well... stylish. Not everyone will "hear" his sarcasm and dry humor. He also takes some time getting to the point. (The journey IS the adventure!)And, oh yes, he's writing from a different era... one that's just a teensy bit politically incorrect, at times.Once you're on his wavelength, you'll be hooked by his style, his stories, and his cleverness.The Fig Newtons story... I didn't see that coming. Not for a second. It was a totally delicious, laugh-out-loud zinger when all was revealed.The rest of the book is equally rich and evocative of a different time (but -- at the same time -- an Everyman experience), and ranges from guffaws to deep amusement.But, to fully enjoy his writing, it's best to watch the movies with his narrative, such as "A Christmas Story," first.

Bought it for a friend and he loves it!

Very funny! I’m liking Jean Shepherd’s books more and more. If you’ve only seen “A Christmas Story”, then you are missing out on all the hilarious memories and characters that he describes. It’s a collection of semi-biographical stories, best read a little at a time. Some of the cultural references are now becoming a little dated but that just makes the history in this stand out more. I plan to read all of his books! Recommended.

Collection of short stories - hilarious. From the guy who wrote the book that 'A Christmas Story' was based on. All very memorable stories written with a wry sense of humor - people who grew up in the late 40's and 50's can really relate and reminisce, but young people will enjoy as well. The story about kids with last names starting with letters at the end of the alphabet forever relegated to the back row of all school rooms and their strategies for going unnoticed by the teacher had me laughing out loud as did the one about working the kitchen car on a troop train. The other people on the plane probably thought I forgot to take my meds. Jean Shepherd's other book 'Wanda Hickey's Night of Golden Memories' is also a classic and contains several of the short stories that were cobbled together for 'A Christmans Story' the movie.

The book arrived in a contorted shape, so reading it has been annoying for how the pages are now folded.

Jean Shepherd's radio persona on WOR-AM filled many a quiet evening decades ago. He has a modern Twain-like storyteller's gift with an appreciation for the absurd and ironic. After publishing In God We Trust All Others Pay Cash and being "discovered" with The Christmas Story (with the Red Ryder BB Gun, Playboy got him to write and publish short stories, spicing them up a bit for that audience, but still undeniably Shephard. Even PBS found his raconteur style worthy of a 13 part series, Jean Shepherd's America.Inspired by daydreams on his way through the tunnel from NY to NJ, these are nice stories and a good addition to my Shep collection. I am a longtime fan.

Jean Shepherd weaves a magic account of his thoughts while in the Lincoln Tunnel between New York City andNew Jersey with great humor.

You need to be of a certain age to appreciate these stories, but if you are you will cry with laughter.

Got several,pages in and found it boring. May give it another chance later if there is nothing else to read.