The popular American humorist on his move to Paris was inspired to write some hilarious pieces about his attempt to learn French. His family is another inspiration. Anyone who has heard him speaking live or on the radio may recall his attempts to learn French from a sadistic teacher who declared that 'every day spent with you is like having a caesarean section'. 'You Can't Kill the Rooster' is a portrait of his brother who talks incessant hip-hop slang to his bewildered father. No one hones a finer fury in response to such modern annoyances as restaurant meals presented in ludicrous towers of food, and cashiers with six-inch fingernails. Wonderfully astute observations, thoughtful honest and humorous writing such as 'Knuckle of flash-seared crappie served with a collar of chided ginger' and some pretty rude toilet humour. 272pp, paperback.
