Everyone asks stupid questions. But not everyone would mail them to major American corporations.
This is the premise behind “Consumer Joe,” a humorist’s dream. Author Paul Davidson takes on the fake name David Paulson and asks some of the funniest questions since “Seinfeld.”
This is not serious, mind-numbing reading. This is funny, ridiculous humor that can be put down and picked up infrequently.
The concept of the book is sheer genius: write funny letters to corporations, wait for response and publish. Readers will be left thinking, “Why didn’t I think of this?”
Davidson fictitiously asks the Circle K parent company for a flag for his “Circle K Fan Club.” Alongside his letters he prints the companies’ serious replies.
He also writes to the American Egg Board to ask, “Are you still referring to our white, oval friends as the incredible, edible egg? If so I’d like to know what’s so gosh darn incredible about them.”
In a response as bizarre as Davidson’s question, the American Egg Board sends him an “Eggcyclopedia” with the nutrient density of one egg.
He also poses one of the most commonly asked questions by anyone who has ever eaten at Wendy’s: “What’s with the square burgers?” Oddly enough, they enthusiastically reply and answer his question.
Most consumers are unaware writing a letter to a company can often lead to free stuff.
Davidson received coupons and certificates from Kellogg’s, Proctor & Gamble, Taco Bell and a free Zen Garden, just for harassing these companies.
This book is whimsical and silly and can offer blessed relief from the tedium of Milton, Dickens and Shakespeare.
But reading page after page of ridiculous correspondence grows tiresome, no matter how fast a read this book is.
After reading the book, although it was quite funny, questions arise about the author himself, such as “Why does this guy have so much free time?” The book is obnoxiously funny and appealing because it answers those questions many of us are too proud or mature to ask.
It’s a great coffee table accoutrement and discussion piece.
Curiosity will prevail. Everyone wants to know what happened to the New Coke leftovers when no one bought it and why Ben and Jerry’s rejected the author’s “Jew Crew” flavor suggestion.
Take a break from school and read this book- the laughs are worth it.