If You Can't Say Something Nice

Calvin Trillin. Penguin Books, $7.95 (272pp) ISBN 978-0-14-011483-6

``Trillin's flair for parodying the mores and foibles of private citizens and public figures alike is showcased in this collection of amusing essays,'' observed PW . ``Particularly apt'' are his send-ups on wine snobbery, a specious Oreo cookies promotion and severance pay. Author tour. (Dec . )

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