Seasoned comedic authors Spangler (She Who Laughs, Lasts!) and MacDonald (Humor for the Heart) draw upon Christendom's funniest writers and speakers for some "laugh till you drop" stories, quips and anecdotes of life experiences. Well-regarded comediennes Barbara Johnson, Chonda Pierce, Patsy Clairmont, Luci Swindoll, Sheila Walsh and Marilyn Meberg are some of the many contributors. The target audience is clearly women, but a few male writers offer pieces as well: Christian comics Ken Davis and Mark Lowry add to the ensemble, along with syndicated columnist Dave Barry, who contributes a piece that is long on gender humor but devoid of Christian content. In over 75 hilarious stories, Spangler and MacDonald have accomplished their goal of finding joy amidst some of life's not-so-humorous happenings. With a simple twist in perspective and a quick nod toward heaven, the disastrous is transformed into the deliriously funny. Take Becky Freeman's step back into the college scene as a middle-aged wife and mother; on her first day, she receives a shock to her already stressed self-esteem. Enter a good friend/hairdresser boldly attempting to turn back the ravages of time with hair color, which ends up giving more color... but less hair. Illness, marriage, kids, money, eating, vacationing: no topic is out of range when a group of women, intent on seeing the sunny side of life, get together for a laugh. Regrettably, this compilation will likely only appeal to female readers, whose male counterparts won't see past the floral cover and predominantly female-oriented topics. (Jan.)
