Word for Word

In his eighth book, Rooney, of 60 Minutes fame, presents 130 of his syndicated newspaper columns from the past two years, ranging from the vastly amusing to the rather flat. He is at his best as a Connecticut homeowner with his amiable grousing about the frustrations that beset suburbanites. For instance, he bemoans the fact that he is unable to throw anything away, then in another piece tosses away consistency to wonder how he manages to accumulate so much junk in his garage and basement. He laments his inability to find a workman who will make minor repairs, grumbles about the vanishing space in his kitchen as microwave, food processor, etc., take over. On more serious subjects, like welfare families, the federal budget and dishonesty, he comes across as a banal cracker-barrel philosopher. But, since Rooney has a multitude of fans, this one should sell well. (November 21)