Out of My Mind

Rooney, revered 60 Minutes commentator, weekly syndicated newspaper columnist, and best-selling author (most recently of Years of Minutes) delivers a collection of caustic, comic essays on topics ranging from the serious (Iraq, global warming) to the absurd (the outdated semi-colon, irritating cell phone ring tones) that proves he hasn't lost his cranky appeal. Written over the past four years, these highly opinionated and often chuckle-worthy vignettes are refreshingly candid and paint a fortified portrait of Rooney's frustrations with the state of the world. In 10 themed sections (including Daily Life, Politics and Sports), Rooney showcases his broad knowledge and voluminous gripes; though they won't dazzle the literati, Rooney's signature cynicism and stream-of-consciousness voice shine through. There is something for everyone in this collection: election junkies will find the petulant ""Crab Grassroots Campaigning"" particularly amusing; pack rats and recyclers alike will identify with ""We're Wasting Away"" (the perfect case of ""sad, but true""); and those who just plain love Andy will cherish his quirky lists in ""Things I Love to Hate"" and ""Things to Do Today."" In the preface, Rooney asks himself, ""How much do I have to say that anyone cares about reading?"" Luckily for him-and for us-he has an entire book's worth.