Atlanta-based Gillespie (Bleachy-Haired Honky Bitch
is a syndicated humor columnist who loves trailer life, yard sales and buddies who, like her, have avoided turning into “pod people.” Gillespie's latest concept is to become a landlord, so there are tales of cheesy house renovations and overly picky renters, although by the end of this book she's sold her story to Hollywood, ending one upward mobility theme. The more interesting sketches focus on the personal, like the one where she contemplates finding a man to date: “[O]dds are I can at least snag a bad one, and it used to be that even bad relationships were fun in their own way.” Although there's no big story, this wouldn't be a problem, except Gillespie's potty-mouth style makes most of her stories sound alike. She and her friends love to call each other “you pussy” or “pussy-ass” or the more original, “asstard.” Readers who are titillated by discussions of friends' enema habits or amused by stories of Gillespie's drunk father swearing at her mother will find a lot to enjoy. (Aug.)
