| | |
The Xenophobe's Guide to the Californians by Anthony Marais A guide to understanding the Californians which shows the quirks of personality
that set them apart from the rest of the Americans.
| I dream therefore I am | | Californians are delusional. Like characters out of Dashiell Hammett's
Maltese Falcon, they are forever chasing painted lead in the hope of finding gold
beneath the surface. In fact, they are completely out of touch with just about
everything except their image. |
| You better believe it | | Californians are believers. Cynics, sceptics and atheists are advised
to go directly to New York. Indeed, Californians take their beliefs so seriously
that many lose touch with what doesn't need to be believed. |
| The not-so-free way | | Traffic to the Californian is like ice to the Eskimo: it slows you down,
you're surrounded by it, it's often a nuisance, but it just wouldn't be home without
it. Coming to a complete stop on a 12-lane freeway with the sun glaring in your
eyes to the tune of Life in the Fast Lane is an essential part of the California
experience. |
| EQ versus IQ | | It has been said that for every year you live in California you gain
one point of EQ (Emotional Quotient). Rumour has it that it is paid for in loss
of IQ, but that's beside the point. The result is that many Californians are indeed
emotionally aware. At least, they believe themselves to be. And as the delusion
dictates, if enough people believe something, it must be true. |
| Before leaving
for my first holiday in California I came across the xenophobe's guide in my local
bookstore. After driving the length and breadth of California I can wholeheartedly
recommend this book, the Californians are everything it suggests and more! |
| Southampton, UK |
|
Dude! This book is awesome! Wow!! California has been analyzed and humorized in
this delightful book that will keep you laughing from beginning to end. Mr. Marais
doesn't miss a beat as he rattles off one quip after another about this culture
of characters that even Hollywood couldn't dream up! From pampered pooches to
personal growth weekends, from smog alerts to freeway traffic jams, California
has set itself up for this author's hilarious take on the "sunshine state".
Enjoy!! | | California, USA |
|
I began reading this book on my lunch break at work - laughing out loud from the
start! After work, I read it while walking to my car and while stopped at traffic
lights on the drive home. Now, if that isn't a ringing endorsement! I've been
to the Golden State a few times and I can vouch that the author describes Californians
to a 'T'. This is a witty and insightful book that will be enjoyed even if you
have no plans to visit. It's a lot of fun, give it a read! |
| New Jersey, USA |
|
One of the funniest and truest books on Californian people! As a European who
has done business in California for the past 14 years, I can say this is one of
the funniest and truest books I've read on these people. No one traveling there
should get off the plane without having read this little key. It is written in
a humourous style that entertains while it informs. |
| Markdorf, Germany |
| Xenophobe's
Guides aim to help us understand our differences. |
| Daily Express |
|
Short, aphoristic, seriously funny, not that xenophobic and almost entirely apt
guide, perfect homework for the fortunate on ferry or plane. |
| The Observer |
Nationalism
and Identity
Character
Attitudes and Values
Happy Families
Manners
and Behaviour
Leisure and Pleasure
Drinking and Eating
Custom and
Tradition
Sense of Humour
Culture
Systems
Culture
Systems
Business and Commerce
Government
Language | |
| 
| Author:
Anthony
Marais | | Format:
64
pages, pb | | Published:
20/06/00 | | Updated:
January 2003 | | Price:
£3.99 | | ISBN-10
& ISBN-13: 1-902825-20-9 |
|
