Current: "The Areas of My Expertise" by John Hodgman (2005)
Hodgman audaciously parodies the almanac, but instead of publishing stoic summations and extrapolations, he litters his text with lies. With a professional poise he glosses over categories that range from "Hints on Building Snow Forts" to "Nine Presidents Who Had Hooks for Hands." Even though it won't read like a novel, "The Areas of My Expertise" proves just as fetching.
Classic: "The Devil's Dictionary" by Ambrose Bierce (1941)
The notion of reading a dictionary is admittedly dorky, but once you start there's no going back. Bierce dissects common language to expose its slimy interior. This caustic lexicon brims with hellacious satire and remains engaging despite its regimented format.
Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Messina, from the RMBERS' Instagram page
