|
|
|
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: Out of Print |
| Updated: January 2003 |
| Price: £3.99 |
| ISBN-10 & ISBN-13: 1-902825-20-9
|
|
