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The Night the Bear Ate Goombaw
The Night the Bear Ate Goombaw is a delightful treasury of McManus's favorite (mostly outdoor) adventures with friends. His stories explore the human capacity to laugh in the face of misfortune, such as "The Night the Bear Ate Goombaw" (Goombaw is Eddie Muldoon's grandmother) and "The Fried Flies, Please, and Easy on the Garlic," a story of dinner-party adversity:
[CODE] "Martha starts. 'I do hope you won't take offense, Mr. McGinnis, but I view hunters as the lowest form of life, not excluding bacteria and algae.' 'No offense taken,' I reply, glad for an excuse to ignore my vichyssoise, which I view as the lowest form of food, not excluding lichens and boiled beets." [CODE] American humorist Patrick McManus could make being snagged by a fishhook funny, and in fact, he does. In his story "Getting It in the Ear," he writes, "One of the more interesting things that can happen to an angler is to get a barbed hook sunk into his hide. Such is the horror and fascination of the experience that many an angler has contemplated giving up his regular work and hitting the lecture circuit to entertain audiences around the nation with a dramatic rendering of his ordeal." After all, he argues, it's the misery endured that defines the sportsman, not the fish caught or the game shot. McManus's understated, matter-of-fact vignettes--infused with amusing glimpses of life's lesser-known eternal truths-- will make you laugh.
184 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1989
97 people are currently reading
572 people want to read
About the author
Patrick F. McManus
56 books418 followersPatrick F. McManus is an American outdoor humor writer. A humor columnist for Outdoor Life and other magazines, his columns have been collected in several books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
September 5, 2014
Writing humor is tough, real tough. It's somewhat easy to get a laugh when you tell a story face to face. But when you can make someone laugh so hard, so belly rolling hard that they're afraid they'll not catch their breath, that they might pee them self - so hard that other members of your family are afraid you're having a seizure - well, that there's funny.
As with all of his books, story after story is well constructed. McManus is a master storyteller that we don't see much of these days. Do yourself a favor, pick this book up and read it cover to cover (it's small). You will laugh out loud!
As with all of his books, story after story is well constructed. McManus is a master storyteller that we don't see much of these days. Do yourself a favor, pick this book up and read it cover to cover (it's small). You will laugh out loud!
May 1, 2018
Patrick McManus is so funny. He's a cross between Dave Barry and O. Henry if they were both mad about hunting and fishing.
February 12, 2016
I'm glad I came across this book when I searching for a book with a bear on the cover. It has been a laughter filled read that I won't soon forget. If you don't know what a Goombaw is then you should read it just to find out.
I highly recommend the audio version by Norman Dietz--fabulous narration!!!
I highly recommend the audio version by Norman Dietz--fabulous narration!!!
November 24, 2018
The family legend about Patrick McManus is that my uncle was once reading one of his books on an overnight plane full of strangers trying to sleep, and the book was so funny he couldn't stop audibly laughing even though he was trying desperately not to laugh. My uncle is a marine.
McManus only writes about hunting and fishing stuff, and I always thought it was one of the marks of his comic genius that even if you don't care even a little about hunting and fishing, you'll still read and love his stuff. This proved true until I tried reading this book aloud to my wife, who, about halfway through, said, "Is this all about hunting and fishing stuff? I don't know if I care about any more hunting and fishing stuff."
And even Retch Sweeny and Crazy Eddie Muldoon, the recurring characters, couldn't keep her attention. Ah well.
McManus only writes about hunting and fishing stuff, and I always thought it was one of the marks of his comic genius that even if you don't care even a little about hunting and fishing, you'll still read and love his stuff. This proved true until I tried reading this book aloud to my wife, who, about halfway through, said, "Is this all about hunting and fishing stuff? I don't know if I care about any more hunting and fishing stuff."
And even Retch Sweeny and Crazy Eddie Muldoon, the recurring characters, couldn't keep her attention. Ah well.
November 25, 2016
Fourth in my collection by Mr. McManus, and just as funny and quirky as the other previously-read three. The usual suspects are here, viz. Rancid Crabtree the “senior citizen” of outdoorsmen; childhood friends Crazy Eddie Muldoon and Retch Sweeney; neighbor Al Finley; and of course the practical, realistic wife Bun. While there is a sort of sameness to these stories, Mr. McManus manages to bring chuckles anew to many of them. The title story, for example, tells of a family camping trip when the author was a child, with his grandmother “(Goombaw”) in tow, in which a campfire ghost story is told indicating that a bear is hiding in the woods waiting to pounce and devour the unsuspecting camper if they aren’t prepared; the ensuing merry mixup would rival any opera by Mozart. Of course, there are the usual tales in which the supposed “experienced outdoorsman/hunter/fisherman” tries to teach the novice a thing or two but turns out to need saving himself. There are also treatises on how to remove a hook from various body parts, and how to get started in bass fishing (don’t worry about those little sections in your tackle box, just grab and stuff; the most challenging thing about finding bass is that they are covered up by water; and the like).
My favorites of this work are two related pieces, “A Brief History of Boats and Marriage” and “Boating Disorders.” As one could guess, one’s spouse may have difficulty understanding the unique relationship between a fisherman and his boat(s) and the ups and downs thereof; indeed, such a relationship can have its own dysfunctional aspects. The narrative describes several different scenarios which become loosely and hilariously connected as the article progresses. Mr. McManus is a genius at pulling this off.
Fun, easy read with many smiles. Recommended, certainly, even if you’re not an outdoorsman. By the way, this four-volume set will hereby be donated to my Scout Troop for intellectual stimulation during down times at our annual Christmas Tree Lot. Nice testimonial, I think.
My favorites of this work are two related pieces, “A Brief History of Boats and Marriage” and “Boating Disorders.” As one could guess, one’s spouse may have difficulty understanding the unique relationship between a fisherman and his boat(s) and the ups and downs thereof; indeed, such a relationship can have its own dysfunctional aspects. The narrative describes several different scenarios which become loosely and hilariously connected as the article progresses. Mr. McManus is a genius at pulling this off.
Fun, easy read with many smiles. Recommended, certainly, even if you’re not an outdoorsman. By the way, this four-volume set will hereby be donated to my Scout Troop for intellectual stimulation during down times at our annual Christmas Tree Lot. Nice testimonial, I think.
April 5, 2022
Twenty-six outdoorsy essays involving high-jinks, goofs, mishaps and laugh-out loud adventures as told by humorist Pat F. McManus. As always these stories will have the reader pondering did that actually happen, or did it happen more than once. Enjoyable read!
March 3, 2020
McManus knocks out another home run. I can always count on his unique storytelling humor to pull me out of the swamp of everyday life.
May 21, 2021
Repetitive but amusing, and for the first time I can recall mentioning a father as a character in a story who up till now has been steadfastly absent?
May 14, 2024
"The night the bear ate Goombaw" is one of the funniest stories ever. It one of about 20 funny stories in this magnificent book.
September 11, 2019
I don't remember when I read this.
I learned about this book from a radio program,"The Radio Reader" which used to be carried on some public radio stations.
"The Radio Reader" was produced at Michigan State Univ. (maybe Univ of Michigan). It was a 30 min program and over the course of a few weeks the Reader (I have forgotten his name) would read a whole book.
Recently Alabama Public Radio asked listeners to suggest programs. I went on the web & discovered that the Reader has died. As I remember the program is no longer produced. I intend to go back & see if there is a LIST of all the books which were read.
When "The Night the Bear Ate Goombaw" was read I really enjoyed hearing it but missed some "episodes". The chapter which stuck with me was "Sequences", an account of how it is difficult to accomplish a task because first you must do another one, but another task comes before that---this chain is sometimes so LONG!
I bought the book and enjoyed it greatly. I lent the book to a couple who lived across the street. The husband was not much of a reader but he read this book and his wife told me that she heard him laughing as he read it.
Over the years I have passed along to multiple people photocopies of the 'Sequences" chapter.
I learned about this book from a radio program,"The Radio Reader" which used to be carried on some public radio stations.
"The Radio Reader" was produced at Michigan State Univ. (maybe Univ of Michigan). It was a 30 min program and over the course of a few weeks the Reader (I have forgotten his name) would read a whole book.
Recently Alabama Public Radio asked listeners to suggest programs. I went on the web & discovered that the Reader has died. As I remember the program is no longer produced. I intend to go back & see if there is a LIST of all the books which were read.
When "The Night the Bear Ate Goombaw" was read I really enjoyed hearing it but missed some "episodes". The chapter which stuck with me was "Sequences", an account of how it is difficult to accomplish a task because first you must do another one, but another task comes before that---this chain is sometimes so LONG!
I bought the book and enjoyed it greatly. I lent the book to a couple who lived across the street. The husband was not much of a reader but he read this book and his wife told me that she heard him laughing as he read it.
Over the years I have passed along to multiple people photocopies of the 'Sequences" chapter.
April 18, 2018
another of McManus’s reflections and recollections on life. The book is a collection of stories about crazy events. Funny and clean. I always laugh when I read these books. For some reason, women don't get the humor. (I take that back. It is women in my life that don't get the humor) . But then, I am not a great Jane Austin Fan either.
April 26, 2023
Just as funny as when I read it years ago. I love the names McManus thought up....and his style of writing just rolls along so easily that the book is done before you know it, glad we own eight more of his books. I will grab one again soon, I know, when I need a good laugh and some stories that bring back some fun memories of our own family hunting, fishing and outdoors escapades.
March 11, 2011
Another hilarious book by McManus.
October 10, 2016
Just a fun read
October 28, 2022
I’m reading through most of Patrick McManus’ outdoor humor books. I was initially introduced to his work on audiobook, narrated by the great George S. Irving. Irving was a great reason to enjoy McManus’ stories, but I also find his work at times like Mark Twain. It’s the same kind of humor, condensed for today’s attention span. I find reading the books almost as funny as listening to Irving’s performances. This one was no different. The best stories were those about McManus’ younger days, with a cast of characters out of central casting. Highlights are the title story, about young Patrick camping out using an old fur coat as a sleeping bag, and Scritch’s Creek, about a first date and an apparent moonshiner. And fishing. Many of these stories involve hunting, fishing, and boat-ownership. You’ll find plenty of tales, as well as questionable advice (“A Brief History of Boats and Marriage”). Fun.
February 2, 2020
I don’t know if I’ve lived a sheltered life or am just slow, but Patrick McManus rivals Dave Berry for humorous writing.
This book, written 30 years ago, shows no signs of age. It is as applicable now as it was then. The 26 stories (that’s what the legal pages calls them; I think that’s to protect the publisher from litigation) were previously published in Outdoor Life, except for one that was in Field and Stream And one in Johnson’s Outboards Boating.
I’m not an outdoorsman; I’ve never been hunting or caught a fish. I’ve been camping, but that’s back when getting up off the ground didn’t involve a winch (or a wench). But even so the stories are understandable and the humor consistent and well done.
If you ARE an outdoorsman and haven’t read this book it is well worth the time (and a far better investment than a boat.)
This book, written 30 years ago, shows no signs of age. It is as applicable now as it was then. The 26 stories (that’s what the legal pages calls them; I think that’s to protect the publisher from litigation) were previously published in Outdoor Life, except for one that was in Field and Stream And one in Johnson’s Outboards Boating.
I’m not an outdoorsman; I’ve never been hunting or caught a fish. I’ve been camping, but that’s back when getting up off the ground didn’t involve a winch (or a wench). But even so the stories are understandable and the humor consistent and well done.
If you ARE an outdoorsman and haven’t read this book it is well worth the time (and a far better investment than a boat.)
June 25, 2020
My husband had me read this book. I had read some of Pat's writing from the back of Field & Stream magazine. This is a compilation of funny stories of adventures from childhood to adulthood in the great outdoors learning about fishing and hunting and how to put up with those that do such activities.
Honestly the first story called, Sequences was the most eye opening. As my husband grew up on and continues to work on a farm. This completely explains why absolutely nothing gets done at our house, but everything gets fixed on the farm.
The stories all have a lighthearted comic slant and will make you laugh out loud. With all the foibles of Crazy Eddie Muldoon and Retch Sweeney and a cast of other memorable folks.
Honestly the first story called, Sequences was the most eye opening. As my husband grew up on and continues to work on a farm. This completely explains why absolutely nothing gets done at our house, but everything gets fixed on the farm.
The stories all have a lighthearted comic slant and will make you laugh out loud. With all the foibles of Crazy Eddie Muldoon and Retch Sweeney and a cast of other memorable folks.
November 10, 2023
For the hunter and fisherman in the family. I not saying women wouldn't enjoy the book but men will identify with Mr McManus' tales of whoa.
Women may see their partners in the tales and wonder aloud why men put themselves through the agony of trying to get the largest or the best fishing and hunting equipment and not catch a fish or kill an elk worthy of mounting.
The narrator certainly adds to the humor of the book.
Mr McManus takes where no man should, his failed attempts at hunting and fishing.
He seems to be the Bettle Baily of these sports but keeps grinding away thinking at some point he will be triumphant.
Each story is a knee-slapper as he might put it.
Light reading but full of true-life adventures.
Women may see their partners in the tales and wonder aloud why men put themselves through the agony of trying to get the largest or the best fishing and hunting equipment and not catch a fish or kill an elk worthy of mounting.
The narrator certainly adds to the humor of the book.
Mr McManus takes where no man should, his failed attempts at hunting and fishing.
He seems to be the Bettle Baily of these sports but keeps grinding away thinking at some point he will be triumphant.
Each story is a knee-slapper as he might put it.
Light reading but full of true-life adventures.
February 11, 2020
Perfect narration for this book. McManus reminds me greatly of Mark Twain, which means many laugh-out-loud moments. I believe the book is a series of previously published columns written by the author. My favorite by far is the first story about the law of sequences. Oh so true in country life! Any task has multiple prerequisites that make it far easier to go fishing for the day.
Patrick McManus was recommended in a video by my favorite arborist, August Hunicke, who illustrates the law of sequences perfectly in trying to use one of his older trucks for work that day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvegU...
Patrick McManus was recommended in a video by my favorite arborist, August Hunicke, who illustrates the law of sequences perfectly in trying to use one of his older trucks for work that day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvegU...
December 13, 2020
Recently, a Facebook page that I follow asked people to write in their favorite books they read this year. I said this was my favorite non-fiction from 2020. My husband then pointed out that this probably wouldn't count as non-fiction. Oh, well.
This book was actually given to my husband, but since I devote more time to reading than he does, I asked if I could read it first.
I have never gone hunting or fishing in my life, nor am I likely to, but I enjoyed this book immensely. For several months, it was my "in between book". I would read a few stories after I had finished another book, but was not ready to dive into the next one.
This book was actually given to my husband, but since I devote more time to reading than he does, I asked if I could read it first.
I have never gone hunting or fishing in my life, nor am I likely to, but I enjoyed this book immensely. For several months, it was my "in between book". I would read a few stories after I had finished another book, but was not ready to dive into the next one.
April 18, 2021
I rarely remember the specifics of a Patrick McManus essay because I’m too busy laughing for my long-term memory to catch hold of the contents of each story. And honestly, that’s all you really need to know about Patrick McManus. He’s really funny. And he tells his stories in a folksy manner in which he makes himself the butt of every joke with his certainty that he is an absolute expert on all matters—especially the great outdoors—and then goes on to show that he’s not without ever admitting that. He is utterly hilarious.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
September 9, 2022
Listening to Patrick McManus books while driving is dangerous because you’ll be heading to the store ready to pick up bread and Oreos, listening to a humorous story (perhaps chuckling a bit), and then WHAM the small little details mentioned earlier in the story will come back to bite our hapless protagonist in the bum in a way so funny it leaves you fearing for the safety of drivers around you.
The comically self-aware narrator trope plays out wonderfully against a backdrop of fishing, hunting, and childhood hijinks. Eccentric side characters haven’t been so well done since PG Wodehouse introduced us to Gussie Fink-Nottle.
The comically self-aware narrator trope plays out wonderfully against a backdrop of fishing, hunting, and childhood hijinks. Eccentric side characters haven’t been so well done since PG Wodehouse introduced us to Gussie Fink-Nottle.
February 2, 2024
Patrick McManus was always consistent in his delivery of solid humor. Trying to decide which of his collections of short outdoorsy pieces is pretty pointless; anything by him will deliver. Some of it's so realistic, though obviously exaggerated, that you'll wonder if it's based relatively close on something that really happened.
Try one out and if you enjoy the read, there's plenty more in store for you.
Try one out and if you enjoy the read, there's plenty more in store for you.
August 14, 2021
Came across an old Facebook thread of recommended funny books. Scribd didn't have the particular McManus title someone suggested, so I just picked one. I'm afraid he didn't float my boat. Of course, from the sound of things, he has general trouble with keeping boats afloat, so I guess it was just par for the course.
Reader was fine.
Reader was fine.
December 8, 2018
Funny, but not always ... yet lots of great takes on hunting, fishing, boating, and the guys and gals that do them. Especially good on "boats." Enjoyable read ... fun to read someone who's funny, or at least trying to be. Humor-writing is a fine art, and not to be taken lightly.
May 1, 2019
Patrick McManus books for us westerners are laugh out funny since we have lived through similar tales. This one simply is such a relatable book particularly around huckleberry picking and truck driving, rafting, fishing, and of course camping. A must read,
September 12, 2021
Always full of humor and a good break from more serious reading. I grew up on the Red Green Show and that's who I picture as the narrator. If you love Red Green, you will love Patrick McManus (or vice-versa).
January 6, 2022
I had read some of Patrick McManus' books years ago and knew he was an outdoor as well as humor writer so was expecting to be entertained with this book, but I never expected to be so entertained. I laughed until I could hardly breathe. Well worth a look.
January 23, 2022
This is a cute comical book with a dry sort of humor with jokes about fishing, boating outdoors etc... It made me chuckle a few times. You have to read/listen to it with the right attitude, not serious...
February 2, 2022
Fun collection of comedy outdoors related stories that were originally published in Outdoor Life as "The Last Laugh". Read them to the kids, had to explain some of them but in general they really liked them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews