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Oddball Thoughts
A collection of random thoughts and observations written between 2019-2024, written by former newspaper delivery boy, boardwalk barker, encyclopedia salesman, street art festival promoter, university executive, and filmmaker Donald Silverman.
226 pages, Paperback
Published May 28, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
October 2, 2026
I really enjoyed Oddball Thoughts. It’s the kind of book I picked up expecting a few laughs, but I ended up finding myself smiling and nodding along to quite a few of the observations. Donald Silverman has a way of taking ordinary situations and looking at them from an angle that makes you stop and think, “Why have I never thought about it that way?”
What I liked most was how familiar many of the stories felt. The memories about growing up, family, friendships, aging, travel, and everyday frustrations brought back some of my own memories. Some of the humor is simple and conversational, which actually made it feel more genuine to me. It often felt less like reading a formal collection of essays and more like sitting down with someone who has a funny story or strange observation to share.
There were also moments where the humor had a little warmth behind it. Not everything is just about getting a laugh; there’s a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for the little things that we sometimes overlook.
Overall, this was an easy, enjoyable read that doesn’t take itself too seriously. If you enjoy short, humorous reflections about everyday life, memories, and the strange things we all think about, Oddball Thoughts is worth picking up.
What I liked most was how familiar many of the stories felt. The memories about growing up, family, friendships, aging, travel, and everyday frustrations brought back some of my own memories. Some of the humor is simple and conversational, which actually made it feel more genuine to me. It often felt less like reading a formal collection of essays and more like sitting down with someone who has a funny story or strange observation to share.
There were also moments where the humor had a little warmth behind it. Not everything is just about getting a laugh; there’s a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for the little things that we sometimes overlook.
Overall, this was an easy, enjoyable read that doesn’t take itself too seriously. If you enjoy short, humorous reflections about everyday life, memories, and the strange things we all think about, Oddball Thoughts is worth picking up.
October 8, 2026
Donald Silverman’s Oddball Thoughts is an absolute gem. Shifting away from fictional characters, the central "character" is the author himself, drawing from a colorful life as a boardwalk barker, delivery boy, and university executive.
Through short, punchy essays, Silverman filters everyday situations through a beautifully unique lens. Everything from travel mishaps and the absurdities of aging to nostalgic family memories happens in these pages. It feels less like a formal book and more like chatting with a funny friend sharing strange, comforting observations. It is a quick, entertaining read packed with genuine laughs and a warm appreciation for life's small details.
Through short, punchy essays, Silverman filters everyday situations through a beautifully unique lens. Everything from travel mishaps and the absurdities of aging to nostalgic family memories happens in these pages. It feels less like a formal book and more like chatting with a funny friend sharing strange, comforting observations. It is a quick, entertaining read packed with genuine laughs and a warm appreciation for life's small details.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews