I Only Laugh When It Hurts: A Collection of Hard and Hilarious Lessons

by Daniel Foxx

This series of nostalgic essays paints a bittersweet and vivid portrait of American life. Daniel Foxx grew up in 1940s South Carolina. Looking back, he relates important life lessons--some fun, some difficult--he learned as a child as well as those he learned as an adult. Foxx comes to the conclusion that growing up doesn't end when you reach 21, and that growing old comes with its own rewards. A former professor and the father of four sons, he tries to impart the value of his own hard-won knowledge to his children and, even harder, teach them about finding humor in difficult times.

208 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2009

About the author

Daniel Foxx was born in the last century and grew up in what was then the small town of Gaffney, SC. He attended Gaffney public schools and graduated from Gaffney High in 1957.

Some folks have some trouble with the double “x” in Foxx. If it helps, the first “x” is silent. This spelling is the result of a mix-up on his birth certificate.

He earned his BA and MA in History from Brigham Young University (1970 and 1971 respectively). Since retiring from Ottawa University (2004) he has concentrated on his new career as an author. His book credits consist of “I Only Laugh When It Hurts” (2008) “Nathan Bedford Forrest in Search of the Enigma” (2007), “Charlie’s Girl” with Mary-Helen Foxx (2012), and “Four Stories of Christmas” (2014).

Reviews

[Mary-Helen Foxx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hardly an unbiased opinion, since my husband wrote this book. But his homespun way of telling a story draws readers into time and place and makes them feel right at home. I've read it a number of times, and it never loses its poignant and yet humorous effect. The as yet unpublished sequel, THE CAR WASH THAT ATE THE GREEN WRINKLE promises to be just as good if not better!

[H.b. Abels · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a funny , well written & fun to read book. I too may have a biased opinion though. That however doesn't make me wrong.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very heartwarming collection of storys. The title says it all. Life is hard and we should all add a heaping helping of humor. Definitely a great read. One to keep handy and read over and over.