Blush: Politics and other unnatural acts

by Barry Parham

Includes the award-winning story "Razing Arizona!" Excerpts from Blush "At the Inauguration, a better tone was set when the incoming First Couple met the outgoing First Couple on the steps of the White House. There were hugs all round, and the incoming First Female Significant Other presented a gift to the outgoing First Female Significant Other. This kindness spurred the hovering photo-hounds into a frenzy of photo-hounding, until the Clintons leapt out of the First Shrubbery, stole the gift, and spirited it off to their First Legacy Museum. Bill Clinton then pardoned the shrubbery." "I'm building a politician, in case you're looking to buy one. For a while there, I was thinking of running for office myself. But I'm not going to lie to you. And there it is. If I can't lie to you, I'm not politically viable." "During a bone-chilling outbreak of global warming, Barack Obama was inaugurated President of the United States, and got three votes for the Papacy, and won the Rose Bowl. He immediately set the tone for his administration by having world-class musicians fake a music performance, while not paying their taxes. The new President then introduced us to his "twin-teleprompter" speaking style, making him look like he's constantly talking to 2 very tall voters on opposite sides of the room. Later in the month, Congress presented a Health Care Bill that everybody agreed was probably well-written." Online humorist Barry Parham is back with another acute collection of satire, targeting politics and other, less evil things. And when Barry's in the beltway, no party or platform is safe.

214 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2010

About the author

Barry Parham is the award-winning author of humor columns, essays and short stories. He is a recovering software freelancer and a music fanatic.

Parham is the author of the 2009 sleeper, "Why I Hate Straws," his debut collection of humor and satire including the prize-winning stories, 'Going Green, Seeing Red' & 'Driving Miss Conception.'

In October 2010, Parham published "Sorry, We Can't Use Funny," another award-winning collection of general-topic satire and humor, and the more targeted "Blush: Politics and other unnatural acts." He followed up in 2011 with "The Middle-Age of Aquarius," a growing-old-but-not-so-gracefully vehicle for the award-winners 'Comfortably Dumb,' 'Snowblind' and 'The Zodiac Buzz-Killer.'

"Full Frontal Stupidity" (2012), Parham's 5th collection of humor, satire and observations, features more award-winning stories, including 'Skirts vs. Skins' and 'Scenes From a Maul.' He followed up the next year with a brace of collections, "Chariots of Ire" and "You Gonna Finish That Dragon?" and most recently published his 8th compilation, "Maybe It's Just Me."

Parham's work has also been featured in three national humor anthologies:
"My Funny Valentine" (2011)
"Open Doors: Fractured Fairy Tales" (2012)
"My Funny Major Medical" (2012)

Reviews

[Barry Parham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant, I thought. But then, I wrote it. What do I know?

[Jona Cannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won this book on Goodreads First Reads!

Barry Parham is clearly an intelligent and capable writer. Satire isn't necessarily funny, but Parham had several "laugh out loud" funny chapters in Blush. The chapters that were overtly political were all clever and entertaining. Toward the end of the book there were some chapters that were either over my head, or just plain bizaar to the point that I didn't get it.

I appreciated the unapologetic look at some our nations leaders and their cluelessness (I'm lookin' at you Obama). Parham gave jabs to both sides of the political isle, but with a right-leaning stance. This book draws my interest toward Parhams freelance columns in the hopes of reading more politics, and less bizaar.

[Clare · Rating 3 out of 5]

No-holds-barred biting satire. Look out, President Obama, don't hurt yourself when you fall off that pedestal. The author is seriously angry at the state of American politics, and especially the Democrats. (Obviously, he hasn't been served with divorce papers while in a hospital bed.)

"Our government is like that: you can't avoid their visit, they arrive and proceed to putz up your life and lifestyle, and then you can't get them to leave."

My favorite line about useless government oversight:
"We don't want you to control the acceptable amount of rodent hairs found in food products. (Actually, we believe the acceptable amount of rodent hairs is zero, or, if possible, less.)"

Lots of word play and silliness. The girls aren't fat. They're "buffet-enabled."

[Rene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blush was one of the most humorous books I have ever read. Mr Parham has a way with humor and satire that made me actually laugh out loud. I thought the book was exceptionally well written and is worthy of ten stars even thought I can only give it a five review.

I don't want to give out any of the books excerpts as it would ruin the book for you; but the book is a must read.

I also think this book would make anyone feeling a little blue start to laugh and enjoy life more.

I can't wait to read more of Mr. Parham's books.

[Sёkoya♪♫ Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, since I am an inconsiderate slob who is so selfish that I had to buy this book for my brother and keep it for myself that I decided to make this a short review.

It was out of all others the best book I have read, and I wouldn't say I have, since the last book that Barry wrote. Which I believe was "Why I hate Straws...." <- that is the most brilliant name he has ever come up with. Sorry for the busy schedule and the 1 month due review that was asked for 1 1/2 months ago.

Oh and could you guyz help me out. How much does your free membership cost?

♥ Sekoya