I got this slim paperback from Better World books. I'd wanted it because it's by Steve Kluger, author of several wonderful novels, including Last Days of Summer, and I was curious as to what he'd write about lawyers. Turns out this is a collection of excerpts from various legal documents, usually featuring unfortunate and/or funny typos, and occasionally highlighting the drawbacks of over-reliance on template lawyer-speak.

My favorite part is the author's introductory note, in which he natters on about how he got into the typing-for-lawyers gig; his own words are generally much funnier than the misstatements farther on! But I found some of the items pretty funny (and also scary):

"Dr. Herbert is an attractive, handsome, articulate man, although he did not testify to these facts."

"Mr. Kallman... comes across as being quite crazy and would therefore make only an average witness."

"Plaintiff states that he is his wife's eldest son. I find this unusual."

Some of them suggest a dramatic crime scene; too bad we don't get any more details on this one:

"The tank itself was filled with gasoline, aviation fuel, and the plaintiff."

[OK, that probably was meant to be "...and the plaintiff testified..." or some other continuation, but I like my mental image better; very Hitchcockian!]

The book closes with a brief bio of the author, which ends with "At present, he does not have a lawyer. It is doubtful now that he ever will." {snerk!}

I'm adding this to a small box of books I'm sending to MaryZee in Maryland, for release at her OBCZ or elsewhere. Hope someone enjoys it!

Received in a small box of books from GoryD. Thanks! These will soon be released at the OBCZ.

Leaving this on the bookshelf in the back room at Birdie's. Enjoy!

Welcome to BookCrossing!

To the finder of this book:
Hello and congratulations! You have not only found yourself a good book, but a whole community of booklovers dedicated to sharing books with each other and the world at large. I hope you'll stick around a bit and get to know BookCrossing -- maybe even make a journal entry on this book. You may choose to remain anonymous or to join (it's free!) Feel free to read and keep this book, or to pass it on to a friend or even set it out "in the wild" for someone else to find like you did. If you do choose to join and journal, then you can watch the book as it travels - You'll be alerted by email each time someone makes another journal entry. It's all confidential (you're known only by your screen name and no one is ever given your e-mail address), free, and spam-free. Happy reading!

When I was at today's meet-up, Melydia picked this up out the pile and said if I hadn't read it, I should. Well, I haven't yet (but will tonight) -- and given the current climate at my job, as many legal-based laughs as possible is the order of the day. I took a brief glimpse and already found some great nuggets: "The witness appeared at his deposition neatly attired in spectacles." -- thank goodness every witness I've deposed wore more than that! -- also: "Please notify us immediately if you do not receive this letter." -- it always helps to know where the communication went awry. :)

You don't have to be a lawyer to enjoy laughing at some of the great typos, torturous phrasings, and poorly written statements included in this book. But I think that if you have a legal background you will enjoy some of them that much more, even while saying of others "that makes perfect sense" and understanding why a layperson wouldn't get it.

The laughs were much appreciated. A bunch of folks from work (all lawyers) and some other assorted friends (lawyers and non-lawyers) are getting together for Happy Hour tonight. Since the last time I attended HH at this location with this bunch, I got a catch, I will take this book along.

This book and another one involving legal humor will be wild released tonight when I attend a Happy Hour outing organized by a friend.

Welcome to Book Crossing -- this book is now yours to read, retain, release, or any combination thereof which suits your fancy. Books registered with Book Crossing are tracked by those who have read them before to see where they will go and who they will meet on their journeys. People who participate in the Book Crossing community often establish friendships and trade books or comments on books and just relish a relationship with other readers across the globe.

You are welcome (and encouraged) to create a journal entry on the book, particularly when passing it on to a specific someone or releasing in the wild. You don't have to read the book to create a journal entry nor do you have to feel obligated to write only positive things. All those who have had their hands on the book before you would be excited to read any journal entry you choose to make.

You can remain anonymous or join Book Crossing, where you are known to others by the screen name of your choice and no personal information is revealed. If you join, you can receive e-mail updates about all the places this book travels to in the future. (I would love it if you listed me, 6of8, as your referring member).

Sharing books in this fashion is just another way of spreading good karma across the world. Whatever you choose to do, enjoy the book!