I mentioned the other night that I was going to start reading a new book. I did. In fact, I devoured it. Many people have suggested P. G. Wodehouse to me. Over and over I heard how funny his books are. Last Christmas, when I was putting together my “wish list” I added the book, Thank You, Jeeves. I set it on my stack of TBR. Why it didn’t go straight to the top is beyond me.
I can report that everyone was correct. I can’t tell you how many times I laughed out loud. Here’s a brief synopsis. Jeeves is Bertie Wooster’s valet. Wooster, while a nice guy, isn’t the smartest. Jeeves, on the other hand, is not only intelligent, but levelheaded. He just doesn’t get rattled. Unfortunately for Wooster, Jeeves can’t stand his banjo playing and resigns. No one in Wooster’s building can stand his banjo playing, so he ends up moving to the country as a guest of his pal, Chuffy, to find solace and a place to play.
Finding tranquility in the country is just not in the cards for Wooster. His ex-fiancée, Pauline Stoker, and her stern father arrive at Chuffy’s place. Chuffy falls in love with Pauline. In addition, Sir Roderick Glossop, the man responsible for breaking off the engagement between Wooster and Pauline is also present. What will Wooster do, stuck in the middle of the lovers, a stern father, and Glossop? I can’t even begin to tell you all of the craziness that ensues. Fortunately for all, Jeeves, Chuffy’s new valet, is there to offer guidance during all of the lunacy.
This past weekend in London, the weather was superb. The skies were blue, the temperature was warm, and I sat outside enjoying this wonderful novel. All in all, it was the perfect weekend. Summer and reading go hand in hand with me. If you still have time to hit the beach or pool, I highly recommend taking a copy of this book with you. I will warn you, you may not be able to stop reading until you finish it. The good news is that it’s only 263 pages. The bad news, for me at least, is that it’s the first in a series. Why is this bad? Only this book, Thank You, Jeeves, is on my 1001 list. This means that I’ll get further behind on accomplishing my reading goal since I already want to track down every book that P. G. Wodehouse has written. Folks, he was a prolific writer. My 1001 list is in trouble. Good thing I don’t mind breaking rules to have fun.
I should add, that Miles hates when I find an author that I love. He wants me to concentrate on playing fetch and not half-heartedly throwing the ball. How can you refuse this face?
50 Year Project 
I will put this one on my TBR list! 🙂 Sounds like a lot of fun. I have trouble concentrating lately, so I take forever to read a book, but I’m determined to get back to earlier days where I’ve been known to finish a book in a day or two… 🙂
You have a lot on your plate right now. books will always be there when you find the time.
So glad you enjoyed Wodehouse so much! 🙂 His writing is just brilliant!
I agree with you. He is brilliant!
I totally agree – summer and reading go hand in hand!! I would love to read this book, but I’m afraid if I add one more book to my TBR pile it is going to topple over. I will put it on my TBR list on my computer instead :). Hey, exciting news – I won a book from goodreads.com. Do you ever use that website? I find it great for reading ideas and reviews. The book I won is The Kingmaker’s Daughter by Philippa Gregory, and I can’t wait to get started on it!! However, I have to finish the novel I’m reviewing first, and I’ve been struggling to find time to read the last few days.
Someone else mentioned The Kingmaker’s Daughter to me recently. I hope you enjoy. Good luck with your review book so you can unwind with a fun one. You don’t take notes for pleasure reading do you?
No, definitely not :). I only do it for the review books so that I can make notes of my reactions along the way and also keep track of the plot because my memory sucks for details! LOL
This book looks interesting and I love the names of the characters. Glad you sill have nice weather for reading. Miles will always love you, no matter what. Have a great week.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
Thanks Francine. The weather has been beautiful lately and I’m doing my best to enjoy. I wish you a happy week!
I never heard of this author before, I wouldn’t mind a smart comedy book, I haven’t seen that in a while.
Hahaha Miles is just like my Kame, she climbed on my book so often.
It is a smart comedy. It reminded me of some of the classic comedies made in the 30s and 40s, such as the Bringing up Baby. Atticus, my cat, actually eats my books. He takes a bite right out of the cover.
PGW is an author I have read and reread. Glad you have discovered him.
Me too. I feel silly for not reading him before.
People have been recommending P. G. Wodehouse to me for years. And, like you, I have put off reading him for some inexplicable reason! Your post has made me finally order his books and get reading! And, by the way, Miles is just ADORABLE 🙂
I think you’ll love the books. I want to start collecting them as well. And Miles says thanks! Happy reading. Can’t wait to hear what you think.
Hooray for Jeeves! Welcome to the club. 🙂
Thanks! I know you love the stories as well. And now I know why.
He’s a heartbreaker that doggie. 🙂
Maybe you remember my post on Funny Novels… No wonder Wodehouse was suggested a few times and like you …. I haven’t picked him up. I need to do it very soon. But when I went to the book shop there were quiet a lot and I got confused.
I read that Wodehouse wrote almost 100 books. I can see why you got confused. I started with the first book in the Jeeves collection. Carl would be a good resource for you if you want to ask questions. He loves Wodehouse! I need to revisit your post on funny novels and look for more suggestions. And yes, Miles knows how to get his way. Atticus, the cat, does as well, but he takes an entirely different approach. He bites me to let me know he’s hungry or wants a pet.
One of my favorite authors! My Dad always enjoyed reading his books, especially the Jeeves stories and I soon fell in love with them too. I have a whole row of P.G. Wodehouse books on my shelf, all read many times over.
I wonder why it took me so long to discover this author. Can’t think about that now, at least I finally found him.
Sounds like an interesting book! I’ll definitely have to look into it.
Great review, TBM!
I think you’ll love the book. Happy reading.
These books are so funny. The DVD’s are great too 🙂
I have a feeling I’ll end up collecting all the books and DVDs. Comic genius!
Glad you had perfect weather for reading your book! Thanks for the summary. It must have been a good one to get through it that quickly. Miles has such an adorable, irresistible face. He’s waiting for you to throw the ball!
I know! The ball is sitting at my foot right now. He never gives up 🙂
I have read all his books – inherited the entire lot from my father in law – and LOVED them! Thanks for the reminder TBM, time to reread some of them 🙂
Oh enjoy! How wonderful that you have them all. I’ve been seeing copies at used bookstores and now I would like to collect them.
I guess you know it was televised?
I’ve seen commercials for it, but I want to read the books first. The shows look pretty funny so that will be a wonderful treat after the books.
I was thinking about reading this and now since you’ve given it such a good review, I will put it on my list. I’m finishing off the summer with my foreigners in Africa books. I may have to re-read The Stranger to round out the set.
Foreigners in Africa books sound intriguing. Are there certain authors you recommend?
This is too coincidental! On Friday I was at the Housing Works Bookstore just off Broadway. I was just “browsing” and Thank You Jeeves caught my eye on the Great Fiction table. In another book that I’d just finished reading Alex George’s A Good American there is a young character who falls in love with the Jeeves series. I wasn’t going to buy any books because I can’t fit any more into my apartment! So I restrained myself, but over the weekend I kept thinking about it and now it seems that I definitely have to go back to get it!
PS – Poor Miles. Waiting for that ball!
I’m trying not to buy books right now so I completely understand. But I will say, you must pick this book up. Even if you go to the library. You won’t regret it. I haven’t been this excited about an author for some time. And Miles has such a great face that can make me feel so guilty.
P.G Wodehouse books are a gem. I’ve read most of them, reread them, and then read them again, and they get you laughing every time. Just brilliant.
I’ve only read this one, but I know I will read all of them now. I knew right from the beginning that I was in for a treat and it didn’t disappoint at all. Thanks for the comment!
Surely you could not ignore that face! lol
I can’t, if I could I would be a much more productive person. But Miles reminds me that there’s always time to play.
Yes, Wodehouse is an amazing author, and one who never fails to have me in stitches when I read his work. My favorite novel of his, of those I’ve read, is a non-Jeeves and Wooster novel, Something Fresh. Big fan of the Mulliner series of short stories as well. I saw someone else mentioned the television series of Jeeves and Wooster and I highly recommend it. It stars Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry. The first two series in particular are fantastic. I’m not as fond of the episodes where they go to America, not quite as funny, but still good. The first two series are must watch though:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dvd-jeeves-wooster-the-complete-series-stephen-fry/17296804
I’m hooked on the Jeeves series I think. I love how Jeeves is always so calm and has the perfect word. I could use a man like him! I’ll have to keep an eye out for Something Fresh. They show the Laurie and Fry series on TV here, but I haven’t watched them yet since I prefer reading the books first. There was a quote by Stephen Fry on my copy that sums up Wodehouse well: “You don’t analyse such sunlit perfection, you just bask in its warmth and splendour.” Thanks for suggesting Wodehouse! You and many other bloggers have opened my eyes to a whole new world 🙂
Can’t believe I’ve neglected P.G. Wodehouse too. I looked for it at gutenberg.org (free e-books) but they only had My Man Jeeves and Right Ho, Jeeves. I might have to read all three.
It’s wonderful for me that you’re doing this project, because you remind me of books I’ve long since forgotten of didn’t have time to read.
You dog is adorable!
So far I’m impressed with the authors I’ve discovered doing this project and by keeping a blog. So many bloggers have suggested wonderful books and movies. I hope you do read Wodehouse, he’s hilarious. And Miles says thanks!
Wodehouse is so awesome. I love his books. Have you read the Blandings series? If you like Jeeves and Wooster, I think you will also enjoy the Blandings books.
This is my first Wodehouse. I’ll have to pick up the Blandings series as well. Thanks for the tip!
As a bonus, Something Fresh, which I mentioned earlier, is the novel that introduces Lord Emsworth of…Blandings Castle!!! 😉
Excellent!
While Jeeves and Wooster remain my favorite Wodehouse characters, my affection for Something Fresh has to do with the fact that it has a romance worked in to the comedy and that always adds a little something “fresh” for a hopeless romantic like myself.
I’m curious how Wodehouse handles romance. I didn’t see this one at the local library, but I think the Central library has a copy. I’m a hopeless romantic as well, but I try not to admit it 🙂
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Thank you for reminding me that I need to get hold of a copy of this! I read Right Ho, Jeeves about a year ago and it was just the sort of thing you need if you don’t want anything too serious. (Or if you are actively looking for something silly!)
They are silly, fun, and a great time. I need to get my hands on the entire collection.