Mark A. Rayner and I have a lot in common. I mean, we're both Canadian, we both write speculative fiction, and we...um...well, that is, we both....Hmmm. Okay, so we don't have a whole lot in common, but we do have this--we share a twisted and absurd sense of humour. I'm a regular visitor to Mark's blog, aptly advertised as containing "scribblings, squibs, and sundry monkey joys"--or in other words, generalized nonsense. But take note: generalized nonsense of the highest order.

Which brings me to "Pirate Therapy and Other Cures," a collection of short fiction and essays, many of which originally appeared on the blog. The collection is funny, it's absurd, it asks questions you never thought to ask (or, in some cases, never imagined anyone would ask--or should ask), and if you have a sense of humour at all I can't imagine that it will not make you laugh out loud at least once. But be aware: there are veins of serious thought that run through some of these words as well, and you might find yourself thinking of them days, weeks, or months after you've read them. That doesn't make them any less funny--it only makes them funny with a brain. And that can only be a good thing.

So if laughter is the best medicine, then "Pirate Therapy" may just cure what ails you. Or at the very least, make you forget your troubles for a little while. ( )

Pirate Therapy and Other Cures had me hooked after the very first piece. It’s a collection of short stories and essays, many of which are less than a page. The pieces are clever and humourous, but some show Rayner’s more serious side – a rare occurrence in this book.

I’ve devised a list of a few of my favourite pieces in Pirate Therapy. This may mean absolutely nothing to you, but I highly recommend these pieces if, for some bizarre reason, you find yourself unable to read the entire collection.
The Perils of Evolution
The Biblical Unicorn
Zombie Pavlov, Political Pundit
Proof of Kang’s Corollary: Doug’s Disaster
Restraint
The Rush of Heaven Downward
Dr. Tundra Versus the Flashmob Zombies

Rayner’s Pirate Therapy is hilariously entertaining. It’s something you can pick up at any time, flip to a random page, and enjoy. Definitely recommended. ( )