Literary Non Fiction - Humour

Funny in a light-hearted, satirical way, Joe Campbell’s essays do not miss any of his social targets. From the multiculturality of chicken to the literary quality of legislation, Campbell gleefully slides from one idea to another. Though his subjects are as Canadian as a boy’s dream to play in the NHL, or as universal as music, he always writes with a gently urbane edge showing the potential pitfalls and hilarity of clichéd dreams and ritualized customs.

Take Me Out of the Ball Game reworks articles previously published in Gilbert, as well as in Stitches, the Journal of Medical Humour, Western People, Western Report, Canadian Author, the Toronto Star, The Globe and Mail, the Ottawa Citizen, and the Calgary Herald. Drawing from his experiences as a writer, editor, musician, tourist, failed athlete, husband, parent, and somewhat bemused observer trying to make sense of the contradictions of the world in which he lives, Campbell’s essays will make even the stiffest lip quiver, and the most rigid conservative groan.