The Idiot’s Guide to Dummies

I was in an upscale bookstore the other day searching for a good cappuccino when I stumbled into an aisle full of those ubiquitous “for dummies” and “Idiot’s guide” books. One particular book entitled “Pregnancy for dummies” stood out and I immediately realized, “Yes, of course, that’s exactly what’s wrong with this country - Too many pregnancies by dummies!”

My second thought was that the authors must be running low on subject material.  After a simpleminded overview of the procreation process what’s left to write? “The Idiot’s Guide to Toiletry?”

I remember when these self help books first appeared. They focused on the basics of how to use a personal computer or on simplifying the mysteries of Microsoft Windows for the uninitiated. It was a book purchased for your mother after you saw her trance-like in front of her new computer screen and waving a mouse through the air like a wand. Now they seem to cover everything from stock trading (I’m not sure that’s something we need dummies doing) to beekeeping (Chapter One: Don’t use killer bees).

Clearly the idiots will not be denied their glory.

Well with all the recent talk of a recession, maybe an “Unemployment for Dummies” would be timely. But here’s my hint for the unemployed: Don’t waste your money on a book for morons.

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