- Table View
- List View
The Field Guide to Dumb Birds of the Whole Stupid World (Dumb Birds Ser.)
by Matt KrachtLet's face it—all birds are fascinating, wonderful, idiotic jerks—no matter where in the world they reside.Following in the footsteps of the bestselling book The Field Guide to Dumb Birds of North America, this hilarious sequel ventures beyond to identify the stupidest birds around the world. Featuring birds from North and South America, Africa, Asia, Europe, and Oceania, author Matt Kracht identifies the dumb birds that manage to live all over the freaking place with snarky, yet accurate, names and humorous, anger-filled drawings.This guide book details exactly how much these morons suck with facts about each bird's (annoying) call, its (stupid) migratory pattern, and its (downright tacky) markings. Complete with a matching game, bird descriptor checklist, tips on how to identify a bird (you can tell a lot by looking into a bird's eyes, for example), this profanity-laden book offers a balance of fact and wit that will appeal to hardcore birders and casual bird lovers (and haters) alike.A MUST-HAVE: A must-have sequel to the bestselling parody book The Field Guide to Dumb Birds of North America.UNIQUE & LAUGH-OUT-LOUD FUNNY: This is a great coffee table or bar top conversation-starting book. And a bonus, while the content is humorous, it is practical and useful!A GREAT PRESENT: This is the perfect gift for the bird lovers and haters in your life. It also makes a great Mother's Day, Father's Day, birthday, retirement, or gag gift.Perfect for:• Birdwatching and nature enthusiasts• Armchair birders (or nonbirders)• Someone who needs a quirky gift for an animal lover friend• People with serious birders in their lives who want something lighthearted
The Field of Wacky Inventions (Floors #3)
by Patrick Carman<P>The final adventure in bestselling author Patrick Carman's delightfully wacky Floors trilogy! <P>Taking mystery and adventure to the next level. <P>It's not every day that a hotel loses its top floor. Then again, the Whippet Hotel is no stranger to wackiness. So when the entire floor is hoisted into the night sky by a nearly invisible airship, Leo and Remi know they're in for the ride of their lives. <P>But little do the boys know just how amazing their voyage will become. They are headed to the field of wacky inventions, where they will have to compete against a number of foes for an incredible prize. <P>It will take all of Leo and Remi's bravery, skill, and burping power to decode the outrageous puzzles hidden among the floors of Merganzer D. Whippet's newest and most peculiar construction. But they must -- because if they don't, they'll lose their beloved Whippet Hotel forever.
The Fields: A brilliantly funny, moving read for fans of 'Derry Girls'
by Kevin Maher'A joy to read: fresh, funny, moving and always surprising' Kate Atkinson'Fresh, beguiling and laugh-out-loud funny on every page, this must be the most enjoyable Irish novel since Skippy Dies' GuardianThey'd sit around in a steamy kitchen circle like four mad witches, and dip ginger-snaps into Maxwell House until they went wobbly-warm, and take turns at saying, Jahear about so-and-so, Lord rest his soul, only thirty years old, poor creature?! They were brilliant at it. Scaring the shite out of each other, grinning inside.Jim Finnegan is thirteen years old and life in his world consists of dealing with the helter-skelter intensity of his rumbustious family, taking breakneck bike rides with his best friend, and coveting the local girls from afar - until one day when everything changes.The Fields is an unforgettable story of an extraordinary character: Jim's voice leaps off the page and straight into the reader's heart as he grapples with his unfairly interrupted adolescence.Praise for The Fields:'Heartbreaking and hilarious in equal measures' StylistFunny and heart-warming' Daily Mail'The Fields is crazy mad, lyrical and unforgettable' Red 'Exquisite moments of comedy that anyone with a whiff of Irish heritage will immediately recognise' Sunday Express
The Fiend Next Door
by Sheila LavelleTrouble with the Fiend is a sequel to My Best Fiend, both by Sheila Lavelle. These funny, poignant and timeless adventures of Charlie and her best 'fiend' Angela are reissued by popular demand for girls aged 6 - 8s.Angela has a knack of getting Charlie into trouble. She's always having fiendish ideas, like the time they hijack the milkman's float, and lock Miss Bridge in the gym shed, and when Angela pretends to kidnap a baby. But in the end Charlie gets her own back with a vengeance.Friend or fiend life is never dull for Charlie when Angela is around!
The Fifth Elephant: A Discworld Novel (City Watch #5)
by Terry Pratchett“Pratchett cheerfully takes readers on an exuberant tale of mystery and invention. Along the way, he skewers everything from monarchy to fascism, as well as communism and capitalism, oil wealth and ethnic identities, Russian plays, immigration, condoms, and evangelical Christianity—in short, everything worth talking about.” —Publishers Weekly Elephants, werewolves, and ruby tights (oh my!) collide in this clever Discworld tale rich in mystery, myth, intrigue, and a dollop of diplomacy from the legendary New York Times bestselling author Terry Pratchett.Everyone knows that the world is flat, and supported on the backs of four elephants. But weren’t there supposed to be five? Indeed there were. So where is the fifth elephant?Commander Sam Vimes of the Ankh-Morpork constabulary is the man to find out. A copper through and through, he’s been “invited” to attend a royal function as a diplomat, ambassador to the mysterious, fat-rich country of Uberwald—complete with ruby tights.Of course where cops go, crime follows. An attempted assassination and a theft soon lead to a desperate chase from the low halls of Discworld royalty to the legendary fat mines of Uberwald, where lard is found in underground seams along with tusks and teeth and other precious ivory artifacts. It’s up to the dauntless Vimes to solve the puzzle of the missing pachyderm. After all, that’s what he does.Only there are monsters on his trail—bright, fast, toothy werewolves. And they’re catching up.The Discworld novels can be read in any order but The Fifth Elephant is the 5th book in the City Watch collection.The City Watch series in order:Guards! Guards!Men at ArmsFeet of ClayJingoThe Fifth ElephantNight WatchThud!Snuff
The Fifth Script: The Lacey Lockington Series - Book One (The Lacey Lockington Mysteries #1)
by Ross H. SpencerIn this &“pugnacious, feisty&” mystery series debut from the author of Death Wore Gloves, a devious killer has it in for a poison penned beauty (Kirkus Reviews). Chicago Detective Lacey Lockington has never been squeamish about taking out a few low lives in the pursuit of justice. But when tabloid columnist Stella Starbright calls him a &“kill-crazy cop,&” he suddenly needs to find a new line of work. Taking a job as a private investigator is a step down, for sure, but his first few cases certainly pique his interest: former &“Stella Starbrights&” are turning up dead on the streets of Chicago, and the current one—the very same Stella who ruined his reputation—is coming to him for protection. Going against his gut, Lacey agrees to keep Stella from sharing the grisly fate of her former namesakes. In the midst of all the madness, Lacey hunts the real killer, someone looking to silence gossip columnists for good. But can Lacey crack the case before another victim gets a headline in the obituaries? &“Ross Spencer is wild, shrewd, mad, and unexpectedly funny.&” —The New York Times
The Figgs
by Ali BryanMeet the Figgs. June, the family’s matriarch, looks forward to a quiet retirement – if only she can get her three adult children to finally, finally, move out of the house. But her dreams are shattered when her son Derek unexpectedly becomes a single father. Now there’s a newborn baby at home, and Derek’s older siblings are showing no sign of going anywhere either. In the midst of the chaos, June’s husband, Randy, has a shocking revelation. With family life flying fast and furious around her, June finds herself thinking about her parents – adoptive and biological. Where did she come from? Will her new grandson be traumatized without his mother? And why in the world are all the kids still at home, anyway? The Figgs combines the quirkiness of Miriam Toews, the startling humour and fierce energy of Heather O’Neill, the heart of Little Miss Sunshine, and the unruly family dynamics of Jonathan Tropper’s This Is Where I Leave You into one hilarious, immensely fun novel.
The Final Cut (House of Cards #3)
by Michael DobbsThe final book in the Internationally Bestselling trilogy that inspired the hit Netflix series House of Cards.Months from taking his place as the longest-serving Prime Minister this century, Francis Urquhart's country is tiring of him. But he's not about to be driven from office. If the public demands new blood, that is precisely what he will give them...This is a different Francis Urquhart – more vulnerable, more loving, and more ruthless than ever. He will risk everything, but one thing is certain: whatever the outcome of this, his greatest gamble, the name of Francis Urquhart will never be forgotten.Finishing the dark tale of greed, corruption, and unquenchable ambition, The Final Cut reveals that no matter the country, politics, intrigue and passion reign in the corridors of power. An explosive political thriller, fans of Vince Flynn, David Baldacci and Robert Ludlum will enjoy this stunning conclusion to Dobb's trilogy.As a former advisor to Margaret Thatcher, Conservative Party Chief of Staff, and now peer of the realm and Conservative member of the House of Lords, Baron Michael Dobbs provides an insider look at the twists and turns of British politics.Other books in the House of Cards series:House of Cards, Book 1 – The dark, twisting schemes of a politician determined to succeedTo Play The King, Book 2 – Newly elected Prime Minister plots to take on the Monarchy to grab even more powerThe Final Cut, Book 3 – The perfect finale to this twisted trilogy, Urquhart refuses to close his career quietlyWhat readers are saying about House of Cards:"If you enjoy political intrigue, murder, and a truly loathsome character you will greatly enjoy this final installment by Dobbs.""Great book highly recommend if you are currently viewing House of Cards.""Francis Urquhart is on a par with RIchard III as a baddie of literature. And yet Dobbs has us cheering from him at every turn.""Dobbs ties off the House of Cards series with a bang and pens, perhaps, his best novel of the trilogy.""Francis Urquhart at his finest, the ultimate chess game against the world.""the sharpest, smartest, and most intelligent writing I have read.""A superb ending to the series!"What reviewers are saying about House of Cards:"A triumphant return...the best book of the three. The action is unflagging, the characterization razor-sharp, the satirical barbs at politics and politicians unfailingly accurate. What a brilliant creation F.U. is." —Sunday Telegraph"Razor-sharp and merciless...One thing is certain: F.U. will be remembered for much longer than many a real Prime Minister." - Daily Mail"Thoroughly entertaining. Urquhart is a joy, and the wonderful games he plays have lost none of their attraction." - The TimesWhat everyone is saying about the House of Cards books:"This blood and thunder tale, lifelike and thoroughly cynical, certainly carries the ring of authenticity....a great triumph." — The Independent"…a political thriller writer with a marvellous inside track knowledge of government." - Daily Express"If you are a fan of the modern TV series than you should definitely pick up these books.""Michael Dobbs has an uncanny knack of forecasting the future. A fascinating read and a conclusion that would send a chill through Buckingham Palace." - Sunday Express
The Final Exam: Book 3 (School of Fear)
by Gitty DaneshvariIs school out for ever at the School of Fear? A nosy reporter is planning a scandalous expose on eccentric Mrs. Wellington and her unorthodox teaching methods, and the news is sure to put an end to the school. Madeleine, Theo, Lulu, Garrison, and the new student Hyacinth must convince Sylvie that their teacher and the school are perfectly normal. But how can they accomplish this when Mrs Wellington is just so . . . odd? With the fate of their beloved school in their hands, the children now share a new fear - failure.
The Final Farewell
by Patricia WilesKevin’s senior year of high school isn’t going as he’d planned. So much has changed, and choices he once thought would be easy to make have become increasingly difficult. His best friend has moved away, his girlfriend has dumped him for the school football hero, and life after graduation looms ahead like a chasm without a bridge. Kevin’s got a hot scholarship offer in his hands, but even though it’s hard for him to talk about his Mormon faith with others, he can’t shake the feeling in his heart that he should serve a two-year mission. When the time comes for Kevin to make the most important decision of his life, one that no one else can or should make for him, he must take a leap of faith and learn to trust his own feelings. Will his decision be the right one, even when tragedy strikes? Find out where Kevin’s choices take him in The Final Farewell, the final volume in the Kevin Kirk Chronicles.
The Final Score: Play-By-Play Book 13 (Play-By-Play #13)
by Jaci BurtonThe thirteenth sexy novel in the Play-By-Play series from New York Times bestselling author Jaci Burton. Perfect for fans of Lori Foster, Maya Banks and Jill Shalvis.Torn between his love of the game - and the woman who may be the love of his life... Nathan Riley is ready to follow in the footsteps of his famous football player father. He's been drafted as quarterback for his dad's former team, and his sports future is bright. When his friend Mia Cassidy moves to the same city, their years-long friendship suddenly sparks hot, reminding him of the one night they had together in college that he can never forget.Like Nathan, Mia is from a sports-dynasty family and embarking on an incredible new career - as founder of her own sports management company. Her friendship with Nathan means everything to her, and tossing sex into the mix again could jeopardize it all. But the chemistry between them has always sizzled, and it isn't long before Mia realizes she wants more with Nathan than just late-night talks and pizza. Passion has a funny way of changing the rules, and soon Nathan and Mia realize that to win it all, they'll have to make an unexpected play for love.Want more sexy sporting romance? Don't miss the rest of this steamy series which began with The Perfect Play. And check out Jaci's gorgeously romantic Hope series beginning with Hope Flames.
The Fine Art of Invisible Detection: The thrilling BBC Between the Covers Book Club pick
by Robert Goddard'One of the finest crime writers of any generation' Daily Mail'He's the high priest of plot ... deftly woven, but also beautifully written ... I loved it' Mel Giedroyc_______________________________Umiko Wada has recently had quite enough excitement in her life. With her husband recently murdered and a mother who seems to want her married again before his body is cold, she just wants to keep her head down.As a secretary to a private detective, her life is pleasingly uncomplicated, filled with coffee runs, diary management and paperwork.That is, until her boss takes on a new case. A case which turns out to be dangerous enough to get him killed. A case which means Wada will have to leave Japan for the first time and travel to London.Following the only lead she has, Wada quickly realises that being a detective isn't as easy as the television makes out. And that there's a reason why secrets stay buried for a long time. Because people want them to stay secret. And they're prepared to do very bad things to keep them that way...A pulse-pounding, breathless crime thriller, perfect for fans of Anthony Horowitz's Hawthorne series, Robert Galbraith's Cormoran Strike series and LJ Ross's Alexander Gregory thrillers.The new Umiko Wada novel from Robert Goddard, THE FINE ART OF UNCANNY PREDICTION, is available now._______________________________What readers are saying:'5 stars''Guaranteed and satisfying escapism''Edge-of-the-seat stuff''The master of twists and suspense... sublime'
The Finer Points of Sausage Dogs (Professor Dr Moritz-Maria von Igelfeld #3)
by Alexander Mccall SmithReaders who fell in love with Precious Ramotswe, proprietor of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, now have new cause for celebration in the protagonist of these three light-footed comic novels by Alexander McCall Smith. Welcome to the insane and rarified world of Professor Dr. Moritz-Maria von Igelfeld of the Institute of Romance Philology. Von Igelfeld is engaged in a never-ending quest to win the respect he feels certain he is due- a quest which has the tendency to go hilariously astray. In The Finer Points of Sausage Dogs,"" Professor Dr. Von Igelfeld is mistaken for a veterinarian and not wanting to call attention to the faux pas, begins practicing veterinary medicine without a license. He ends up operating on a friend' s dachshund to dramatic and unfortunate effect. He also transports relics for a schismatically challenged Coptic prelate, and is pursued by marriage-minded widows on board a Mediterranean cruise ship.
The Finished Man
by Sean MurphyFollowing the success of his wildly popular debut novel, Sean Murphy returns with a hip, imaginative, and slyly comedic tale set amidst a West Coast world of wildfires and wannabes, hipsters and heavy smog—-offering a wry, rollicking look at love, the literati, and Southern California. Frank, a penniless and hapless writer, has nothing to show for himself but an unfinished novel and an unclear future. So when he bumps into Max—-an arrogant former classmate who is a terrible, but successful, author—-Frank agrees to take up residence in his garage apartment. After all, a glimpse at the inner workings of Max's glittering life will provide great material for his book. Soon, Frank is swept up in a world of glossy cocktail parties, nouveau-wealth, and near-celebrity—-as well as a passionate love affair with Max's beautiful wife. And although his nemesis possesses everything Frank desires, he remains secure in his sense of artistic superiority—-until Max's latest work heralds him as one of the great new voices in American literature. Seething with envy, Frank sets out to uncover the true source of his newfound talent and gets a lot more than he bargained for. Told in Murphy's distinctive, tongue-in-cheek style, this is a lively and engaging book that will appeal to Murphy's established fans and win him new ones.
The Finishing Line
by Owen SlotThey're under starters orders, and they're off...Early favourite Will is first out of the stalls after waking up with Children's TV star Jenny Joffee...only to be overtaken at the first fence by his two best friends: one takes the lead with his audacious engagement to Will's first love; the other is soon neck and neck through his dangerous liaisons with Will's client's ex-wife. Now it's a race to the finishing line. As Will leaps over legal hurdles in his taxing job as a divorce lawyer, he realises the there are a few more ditches before he can reach the final strait. But he isn't sure he wants to win anyway...
The Finishing Line
by Owen SlotThey're under starters orders, and they're off...Early favourite Will is first out of the stalls after waking up with Children's TV star Jenny Joffee...only to be overtaken at the first fence by his two best friends: one takes the lead with his audacious engagement to Will's first love; the other is soon neck and neck through his dangerous liaisons with Will's client's ex-wife. Now it's a race to the finishing line. As Will leaps over legal hurdles in his taxing job as a divorce lawyer, he realises the there are a few more ditches before he can reach the final strait. But he isn't sure he wants to win anyway...
The Finishing School
by Muriel SparkThe lethally witty and morally penetrating new novel by one of the world's most admired writers College Sunrise is a somewhat louche and vaguely disreputable finishing school located in Lausanne, Switzerland. Rowland Mahler and his wife, Nina, run the school as a way to support themselves while he works, somewhat falteringly, on his novel. Into his creative writing class comes seventeen-year-old Chris Wiley, a literary prodigy whose historical novel-in-progress, on Mary Queen of Scots and the murder of her husband Lord Darnley, has already excited the interest of publishers. The inevitable result: keen envy, and a game of cat and mouse not free of sexual jealousy and attraction. Nobody writing has a keener instinct than Muriel Spark for hypocrisy, self-delusion and moral ambiguity, or a more deliciously satirical eye. The Finishing School is certain to be another Spark landmark, an addition to one of the world's most lauded and entertaining bodies of work.
The Finishing Touches: A Girls' Guide To Being (practically) Perfect
by Hester BrowneA fading English finishing school gets a twenty-first-century makeover in this "modern-day fairy tale" (Romantic Times Book Reviews) from New York Times bestselling author Hester Browne, whose sparkling novels are "charming and feel-good" (Cosmopolitan).Twenty-seven years ago, an infant turned up on the doorstep of London&’s esteemed Phillimore Academy for Young Ladies. Now, Betsy Phillimore returns to the place where she was lovingly raised by Lord and Lady Phillimore, only to find the Academy in disrepair and Lord P. desperate to save his legacy. Enter Betsy with a savvy business plan to replace dusty protocol with the essentials girls need today: cell phone etiquette, eating sushi properly, handling credit cards, choosing the perfect little black dress, negotiating a pre-nup, and other lessons in independent living. But returning to London also means crossing paths with her sexy girlhood crush . . . and stirring up the mystery of who her parents are and why they abandoned her. Will the puzzle pieces of her past fall into place while Betsy races to save the only home she&’s ever known?
The Finishing Touches: a laugh-out-loud romantic comedy with a vintage twist
by Hester BrowneA laugh-out-loud romantic comedy with a vintage twist, perfect for fans of Jo Thomas and Lucy Diamond.Every girl should know what the finishing touches are.When twenty-first-century girl Betsy is called on to rescue the exclusive finishing school where she grew up from financial ruin, she knows she must overhaul the school entirely. So it's out with debutante decorum and in with modern manners.But with hunky bursar Mark and her gorgeous friend Jamie on the scene, she will have to remind herself that in the modern world, you don't have to rely on old school feminine wiles to get what you want . . READERS LOVE HESTER BROWNE'S HILARIOUS ROMANTIC COMEDIES'A fabulous piece of escapism!' *****'Unputdownable! Really delicious' *****'A must read' *****'Perfect cosy day in bed read' *****
The Fire Gospel (Books That Changed the World #9)
by Michel FaberFrom the bestselling author of The Crimson Petal and the White, “a satire of the modern entertainment industry . . . hilariously entertaining” (The Sunday Telegraph).Michel Faber’s The Fire Gospel is a wickedly funny, acid-tongued, media-savvy picaresque that delves into our sensationalist culture. Theo Griepenkerl, a Canadian linguistics scholar, is sent to Iraq in search of artifacts that have survived the destruction and looting of the war. While visiting a museum in Mosul, he finds nine papyrus scrolls tucked in the belly of a bas-relief sculpture: they have been perfectly preserved for more than two thousand years. After smuggling them out of Iraq and translating them from Aramaic, Theo realizes the extent of his career-making find, for he is in possession of the Fifth Gospel, and it offers a shocking and incomparable eyewitness account of Christ’s crucifixion and last days on Earth. A hugely entertaining, and by turns shocking story, The Fire Gospel is a smart, stylish, and suspenseful novel.“Most insightful when describing fatuous superficiality . . . The Fire Gospel coasts cleverly and blithely.”—The New York Times“The satire is so entertaining, the pace so sharp, the writing so witty . . . The Fire Gospel can be read easily in one sitting. It’s effortless to consume, but with plenty of bite.”—The Observer“A fun and tender retelling of the Prometheus myth . . . there’s a tenderness about humankind and our inarticulate, profound need to believe that shines through Faber’s tale.”—The Plain Dealer“Faber writes with humor, intelligence, and a keen eye for our modern culture. Readers will laugh at the book and maybe a little at themselves.”—Booklist
The Firefighter's Appeal
by Elizabeth OttoReliving the past...or letting it go? Lily Ashden is finally ready to have fun again. It's been a year since she survived a deadly house fire, and she wants to celebrate being alive. Enter Garrett Mateo-gorgeous, funny and extremely capable of arousing her flirtatious side. He would be perfect...if only he wasn't a firefighter. After what happened to her, she refuses to consider him. Too bad Garrett is suddenly everywhere, tempting her to look beyond his job. His charm proves irresistible, and Lily lets herself fall...until she learns his devastating secret. Now she must decide if her future happiness depends on giving him another chance....
The Firefighter's Fiance
by Kate HardyFrom best friends…Kelsey Watson's life seems to be ticking along just fine. She loves her firefighting job, she's happily single and she has a wonderful (and gorgeous) friend, colleague and housemate in paramedic Matt Fraser.To bride-to-be…Then Matt notices that a fierce fire in a primary school affects Kelsey more deeply than she's admitting. As he tries to help her get to the root of her problems, a deeper connection begins to emerge between them that neither of them expected—or knows how to handle!
The Firmament of Flame (The Universe After #3)
by Drew WilliamsFor fans of Firefly and James S. A. Corey's Expanse novels, The Firmament of Flame is the third installment in Drew Williams' Universe After series.For nearly a century, the Justified have been searching for gifted children to help prevent the return of the pulse. Until recently, they thought they were the only ones. Jane Kamali and her telekinetic protégé Esa, now seventeen, barely managed to claim victory against a Cyn—a being of pure energy—hell bent on hunting down the gifted. Now they face an army. The Cyn and their followers will stop at nothing to find Esa and the others. No one knows what they want, but Jane, Esa, and their allies in the Justified are determined to find out. Even if they have to go to the ends of the known universe to do it.At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
The First Assistant
by Clare Naylor Mimi HareLizzie Miller, the smart and witty East Coast girl clinging for dear life to the bottom rung of the Hollywood ladder has been promoted. No more coffee runs and sorting thumb tacks by colour for, as First Assistant, Lizzie is now making decisions and learning the ins and outs of The Business. And unlike other air-heads, she vows not to be wooed by the glamour and mystique of La-La land, though with a smart and wealthy boyfriend, and diamonds galore, it's getting harder for Lizzie to keep her pumps firmly on the ground. Full to the brim with schmoozing, snubbing, wheeling and dealing, THE FIRST ASSISTANT is a wry and witty glimpse of life behind the Hollywood curtain.
The First Assistant
by Clare Naylor Mimi HareThe further fortunes of everyone?s favorite assistant as she struggles to keep her footing on Hollywood?s slippery slope In The Second Assistant, readers fell in love with smart, witty East Coast girl Elizabeth Miller. Now that Lizzie has been promoted, can she still keep her pumps firmly on the ground in the city of stars? With a viperish subordinate after her job, the world?s hottest teen starlet to keep out of trouble and a boyfriend on location with a beautiful actress, she certainly has her hands full. The satire is sharper than ever as Naylor and Hare take another wry and hilarious look at the wheeling, dealing, schmoozing, and snubbing that make Hollywood the cutthroat capital of the world. The First Assistant is a lesson in how to survive in a town where tonight?s Oscar frock is tomorrow?s laughing stock.