When asked to review Peg Tittle’s eBook, “Shit that Pisses Me Off,” a collection of 25 previously published essays with attitude, I couldn’t say no. I had found a pissed off kindred spirit who writes radioactive prose with a hint of sardonic wit. Also, her name is cool.
Peg sets her sights on a subject with laser sharp accuracy then hurls words like missiles in her collection of 25 cogent essays on the foibles and hypocrisies of life.
In the first essay, “You Oughtta Need a License for that,” Peg deconstructs the disingenuous argument on the sanctity of life.
“We wouldn’t accept such wanton creation of life if it happened in the lab. Why do we condone it when it happens in bedrooms and backseats? . . . It should be illegal to create a John Doe Junior to carry on the family name/business.”
And on the question of the right to reproduce,
“Oh but we can’t interfere with people’s right to reproduce! . . . Merely having a capability doesn’t entail the right to exercise that capability.”
In “Mr. and Mrs.,” a rant on society’s branding of the sexes, Peg lashes out at the subliminal herding of men and women.
“. . . ‘people identify each other by sex. All the time. It’s like ‘Female Person Smith’ and ‘Male Person Brown’ or ‘Person-with-Uterus Smith’ and ‘Person-with Penis Brown.'”
Peg tackles the hypocrisy of gender genre fiction in a compelling piece aptly titled, “Women’s fiction.”
“And what exactly is ‘women’s fiction’? Fiction by women? . . . And what’s that, fiction that women are interested in? As if all women are interested in the same things.”
In the controversial essay, “In Commemoration of the Holocaust,” Peg dissects the duplicity of religion and mocks the sheep mentality of the flock.
“I’m not saying it didn’t happen. I’m not saying that, in any way, it was okay. But I’d like to point out that a devout Jew would’ve done, would do, the same thing to the Germans—if God told him to. ‘Oh but God would never command such a thing.’ Take a better look at your Bible . . .”
— A piece that caused me some angst because of my Jewish background. I understand Peg’s commentary on the hypocrisy of religion. But I was uncomfortable with her use of the Holocaust to formulate her argument. Perhaps, several examples would have been more “fair and balanced,” to quote Fox news.
Nothing fair and balanced about that echo chamber, IMO. Now that I’ve stepped on that landmine, I won’t be receiving triage from my right leaning friends.
Whether you agree or disagree with Peg’s position on the issues, “Shit that Pisses Me Off” will stick to your brain long after you’ve ingested every word — No thought evacuations here. Her writing is adept and titillating – her name is Tittle after all – her razor sharp words will slice and dice the cerebral jugular.
If you enjoy reading smart, witty essays that challenge the intellect, download a copy of “Shit that Pisses Me Off” for $2.99 at Amazon and get pissed off, too.
To learn more about Peg Tittle and her writing please swing by her website Bite-Sized Subversions – challenging thoughts about everyday things.
I am thrilled to feature a chapter from “Shit that Pisses Me Off” on Think Spin in the coming days.
Other books by Peg Tittle:
Critical Thinking: An Appeal to Reason
What If…Collected Thought Experiments in Philosophy
Should Parents be Licensed? Debating the Issues
Ethical Issues in Business—Inquiries, Cases, and Readings
Full disclosure: I received a free copy of “Shit that Pisses Me off” for writing the review.
Testing. Geesh! Disqus issues again.
Interesting review, as aside from the religious and political undertones, it sounds like something I might be interested in checking out! I also didn’t know you did reviews, which is my way of hinting that I might like to send you a copy of my book, even though you might hate it…
I didn’t know that I did reviews until I did the review. LOL! Send it my way if it’s not too long. I have a short attention span.
What were we talking about?
not into e-book right now. I’ll rather stick to the conventional paper based books. Cant imagine how people stare at a screen for hours reading. Its insane.!!!
Actually, the Kindle software makes reading easy on the eyes. I don’t have a Kindle and use my laptop whenever I read an electronic piece.
But technology will never be able replicate the feeling of holding a book in your hands.
Wow, she has spunk!
She’s also a great writer. Her brain rocks.
Hooray! I can comment! This actually looks very funny. I think I’d like it! Your new space looks awesome and I really enjoyed the wine and cheese!
Fantabulous! Glad you outwitted and outlasted Disqus.
We are technology’s bitch.
I’m so happy you like my new digs.
I will be posting one of Peg’s chapters shortly. She’s got a big brain.
Women with big brains rock! I love her name too!
Firstly, great review, i look forward to reading the book! I always check out this site before buying any E-Books – http://www.ultimateselfhelpguides.com. Their E-Book reviews are great and give real opinions. Sometimes they give them away for free.
Thank you and thanks for the information.
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Wishes you and your family a Christmas filled with joy and a Happy New Year!
HD Cafe
Thank you. Same to you and your family. Have a wonderful Christmas and excellent New Year.
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