Reality Bites

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product (Reality Bites) through Ascot Media. Affiliate Links will be used, thank you for your support of my blog, costs you nothing to do so. 🙂

Ever search for a quote and can’t find one? OR do you just happen to like aphorisms and philosophical fragments? Well Gordon Hutchison has just the book for you, with Reality (can be OK, but mostly it) Bites, a tongue in cheek look at the world around us. Most of the work contained therein is his own work, but he includes the work of others if he finds something similar. Let’s take a look shall we?

So, are you like me and wondering exactly what an aphorism is? Well, Mr. Hutchison goes into detail on just what it is in his book: Reality (can be OK, but mostly it) Bites: original aphorisms and other philosophical fragments with teeth. An aphorism has five parts.

must be brief
it must be definitive
there needs to be a personal touch
a twist is required!
must be philosophical

The twist grabs our attention, and often makes us laugh, and then later sometimes makes us think. The laughter makes us feel good and realize, we aren’t alone in our feelings about life circumstances.

Throughout this small book (will easily fit in a backpack or purse) you’ll find aphorisms that will make you laugh, shake your head, or share with your family (especially your teens!). 🙂 Conversation starters in 164 pages! A softcover tome that also comes in kindle format, published by White River Press.

I am reviewing on behalf of Ascot Media.

Set Up and details for Reality Bites

The bulk of Reality Bites are all the aphorisms, but the first few pages are dedicated to an introduction, defining what an anphorism is, and the why and set up of the layout. An author index is included in the final pages.

The rest of the book is 400 different expressions, about six per two page-spread.

Some of the aphorisms will have smaller expressions to the right and below. These are ones that he has found that are fairly similiar to what he has come up with himself.

Some expressions rang true

“doing nothing, done right, can take all day.”

“Love that turns to hate is neither.”

“every unreasonable man has his reasons.”

I have to admit, that some expressions just made me feel sad. The… I don’t know… feels like disrespect toward God and people of faith. But I also don’t know if I read into things too much? But it is what it is right? My thoughts, towards/about this read.

“The best thing about forbidden fruit is that it never goes bad.”

“children are God’s way of letting parents know if they’re having a nice day.”

“to sin is human, to escape undetected divine.”

But for the most part.. thoroughly enjoyed this book. I like quotes and quips, and apparently aphorisms! 🙂 Like Evan, plumbing the meaning in words… is a good thing! And I hope you would too!

Should you get Reality Bites?

Yes, I think so. If you enjoy witticisms… you’ll laugh, you’ll shake your head, and you’ll find yourself using them as conversation starters, essay prompts (for your middle-to-high school students), or as observations about life. An excellent gift for friends and family alike. Mostly fun, and often a bit thought-provoking. 🙂

You may recall I reviewed a book of quotes previously entitled called Civilizations Quotations (my review). This would be a great companion volume to it. 🙂