Making McManus Index a Useful Website

Over the past few weeks a clear direction for the website is coming into focus. Here are some features and topics I think readers will find the most helpful:

  1. Help people find their favorite stories. Of course this is the main purpose of the McManus index. And until you get your own copy of the index I’d be happy to help you find that story that’s been driving you crazy.
  2. Discover new stories. I know some of you have read all of Pat’s stories. But I’m sure there are many others who would love to be directed to new stories about their favorite characters and topics.
  3. News. Keep people informed of when Pat’s new books are coming out, or anything else newsworthy in the McManus world.
    If there are things you would like to have me write about, feel free to leave a comment.

Above all, Why Am I Writing this Blog?

Because no one has made me laugh as much as Patrick. There were times I felt down while writing the summaries and compiling the index, and after reading a particular story I had tears of laughter streaming down my face. That lingering sense of laughter would stay with me for days.

I suppose you could call me a McManus Evangelist. There’s a quote from the New York Times on the covers of his books that says “Everybody should read Patrick McManus.” That sounds like a worthy endeavor to me.

Five Great Camping Stories by Patrick F. McManus

Here it is the dead-heat of the summer and all I want to do is head up to higher altitudes for a relaxing camping weekend. We know how those “relaxing camping weekends” can turn out to be not so relaxing, but that’s another post.

While you’re packing up everything don’t forget to take these Patrick McManus stories with you.

1. Get Ready

Found in the book How I Got This Way.
note: Read this one before you go.

Preparing for your trip can be so tedious, you might just want to do it the way Patrick does.

2. The Big Trip

Found in the book A Fine and Pleasant Misery.

Patrick finally gets to experience the big trip of his childhood imaginings, full of more misery and hardship than he could possibly hope for.

3. The Family Camper’s Dictionary

Found in the book Never Sniff a Gift Fish.

For those new to the sport of camping, Patrick has compiled a helpful dictionary of terms and phrases.

4. The Night the Bear Ate Goombaw

Found in the book The Night the Bear Ate Goombaw.

When the Muldoons invite Patrick to go camping, his Mom makes him take along an old fur coat to ward off the chill of the cold mountain night. This leads to a problem of mistaken identity.

5. But Where’s the Park Papa?

Found in the book A Fine and Pleasant Misery.

Taking the family with you? Patrick and his family spend their vacation at a national park, with the rest of humanity, it seems.

Now you’re all set, get out there and relax!