The Littlest Hitler

Just read the collection of short stories by Ryan Boudinot called "The Littlest Hitler."

Before I get started, it is not Nazi propaganda, Hitler glorification, or any other war time novel. I know I felt it would be Nazi(ish) after it was recommended by a good friend who a) Had to shorten his last name because the original German length was too long (or it was changed to avoid prosecution) b) Boasts a healthy collection of Nazi literature and Hitler based titles and c) Recently purchased an authentic SS uniform off ebay and had it altered to fit to his girthy and otherwise intimidating figure. Okay, so that last point I made up. But it fit so well I had to leave it.

On to the book. In the simplest terms I can possibly use - This was by far the funniest thing I have ever read on paper, computer, or watched on a TV/Movie screen. It was at times embarrassing to read on the streetcar as onlookers with expressions of confusion mixed with fear checked the title of the book and witnessed me in almost tear induced laughter. It almost reads like a humorous and intelligent adult take on stories from Tales from the Crypt.

In total there are roughly 18 stories (give or take) that cover some of the most absurd subject matter I have ever witnessed in a novel. The kicker is that all the stories start in a somewhat traditional manner and end up taking a left turn into some kind of warped alter-world that almost seems (even though far fetched) plausible at times. The stories touch on a budding office romance with a girl who wears a beard of bees to work, A father and son outing to a Doctor Who convention, and of course the story in which the title of the book takes its name from - The Littlest Hitler (I won't go into detail)

All and all, If ever I were to suggest something to digest in book form it would be this book. Do us all a favour though and read it on the street car. The looks you get from other riders are priceless.