Those Who Can’t Do

Katherine Finstuen

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Those Who Can’t Do

Finstuen, Katherine and Lyman Finstuen, Jessica

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Blurb

Celebrating a love of the quirk and despair we all experience in this odd thing called life, Those Who Can’t Do is a collection of essays combining humor with more serious reflections on the nature of existence. Many of the essays explore the often bizarre world of teaching while maintaining one’s sanity and creativity. The simple pen and ink drawings provided by the author’s sister-in-law (another teacher) prove a wonderful accompaniment to the pieces. Readers who can enjoy both the absurdity and beauty of life will delight in both the words and pictures comprising this unique collection.

Author

Katherine Finstuen grew up in Washington state before relocating to California in 2002 where she earned her M.A. in English Literature and Composition at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo. Though two short stories were published there during her time as a student, she has since devoted her life to reading copiously, walking vigorously, and creating offbeat cross-stitch slowly — all while teaching high school English. Recently, however, she devoted more time to writing, producing “Those Who Can’t Do” along with her beloved sister-in-law. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559017991020

Illustrator

Jessica Lyman Finstuen grew up in rural Montana until moving to less rural Montana and then onto Wales, Oregon, California and finally settling in Washington State. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Art from Montana State University in 1999 and has enjoyed creating her whole life. Teaching special education has been her focus for the last 14 years while raising two kids with the author’s brother, hiking, gardening, and enjoying the Pacific Northwest. The opportunity to collaborate with her creative and wonderful sister-in-law sparked her artistic side and this book has been a fulfilling collaboration.

Preview

Media

Katherine Finstuen on KCBX public radio

The Woodinville Weekly

Article no longer available online.

Goodreads Reviews

Those Who Can’t Do by Katherine Finstuen (goodreads.com)

Sample Reviews

From Allison

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! If you are a lingiphile, you will appreciate observations about our language, funny life stories/lessons, and so many shared experiences as humans. Uplifting in a way that will make you nod your head and chuckle out loud.

Jun 03, 2022 Jamie rated it it was amazing

Somehow this book made me laugh and cry without feeling sentimental at all (that’s a good thing!). Beyond the erudite and exquisite prose, the author’s ability to imbue the quotidian with meaning, quirk, delight and a look askance is unparalleled. The effect is like watching a ribald stand-up comedy routine, reading a wise haiku, and attending a deeply felt outdoor sermon all at the same time.

May 15, 2022 Robert Inchausti rated it it was amazing

Very Smart and Very Funny

I don’t think I’ve ever read a book by a self-confessed English teacher that is as original in its ideas or more beautifully composed. The short essays collected here are a blend of stand-up comedy, commentary, and confession— articulated by a keen observer of people and language in all their various uses and mis-uses. Think of Sara Silverman’s outrageous honesty combined with the tempered wit and wisdom of Montaigne. (Too much?) 

Get this book for its astonishing perceptions, but read it again and again for the sheer pleasure of its eloquence. The Thurber-like illustrations drawn by the author’s sister-in-law are as understated and poignant as the prose—providing a bird by bird reinforcement of two of the book’s central themes— 
1) that life is too serious to take seriously and 2) that cartoon chickens deserve a lot more respect than we have been giving them.