Radu Guiasu’s A Good Day and Other (Mostly) Humorous Stories and Lists offers readers a charming and heartwarming glimpse into the life of an academic through 36 lighthearted, witty pieces. This collection blends short stories, creative writing, and amusingly specific lists, bringing together scenes from Guiasu’s youth in Romania under dictatorship, his career in academia in Canada, and snippets from his dating life.

The overarching theme of Guiasu’s writing is an amusing self-awareness of his own perceived ineptitude, perfectly encapsulated in the story In the Wilderness, Reading Hemingway. He pokes fun at the expectations others place on him and the limits of his own understanding, giving readers a refreshing take on the uncertainties of life.

Highlights include stories of enduring friendships like The Day I Smashed My Guitar and The Day the Bear Came, biting satirical pieces such as Submission Guidelines and Save the Yellow-Bellied Scumsucker, and laugh-out-loud moments in Explaining the Reasons for the 1-Star (Out of 5 Stars) Rating I Gave a Book on Amazon and Test Question. Sprinkled throughout are humorous nods to Guiasu’s life in Canada, providing a personal touch. The lists within the collection are equally entertaining, sure to leave readers chuckling, if not outright laughing. Guiasu offers a humorous take on the academic world, capturing the frustrations many can relate to. Whether it’s the absurd number of authors on scientific papers, the scarcity of research funding, the sobering realization that years of hard work may lead nowhere, or the whims of peer-reviewed journals, Guiasu’s reflections on the trials of academic life are both hilarious and achingly relatable.

With its wry humor, intelligent yet accessible language, and sharp observations, this book is not only a joy to read but also strikes a chord with anyone who has navigated the peculiarities of graduate student life. A Good Day and Other (Mostly) Humorous Stories and Lists is a delightful, memorable collection, perfect for light reading.

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