Check out Wigfield: The Can-Do Town that Just May Not by Amy Sedaris

After collaborating on stage at Chicago’s Second City and on television at Comedy Central, this hilarious trio has transitioned to the printed page with ease. The casual reader will appreciate the obvious humor and the unusual illustrations by designer Todd Oldham. A serious reader will enjoy the (slightly) deeper levels of parody, social criticism, irony and subversion, and may quite possibly experience facial discomfort from their unceasing laughter. A writer, Russell Hokes, tells our story; he has already blown his publisher’s advance for a book about the dying small towns of America, and is desperate to find 50,000 words to appease his editor when his car breaks down near a spray painted sign that says “Wigfield’s Hottest Ladies.” In this small research haven off the interstate of used auto parts shops and strip clubs, Hokes abuses the hospitality of the residents he interviews, and discovers the true peril that endangers Wigfield - the town will soon be flooded by the destruction of the Bulkwaller Dam. Russell Hokes confronts the three mayors of Wigfield, a handful of strippers, two 40-ish women vying for the title of “oldest Wigfieldan”, and a State Representative who dares to ask “What is a town?” But can he save Wigfield from flooding, before the residents collect their federal disaster relief?? And (more importantly) will he make his 50,000-word deadline before the end of the story? Recommended for anyone who enjoys modern comedy, silly satire and lots of laughs.

Reviewed by Lissa Staley