The Funniest Book of the Year

Yes, the year is short, and yes, 2010 might bring us other funny books -- John Edwards, I'm reasonably sure, will soon be bringing out a very funny book -- but Matt Labash's new  "Fly Fishing with Darth Vader" is, I'll bet right now, the funniest thing I'll read all year. Labash is one of the most consistently entertaining magazine writers today. His portrayal of Marion Barry in decline is the best profile of my favorite mayor that I've ever read. Labash has an innate sympathy for scoundrels, and he brings them to life like no other journalist today. And no, this is not some sort of log-rolling; I don't know Labash, I just read him, and I thought I'd pass along the good news that he has a new book. Take a stand for great journalism and buy it.