VOLTAIRE

I have mentioned A tag circulating concerning books we have read.
One of the categories asks for "A Book that Made You Laugh".
Now I have a real tendency to laugh at inappropriate times, quite loudly I confess, and have been known to snicker when I would have been better served by simply nodding or looking all serious or something, but I would like to suggest that I have never read a book that did not make me laugh at some point.

Having said that, I will propose that one of the most amusing books I have read was "Candide" by Voltaire, aka Francois Marie Arouet. Actually, the book was titled "The Portable Voltaire" a selection of his stories and letters. "The Portable Voltaire" allowed me to read him in the most inappropriate places such as Math class and during assemblies. He was a master of sarcasm, and not so subtle guile; please forgive me should I fall into his style of writing.

Sometimes when I was making out with Mona, I would have one studious eye cast upon the Sacred Text which I held just over her right shoulder in my left hand, all the while my tongue would be in her cheek, then vice-versa, and my right hand would be busy cupping her left breast and giving an occasional assist in turning a page.
Then the bell would ring and I was off to P.E. where I was known to read aloud, in the original French no less, as I played Badminton, taking on any and all comers, often two at a time (I'm really quite good, my hairpin dropshot is Barbaric) and putting them away forthwith.
Really, Truly Portable.

"Candide" is his best known work and very well done.
For now I will leave you with a Quote from Voltaire;
"WHAT ME WORRY?"
Hold it.... thats not Voltaire, thats that other guy.I shall do better than a Quote and supply Chapter One for your perusal....
http://www.literature.org/authors/voltaire/candide/chapter-01.html

In Chapter 1 he is expelled from the Castle for bustin' a move on the Lord of the Castles' Daughter, the lovely Cungonde...