Laughing Gas

I thought the book was great, although it differs from many of the P. G. Wodehouse books in that it involves some supernatural events which he usually doesn't do. However, I think he uses this twist to his advantage to make a very funny book. It probably is best appreciated by an older reader because he uses a moderately sophisticated vocabulary. He uses some very British phrases and words that can mostly be understood in context to someone who isn't familiar with them. I think it is these old phrases that make it so funny because you just don't hear people talk like this anymore! Don't judge this book by it's strange cover, it is quite funny. If you enjoyed any of the Wodehouse books, I would highly recommend this one.

Several years ago, I asked the most well-read man I knew to recommend an author who was consistently funny and wrote light-hearted books. He recommended P.G. Wodehouse immediately, and I'm so glad he did.In Laughing Gas, Reginald, third Earl of Havershot, and Hollywood's reigning child idol, Joey Cooley, switch bodies while under the influence of laughing gas during simultaneous dental procedures. Hilarity ensues, and I mean that quite literally. It really is a laugh-out-loud funny book.The plot careens and swerves through lots of crazy coincidences, farcical situations, and unlikely encounters. But you don't keep reading to see what will happen next. The plot isn't the driving force with Wodehouse. Instead, what keeps the reader turning pages is the sheer joy of finding out what wonderful saying or hilarious conversation will come along next. The unexpected use of language is one of the charms of Laughing Gas. I opened the book at random just now and came across this little gem: "I didn't get his drift, and said so. He continued snowing." The book is full of little treasures like that.Another thing I enjoyed about Laughing Gas is the lack of cynicism in the characters. A lot of comedy has a snarky side, which is fine with me for the most part, but the refreshing sincerity of Reggie Havershot and the rest of the fictional folk in Laughing Gas is a nice change of pace. Wodehouse really knows how to write a likeable everyman, even if that everyman might be a little slow on the uptake at times. Even the worst behaved characters probably won't get up to anything worse than "throwing soft-boiled eggs at the electric fan in the better class of restaurant." It's a fun story, and I'd recommend it to anyone who needs a good laugh.

Very fun (funky) read! My husband and I read it aloud together and thought of several dramatic endings after it was done--there wasn't quite enough "po kings in the snoot" for us. : )

A bit of a quirky twist on the usual Wodehouse fare. While not my favorite, retains the masterful use of English language and hilarious situations and dialogue to merit a 5 star rating!

Sicence fiction, or something Different, makes this book un-Wodehousian. But, as his writing and humor carry the day, the book is fun.

Wodehouse books are all GEMS! This one was read to me out loud by my husband and we both laughed our way through.

"Laughing Gas" is a rather appropriate title for a work by P.G. Wodehouse, since most, if not all, of his novels and short stories will have readers laughing out loud. This delightful romp set in 1930s Hollywood is no different, although not quite on par with some of his other works. Perhaps it is because the plot revolves around an entirely implausible event or perhaps it winds up being far more sentimental than comic - not necessarily a bad thing.Reggie Havershot, just recently named the third Earl of Havershot, is dispatched to Hollywood to locate his lush of a cousin and to prevent him from a malignant marriage. On the train there, Reggie meets and falls in love with the beautiful actress, April June, who seems just as eager to return his attention - he is an earl after all, even if he has the face of a gorilla. Reggie cannot understand why others do not view April June with the same eyes that he does, but when a toothache stalls his romance, his real troubles begin. For while under the gas in the dentist's chair, Reggie's soul is swapped with that of Joey Cooley, the spoiled child star of the moment. Imagine Reggie's disbelief when he awakens in the young tyke's body and discovers the demands of a child actor's life. Imagine his further chagrin when Joey Cooley, now installed in his body, seems to have no desire to switch places and has taken it upon himself to carry out some wish fulfillment fantasies now that he is a grown up. How can this matter be righted without both characters ruining the life of the other? In Wodehouse there is a way."Laughing Gas" is a delightful comic read that never stalls, but rushes headlong through various schemes and nefarious plots as Reggie comes to terms with his new life, learning just what a pill the true possessor of this young body is and just how much one can yearn for the simple things in life once they are denied him. This novel requires a great suspension of disbelief but it is freely given. Even with such a fanciful premise, readers will gladly accept a story that revolves around soul swaps. Anything is possible in Hollywood after all.

Perfect for an escape from a tummy ache, toothache or general life ache. Simple, silly, with fun oddball characters. Despite the Hollywood setting, the lead character is comfortable Wooster-ish.

The manner in which Wodehouse writes is brilliant. In addition to creating a story which makes you laugh often, he also uses words is a lovely way.

P G W always includes a bit of romance and mischief...another classic glimpse into the ‘30s

I love all of P.G. Wodehouse's books!

This is an unusual novel. Not my favourite but based on a clever idea. It is an enjoyable read and it is intriguing to see how the circumstances pan out.

Nice and funny. I think the Blandings series is so good, that even good books from PGW pale in front of that - hence 4 stars.