Diminished Capacity.

New York, NY Berkley Books, 1995. Paperback First Edition Thus; First Printing indicated. First Edition Thus; First Printing indicated. Near Fine in Wraps: shows only the most minute indications of use: just a hint of wear to extremities; mildest rubbing. Binding square and secure; text clean. Very close to 'As New'. NOT a Remainder, Book-Club, or Ex-Library. 8vo. 246pp. Trade Paperback. Dimished Capacity by Sherwood Kiraly, author of three other novels including California Rush, Big Babies and Who's Hot, Who's Not, is a humorous story about an unlikely trio who hatch a plan to sell a rare baseball card, and is the basis for the motion picture starring Matthew Broderick, Alan Alda, and Virginia Madsen. The townsfolk once voted him the strangest man in Missouri, but he turned the honor down, claiming it was "just a popularity contest." He has baited hooks connected to the keys of an old typewriter by the side of the Mississippi, so the local fish can write poetry. He keeps stacks of old newspapers piled up to his bedroom ceiling, and he doesn't know why. They don't get much more eccentric than old Rollie Zerbs of LaPorte, Missouri. But he does have one thing going for him--a rare 1909 Chicago Cubs tobacco baseball card, one of the most valuable cards in existence. And even though he can't remember where he just put it, he's on his way to Chicago to see what the card will bring...This is one of the funniest books I have ever read. Diminished Capacity. If you want a "laugh out loud" fun time, take an afternoon off to read this book. While the plot is intriguing, it is not the best thing about this book. Sherwood Kiraly writes with some of the most hilarious little zingers that can catch you off guard. You have to read this book slowly, or you might miss some of the subtle humor that will just send you guffawing when you take the time to enjoy the playful writing. I save this book to read again and again, when I need a "pick-me-up" as it always leaves me chuckling for days when I think of some of the wonderful "way with words" that Mr. Kiraly shares with us.