Craigslist has got to be one of the best places for humor. I mean, the Web site even has a section called best-of-craigslist, where you can find a collection of the funniest, wittiest and sometimes just plain weirdest posts. But that’s not quite what Wanted: Bear Cubs for My Children is about.

Instead, it’s a showcase of the findings of a social experiment by Gary Fingercastle, a writer who was curious to see how the public would respond to some very outlandish requests. For example, what would you do to see a donkey fight or own a Ronald Reagan tortilla?

The posts can be clever, but most just sound contrived, even to the masses on craigslist. While every post has a response, most have the phrase, “This can’t be real,” and those that don’t tend to be a simple, “I want it!” What fun is that?

The book isn’t quite the I’m-crying-from-laughing I was hoping for. It is interesting sometimes, if only to see what kinds of things the general public is willing to work for, help with, trade or buy.

Grade: C+



Wanted: Bear Cubs for My Children is currently available.