{"title":"Mike Haskins","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMike Haskins\u003c\/strong\u003e offers a delightful blend of humour and insightful commentary, inviting readers to laugh with titles that balance wit and charm. His works such as \u003cem\u003e3000 Jokes\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eThe Wicked Wit of Cricket\u003c\/em\u003e showcase a sharp comedic voice that appeals to fans of lighthearted, clever humour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBeyond humour, Haskins also explores cultural and historical themes, with books like \u003cem\u003eThe Beatles' Liverpool\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eHow to Survive Old Age\u003c\/em\u003e providing thoughtful reflections on time, place, and human experience. His writing bridges the worlds of \u003cem\u003eSports\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eHistory\u003c\/em\u003e, and everyday life with warmth and wit.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"the-wicked-wit-of-cricket-by-mike-haskins-9781789293395","title":"The Wicked Wit of Cricket","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘The English,’ as George Bernard Shaw once remarked, ‘are not very spiritual people, so they invented cricket to give them some idea of eternity.’ Some might call it eternity. Others might instead regard it as heaven.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe world of cricket is nevertheless one that is filled with larger-than-life characters – be they the great players, the unforgettable commentators, the legendary umpires, or the most enthusiastic and barmiest fans. The contest between leather and willow is, after all, only challenged by soccer as the world's most popular sport.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Wicked Wit of Cricket\u003c\/i\u003e is a sumptuous feast of cricket’s greatest tales, legends, and anecdotes all spread out across the clubhouse table in bite-sized pieces. Bringing together the sport’s most famous quips, insults, pranks, mishaps, incredible facts, outrageous incidents, plus all those great moments of commentary where the words did not come out quite as intended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book packed not just with wicked wit but with wicket wit as well!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"The Distribution and Logistics Company (TDLC)","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47073682686188,"sku":"9781789293395","price":25.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/1377203482825.jpg?v=1765157136"},{"product_id":"3000-jokes-2997-laughs-by-stephen-arnott-9780008677169","title":"3000 Jokes, 2997 Laughs","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe ultimate joke book with over 3,000 side-splitting jokes for every occasion: ranging from one-liners and observations, to classic funny stories that will provide hours of fun.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMike Haskins and Stephen Arnott collate this wonderful comedy-fest full of quick-fire one-liners, timely observations and rambling yarns – from the classic to the modern. This book contains quips for every occasion: from a best man’s speech to a sales conference, for swapping around the dinner table and even for when you’re sitting on the loo!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eArranged by subject matter, you’ll always be able to find just the right joke for any situation. (Unless you're a child, because this book is \u003cstrong\u003estrictly for adults only\u003c\/strong\u003e.)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis hilarious collection will appeal to those who want to find a specific rib-tickler for an upcoming event, and to those who want to settle down in an armchair and have a good old laugh. From the hilariously cringe-worthy dad joke, to the witty brain-teaser, \u003cem\u003e3000 Jokes, 2997 Laughs\u003c\/em\u003e will leave you the funniest person in every room.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eJokes include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTom’s eyesight is getting very bad. He’s had to get a special new pair of glasses to help him find where he left his old glasses.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat do you call a magic dog? A Labracadabrador.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eToday is the birthday of the inventor of the boomerang. I think we should all wish him Many Happy Returns.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat’s the best thing about Switzerland? I don’t know, but their flag is a huge plus.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSettle in, and prepare to laugh your socks off!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Arotahi Agency","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47288334352620,"sku":"9780008677169","price":29.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/598ad0a919f5bb9eeef82943ba355d4c.jpg?v=1770634928"},{"product_id":"the-beatles-liverpool-by-mike-haskins-9781841659466","title":"The Beatles' Liverpool","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Beatles' Liverpool\u003c\/em\u003e invites you to explore 'Beatle Land' and the iconic sites associated with their fame, revealing why the city of Liverpool was crucial to their success.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLiverpool, positioned on the bank of the River Mersey in north-west England, is where the 'Fab Four'—John, Paul, George, and Ringo—were all born and raised. This book delves into the early influences, people, and places that shaped their musical direction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePlaces to visit and content include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n    Early childhood influences, such as schools, parents, and relatives, left an indelible mark on the characters of the boys as they grew up.\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n    St Peter's Church, where Paul famously first met John, who was performing with his band The Quarrymen in the church grounds at a fete. The church hall is also where they first played music together, with Paul recalling John's 'beery breath'.\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n    The Mersey Ferry, known as 'the floating fish and chip shop', provided a great venue for the Beatles to perform in 1961 and 1962.\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n    'Strawberry Fields Forever' and 'Penny Lane', two of the Beatles' most iconic songs, are also actual places to visit in Liverpool. The grounds of Strawberry Fields are where John attended summer fairs with his aunt, and a new exhibition opened here in 2019 that tells the story of John's childhood.\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n    'Penny Lane' celebrates the Bus Roundabout in Penny Lane and recalls how Paul would often meet John there.\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n    The Cavern Club, described as 'dark, dingy, smelly, and damp', where the Beatles played 292 times. It is also where Brian Epstein first saw them perform during a lunchtime session in November 1961.\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n    Examination of Brian Epstein's role and influence as another Liverpool native who became their subsequent manager.\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n    Includes a location map.\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47487569625324,"sku":"9781841659466","price":16.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/2fc8ca809a518504d1f5601426736c16.jpg?v=1775773829"},{"product_id":"how-to-survive-old-age-by-clive-whichelow-9781837999699","title":"How to Survive Old Age","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBe yourself and wear your wrinkles proudly with the help of this humorous collection of observations and illustrations on how to survive old age.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor years, you wanted to be treated like a proper adult, but now you're on a downhill slippery slope to a grand old age and you can't seem to find the brakes. You need expert survival advice, such as:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eDon't call anyone under 40 \"young man\" or \"young lady\".\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eDo remember where your glasses, keys and wallet are to avoid raised eyebrows from family members.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eDon't wear a tartan rug over your knees on a car journey.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eDo make an effort to learn all the songs in the top ten.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis mischievous little book will help you enjoy your latter years without worrying about what anyone else thinks. After all, the best things in life are old: vintage wines, golden oldies... You're now part of an elite club. Enjoy!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47647699206380,"sku":"9781837999699","price":24.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/bab675fae0d56209c7762b59834a0ff1.jpg?v=1779235243"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/mike-haskins.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}