Spoiled Brats (including the story that inspired the major motion picture An American Pickle starring Seth Rogen): Stories

Simon Rich

Oct 2014 · Sold by Little, Brown

About this ebook

The "hilarious" (New York Times Book Review) collection of short stories from the award-winning humorist Simon Rich includes the story that inspired the Seth Rogen comedy An American Pickle.   

Twenty years ago, Barney the Dinosaur told the nation's children they were special. We're still paying the price.

From "one of the funniest writers in America" comes a collection of stories culled from the front lines of the millennial culture wars (Jimmy So, Daily Beast). Rife with failing rock bands, student loans, and participation trophies, Spoiled Brats is about a generation of narcissists -- and the well-meaning boomers who made them that way.

A hardworking immigrant is preserved for a century in pickle brine. A helicopter mom strives to educate her demon son. And a family of hamsters struggles to survive in a private-school homeroom. Surreal, shrewd, and surprisingly warm, these stories are as resonant as they are hilarious.

Ratings and reviews

Overall, A good assortment of shorts, some good and some VERY good. "Elf on the Shelf" had me laughing unlike I ever have from a book.

"Sell Out" has all the elements for an awesome Spike Jonze movie! Also dug "Played Out", "Distractions" & the hamster story.

Makes short stories a good time.

About the author

Simon Rich has written for "Saturday Night Live," Pixar, and "The Simpsons." He is the creator and showrunner of "Man Seeking Woman" (FXX) and "Miracle Workers," (TBS), which he based on his books. His other collections include Hits and Misses, Spoiled Brats, and Ant Farm. He is a frequent contributor to The New Yorker.