“Punching Tom Hanks”

Author: Kevin Seccia

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

Without giving it much thought, the premise behind “Punching Tom Hanks” seems like a throwaway concept. But over the course of 200 pages, New York-based comedy writer Kevin Seccia delivers enough wit, nonsense and comedic machismo to keep you laughing the whole way through.

Born out of a blog started by Seccia three years ago, “Punching Tom Hanks” is a screamingly hilarious collection of rambling, how-to absurdity that acts as a guide to beating up, well, pretty much anything. Cutting into everything from time-traveling cavemen to alligators to the ever-charming George Clooney, there are few demographics ­— real or not — that Seccia shies away from. It seems like an absurd concept, but that’s kind of the point. The book colors outside the lines of reality too with Seccia even explaining how to defend oneself from Trojan horses. An enemy that he describes as an “all-too-common foe.”

Because of the discursive nature of the book, there are moments where Seccia’s essays become more focused on the subject itself rather than step-by-step punch-out instructions. And while there are some occasional lulls in hilarity, Seccia’s imagination and knack for pop-culture musings makes the bulk of it entertaining.

Unlike so many other comedy books nowadays, “Punching Tom Hanks” doesn’t waste time any time taking itself too seriously. With dozens of subjects, a two-part “Note On Weapons” section and a conclusion that outlines the ten cardinal rules for beating up anything, “Punching Tom Hanks” is the kind of book you can put down and return to later at any given hour. It’s gut-punching nonsense that’s bound to get even the most hardened cynics shutting up for a few minutes – this one included.

3 out of 4 stars