One More Cup Of Coffee

Self-styled humorist and cartoonist Tom Pappalardo records his impressions of the quality of coffee and at the same time he also judges the patrons in various coffee houses and fast-food sites across collegiate Western Massachusetts. While he does comment on the caliber of the coffee, his biting comments regarding the patrons of these establishments reflect a rather acerbic personality. From his sardonic throne, he criticizes the old folks, is annoyed by children and their caring mothers, scorns the college females at their computers, mocks the youths, and laughs at the baristas. Apparently this is the type of mocking vision enjoyed and applauded by the youth of this country. He portrays the customers with a glacial indifference and imagines the worst in them. In displaying his somber, off-putting mood, he employs the descriptor “goddamned” about as frequently as the “F” word. While he likes his donuts and pies, a mood enhancer along with an antacid added with the sugar might evoke some more genial perceptions. The too few black and white sketches hidden between the written pages describe a more gracious story than the caustic wit. This coffee venture would do better as a graphic book.