The I Hate to Cook Cookbook, by Peg Bracken, 144pp.

Yes. I read it cover to cover. I've often seen this little gem mentioned in other cookbooks and essays by food writers, and a glance at the recipes (heavy on the employ of condensed soup and other canned ingredients) will have you wondering why. But it's the absolute hilarity of the thing! Sometimes tacky, always clever, and occasionally un-p.c., it's the subversive commentary that will keep you reading. Peg Bracken is the Amy Sedaris of the golden age of mid-century entertaining, except that....I'm a little embarrassed to say I actually learned a few things I'd like to try.