Written by Lucas P. Jones
If you are a fan of FX’s Archer, you know that there are a few things that we can expect from Sterling Archer; he will be drunk, he will be reckless, and he will always win. One thing that I did not expect, is the extrmely informative and well-written book titled, How To Archer: The Ultimate Guide to Espionage and Style and Women and Also Cocktails Ever Written. Its the type of book you never knew you needed until the very moment you open its cover. From its lengthy capter on how to dress, to its very short chapter on stellar navigation, this book is classic Archer from cover to cover.
While you don’t need to be familiar with the show to read this book, I highly recommend watching at least a few episodes to really get a grasp on the character. Plus, you get the added bonus of hearing the book in H. Jon. Benjamin’s silky smooth voice as you read (we can only hope that there will be an audiobook version.) The book focuses on Sterling Archer, “World’s Greatest Secret Agent”, and is a companion book for the show of the same name. It is in the the capacity as World’s Greatest that Sterling lays down the law and gives us his ultimate tips for being a better spy. Not the best of course, because clearly, that position has already been filled.
As the book moves through the various aspects of how to be a better spy, the style of writing remains consistantly funny. Tips that can be considered actual information slowly descend into the ramblings that we have come to know and love. How To Archer manages to stay fresh by mixing up chapers that give actual drink reciepies and real(ish) information on differenet fighting styles, to chapters on how to pick up women in several different languages and Archer’s “World Factbook”, which borders on politically incorrect in the best way possible. Throw in some references to the most well known jokes from the show, and you’ve got yourself a fantastic Archer tie-in.
When I first picked up this book, I was afriad it would be a one trick pony, beating the same dead horse over and over, throwing the reader out of the saddle by phoning in minimal effort and cashing in. This turned out not to be the case. How to Archer is probably one of the funniest books I’ve ever read, and has a great flow to both the humor and pacing, and makes for a very easy and enjoyable read.
To pick up a copy of How to Archer by Sterling Archer, click here
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