Calvin and Hobbes: Thereby Hangs a Tale by Bill Watterson

“By and large, language is a tool for concealing the truth.” This quote by author Bill Watterson summarizes the tone of his book, “Thereby Hangs a Tale.” The book is a collection of short stories that deal with the sometimes difficult truth of human communication.

The stories in “Thereby Hangs a Tale” are told with the same wit and humor that Watterson’s fans have come to expect from his popular “Calvin and Hobbes” comic strip. However, the tales themselves are more adult-oriented and explore the nuances of human interaction.

The characters in the stories are often trying to navigate the complexities of language, trying to decipher what is really being said. In one story, a husband and wife are in the midst of a disagreement, but neither is really saying what they mean. In another, a man misunderstands the meaning of a simple word and ends up in an unexpected situation.

Despite the humor in the stories, there is often a deeper message at play. The book explores themes such as miscommunication, truth, and the power of language. It encourages readers to be aware of the words they use and to think more deeply about what others are saying.

Overall, “Thereby Hangs a Tale” is a thought-provoking and entertaining read, filled with the wit and insight that has made Bill Watterson one of the most beloved authors of our time.