'Buy Ketchup In May And Fly At Noon'

The Bookworm

Terri Schlichenmeyer

Buy Ketchup in May and Fly at Noon

by Mark Di Vincenzo

c.2009, Harper $13.99

One quick peek at your calendar, and you know it’s time. Time to figure out where you’re going to get your turkey … two turkeys, in fact, one for November and one for December. Time to start figuring out what gifts you’ll give. Time to drag out the winter stuff and wistfully put away the swimsuits and flipflops. But when’s the best time to book that winter vacation?  Should you be looking for a snow blower now? And what about that turkey?  Hmmm. Maybe it’s time to look for “Buy Ketchup in May and Fly at Noon” by Mark Di Vincenzo.

“… at about three-thirty one summer morning in 2007,” Di Vincenzo’s wife jotted down a brainstorm for a book about the best time to do things. But, bad timing, Di Vincenzo was already writing another book. But, he couldn’t stop thinking about this idea that, he says, “couldn’t come at a better time.”

As Di Vincenzo points out, watching your pennies and using resources wisely has never been more important. That’s why you need this book: it contains hundreds of money-saving ideas and ways to live more efficiently.

When, for instance, is the best time to stock up on various groceries? Is there a better day to shop for clothes at a thrift store? What about toys, gas or movie tickets? Would you believe there’s a sale season for major appliances?

OK, you’re saying, but you don’t need to buy anything. You have things to do. So what’s the best time to have your picture taken? When should you sneak 40 winks? Is there a time when working-out is most beneficial?

Maybe you’re unsure about transplanting those flowers to another spot in the garden, or adding some fancy new shrubs. When should you do that? And what about fertilizing your yard and garden?

In this book, you’ll learn how to avoid the crowds at popular vacation sites and when to get the camera out for magazine-perfect pictures. Learn what time is best to quit your job (or fire someone) and how to run a meeting on time. You’ll learn tips for health and marriage and one reason why not to get married.

About this time (here we go again), you’re thinking about a gift for “The Person Who Has Everything.” May I suggest this book?

“Buy Ketchup in May and Fly at Noon” is quirky, funny, entirely useful and not at all expensively priced. Di Vincenzo mined articles, books, promotional material and experts’ opinions to come up with solid information that’s helpful to anyone who’s doing almost anything.

The only thing I would have liked to see is an index. Lacking that, though, individual topics are grouped within broad chapters, so what you’re looking for is pretty easy to find.

If you’re punctual, always late, want to save money, or just want to read something different, grab this book. “Buy Ketchup in May and Fly at Noon” is great to read any time.