In Vacationland: True Stories from Painful Beaches, writer, actor, podcaster, and Daily Show contributor John Hodgman crafts a memoir full of funny tales from his childhood vacationing in western Massachusetts, his time at Yale University, and his experiences buying a vacation home in Maine. Hodgman is sure to include anecdotes about high school, his wife and children, and his neighbors throughout. The tale about meeting Black Francis of Pixies fame at at petting zoo will put a grin on your face, and make you want to track down some Moxie cola, too.

Though packed with dry wit and charm, Hodgman’s stories also contain a tinge of longing and a coating of melancholy. He has come to grips with where he is at in his life: middle age. Also, his story regarding his mother, who passed away when he was in his twenties, will surely bring tears to your eyes.

Even if you’re a new fan, and haven’t read one of Hodgman’s previous works of fake trivia called The Areas of My Expertise, you will definitely have a great time with this book. Vacationland is a funny, genuine, sad, and ridiculously interesting trip inside the mind of John Hodgman.