The Timewaster Letters

by Robin Cooper
The Timewaster Letters cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Comedy/Humor
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £7.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 10543
  • Added: 2026-01-25
  • Updated: 2026-01-28
  • ISBN: 9781843177999
  • Publisher: Michael O'Mara Books
  • Published: 2011-08-30
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

For several years, Robin Cooper has been sending amusing and often absurd letters to department stores, hotels, associations, fan clubs, and even a children's book publisher. His letters are a delightful mix of wit and nonsense, showcasing his unique perspective on the world. The Timewaster Letters is a collection of these epistolary escapades, offering a glimpse into the mind of a man who finds joy in the mundane and humor in the unexpected. /n/n The book is not just a collection of letters but a testament to the power of creativity and the joy of playful communication. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most ordinary things can be the most extraordinary when viewed through the right lens. Cooper's letters are a celebration of the absurd, a tribute to the art of letter-writing, and a delightful read for anyone who appreciates a good laugh.

Reviews
The Storygraph · 2026-01-25
amusing 3.75

The book is quite amusing, with some of the best letters being those where recipients realize it's a prank and respond in kind.

The Storygraph finds The Timewaster Letters quite amusing, particularly the letters where the recipients catch on to the prank and respond with their own humor. This suggests that the book's appeal lies in its interactive nature and the cleverness of the recipients' responses. The reviewer implies that the book is not only funny but also engaging, as it invites readers to imagine the back-and-forth of these humorous exchanges.

Quick quotes

    Quite amusing, my favourites are the ones in which the recipients have a good inkling that it's a wind-up and respond in kind

    I bought this when it was a 99p bargain

    It's a great book to pick up and read a few letters at a time

Reading Matters Blog · 2005-01-26
entertaining 4.25

The book is described as a fascinating and very funny collection of letters. It is recommended for private reading to fully enjoy its humor.

Reading Matters Blog describes The Timewaster Letters as a fascinating and very funny collection of letters that should be read in the privacy of your own home. This suggests that the book's humor is best appreciated in a personal setting, perhaps due to its risqué or absurd nature. The reviewer implies that the letters are so entertaining that they might not be suitable for public reading, indicating a high level of enjoyment and humor.

Quick quotes

    It's just a fascinating and very funny collection of letters

    Should only be read in the privacy of your own home

    Unless, of course, you want to share the laughter

The Guardian · 2004-10-09
hilarious 4.00

The book is praised for its humor and clever writing, with endorsements from notable comedians. It is considered a hilarious and entertaining read.

The Guardian highlights how The Timewaster Letters has garnered praise from leading comedians like Matt Lucas, Sally Phillips, and Ricky Gervais, which speaks to its comedic value. The book is described as a hilarious collection of letters that is best enjoyed in the privacy of one's own home, suggesting it has a unique and perhaps risqué charm. The reviewer implies that the book's humor is both clever and entertaining, making it a standout read.

Quick quotes

    That Cooper's book comes garlanded with praise from leading comics

    It's just a fascinating and very funny collection of letters

    Utterly convincing, at times disturbing

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