While it was never really meant to be a sequel to "Kindergarten" this book is definitely a continuation of the hilarity in his first book. It's definitely a great book that anyone can relate to. Not overly funny but not too serious. It's not what I would call a very long read, but great for just picking up and paging through. I spent a lot of time laughing myself to tears reading this.

Anyone who got on the internet sometime in the nineties probably remembers the 'Everything I Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten' forwards. And hey, if you missed those you probably saw the poster.

'It Was On Fire When I Lay Down On It' is not a sequel, but rather a continuation of the same sort of humourous, folksy truths that made '...Kindergarten' so popular. Fulghum is a little darker in this volume, though certainly not enough to be off putting to the Chicken Soup audiences enticed by his first collection. It's a solid collection of essays; nothing groundbreaking here, but good, enjoyable writing. His slightly off-kilter way of looking at the world makes for an interesting peek into situations we might otherwise dismiss as normal, everyday occurrences.

This probably won't satisfy people who want to dig in for a long read and not come out until winter's over, but it is a great book to bring along if you know you're looking for short, insightful bites of humour.

It was Fire when I Lay Down on It is the sequel, of sorts, to Fulghum’s famous book about Kindergarten. I had never heard of “Fire”, although “Kindergarten” had entered into popular culture, though I had little idea what it was about. After reading it, though, I had to read the follow-up. “Fire” does not continue the story, but is another collection of Fulghum’s short stories. It does not disappoint, for those who only know “Kindergarten.” It is written in the same style, with the same warm wit and unconventional wisdom. Once again I found myself laughing throughout, with an occasional tear in my eye. Every essay will affect different people, but regardless of your favorite you will find something to inspire your life, perhaps for change, certainly for a new appreciation of loved ones in your life. If you have never read “Kindergarten” don’t worry about holding off on “Fire”. Rather, get the first one you find, enjoy, and then search for the other.

When I read his first book, I was laughing silly at odd times (whenever I got time to read a chapter). This time was no different. In his typical funny style, Robert writes down personal experiences, friends' tales, and in general laying down life thick for us all to find some humor in it. And find we do! The book is great as a coffee table book or simply to read when you want to take a break from the tension of daily life. 10 minutes here and 20 minutes there and the book will revive you everytime. He makes use of worldly things. Things and situations that you and I and every other average Joe is bound to encounter in our day-to-day life. And that is what makes this book so real and so close to heart. It feels always as if it is happening to you and you cannot help laughing at it.

Even if you didn’t read his first book, don’t be afraid to pick up this second book of essays. Each chapter/essay is short and easy to read, making this the perfect stop and start book. I rarely have time to sit down and read a book cover to cover, so this type of divided book is perfect. It’s a bonus when I am truly enjoying the book. Each chapter or essay is both funny and touching. The author combines insight, personal reflection and a true sense of humor to provide an entertaining read for adults. In the style of Erma Bombeck or Lewis Grizzard, these essays are lots of fun. This is the type of book that you pass around to your friends until everyone in your circle has read it. And, then you read it again! I have to say that his first book was slightly better (I laughed out loud at that one), but when you set the standard so high, you have to expect a slight letdown. Overall: this book is excellent!

If you are looking for a book that will tickle your funny bone and give you a chance to
sit with a cup of coffee for some reading and laugh time, this book is for you.

The Author includes personal stories and insights that will make you chuckle and know that
life is not always throwing a curve, but you can find humor in the times when you
feel down and bombarded by life.

While I am a Christian, and I know the Author is a minister, he doesn't get preachy in the
book. He respects his readers and although there are a few mentions of various items that
pertain to religion it's not overwelming to the readers from various walks of life.

I highly recommend this book because as it helped me to learn to lighten up, it can also
help take the edge off of the things of life that can make daily life a grind stone.