If you are looking for an antidote to too much Christmas spirit, this is a perfect book for you. Funny, at times hilarious, with off the charts irreverence, When Elves Attack by Tim Dorsey is packed with clever cynicism that will make you snicker the next time you see somebody wearing a ridiculous Christmas sweater. It’s an ideal escape from consumerism, too much seasonal decor, bad holiday songs, and meaningless tradition.

It’s also packed with sophomoric humor, some of which is in terrible taste, and plenty of foul language. Plus sex and violence — more of the latter than the former, but still plenty of both. If you are the sensitive type, don’t read this book.

If you are familiar with Dorsey books, then you’ll know the methodology of this book. If you are not, and if you haven’t read books by other authors in the same genre (Hiaasen is the poster child of “crazy Floridian” books), then be prepared for utter chaos. Characters are insane or at least dysfunctional, smart alecks rule, politicians are corrupt, and nobody escapes the sharp wit of the author. These books do not reflect reality — they only reflect the stereotypes of reality. And When Elves Attack does it better than most.

Not exactly a family Christmas book, but still funny enough to read if you are into this kind of thing.