Learn (and love) the language of the landlocked in this bitingly funny illustrated guide to the common phrases and sentiments of the American Heartland, from the author of the McSweeneys series A Guide to Midwestern Conversation.

If you end an evening by slapping your thighs and saying, Welp, Ill go ahead and get outta your hair, then you dont need this guide, but you sure as heck might like it. Full of common Midwestern phrases (and what they really mean behind the friendly facade), A Guide to Midwestern Conversation is an affectionate, self-deprecating look at the languageof a people long defined by their kindness and reduced to their voting patterns. Written by born-and-bred Midwesterner Taylor Kay Phillips,its a wink, a hug, and a firm handshake (with eye contact) to the millions of Americans who say soda and pop interchangeably and grew up doing tornado drills in school.

Discover Midwestern conversational staples like:

• How to announce that you hate something beyond comprehension (I didnt really care for it)

• What counts as a short drive (less than eight hours)

• Sports talk (starts early, doesnt end till were six feet under)

• Describing the ultimate dream home (Its got a finished basement)

• An ode to the Garage Fridge

Including an array of guides, tips, and profiles of all the states included, A Guide to Midwestern Conversation is guaranteed to make Midwesterners (and their friends) laugh out loud, nod their heads, and ask if anyone needs anything real quick while Im up.