Robert Eastley, associate professor of construction management at Ferris State University for the last 34 years, recently published a novel making fun of everyday life.
“The Daily Gripe” began in 2003 as a humor column. Over the years, Eastley accumulated approximately 350 articles, and was encouraged by friends to turn them into a book.
“I didn’t go into it thinking I was going to be a book author, but it became a cool idea,” Eastley said.
The novel was published in June of 2016 by Green Ivy Publishing. Tom Rademacher, a retired well-known columnist for the Grand Rapids Press, reviewed the book.
“Bob Eastley has captured what it is to be human, and to laugh at it aloud,” Rademacher’s said in the review. “In ‘The Daily Gripe,’ you’ll discover a sweet elixir to chase away the banality that too often rules our days. And in his humorous observations, you’ll see your own life reflected in ways that remind us how we’re all connected at the funny bone.”
The novel contains stories about children returning home from college to life in college. From cafeteria food to bowling through an RA’s door with a dumbbell weight. To graduation parties, incompetent fast-food workers, bad car salesmen and children learning how to swear.
“It’s a creation that you make that nobody else has done,” Eastley said. “If I can make people laugh at something, that’s the most fun. You get to make somebody’s day.”
Eastley was moved to write this style of book based on his love for finding humor in daily life.
“I’ve always had a sense of humor about day-to-day living. I really love humor in general. Once I started doing the column I would get feedback, people saying they relate to a situation. I try to find the humor in a day-to-day thing.”
The novel has been receiving some attention recently, with Eastley being featured on local radio, in the Pioneer newspaper, interviewing with WGVU radio and appearing live on WZZM television.
Eastley began teaching, he said, because it suited his personality better than sitting in a cubicle.
“I really think kids are where it’s at,” Eastley said. “You get as much back from the kids as you give to them, you make a difference in people’s lives. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done. I guess we all have a niche, and I found mine.”