Things To Do While You Poo On The Loo: Activity Book With Funny Facts, Bathroom Jokes, Poop Puzzles, Sudoku & Much More. By Alex Smart. The Book Review.

This is one book I never expected to exist, but here we are.

Let me tell you, dear reader, there’s nothing quite like being inspired in the most unexpected of places, your porcelain throne. Yes, the bathroom: a place of solitude, reflection, and sometimes, hilarity. And that’s precisely where Things To Do While You Poo on the Loo by Alex Smart fits in, bringing wit, puzzles, and trivia to the most mundane of routines.

Before I dive into the book itself, let me set the stage with a personal confession. There was this day; the infamous “door handle debacle.” Picture this: I waltz into a public restroom, confident and carefree, only to discover (too late) that the lock was broken. What followed was a master class in multitasking: holding the door shut with one hand while praying my dignity remained intact. It was then that I realised that bathroom time is sacred. It deserves a ritual, a moment of zen, or, failing that, a really good book for those who would rather not take their phone to the bathroom or maybe your phone's battery is dead.

Fast forward to October (yes, I was Christmas shopping absurdly early), when I stumbled upon this cheeky little gem. With its promise of laughter and productivity in the loo, it seemed the perfect match for someone like me, someone who finds inspiration in unlikely places and thinks a bit of silliness can transform even the dullest moments into memories.

Everything about this book screams fun. It’s an activity book, yes, but not the kind you’d find gathering dust in a schoolroom. Think Sudoku, brainteasers, trivia, and puzzles, all served with a side of irreverent bathroom humour. One standout quote reads: “Sometimes, the best ideas come to us while we’re stuck on the loo.” And honestly? It’s true. Some of my finest ideas were born in the bathroom: a surprise birthday party for my mum, a particularly snarky blog post, and, once, a resignation letter drafted with Shakespearean flair. (What can I say? My muse works best when I’m, er, seated.)

The jokes in the book range from delightfully silly to laugh-out-loud absurd, making you feel like you’re sharing a pint with a mate who isn’t afraid to laugh about poo. And the trivia? Weirdly fascinating. Did you know the average person spends about three years of their life on the loo? That’s three years of prime mental real estate! The book makes a compelling case for filling those moments with joy, rather than mindless scrolling.

Of course, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the slight “edge” to its humour. A few choice words; like “sh**” and “pi**”—pop up in the jokes, and there’s a crossword or two featuring crass references. While it’s perfect for your funny mate or that cousin with the laugh that echoes at every inappropriate joke, maybe skip it for your prim-and-proper Nana. One reviewer hilariously pointed out that it’s not exactly kid-friendly, despite the “clean and wholesome” claim in the description. So, fair warning, know your audience!

Absolutely. Another quote from the book struck me: “If you’re going to be here anyway, why not make it productive?” It’s cheeky, but it hits the mark. Instead of staring at tiles or trying to remember if you paid the electricity bill, you could be solving a puzzle or learning a random fact. Fun and productivity in one neat package. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of bathroom reading.

That said, the book does occasionally tread the fine line between playful and puerile. If you’ve got a sophisticated sense of humour, or blush easily, you might find some of the jokes a bit much. But if you’re here for harmless silliness, you’ll find it absolutely delightful.

If you’re looking to add some fun and mental stimulation to your loo routine, Things To Do While You Poo on the Loo is a winner. It’s a quirky, laugh-out-loud companion, perfect for a gag gift or for your own bathroom library (yes, that’s a thing). Just be mindful of who you’re gifting it to, you don’t want a scandalised recipient clutching their pearls over an unexpected crossword clue.

If you would love to buy this book for yourself or as a Christmas gift for someone else, you can buy it here.

If you’ve enjoyed this little jaunt through the bathroom literary world, I’d love for you to join me over on Read Read Rant! This is my cosy corner of the internet, where I rave, rant, and muse over books. Whether they’ve thrilled me, annoyed me, or left me utterly confused.

I started this site because, like many of you, I’m bursting to talk about books, but I didn’t have enough friends who’d tolerate my endless bookish ramblings. Now, I’ve built this space to connect with other readers who live for stories and can’t resist a cheeky debate about whether that plot twist was brilliant or a total cop-out. Got a recommendation? Want to rant about a book? Let’s get talking. Follow me for more reviews, laughs, and musings. Together, let’s make reading as communal and fun as it should be!