[bshimmin]

One-line jokes are generally not well-received on HN unless they are so exceptionally amusing and original that they are beyond reproach. The standard rationale for this - which can make HN seem very dry and humourless at times - is that people want to avoid HN becoming like Reddit.

[modzu]

thanks for answering. but thanks to the parent comment i learned about a new (albiet widely recognized) author. thats useful because we all come to hn to learn things. i suspect most downvoters probably dont even understand the reference and just see a joke qua joke. boo.

[chris_wot]

Well, don't feel you can't read his children's books. They are incredibly entertaining. Try reading The Twits without laughing... very difficult!

[hboon]

I don't know how entertaining they are for adults, but I enjoyed reading Boy and Going Solo when I was younger.

[cafard]

I encountered them probably in my 40s, but did find them enjoyable.

[nsomaru]

"Boy", collection of short stories including "Henry Sugar"