I don't know if these can be really compared to actuarial tables, as they're humor (although non-fiction) but I've really enjoyed Dave Gorman's "Are You Dave Gorman?" (the story of one man's quest to find all the other Dave Gormans of the world) & his "Googlewhack Adventure" (totally hilarious - this can also be obtained on DVD and should be viewed for the pie charts alone. Also, who among us hasn't woken up drunk in an airport with a plane ticket to a city we hate on the other side of the planet and no idea how we got there. And then decided to go and while there, contact a total stranger with whom you once exchanged an e-mail). Also Danny Wallace's Join Me (the story of how a personal ad created a thousands-strong cult of people with no actual cause).
If you want anime recommendations here are two: 1. Full Metal Alchemist - the story of one arrogant loud-mouth food-obsessed abrasive genius who finds himself working for the military/government after publicly displaying his genius at the age of 12, who reports to the dark haired ladies-man major-later-colonel with the mysterious past he doesn't like to speak about from a religious/power war in the desert and who likes to lounge around smirking, avoiding paper work and pulling the genius' chain, all supported by a cast of total rejects struggling to find the ultimate power source and fight off evil immortal beings trying to kill them. A story unlike any we've heard before. :) Overall, this story is sometimes funny, but mostly dark, with some interesting thoughts about life, politics, religion, family, etc.
2. Bleach - A great story with a large cast of characters you actually care about. Ichigo can see spirits, and when a dark one called a Hollow is attacking his home and the Shinigami (or Reaper) who fights them off is injured, she lends him her powers despite this being against the laws of the spirit world. Lots of fun, exciting plots & interesting characters.
Both series are described with more information at www.animeindepth.com
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If you want anime recommendations here are two:
1. Full Metal Alchemist - the story of one arrogant loud-mouth food-obsessed abrasive genius who finds himself working for the military/government after publicly displaying his genius at the age of 12, who reports to the dark haired ladies-man major-later-colonel with the mysterious past he doesn't like to speak about from a religious/power war in the desert and who likes to lounge around smirking, avoiding paper work and pulling the genius' chain, all supported by a cast of total rejects struggling to find the ultimate power source and fight off evil immortal beings trying to kill them. A story unlike any we've heard before. :) Overall, this story is sometimes funny, but mostly dark, with some interesting thoughts about life, politics, religion, family, etc.
2. Bleach - A great story with a large cast of characters you actually care about. Ichigo can see spirits, and when a dark one called a Hollow is attacking his home and the Shinigami (or Reaper) who fights them off is injured, she lends him her powers despite this being against the laws of the spirit world. Lots of fun, exciting plots & interesting characters.
Both series are described with more information at www.animeindepth.com