NPC member's new book promotes intellectualism, comedy

National Press Club member and journalist Nick Kolakowski has a nonfiction book, titled How to Become and Intellectual, coming out in April. The firmly tongue-in-cheek volume, published by Adams Media, explores the 100 "maxims" essential to becoming a true intellectual. Key maxims include "quote Shakespeare sparingly," "passionately hate one classic author" and "learn to recite Romantic-era poetry on cue."

Equal parts comedy and earnest exploration of the intellectual lifestyle over the centuries, the book also has an official Website (with a log) at www.howtobecomeanintellectual.com.

Kolakowski's work has appeared in The Washington Post, Washington City Paper, Washington Flyer, AARP the Magazine, Thrillist, Playboy, eWeek and WebMD.