Los Angeles-based writer Paul Jury's new short video, "50 State Stereotypes in 2 minutes (or something like that)," has already racked up more than 1 million views on YouTube -- not bad for what is essentially a video advertisement for his new book, "States of Confusion: My 19,000-Mile Detour to Find Direction."

The memoir, which came out in mid-May, chronicles Jury's adventures as a recent college grad who drives to all 48 contiguous states in 48 days. And can you believe it? Mayhem ensues.

The book is being packaged as a spirited gift for graduating college seniors -- not the kind of thing I'd normally be interested in, but this video is really funny. Some of my favorite state descriptions include "Alaska: I can see seasonal depression from here," "North Dakota: Somehow even worse than South Dakota" and "Maryland: Have Jeeves bring the lobster boat around." (It's funny because it doesn't make sense!)

When he isn't writing books, Jury works as a viral-video producer, so it's his job to know what will get attention on the Internet. The takeaway? Be brief and controversial.

Maybe the folks nominated for the worst (and best) of the Moby book trailer awards can copy his super-successful approach.

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Is this the best book trailer of the year or not?

-- Deborah Netburn