Fantastic! I like his better than Steve Martin's. Both comedian and autobiography are superior, in my opinion. And yes. Its all because of the type ofFantastic! I like his better than Steve Martin's. Both comedian and autobiography are superior, in my opinion. And yes. Its all because of the type of comedic geniuses each one is. Short is funny, funny, FUNNY, invents caricatures, supports many other actors/comics. His Second City family is a huge part of why he's managed such tremendous success. The whole school of them--Rita Rudner, Eugene Levy, Steve Martin, etc--were doubly gifted in finding the right group, the right time, the right comedy. Their exploits and Short's are a true gift. One that is hella funny, charming, informational, and does not stray from the Hollywood stories we so crave. A+...more
Worldbuilder extraordinaire! And to fantasize using such midcentury jargon--clearly the suffering protagonist and co are from that forgone era--to makWorldbuilder extraordinaire! And to fantasize using such midcentury jargon--clearly the suffering protagonist and co are from that forgone era--to make an authentic landscape with people who are just as dumb as we are. This is like something by Voltaire--shoot, Micromegas is a good one!--crossed with Ayn Rand poetics. The future seems flat, unexciting, the bad guys win....more
Rae explains the reason for her success: primarily her love for technology/computers/internet. We are close in age but just this--as opposed to a steaRae explains the reason for her success: primarily her love for technology/computers/internet. We are close in age but just this--as opposed to a steadfast hope in books (and fiction primarily to boot, which I am guilty of--catapulted her into Insecure, Black Lady Sketch Show, Misadventures. She is a fine artist and the down to earth way she records her successes (and failures) is exactly what we wanted. You go, A. B. Girl!...more
Why Simon is so beloved and a true artist of his time (mainly the 60s) is found in this extraordinary charactger study before the growing-up that AmerWhy Simon is so beloved and a true artist of his time (mainly the 60s) is found in this extraordinary charactger study before the growing-up that America and Americans had to do in WWII. Before the battlefield, we get soldiers off to war, at boot camp, attending functions, having adult fun and kid dilemmas. All eight or so characters are Charming (capital C) to say the least. The script is infused with funny dialogue--you can envision the beats caused by such cute, innocent, but tremendously clever lines. The animals going to the slaughter--grade A gallows humor. I see the playwrights strength in genuine comedy, true charactarization, and a perfect arena for these singular creations to do their best.
Basically reads like an undergraduate attempt at a Master's thesis. Liking something popular (Disneyland and world) to something else thats popular (cBasically reads like an undergraduate attempt at a Master's thesis. Liking something popular (Disneyland and world) to something else thats popular (christianity) is pretty much a safe bet. And the pastor puts things together, does convey a few surprises, less than three, about Disneyworld and Walt DIsney factoids. That the park conveys heaven, our version of it certainly, is his thesis. But the abundancy of Bible verses versus the small amount of Disney-related bric-a-brac/detrius is very student-like. Like, I bet he got an A! There are dumb quotes too--from at least 4 Christian bands. Obviously this dude's version of white heaven is Christian but also capitalistic and facile. Yes, he is pretty lucky to frequent Disney parks and stuff--but buddy, this is saying NOTHING.
Also, lets not forget that Star Wars was not Disney only a few years back. If so, why does he make an argument for the Star Wars bible-like stories, if not an original part of Walt's master design?
True story, I found this book in a New Orleans bookstore for free. I don't even want to leave it where it was, just to save the next reader from this glorified doodad. A souvenir....more
Brilliant in its telling--a simplicity that is shared through various modern lives of migrants--it tells a basic yet important story of displaced peopBrilliant in its telling--a simplicity that is shared through various modern lives of migrants--it tells a basic yet important story of displaced people who go place to place, always in the fringes of those city societies. Because its modern, you would imagine less violence and unfairness. Of death and loss that feels inhuman and unnecessary. Why did I feel the novel on the same shelf as Steinbeck's novella The Pearl? It is short, and tells of a partnership that endures ordeals and succeeds only through acting as a unit, together....more
The outrageousness of the premise--everyone turning into these animal beasts to trump around the city--is a sight to Would be a spectacle to see live!
The outrageousness of the premise--everyone turning into these animal beasts to trump around the city--is a sight to behold. Strange and surreal enough to be both entertaining and enlightening. A treat....more
"Boldest and most celebrated" new voices in literature--alright! She is unique, her story--about a woman trying to press the reset button to enjoy lif"Boldest and most celebrated" new voices in literature--alright! She is unique, her story--about a woman trying to press the reset button to enjoy life better, to clear away the spiderwebs of waking life--is a true treat. Is she mad? Yep. Does she take us there? Yes, again! Details of a modern life are properly exalted. ...more
Intriguing and real. However, that the protagonists are so well off--this distances a common reader like myself. (Poor.) The ending is good--wish therIntriguing and real. However, that the protagonists are so well off--this distances a common reader like myself. (Poor.) The ending is good--wish there were more scenes to really make the tragedy really tragic....more
Quite a comedic and talented young actress--this autobio is GREAT. From child prodigy to "little nobody" (nominated for both an Oscar and Tony--beforeQuite a comedic and talented young actress--this autobio is GREAT. From child prodigy to "little nobody" (nominated for both an Oscar and Tony--before turning 12 and 25!)--seriously good stuff. Insidery, judgey, FUNNY....more
At least know this: you don't know where the narrative will take ya! The child that resembles Jesus, the plot which resembles a modern day telling of At least know this: you don't know where the narrative will take ya! The child that resembles Jesus, the plot which resembles a modern day telling of two parental figures trying to figure the correct education/sentimental pathway for their little morsel. Strange, wondrous, but also ?...more
Superb. A portrait of homeless misfits, vagabond malcontents of an African city, is poetically described. These souls find each other when all is nearSuperb. A portrait of homeless misfits, vagabond malcontents of an African city, is poetically described. These souls find each other when all is near hopeless. Their optimism and camaraderie really hit the modern "family" on the head. These people exist! Prose is powerful, real, beautiful. Beah is a true discovery. A genuine find at the Dollar Tree... a first edition, too! Perfect....more
Ok. So interesting topic. You got lucky, Mr. Ansari!
Why? Because who cares what the dude's got to say in his worldwide research. Assistants galore, I Ok. So interesting topic. You got lucky, Mr. Ansari!
Why? Because who cares what the dude's got to say in his worldwide research. Assistants galore, I am sure.
And why am I a hater? Because it's NOT funny. It is imaginative--most jokes are hypothetical idiocies that not only ground such nonfiction garb, but sinks it. Sure, some data is fascinating, some predicts the end of times via general apathy and trying ALWAYS to be/get the best. Egh.
I thought this was a comedic autobiography. Instead, its a high school report by a famous annoying comedian. (Annoying for his "phoned in" writing attempt!)...more
Another stupid New Yorker, with her tale suddenly universal! But! But Alsaid actually puts you there--in the urban movie theater, in a crowded apartmeAnother stupid New Yorker, with her tale suddenly universal! But! But Alsaid actually puts you there--in the urban movie theater, in a crowded apartment, at the Strand--and the totality of its authenticity is very much at display. Yes, the character is a dummy with deadlines, at a job only Carrie Bradshaw could do. The daily life aint too inspired, and yet the realness of the protagonist and her surroundings and friends makes this a readable adolescent manifesto....more
Began to read this while trying to buy merch at the Lady Gaga Vegas concert, and I could not put it down! Knowing nothing about it, imagine my surprisBegan to read this while trying to buy merch at the Lady Gaga Vegas concert, and I could not put it down! Knowing nothing about it, imagine my surprise at a revisit with the March family, an American literary royalty--for their care of others, for their meekness and goodness. No, no Jo this time. Brooks has made a companion piece that REALLY shakes up Louisa May Alcott's beloved masterpiece. The little women stay at their home and hearth, while father goes out and discovers the hideousness of war. At first, I believed Jo was at the fields of war... Brooks really sets down the character, and the time, though same as Little Women's timeline, differs in style, atmosphere, plot, character. It is a radical masterpiece, an unbelievable companion to a literary juggernaut. A must read!...more