Jan

Do not buy a paperback version of this book.

Reviewed: 01-14-11

First and formost I LOVED how this book was presented. I honestly don't know how anyone would want to buy a paperback version of this book when Jim Breuer himself is "Narrating". Now, I listened to Jay Mohrs book "Gasping for Airtime" and while I enjoyed the book for all of it's content and humor, it sounded very much like he was READING the book and he would inject his impresions when called for. In this case Jim is MAYBE using the book as a guideline and he is very enthusiastically and with genuine emotion telling you these stories strait from the heart. I did get a little tired of hearing the words MONSTER and CRUSHED, but I really liked hearing the story of his family, where he grew up and the journey he took to become a comedian. When I bought this book I had about 20 books in my ipod that I have yet to listen to and this one jumped to the front of the line and I blew through it over a 2 day period. I have 6 young kids so my time is limited, I lost sleep just to listen to this one cause I didn't want to turn it off. Nice job Jimmy B.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

7 people found this helpful

What a dissapointment....

Reviewed: 08-23-10

Can't express my dissapointment about this book enough. I had enjoyed Ms. Vowell on Conan O'Brien's show several times and thought she was very funny. Oops. Though this would be a funny trip through some of Americas historical sites. Oops. She is constantly veering off track with these completely random thoughts that lend little or nothing to the content of the book. Also, every chance she gets to tell you how she feels about former President Bush.... she does... and often. Must confess that I could not finish the book. After about 2 hours of this drivel I gave up and have never gone back. Just unlistenable... if thats a word.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

6 people found this helpful

Interesting man

Reviewed: 12-13-09

He has led a very interesting life. Much like Forrest Gump he has met or worked with a great deal of celebrities and world figures. I quite enjoyed his stories.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

I was entertained

Reviewed: 12-13-09

I don't think you have to be a foodie to enjoy this book. This is not a how to book but there are times that he will go into great detail about preparing food. The meat of this book is a gritty behind the scenes look at the restaunt biz from his start as a dishwasher in a greasy spoon to head chef in some of the finest New York establishments. Very graphic language and pervasive drug use is discussed, which for me only adds to the allure of this story. Throughout his career he has worked with many interesting people, all of whom he brought to life with a great deal of clarity and texture. I was not bored.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Almost gave it five stars

Reviewed: 12-13-09

Love, love, love the classic Martin and Lewis. I do enjoy a good biography and this is one. If you even like Dean and Jerry you will enjoy this book. It is filled with bitter moments, very funny behind the scenes stories and Jerry isn't afraid to share the dirty laundry either. I will likely listen to this again.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

Be careful...

Reviewed: 12-02-09

I quite enjoyed hearing all the little details that go into the making of a chef at the CIA but I don't think it is for everyone. Even if you think you are interested please listen to the preview as I had a difficult time listening to the narrator. VERY DRY, took me a couple of hours to get passed the narrators monotone emotionless voice.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

7 people found this helpful

A little disapointed.

Reviewed: 12-02-09

I am a big fan of Hells Kitchen and Gordon Ramsay but this book falls a little short for me. He is 40 plus years old and he can only produce a book 3 hours long? I enjoyed what content there was but felt like he must have left something out... just wanted more and thats the reason for 3 stars.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful

What a great surprise!

Reviewed: 12-02-09

I am a 40 year old male that usually listens to colonial history, suspense and adventure novels. I bought this book based solely on the ratings and rave reviews.....I was not disappointed. First of all, this is how an audio book should be produced. The characters were not just read to you by someone behind a microphone, honestly it felt very early in the book as if I were sitting at a kitchen table in Jackson, Mississippi listening to these three women take turns telling me their story. These were not simply narrators reading to me, they became the characters fully fleshed out and filled with emotion. Secondly, I am astonished that this is the first novel written by Kathryn Stockett. I was not expecting to get so wrapped up in the lives of these women but it was so well written....so damn interesting....soooo funny and at times tense. So far I have downloaded about 30 books and this is my favorite by far. I did not want it to end. What a find.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

500 people found this helpful

Just plain fun

Reviewed: 05-20-07

I dont care if you want to learn how to write or not, this is just alot of fun to listen too. Stephen dips into his childhood for inspiration and nuggets of wisdom for the listner. At times funny, educational and down right interesting but also for a good deal of the book it is autobiographical. Stephen does not tell you how to write a novel he mostly just tells you how he writes a novel and in between he shares a little education, some advice for the serious minded, and references to be used. All in all this was for me a fun book to listen to particularly delighting in Stephens sarcasm and wit.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Love Jimmy Stewart

Reviewed: 12-29-06

This audio book would have gotten 5 Stars if not for the hour and a half that starts this story....holy smokes....it lends nothing to the story of Jimmy Stewart. I have read 4 of the Stewart Bios over the last 20 years and this is by far the most in depth and most interesting - save the 1st hour or so - of them all. I particularly enjoyed learning about his youth and discovering where his values came from. Highly recomend but skip the first hour or so.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

16 people found this helpful