Amazon.com ReviewGeorge Carlin’s been working the crowd since «the counterculture» became «the over-the-counter culture» around 1967 or so; his new book, Brain Droppings, surfs on three decades of touring-in-support. It’s the purest version of book-as-candy that one could imagine, serving up humor in convenient, bite-sized packages. Snack on chewy one-liners like «A meltdown sounds like fun. Like some kind of cheese sandwich.» Or: «If you can’t beat them, arrange to have them beaten.» Brain Droppings also contains highlights from Carlin’s concert repertoire, and that more than makes up for the occasional spray of pointless nihilism. Tell us, George, what exactly were you going for with «Kill your pet» and «Satan is cool»? Quick—hide the paper before Daddy sees it! Still, if you’re a fan of this sarcastic semanticist who’s given Bad Attitude not necessarily a good name, but at least a comfy bank account, by all means rush out and snag Brain Droppings. Carlin’s book melts in your mind, not in your hand.
From Publishers WeeklyWhen a stand-up comedian writes a book, the audio version enjoys a clear advantage over the printed word. Timing, delivery and vocal expression are as important to humor as the actual joke itself. So it is with this very funny collection of essays, monologues, observations and jokes by 30-year comic veteran Carlin. A one-liner like «I put a dollar in a change machine. Nothing changed,» moderately amusing in print, is hilarious in Carlin’s bewildered tone. This audio contains «unabridged excerpts,» which means that though it does not include everything from the book, the pieces that appear are performed in their entirety. The audio is paced nicely, alternating between long pieces (Carlin as a bureaucratic caveman calling a «staff meeting» to announce a new policy on human sacrifices), short observations and one-liners. Some of Carlin’s older routines are included, such as his classic comparison of warlike football and friendly baseball. One note: this audio, like most of Carlin’s humor, includes plenty of profanity, so parents may want to be cautious around the kiddies. Based on the 1997 Hyperion hardcover.(May) Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
I can also do without people who tell me that something— anything—is either “the name of the game” or “what it’s all about.”
