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niknakpattywhack's review against another edition
2.0
The array of interesting people Apatow got to interview is pretty impressive here, and I found some of the interviews to be really interesting. Unfortunately they feel scattered, like I just found a weird file in his attic that had every interview he's ever done. It doesn't help that he's not a very consistent interviewer, sometimes he asks really incisive and intriguing questions but a lot of the time it just felt like he was trying to talk about himself. Aren't we all? I guess that's why not everyone puts out books of interviews...
wrenarf's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed this! I found myself liking the interviews from the 80s quite a bit more than the newer additions but they were all edifying in some way. The majority of the comedians are interesting and also: funny! I laughed more at the Mel Brooks chapter than the rest combined. And I'll admit I skipped the second half of the Freaks and Geeks chapter- it was nice that these were broken up in a way that you could jump ahead when you felt like it.
kelsmurr's review against another edition
5.0
This book was a delightful surprise. I really had no expectations and picked this book up on a whim. So thankful that I did. Uplifting, inspiring, and raw, this book had me both laughing and reaching for the Kleenex. As I read through the book I felt like I was a fly on the wall, gaining perspective and insight into the lives of so many comedians I have enjoyed for years. The documented conversations felt really authentic. Just a very special book. If you enjoy comedy or just feeling like a human among humans, I would highly recommend.
aimeeverret's review against another edition
3.0
So hard to review this, because it felt so uneven. Some of the interviews were fascinating (among my favorites, Harold Ramis, Jerry Seinfeld, the cast of Freaks and Geeks, Steve Allen), others were kind of okay. Some of them are transcripts of live panels or audio DVD commentary, and you kind of miss the visual or audio component to get on board with the joking around. Another thing is that Judd Apatow, whose work I enjoy and who I find interesting, is really involved in the interviews and often speaks about himself. Which, really, is fine at first. But over the course of more than 500 pages, he ends up repeating the same stuff and anecdotes about his anxiety and broken home, so he kind of sounds like a broken record (sorry) and at some points I wished it was more about the interviewees. Good news is, you can totally spread out this read for a while, since all the interviews are independent.
But there is still a lot of interesting thoughts about the creative process, that can speak to anyone, comic, writer, actor, musician, etc. I would definitely give it a try; maybe start with the people you find most appealing.
But there is still a lot of interesting thoughts about the creative process, that can speak to anyone, comic, writer, actor, musician, etc. I would definitely give it a try; maybe start with the people you find most appealing.
wbfreema's review against another edition
4.0
there's an old adage that in order to be a great artist one must be suffering, broken, or in some other way seeking. this book simultaneously embraces this notion and dispels it. one thing is for certain, the great comedians don't just stumble upon being great. they work at it, they craft it. what's interesting to me is the link between strong critical thinking, particularly noticing things in culture, and the tenacity to turn that into great comedy.
very insightful to the whole process and worth your obsessive, neurotic, self loathing time.
very insightful to the whole process and worth your obsessive, neurotic, self loathing time.
sofiamarielg's review against another edition
3.0
A very interesting look into the artistic process of many well-known comedians. Apatow has solid interviewing skills, though the book did seem to run very long, and does not lend itself well to extended, uninterrupted periods of reading.
matthewwester's review against another edition
The book itself is a study in the passage of time (the interviews span from Judd's high school radio days to more recent years) so interesting that the next step in that reflection for readers is the way Louis CK and Cosby spark a different reaction than years ago. This book is probably double the length it needs to be for the casual fan but just the right length for comedy nerds. The best is saved for last with a fantastic exchange with Steve Martin. And all the proceeds of this book go to charity, what else do you want?
saruhlewis's review against another edition
This wasn't at all what I thought it was going to be. Its a book of interviews, which was interesting to read. I probably would have enjoyed this more in an audio book.
saggittarianlibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
Don't go in expecting funny. Expect a raw, complex break down of funny people and comedy itself. I'm a big Apatow fan, This is 40 got me through an awful night. He uses his writing skills, combining humor and heart, so show a more human and frustrated side to a lot of great comics. It was a dense read, but so worth it.
misscandice's review against another edition
4.0
A great look into the minds of comedians.
I love Judd's enthusiasm for comedy. He wanted to know how it works so he did interviews with comedians to find out. A great read.
I love Judd's enthusiasm for comedy. He wanted to know how it works so he did interviews with comedians to find out. A great read.