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3.61 AVERAGE
3.61 AVERAGE
Carlin always had a fun flirtation with language. In this book he takes ample opportunity to make fun of euphemisms that have crept into our language over past years. The only problem is that, at some point, he sounds a little more like Grandpa Simpson giving an "In my day" speech than the hipster he was in his prime. The book was worth reading if you give yourself permission to skim for the good parts.
This book attempted a lot and I feel like it missed most of the marks. He launches into rants about everything from the education system to people with bumper stickers on their car. But he thrives when he's simply observing and commenting on society and language, maybe even evaluating or philosophizing the point. However, most of the bits are written as what sometimes seems like second-rate shock jock material and they're handled like somebody with a public access show letting everyone in on "the truth."
Oddly enough, at least half of the book focuses on the evolution of language, which is appreciated for its rare appearance in comic timing. But as Carlin's fury grows regarding the softening of language, you find yourself defending English and those who utilize it for marketing and upgrades. You know why things have changed and it becomes a scene of you sitting with a cranky relative who just won't let shit go. As you reach the end of the collection, you feel as though it's just your grandfather repeating, "Whatever. Fuck him. Fuck that."
I enjoy Carlin's ability to notice society's nuances as the little things as well as the enormous joke of the big picture, but it's how he applies it that gets me. Sometimes, it's calmly weighing out two sides of an argument. Other times, though, it's him writing bits that a teenager would find lazy in its crassness. Even the basic observations of Carlin are almost hysterically teenage: politicians are shitty, society's going nowhere, waiting is stupid, etc.
When Carlin nails a point, you find yourself more engaged with a social commentator than a comedian. He finds the problems and unfolds them. But a surprising amount of the book is unfunny, sometimes in its delivery and sometimes in the very foundation of the material. Almost every small piece of fiction in the book (mostly conversations between two equally pathetic individuals) comes off as pushing the envelope by eighth grade standards. Even though it's a solid 2.5 in its too teenage-fuck-the-world while also still being too older-man-who-hates-the-world, I rounded up to three because of George Carlin's variety and endurance.
Oddly enough, at least half of the book focuses on the evolution of language, which is appreciated for its rare appearance in comic timing. But as Carlin's fury grows regarding the softening of language, you find yourself defending English and those who utilize it for marketing and upgrades. You know why things have changed and it becomes a scene of you sitting with a cranky relative who just won't let shit go. As you reach the end of the collection, you feel as though it's just your grandfather repeating, "Whatever. Fuck him. Fuck that."
I enjoy Carlin's ability to notice society's nuances as the little things as well as the enormous joke of the big picture, but it's how he applies it that gets me. Sometimes, it's calmly weighing out two sides of an argument. Other times, though, it's him writing bits that a teenager would find lazy in its crassness. Even the basic observations of Carlin are almost hysterically teenage: politicians are shitty, society's going nowhere, waiting is stupid, etc.
When Carlin nails a point, you find yourself more engaged with a social commentator than a comedian. He finds the problems and unfolds them. But a surprising amount of the book is unfunny, sometimes in its delivery and sometimes in the very foundation of the material. Almost every small piece of fiction in the book (mostly conversations between two equally pathetic individuals) comes off as pushing the envelope by eighth grade standards. Even though it's a solid 2.5 in its too teenage-fuck-the-world while also still being too older-man-who-hates-the-world, I rounded up to three because of George Carlin's variety and endurance.
Although Carlin was a great comedian, this book (as a whole) is not. Carlin's remarks on language are smart, interesting and to the point, much like his stand up. But in between those chapters there are many filler pages, some with funny comments, some with dull ideas. Mostly dull ones.
I believe this book would be a lot better as a shorter set of chapters dealing only with euphemisms, use of language in some circumstances and "my ideas on stuff". The book is a lot slower because of this fluff, which is completely different from Carlin's actual performances.
I believe this book would be a lot better as a shorter set of chapters dealing only with euphemisms, use of language in some circumstances and "my ideas on stuff". The book is a lot slower because of this fluff, which is completely different from Carlin's actual performances.
What do I think of Carlin and this book? Well, I'll just say what Habermas said about Foucault:
"He's a crypto-normativist."
Well, sorta.
"He's a crypto-normativist."
Well, sorta.
George Carlin is either bat shit crazy or so intelligent that I can't comprehend. If you have some time to waste, give a go.
Hint for those easily offended: don't even think about reading this man. His mission is to be offensive to EVERYone. Not just liberals, not just conservatives. The one person to whom I suspect he would gladly hand over his mantle is Bill Maher. And I think he suspects Maher of schmaltz.
But for those "yeah, why IS that?" moments in life, you can't beat Carlin. Some examples that I found funny, or at least provoking, which is his point really:
But for those "yeah, why IS that?" moments in life, you can't beat Carlin. Some examples that I found funny, or at least provoking, which is his point really:
The United States most closely resembles a huge, poorly-thought-out sick joke.I'm still not sure about the pork chop question, but this is an interesting book to have around the house in the vicinity of a preteen or anyone who needs to use some of the brain cells a little more than usual. It will inspire some conversation, at the very least.
I read an article that cautioned people against shaken-baby syndrome. Do people really need to be told this sort of thing? And if some people do need to be told, are these the kind of people who are very likely to heed the advice? Personally, I never shake a baby. Unless the recipe calls for it.
Don't you get tired of this simpleminded Laura Bush nonsense about children reading, or reading to children, or teaching children to read, or reading to children about teaching, or whatever the fuck it is? What is it with these Bush women? ... [T]hey should be encouraging children to question what they read. Content is far more important than the mere act of sitting with your mother and dragging your eyes across text. By the way, I noticed that, apparently, the idea of teaching children to read didn't work when Barbara Bush tried it on George.
The wrong two Beatles died first.
I love George Carlin (he is so missed). He nailed life and spoke truth to power. I wonder what he would have made of Trump and the newest incarnation of the GOP..Republicans. sigh
Carlin at his most nihilistic. His observations are brilliant as always, but his "stories" and characters just don't do it for me.
You have to like George Carlin, of course. I always find parts of his books hilarious, and other parts not so funny, but I always get plenty of good laughs. He's not afraid to be politically incorrect, but he's an equal opportunity offender. He picks on everyone!
A rather quick and comical read, including amusing social commentary, language analysis, and more. A bit chauvinistic in parts, but funny nonetheless.