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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
This book was just an utter pleasure to read. As you'd expect from one of the pythons, and the title, it's light and funny, full of one-liners (some recycled) and anecdotes.
It jumps around a little time-wise: although the chapters are in a chronological order, within a chapter a mention of one person may lead to an aside of other anecdotes featuring them years later. Not that I'm complaining, it's like having a conversation with a friend where one thing reminds you of another and another..
There are some touching moments but it doesn't get too serious, as after all, life is quite absurd, and Mr Idle's is no exception.
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
The parts of it I liked, I really liked. There were definitely multiple points where I laughed aloud, including his imaginary response to being asked why he wasn't an American Citizen yet. It's not his fault that some of his best friends are some of the most famous entertainers that ever lived...and I thought it made sense to list some more people in the "weird stuff kept happening to me" section. However, other than George and Robin, he didn't go into too much depth about friendships, and I would have liked to see some deeper self-reflection and growth through those experiences. You could also tell how deeply sad he is to have had so many of these people die, and he did seem to want to share a bit about them in particular.
The main reason I wanted to give four stars is that I have a deep emotional attachment to Monty Python because it was one of the few great things in my childhood. I went to London to see the show at the O2, and I saw Eric and John C. in San Diego. I don't need them to be perfect or particularly modern because they already changed the world.
If you love them, read the book. If you're going to be put off by his cheating wantonly on his first wife, or if you're annoyed by namedropping, probably skip it. I don't imagine I'll read it again, but I'm glad I did.
p.s. Writing this just after Terry Jones died is incredibly sad.
The main reason I wanted to give four stars is that I have a deep emotional attachment to Monty Python because it was one of the few great things in my childhood. I went to London to see the show at the O2, and I saw Eric and John C. in San Diego. I don't need them to be perfect or particularly modern because they already changed the world.
If you love them, read the book. If you're going to be put off by his cheating wantonly on his first wife, or if you're annoyed by namedropping, probably skip it. I don't imagine I'll read it again, but I'm glad I did.
p.s. Writing this just after Terry Jones died is incredibly sad.
Delightfully entertaining. Just a fun romp through Pythondom
The first half of the book is brisk and interesting, and and a contrast to John Cleese's memoir about the same period; the second half becomes an orgy of name-dropping, and while I loved many of the people he talks about being friends with (Robin Williams, George Harrison, David Bowie, etc.) it began to wear on me.
Thoroughly enjoyable! Eric Idle is a fun talent to begin with, and getting to hear all his backstage banter from the early years of Monty Python and beyond is wonderful enough, but he also offers some wonderful anecdotes about other beloved talents like Robin Williams, George Harrison, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford, the Rolling Stones, and various SNL cast members. I loved learning about how Spamalot came about, how the Rutles were formed, and madcap adventures with Robin Williams in Italy. It's just a joy to read, and you'll be whistling the classic "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" the whole way through.
Recently, I joined Audible Premium because I felt I could get more out of my my work day. I had the pleasure of listening to Always Look On the Bright of Life: A Sortabiography by Eric Idle as my first book. You don’t get much more Python than this but you get so much more along with it! It’s filled with quote worthy moments.
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I laughed. I felt the emotions. My heart ached. My smile was wide at many moments. I enjoyed every moment of this audiobook. I definitely wish there had been even more about his younger years & family. Then again, it’s also HIS book so he can write about whatever he so chooses. However, hearing about his close relationships with a myriad of people I’d grown up admiring & paying close attention to was pretty fascinating. Eric Idle’s performance of his book ⭐️5/5 + overall ⭐️4/5. It’s worth EVERY SINGLE MINUTE!
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I laughed. I felt the emotions. My heart ached. My smile was wide at many moments. I enjoyed every moment of this audiobook. I definitely wish there had been even more about his younger years & family. Then again, it’s also HIS book so he can write about whatever he so chooses. However, hearing about his close relationships with a myriad of people I’d grown up admiring & paying close attention to was pretty fascinating. Eric Idle’s performance of his book ⭐️5/5 + overall ⭐️4/5. It’s worth EVERY SINGLE MINUTE!
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
He writes in a stream of consciousness manner which can make it hard to follow. Most of the book was quite enjoyable though rambling at times