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kcmillheiser's review against another edition
Turns out I like the idea of John Waters more than I like John Waters.
readingmoon's review against another edition
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
__karen__'s review against another edition
5.0
I love John Waters and Mr Know-It-All doesn't disappoint. It's been said he finds humor in the filth of the mundane. My favorite part of Mr Know-it-all: His description of that hot new restaurant, "Gristle."
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by the author. This would be a good read, but it's a GREAT listen. Highly recommended to John Waters fans.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by the author. This would be a good read, but it's a GREAT listen. Highly recommended to John Waters fans.
bluenicorn's review against another edition
4.0
This was a Goodreads giveaway- which I was so excited to get!
This would probably have been better as an audiobook, but I still really enjoyed reading it in his voice. Some chapters were jam-packed with references that I had to keep looking up because they were fascinating; others were full of references that I eventually stopped looking up because they didn't really matter (he's particularly fond of name-dropping artists). Overall, I enjoyed the book- it was sort of like catching up with that uncle who you don't see very often but when you do, he tells you wild stories that are doubly scandalous because he is older (and even when we know better, we all kind of forget that older adults had crazy times, too) and because they're so bizarre that they become transcendent. Some were definitely stronger than others- like any collection of essays, which is what I think it is more helpful to think of this as. The only weird thing for me was that he would occasionally say something that gave me pause- not because it was "offensive" (which, what does that even mean, coming from John Waters??), but because it reminded me that he is of an older generation that is used to looking at things in a particular way. Not good, not bad- just 'oh, right- he is in his 70s, after all.'
This would probably have been better as an audiobook, but I still really enjoyed reading it in his voice. Some chapters were jam-packed with references that I had to keep looking up because they were fascinating; others were full of references that I eventually stopped looking up because they didn't really matter (he's particularly fond of name-dropping artists). Overall, I enjoyed the book- it was sort of like catching up with that uncle who you don't see very often but when you do, he tells you wild stories that are doubly scandalous because he is older (and even when we know better, we all kind of forget that older adults had crazy times, too) and because they're so bizarre that they become transcendent. Some were definitely stronger than others- like any collection of essays, which is what I think it is more helpful to think of this as. The only weird thing for me was that he would occasionally say something that gave me pause- not because it was "offensive" (which, what does that even mean, coming from John Waters??), but because it reminded me that he is of an older generation that is used to looking at things in a particular way. Not good, not bad- just 'oh, right- he is in his 70s, after all.'
chervbim's review against another edition
3.0
I love John Waters but this gets 3 stars solely because of that edge lord chapter where he glorifies the Satanic Temple and then shames dissociative survivors. Hard pass. The rest was alright though, a good summer read minus the stigma. Do better next time, John!
ames599's review against another edition
4.0
If you're a fan of John Waters then you should definitely pick this book up. The audiobook is read by Waters, and that adds quite a bit to the experience. It starts out will an in depth look at each of his films, but never leaves you feeling bogged down with detail. The time spent on each movie makes you want to go back and rewatch them all with the new insights. The second part of the book is mainly Waters' thoughts on various topics such as drug use, death, his work ethic, and Andy Warhol. This part of the book gives you an greater understanding of the man himself. Throughout the entire listen I found myself smiling and laughing. It's an overall enjoyable piece of work from the notorious "Filth Elder" that should not be missed by those who adore his unique perspective, and larger than life personality.