A review by ste3ve_b1rd
Trainwreck: My Life as an Idoit by Jeff Nichols

3.0

"......... When life gives you lemons, not everyone makes lemonade, but in the case of "Train Wreck", Jeff has done just that. Thank the Universe (or whatever cosmic deity you choose) this book is politically incorrect, because if it wasn't, it would have been a bore. As someone who has spent years in the NYC alternative comedy / performance art / Way Off Broadway lowest level of show business (lower than Jeff), I understand how cruel, bleak and depressing the reality of being a writer / performer / performance artist / comedian can be. Whenever Jeff experienced yet another failure, real or imagined, I could relate to having been there -- to the horrible, soulless day jobs -- and to his struggle to persevere. He laments that life ultimately ends up being a series of administrative tasks.

Regarding Jeff's background -- the grass is not always greener in the world of the cold, unhappy, moneyed WASP and his non-giving "holding pattern". And as much as I respect the fact that 12 Step programs have saved countless lives, I am so grateful to my Higher Power that Jeff made fun of how ridiculous, indulgent and hypocritical 12-Steppers can be (including himself), in the process showing himself to be an independent thinker, and not just another maxim-spouting participant in the herd mentality. Through all of this, "Train Wreck" vividly portrays the absurdity of the "Broadway Danny Rose" nature of the New York City demi-monde. If you want to stay sober, read this book!!!!! (JUST KIDDING -- go to a meeting -- LOSER!!!!!) ..........

-- Stephen C. Bird, author of "Hideous Exuberance: A Satire""