A Carlin Home Companion

Growing Up with George

By: Kelly Carlin

Narrated by: Kelly Carlin

Length: 11 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

Truly the voice of a generation, George Carlin gave the world some of the most hysterical and iconic comedy routines of the last 50 years. From the "Seven Dirty Words" to "A Place for My Stuff" to "Religion Is Bullshit", he perfected the art of making audiences double over with laughter while simultaneously making people wake up to the realities (and insanities) of life in the 20th century. Few people glimpsed the inner life of this beloved comedian, but his only child, Kelly, was there to see it all.

Born at the very beginning of his decades-long career in comedy, she slid around the "old Dodge Dart" as he and wife Brenda drove around the country to "hell gigs". She witnessed his transformation in the '70s, as he fought back against - and talked back to - the establishment; she even talked him down from a really bad acid trip a time or two. ("Kelly, the sun has exploded and we have eight, no, seven-and-a-half minutes to live!") Kelly not only watched her father constantly reinvent himself and his comedy, but also had a front-row seat to the roller-coaster turmoil of her family's inner life - alcoholism, cocaine addiction, life-threatening health scares, and a crushing debt to the IRS. But having been the only "adult" in her family prepared her little for the task of her own adulthood. All the while, Kelly sought to define her own voice as she separated from the shadow of her father's genius.

With rich humor and deep insight, Kelly Carlin pulls back the curtain on what it was like to grow up as the daughter of one of the most recognizable comedians of our time and become a woman in her own right. This vivid, hilarious, heartbreaking story is at once singular and universal - it is a contemplation of what it takes to move beyond the legacy of childhood and forge a life of your own.

The audiobook includes bonus audio recordings of George Carlin and a conversation between Kelly Carlin and Garry Shandling.

©2015 Polymind Enterprises, LLC (P)2015 Macmillan Audio

thanks kelly

thanks for sharing yourself and the stories of your family. very much enjoyed the glimpse into your world.

Must read for a fresh viewpoint.

What did you love best about A Carlin Home Companion?

That this woman at 38 years old, who had been given so much, contributed to so generously, unashamedly admits she thinks everyone that has been in her life has been nothing but a total liability. And she was seeking people "grounded in reality". I mean, wow! I grew up in foster homes in poverty I would not repeat among people who didn't even want me there and I am still grateful for what was contributed to me.

What did you like best about this story?

I never would have guessed the depths of George Carlin's tolerance and ability to continue to give, support and remain loyal within the domestic situation he found himself situated in. Sorry, but that man was holy.

Have you listened to any of Kelly Carlin’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Running on empty with a full tank of gas.

Any additional comments?

A new appreciation for George Carlin.

Excellent !!

There is no doubt in my mind that Ms.Carlin loved her dad! I really like this book,and its honesty and truths are nice to listen to.

Exceptional

The life of George Carlin (and of course Kelly) couldn't be told better. Kelly couldn't have told it better with both her writing and telling.

More than you may be ready for

If you could sum up A Carlin Home Companion in three words, what would they be?

Shocking, unsettling, triumphant. This is NOT a carefree, happy frolic through the good times of the Carlin family.

What other book might you compare A Carlin Home Companion to and why?

I truly don't think I've encountered anything quite like this. Kelly Carlin does not mince words as she tells of her parents and the turmoil success brought to her brilliant but troubled father. But the tone throughout the book is energetic and positive - she obviously loved both her parents and generously shares their story with us.

What does Kelly Carlin bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Hard to imagine anyone else capturing the empathy, the frustration and the love we hear in Kelly Carlin's voice throughout.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

We're talking George Carlin here - OF COURSE there are laughs, but they come between other stories many listeners may find quite disturbing. The darkest, most unsettling part of the book might be the last section, a very long interview with Gary Shandling that could very well have been his last.

Any additional comments?

Memorable and remarkably frank. I'm grateful to Kelly Carlin for sharing.

Surprised

I assumed I was going to listen to a story about George Carlin, a favorite comedian of mine, as told by his daughter Kelly. The story was actually about Kelly - and beautifully told by Kelly. A very entertaining "read".

George carlin fans must read this!

Any fans of George Carlin, this book is a must! his daughter Kelly is delightful and has a wonderful story to tell in her own right. if you're interested in the business of entertainment this also is an excellent selection!

Best medicine for my hip surgery recovery!

What a lucky choice I made to pick this audible book to listen to during my first week of hip replacement recovery. Kelly Carlin has s great gift for storytelling. She has the touching heart and soul of her talented dad. She takes you through her story and then of a time that was just as much about them as it was about us.....just as George would have done... The talent for inclusion not exclusion. I must say personally for me between the Pope's visit and this book I have shed a lot of tears this week...but of course my hip does hurt like hell!...Thank you Kelly Carlin.

Wonderful....intriguing. I couldn't put it down.

Listen..we all come from degrees of crazy and it really is what you make if it. How you survive. How you remain a family. bravo for not being bitter.

The trouble with a famous Dad.

Kelly starts out being the parent to famous Dad & Mom. With drugs, alcohol, fame & fortune, George & Brenda's life becomes a train wreck. The kid does everything to keep their universe from exploding. Dad has a few heart attacks and mom finally stops drinking and discovers AA. Then as the parents get their sh** together, teenager Kelly switches rolls with her parents and becomes her own "train wreck". Well written, illustrating why it is so difficult for children of famous people to fine their way in this world. Rich famous busy parents, instead of guiding & parenting, substitute money, gifts indulgence and being 'pals' with their kids. I've always liked George Carlin, Kelly I am afraid is still a train wreck, but I'm not entirely sure it is her fault.