Half Empty

Essays

By: David Rakoff

Narrated by: David Rakoff

Length: 6 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

The inimitably witty David Rakoff, New York Times best-selling author of Don’t Get Too Comfortable, defends the commonsensical notion that you should always assume the worst, because you’ll never be disappointed.

In this deeply funny (and, no kidding, wise and poignant) audiobook, Rakoff examines the realities of our sunny, gosh­ everyone-can-be-a-star contemporary culture and finds that, pretty much as a universal rule, the best is not yet to come, adversity will triumph, justice will not be served, and your dreams won’t come true.

The audiobook ranges from the personal to the universal, combining stories from Rakoff’s reporting and accounts of his own experi­ences: The moment when being a tiny child no longer meant adults found him charming but instead meant other children found him a fun target; the perfect late evening in Manhattan when he was young and the city seemed to brim with such pos­sibility that the street shimmered in the moonlight - as he drew closer he realized the streets actually flickered with rats in a feeding frenzy. He also weaves in his usual brand Oscar Wilde - worthy cultural criticism (the tragedy of Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, for instance).

Whether he’s lacerating the musical Rent for its cutesy depic­tion of AIDS or dealing with personal tragedy, his sharp obser­vations and humorist’s flair for the absurd will have you positively reveling in the power of negativity.

©2010 David Rakoff (P)2010 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"A collection of humorous—albeit pessimistic—essays on humankind’s incalculable foibles......Throughout the book, the author hones in on this disconnect, debunking the myth of the power of positive thinking while arguing that 'the bleak' (not the meek) will most likely inherit the earth." ( Kirkus Reviews)

"Maintaining his signature and singular charm, Rakoff analyzes the heck out of common (and not-so-common) place culture....a writerly collection to make giddy even the most erudite lover of words." ( Booklist)

“Rakoff’s strength is the turn of phrase that deftly and wittily dissects its subject at a stroke.” ( Chicago Tribune)

A treasure

Would you listen to Half Empty again? Why?

How good it is to have the late David Rakoff reading his own revealing, acidly funny essays. The man was an actor as well as a brilliant, insightful humorist, and there is no better way to be introduced to him and his work than by listening to this priceless recording.

What other book might you compare Half Empty to and why?

Rakoff is not to be lumped in with Sedaris. His tone is far more dark, and his love of the English language leaps to the fore. People don't write like this anymore; the elegance of his style and the aptness of his observations put one in mind of Robert Benchley.

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

This was a first for me. I wish he were around to give us more.

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

It's a collection of unrelated essays, so this question is not germane.

Rakoff’s Writing and Narration the Bar of Excellence for all Other Essayist

This book is so special to me and I revisit it often. I am jealous of those who know nothing about him or this book because they get to experience it for the first time. If you love D. Sedaris, F.Lebowitz, or L. West this book is for you. Rakoff is the wise, wye, sophisticated and covertly tender-hearted friend we all wish we had (and could visit in NYC). The essay, “Isn’t it Romantic?” is his masterful take at the writing process and what it means to be an artist that is right up there with J. Didion and S. King. He paid his f*c*ing rent.

Even better heard than read

David Rakoff's reading is so strong that to listen to him read this book aloud is actually a richer experience than reading it to oneself. I really enjoyed it, and highly recommend it.

Lovely

Tied together so elegantly...
(And that's all I would say, as it concisely sums it up, but audible has a word minimum)

Another Gorgeous Rakoff Collection

David Rakoff is one of the all-time great first-person non-fiction writers at laying one perfect word beside the last.

Embrace the Negative side of things!!!

Any additional comments?

I can see how this might not be a book for everyone. Make sure to listen to the sample before buying. David Rakoff had a most unique voice and I loved it but it can be grating to some people. Also optimistic or sunny happy people might not love the dark negative betty loveliness that David just embraces fully and completely. He was an artist and the world is a little less bright because he is gone.

owner made

You know that feeling when watching a tv show where the actors are the producers and things just feel right. Well, this is the same. In more ways than one does the very sound of the narration sell the whole experience. Maybe sell isn't the right word.

I was guided smoothly through the expertly crafted waters of this without boredom or drudgery. To me it wasn't funny rather tipsy.

Negative comments in this review column are people that will never get this kind of art, so if you are not curious to hear about the life of a legitimately interesting person, go back to Dan Brown and stay the f away from me.

A nice way to smile and gasp at times

This book is funny, garish, and very enjoyable. David’s performance really adds to its tone and wit.

Meh?

David's writing is not necessarily for everybody. I love the way it was written, and I adore his clever wit and cynicism. I just have a hard time with the monotone narration... and even though the story is exciting… I find myself drowsy during long parts of the book where there is minimal vocal change. He is a brilliant and creative writer nonetheless. Very talented person... I just personally prefer a little more fluctuation in the reading.

Outstanding and Funny

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

Listening to Rakoff made the book feel much more intimate and real. I don't think I would have read his cancer story the way he reads it, and it was touching, sad, and funny all at the same time.

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

If you know David Rakoff's story, and are aware of his recent death, the book is heartbreaking and also a celebration of a great talent. Having heard him on This American Life many times, listening to this book was a great tribute to an amazing talent.