Ranging from his absurdist side (Message from a Cockroach; TV News: The Death of Humpty Dumpty; Tips for Serial Killers) to his unerring ear for American speech (Politician Talk; Societal Cliches; 13 Sections of Euphemisms) to his unsparing views on America and its values (War, God, Stuff Like That; Zero Tolerance; Tired of the Handi-crap), Carlin's legendary irreverence and iconoclasm are on full display as he vainly scours the American landscape for signs of intelligence.
He also has a silly side:
©2004 Comedy Concepts, Inc.; (P)2004 Hyperion
"There's no better way to enjoy one of Carlin's books than to hear him read it himself....Carlin has his comic timing down pat. His energetic reading is punctuated by conversational bits and enhanced by his deft vocal variation, making listeners feel as if they've got a front-row seat at one of his comedy shows." (Publishers Weekly)
"Laugh outloud funny..."
I think the other people reviewing this book are missing the point. George Carlin is known for his fowl-mouthed inane humor and he certainly delivers in this book. The fact that he is the narrator just adds to the humor.
Not for the easily offended or persistently PC crowd.
C'mon everybody - lighten up!
Professional Ne'er-do-well
"Wonderful!"
I loved this book, I own it in hardback, cd audio book, and am about to download it in "audible" format for my ipod.
Like most things I love, it seems people either love or hate this book, with no middle ground. I think a simple "not for practicing Christians, or people of deeply held religious beliefs" label might solve this problem.
In short, if you are an atheist, or just sick of the religious right, this book is one of the funniest ever. I've listened to it many times and I love it just as much as the first time I heard it. If you are a Christian with strongly held beliefs, or just uncomfortable with jokes at religions expense, especially Christianity, then download something else, and leave the Carlin to us heathens. We will take your share happily.
I am an atheist, and I laughed nonstop through this book, as it stomped on sacred cows, ranted and poked society in all the places you "are not supposed to make fun of/suppposed to talk about" It leaves no stone unturned digging for moralist hypocracy, and it shows.
The best review of any book that really shakes people and hits them where they live is its measure of how many people people go out of their way to write slanderous reviews in hopes of discouraging others from hearing the ideas within.
In the end its a book of ideas, and if you don't like the ideas, you won't like the book. I loved it, I think its his best yet and I really hope he lives to write many more. I can't wait to see how he tops this one!
Tak a#344
"I nice pragmatic view of life."
Consisting of recycled material from his rather large catalog of standup material this book is George Carlin at his pragmatic best. Looking at everything from Religion to Airline travel through the eyes of a man looking for the easiest answer to lifes mysteries no matter how much it upsets the average person. Like his previous books there is very little new here that hasn't been in his standup act, however, it is still as entertaining as every to listen to him reading it in this audiobook style.
Highly Recommended.
"George Does it Again"
I love George Carlin. It still amazes me to recall him as Mr. Conductor on Shinny Time Station. A witty and gifted spokesman for American Culture. This book is a laugh out loud road trip through all the foibles and fallacies we experience in the every day life of consumerism.
"Not Perfect, But Very Entertaining"
While parts of the book get lost in abstract principles, the overall experience is entertaining. The jokes are not always funny (at least not to me), but very few books with a lighter side are going to hit every time. As for the read, I can't imagine reading the book in hardcover or having somebody else read Carlin but himself. If you enjoy him and his delivery, give this book a shot.
"Very Brave, the truth about life today........"
I love to laugh instead of getting angry about the latest things that Some very "bigoted people" think is majority thinking.... Mr. Carlin is great for placing in ones mind visual truths about everyday living. He says it like it is and is very entertaining while sharing his thoughts..Loved the book and recomend reading it before passing judgement....It is not about politics or religion .. SEEMS TO ME LIKE IT IS ABOUT LAUGHING, .. INSTEAD OF CRYING, ABOUT Life today...
"Prolific Hystericalness"
This book contains a few of Carlin's known bits used mainly in the late 90's and 00's HBO concerts, but it also contains a plethora of previously "unperformed" material. The fact that Carlin reads this himself is important as he adds his own personal flare to his material. There are some pieces which left me with sore sides from the laughter.
Carlin's command and use (or usage) of the English language is sublime. Indeed, there are numerous related pieces about euphemisms, going for more in-depth than any of his concert material had ever done. His clever wit and repartee is released and unbounded in this performance.
If you disapprove of profanity, than Carlin is not an artist you would appreciate, as he sometimes uses profanity the way Van Gogh used bush, paint, and canvas. And, I imagine some of this is "B material" as it didn't make the cut for his stand up concerts. Or perhaps he didn't have enough time to perform these bits, as there is probably six hours of previously unperformed material.
If you are a Carlin fan, you'll want to get this performance. Jesus/Pork Chops is an important capstone to his lengthy, prolific and influential career. Though not his last recording or performance, it certainly contains hours of previously unreleased material, that is mostly of as high a quality as the material from his albums and HBO concerts.
"Great listening"
Who does not like George Carlin? The guy is the master of cynocism and counter culture. I really like the bits (several) on political correctness and how silly it is. One has to ask: What are we trying to prove or accomplish?
I was surprise that he did not do a bit on kids in little league that are not allowed to be out. That would hurt their feelings. We can't have that!!
"That was fun."
I love George Carlin for being so raunchy, so gross, and so much fun, but some moments, when he gets into really graphic detail about snot or scabs, I got a little queasy. Don't listen if you just ate, otherwise, enjoy. It's really funny.
"Not for the close minded"
Anyone who comes expecting George Carlin to be anyone but himself is lost. His fans will enjoy this, as did I.