How I Slept My Way to the Middle: Secrets and Stories from Stage, Screen, and Interwebs

To begin this review I’ll admit to being on the frivolous side when it comes to entertainment. Even in a serious book/movie I prefer large portions of humor without too much dark violence. Pollak’s initial movie career consisted of serious films that while amazing, aren’t generally my thing (A Few Good Men, for example).

To make matters worse, I really don’t care for impressionists. I appreciate the skill and talent that goes into that genre of humor, but impressionists just don’t make me laugh. Later in his career Pollak did some lighter movies with more of the “clever banter” type humor I enjoy, such as “The Whole Nine Yards”. Bottom line is that though I have nothing against him, I’ve never considered myself a Pollak fan….until this book.

I honestly don’t even remember why I bought this audiobook, but when I ran out of other books and found this on my iPod I figured I might as well give it a try. I am SO glad I did! Not only did I love this book, but after listening to Pollak telling the story of his life, I have become a huge fan. The stories about Bruce Willis, De Niro, Nicholson, Jerry Lewis, Tom Cruise, Naomi Campbell, Rip Torn and others were entrancing, which is saying a lot since I’m also not much for keeping up on the latest celebrity gossip. I just got home from the grocery store and caught myself literally laughing out loud as I listened to this book while shopping. It was honestly that funny.

Pollak makes no apologies for his fairly large ego, but he’s also surprisingly likeable and almost humble at times. Don’t ask me how he can be an egotistically humble man, but he manages to do so in a way that makes you wish you had the chance to get to know him in person. And, once you realize all the cool things he’s done in life you see the ego is justified!

His stories about other legendary performers are mostly positive, but in a funny and interesting way. He makes them seem like real people. When he gushes about some legend he’s had the opportunity to work with you feel the sincerity in his praise of them. He does discuss some famous people that he obviously didn’t think much of and though his commentary about them is biting at times, it just doesn’t have that whiney, “mean girl” feeling that so many people try to call “funny”. His negative comments are funny and seem to me like they came from an honest place.

I also like the way he sprinkles in some bits of wisdom around how he made some things in his career happen. He seemed to really appreciate the chances he's been given and those he made happen (remember...there's no shortage of ego). Since I didn’t start out as a big Pollak fan the book started a little slow for me, but once I got into it I enjoyed it to the very end. My only complaint is that my book purchase didn’t come with a voucher to meet Pollak in person.

I have enjoyed Kevin Pollack's work for a long time. Hearing his story in his own voice, is priceless.

Kevin Pollack does such a great job at telling wonderful stories of working with Hollywood elite without sounding like he was name dropping. I think he is too humble to realize that he is now part of that Hollywood elite in my opinion.

This is one of the funniest audiobooks I have every listened to. While listening in my car, I am sure that I look ridiculous laughing my head off. I am sure that Kevin would enjoy that he was able to get one more person to humiliate himself at his expense.

I only recommend this if you want to laugh like you have not laughed in a long time.

WARNING - Do not get this book if you do not want to laugh out loud!

I admit that I am a fan of Pollak, not a rabid fan, but I enjoy someone who actually has some talent and I am glad that he's succeeded. I love impressionists and he is one of the best. His film career is fun to follow along with and you get the bonus of hearing him do the voices of some of the actors, notably Nicholson, Walken, Brooks, as well as Johnny Carson. He has had an amazing career if you simply think of the classic actors he's rubbed elbows with and the icons of an older Hollywood he respects. I enjoyed it and went searching for some of his other recordings to listen to, his standup acts are on iTunes. Loved his stories for Nicholson and Carson and Usual Suspects, one of the greatest films ever.

Kevin does a great job on telling some of his stories from his career. and it is really quite amazing how he has accomplished all that he has; from lip syncing to Bill Cosby to his Columbo impression, and off he goes. His stories are funny and sweet, and he only tells stories about those he really respects (mostly) and it shows. It was a wonderful book and I did not want to put it down -- and was sad to reach the end. If you enjoy celebrity name dropping books and stories about stars, you will enjoy this book.

I plan to listen to this book again. Kevin Pollack is a master story teller, mix that with his spot on impersonations and humor and this book will be good for more laughing out loud.

Pollack's storyteller skills made me feel like I was truly in the story with him.

I loved the story about how Pollack got invited to be on the Tonight Show but opted to wait until he could do it his way, complete with a couch visit with Johnny Carson. Bold and

I laughed out loud several times, a few while sitting on the beach which led to other people giving me a funny look. It was worth it!

Lots of language concerns for young ears, don't listen in the school carpool. Save it for after you drop the kids off.

Great book. During the baseball announcer joke I almost had to pull over I was laughing so hard. Only a stuffy idiot would find this anything but a great read.

I really enjoyed Kevin Pollak and some of his stories, but mostly his impressions.

I wish he would've included some of the actual difficulties he had in the business. He did a lot of tooting his own horn.

His actual impressions

No way this should be a film

I loved best that Kevin Pollak seems to be the guy he always seemed to be. He is amazingly talented. Incredibly funny, humble but at the same time not unaware that he is really good at what he does. He talks a lot about Tom Cruises' enthusiasm for everything. I'd similarly note Kevin's excitement at getting to meet as many of his heroes as he has and his seeming lack of awareness that he is right there with them as far as his fans are concerned.

I liked his writing style. It was effortless to listen to. I may get the book someday just to see the photos but if I had read the book I'd still do the audio just for the voices. I mean reading this book when audio is available would be like sending Stevie Wonder a painting for Christmas.

There were so many where I laughed out loud. I don't even want to pick one...but to honor the question I'll mention Alan Arkin calling to tell Kevin he had to stop leaving messages for himself (it makes sense when you hear it). Or Rip Torn maybe which can't be printed here.

I choked up several times when he said things I feel deeply. I didn't choke up over his comment about why he hates strip clubs but I did laugh. I have always felt the same.

God, I hope he writes another book. I am going to find his online show next.

Great Story Telling

Author and Celeb side note were funny and insightful.

The voices and enthusiasm of his story telling go far beyond what i could have imagined while reading this in the traditional way.

Anyone who complains about th language used by Kevin Pollak in his story telling needs to realize that it is all done with a sense of purpose and as part of the accurate story telling of his reactions and feelings durring his life experiences. Amazing book and anyone who listens or reads this should check out the podcast that is mentioned thoughout for more amazing stories.

Maybe, depends on what other "readers" say about it.

No, but this was just too rough around the edges regarding profanity. Talking dirty, doesn't necessarily make it funny.

Kevin has a great sense of humor and I have enjoyed his standup routine several times in person. This book was hard to follow and his trash mouth did not add to the book.

Disappointment

I will continue listening to various "authors" but will be more selective in the content.