How I Slept My Way to the Middle

Secrets and Stories from Stage, Screen, and Interwebs

By: Kevin Pollak, Alan Goldsher

Narrated by: Kevin Pollak

Audie Award Finalist, Humor, 2014

Kevin Pollak rose through the comedy club ranks at the feet of Don Rickles and Bill Cosby, Johnny Carson, and George Carlin. Named one of Comedy Central’s Top 100 Stand-Up Comedians of All Time, he’s a killer impressionist - Falk, Shatner, Walken, Nicholson - a versatile actor with one of the most respected filmographies around, and an Internet pioneer. He’s done it all, and now he’s ready to spill the beans.

Ballsy, hilarious, and revealing, How I Slept My Way to the Middle winningly combines never-before-heard stories featuring A-list entertainers with fan favorites and Kevin’s own thoughts about how he made it. He turned down his first invitation to do stand-up on The Tonight Show because he knew that he’d make a bigger splash if he sat on the couch next to Johnny. That huge risk - which paid off in spades - was just the beginning. Find out how he brought John Belushi to his knees, tortured Paul Reiser (twice), bamboozled Larry King, stole Alan Arkin’s soul, almost killed Warren Beatty, and sucked face with Robert De Niro’s girlfriend. Now a new media entrepreneur, Kevin is laughing proof that if you follow your gut and believe in yourself, you can do anything you want - except have a rational conversation with Rip Torn, who’s an evil, paranoid $#!%.

©2012 Kevin Pollak (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Of My 627 Audio Books This is Top 3

What did you love best about How I Slept My Way to the Middle?

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.

What did you like best about this story?

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.

Which scene was your favorite?

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.

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

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.

Any additional comments?

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

A very fun time to be had

Would you listen to How I Slept My Way to the Middle again? Why?

I'm sure I will listen to Pollak's memoir again - it is chock full of stories that are fun to relive with him, and he is just just absolutely a funny, entertaining guy.

What did you like best about this story?

There are two elements that are particularly excellent. First, Pollak's retelling of personal anecdotes (for example, impressing Columbo himself, early on in life) are entirely entertaining and impressive, due to Pollak's boldness and wit. Second, his adoration of his own acting idols shines through and it's fun to hear him idolize them like any other hollywood fan.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

This is more a series of stories that can be enjoyed in broken up settings, though it's really well told, drawing you forward through each connected piece.

Any additional comments?

While it's true that his idol worship is fun, it's also a drawback, as Pollak is rather harsh on those who don't conform to his idea of Hollywood and its stars. They are raked over the coals (in his witty, ascerbic way) when his idols could just as easily be criticized by people who don't share his social/political leanings. It does make for a bit of an uneven read.

Excellent story with plenty of laughs

Ended up binge listening to the last half. The names dropped are amazing and vital to the story.

Better than I expected

Good stories and a few tell alls. Self-effacing. Worth the listen and like his story telling.

Very Entertaining Stories

Kevin Pollak as always tells great stories about the behind scenes of comedy and Hollywood

Perfect for Audio

Kevin Pollak is fantastic at doing impersonations, so audio is the best way to experience this book. In this audiobook, he impersonates Johnny Carson, Tom Cruise, Jon Voight, Bill Clinton, William Shatner and many others.

He knows how to tell a good story, dish dirt about celebrities he's worked with, and make people laugh.

He does brag too much and I'm sure he's withholding some interesting things. For instance, he has only positive things to say about Demi Moore, Bruce Willis, Tom Cruise, and other controversial stars he's worked with, and he doesn't talk about why his marriage dissolved.

But even though this memoir is somewhat shallow, it's a ton of fun.

Fun autobiography read by author

Kevin Pollak relates great stories from his early career to the high point at Carnegie Hall.

A very great listen.

Kevin does a great job with the reading/performance. Highly recommended for comedy fans looking for a light hearted and comical listen.

I REALLY LIKED THIS A LOT - GREAT AUDIOBOOK

I REALLY LIKED THIS A LOT - GREAT AUDIOBOOK

Kevin Pollak is dead on with his impressions. Very goos story -- Very enjoyable listen.

Highly recommended.

Entertaining as hell

I am a big fan of pollak and listen to his show and interviews he does. I feel like the book would be great to someone who occasionally listens to his show. I have heard nearly all of his shows and have heard all these stories before but he was great as the narrator and it was still entertaining. of course I recommend it.