George Carlin Reads to You

An Audio Collection Including Grammy Winners 'Braindroppings' and 'Napalm & Silly Putty'

By: George Carlin

Narrated by: George Carlin

Length: 7 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

If one George Carlin audio is funny, then two are funnier and three must be funniest, right? That's our thinking behind this new collection. It's a HighBridge library of laugh-out-loud, award-winning recordings featuring George himself performing many of his best bits. The set includes:

Brain Droppings
Acerbic observations, manic musings, in-your-face questions, witty word play, and more "droppings" from Carlin's singular brain. "I put a dollar in a change machine. Nothing changed." "Why are there no recreational drugs taken in suppository form?" The first Carlin book on audio and a 2001 Grammy winner.

Napalm & Silly Putty
Carlin invents Past-Tense TV (Got Smart, Father Knew Best, It Was Left to Beaver); crusades for the Center for Research into the Heebie Jeebies; founds the George Carlin Book Club (recommended reading: Fill Your Life with Croutons); and suggests that "If the shoe fits, get another just like it." A 2002 Grammy winner.

More Napalm & Silly Putty
Everything that wouldn't fit on the first Napalm recording - like "A Day in the Life of Henry VIII", "Sports Should Be Fixed", compelling confessions ("I couldn't commit suicide if my life depended on it"), and candid takes on life's little moments ("I'm beyond the nice day"), all delivered with wicked glee.

©1997, 2000 Comedy Concepts, Inc. (P)2000-2002 HighBridge Company

More Precisely, George Carlin Reads AT You

In the preface to Brain Droppings, the first of three short books of humor performed here by the late great master comedian himself, George Carlin identifies three of his main sources of humor -- the English language, aspects of everyday life (like driving and pets), and larger social and political issues plaguing the human condition.

His dissection of the way we use language will make you change the way you speak, will make you think twice before using common words and phrases, even the way you say goodbye or tell someone what time it is. It should be taught in high school and college, especially the redundancies, oxymorons, and incorrect usages. It really takes the cake -- or why the cake, why not pie? That would be as easy as pie. Piece of cake. That kind of stuff.

His riffs on what he calls the "small things" of life will likewise crack you up as it makes you think twice about things you take for granted. Like, did you ever notice that everyone who drives slower than you is an idiot, but everyone who drives faster is a maniac? And do you really want to take a non-stop flight? Wouldn't you rather they make at least one stop?

Priceless stuff, much of it familiar if you've already seen his stand-up routines or heard his recordings. Having it in this form is the best of both worlds -- the original published print books allowed Carlin and his editors to hone the material down to its most perfect verbiage, and then having him perform it in audio format in his inimitable style, reflecting his years of doing this material on stage, is simply hilarious. You'll be quoting him for quite some time (I've been quoting him for decades -- like, did you ever notice when you wear a hat for a while, it starts to feel like it's not there, then you take it off, and it feels like it's still there!).

Now, the bigger stuff, the political and social criticism, that's more hit and miss, depending on your personal views. He takes great pains in his preface to make it clear that he has no agenda other than being an acerbic observer of our larger foibles, but it may definitely rub one the wrong way when his omnicritcal take on our world mercilessly skewers your own opinions. His pre-9/11 jokes about terrorism are especially anachronistic. Just remember, it's all meant to be humorous.

Likewise his vulgarity, Although his most famous routine, Seven Dirty Words, is not part of this collection, he uses a lot more than seven dirty words here. Many of his punch lines are not really punch lines, they're just flat out in your face cussing. You probably knew that before considering whether to listen to him, but better to be prepared for it -- and remember, it's all a joke. (Bonus points for anyone who can pick out the phrases used in this review that Carlin would eviscerate.)

Funny but laced with unnecessary profanity

I expected a few F bombs, but not every 15 seconds. I love George Carlin when someone else is writing for him. This was a major league disappointment. I wouldn't buy it again. Found myself skipping chapters just to finish. RIP Georgie...

LOTS OF GOOD STUFF

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, it's mostly funny and a relaxing way to have a few laughs.

What did you like best about this story?

There was no story - it was a collection of routines and thoughts.

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

I've listened to him before. Somehow this just didn't seem as funny as previous works.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

No. Many of the routines were questions on words and their use. His hatred for religion, politics and golf were made quite clear.

Just Brilliant

Any additional comments?

Although you can get a lot of books as audio books, I don't generally like listening to all genres of books. I like reading a serious book so I can think while reading. I find I cannot think very much about what is happening while listening because you miss the next thing that is said. With that said, I looked for comedy/humor books so its lighter and I don't have to think as much. Naturally, this book was a top choice because I think George Carlin is absolutely brilliant. However, while I was laughing my head off at some parts, there were some parts that gave me thought and I had to pause because I would miss the next bit of aerial gold that pops out of his mouth.
I think the people who did not like this book are the butt-hurts. And that defines a great book in my book. I think George Carlin is way beyond his time and we need more of him. His voice was perfect for reading out his absolute unadulterated sarcasm and wonderful opinions about things that people (including me) do without thought. There were tons of things that I completely agreed upon, and others that I never gave thought to, but as long as you keep an open mind and don't get offended by every little thing (he talks about that too), this book is perfect for listening to.

Love it! Strongly suggest for his fans!

If you could sum up George Carlin Reads to You in three words, what would they be?

Funny, great, and honest

Who was your favorite character and why?

him of course!

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

Swimming in the hudson?

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

I laughed my ass off! So freaking funny!

Any additional comments?

I had seen his stand up before reading/listening to his audio book version of these 3 "books" they sound exactly like his stand up, and that was fine with me.

Perfect for any fan!

Where does George Carlin Reads to You rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

If your a fan of Carlin, then you will love the audio book! This book would not be the same if George Carlin himself was not reading it to you.

great stuff

this is some of the best comedy out there...timeless. gone but never forgotten. RIP George

Angry, angrier and angriest

Makes some good observations over and over and over again. He was pursed off at the world. Even though he's been dead nine years at this writing, much of his ranting still remains relevant

Classic Carlin

I loved the audiobooks read by Carlin. If you don’t mind swearing and aren’t offended easily, definitely listen. He is the master of comedy and telling the listener what annoyed him.

Awesome

George Carlin is still relevant today, and his humour is fantastic! Do buy this! Totally worth it!