When Will Jesus Bring the Pork Chops?

By: George Carlin

Narrated by: George Carlin

Length: 7 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

Following his two New York Times best sellers, Brain Droppings and Napalm & Silly Putty, comes George Carlin's third audiobook, When Will Jesus Bring the Pork Chops?, a riotous journey through the mind of one of America's premiere comic observers.

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:

You know what kind of guy you never see anymore? A fop.

A good motto to live by: "Always try not to get killed."

I've never seen a homeless guy with a bottle of Gatorade.

A lot of gay men stay in the closet because they're interested in fashion.

I have an impersonal trainer. We meet at the gym, we don't talk, he works out alone, and I go home.

Here's something you can't do by yourself: practice shaking hands.

When it comes to God's existence, I'm not an atheist and I'm not an agnostic. I'm an acrostic. The whole thing puzzles me.

Good news for senior citizens: Death is near!

O.J. Simpson has already received the ultimate punishment: For the rest of his life he has to associate with golfers.

©2004 Comedy Concepts, Inc. (P)2004 Hyperion

Critic reviews

• Audie Award Finalist, Humor, 2005
• 2005 Quill Award Nominee
• Grammy Award Nominee, Best Spoken Word Album, 2005

"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)

Dissapointing

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

This is just a series of rants ranging from daily observations to political/social issues, but it gets really tiresome to listen to it in audiobook form.

Any additional comments?

The continuous theme of euphemisms and the general weirdness of the American dialects is interesting.

Sharp as a softball

George Carlin misses much more than he hits in this. Not only is the 'wit' not-so-sharp, the production includes numerous annoying piano tinkles to help you identify the jokes (you won't be able to tell otherwise most times). Based on my experience with this one, I won't waste my time with another Carlin title at Audible.

Not up to standards

I like Carlin but this is NOT his best work.

occassionally funny mostly not

Very funny at points but way too often its just painful to listen to and at times repetitive. The last hour was a complete waste of time, I kept hoping for a strong finish and it just got worse until it ended.

Sad

There is good humor, bad humor, and material that is neither; George Carlin book falls in the later. As I listen, I kept on wondering when it was going to get funny, then I wonder how this material had made it to print, finally, I despaired.

With so many talented individuals seeking a chance to show their work, it is a shame that this mediocre work has found its way into the bookstores.

Jesus can keep the pork chops

As one who thoroughly loves George Carlin's live stand-up, I found Pork Chops to be lacking the spontaneous, intellectual and irreverent humor that makes Carlin Carlin. The irreverence and intelligence were there at times, but I simply did not find it humorous. I didn't finish the book. I gave it about half way through hoping for something to make me laugh. After all, this was the first of Carlin's books to which I had listened, so I was hoping I just needed to acclimate to the medium. Even with Carlin reading, it didn't happen for me.

Not Funny or Insightful

I first listened to a George Carlin record in 1972. His commentary on Baseball and Football is a brilliant classic! When I got this latest book, I was prepared for some foul language and the typical anti-establishment rhetoric, but I also expected plenty of humor. I got none of it. He's sacrificed the humor for lame attacks on anything related to religion or American values. Sadly, he has no alternative view to promote, just pure hollow, amoral nihilism. When he got to the point of endorsing child rape, I decided I couldn't make it to the end of this one - a complete waste of time.

Boring

I'm an atheist who is not easily offended. I found this book to be a bit offensive and terribly boring. I'm only about half way through and I don't know if I can stand to listen to the rest. I've been averaging about one forced chuckle for about ever 20 minutes of listening. Carlin needs to stay off the drugs for his next book.

A bit too MUCH

Has its moments; however, you have to look past many vulgar comments. Funny stuff if you are twelve. Save your credit and get something else.

Occasionally funny, mostly depressing.

Is George really off drugs? I had to wonder. I found this book to be occasionally funny, extremely negative, and mostly depressing. Have your valium handy or listen in small doses. I chose to put it down after a couple of hours.