Just a Guy

Notes from a Blue Collar Life

By: Bill Engvall, Alan Eisenstock

Narrated by: Bill Engvall

Length: 5 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

Blue Collar Comedy star Bill Engvall is just a guy. He's been one his whole life. He can't help it; he was born that way. And that makes him an expert on the subject. For the record, here's the official definition of a guy: a person who doesn't think before he speaks. He can't. He's not that deep. Because a guy has only three basic needs: eating, sleeping, and sex. That's it. Just a Guy chronicles a lifetime in pursuit of those needs.

In this memoir, Bill Engvall takes you on the rollicking ride of his life, including his childhood in Texas and adolescence in Arizona (where he became a fixture in local emergency rooms, the result of massive amounts of non-thinking behavior while trying to impress girls or torture his sisters); following his dream as a stand-up comic and, gulp, singer; and his brief stint in children's theater while sharing the stage and the back of a van with the director's dog. You'll also hear about his bumbling and riotous courtship of, and then marriage to, Gail, the love of his life. And finally, Bill talks about fatherhood and remaining, to this day, a well-meaning but flawed parent.

Through it all, Bill gamely stumbles along, struggling to maintain a facade of confidence and control. Far from a superhero, Bill Engvall is an everyday Everyman, the poster boy for normal. The result is disarming, perceptive, wildly funny, and unexpectedly moving. Just a Guy will make you laugh out loud and tug at your heart.

©2007 Bill Engvall (P)2007 Audio Renaissance, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishers LLC

The Man Behind The Signs

Prospective reader: "Is this an autobiography?"

What Bill Engvall might tell that reader: "Nope, just thought I'd write about myself! Here's your sign!"

That dialogue would aptly describe this autobiography of Bill Engvall's life and career to date.

Those looking for some of his great "Here's your sign!" jokes here will be disappointed, however, they will come away with a greater appreciation of the man behind them. Give great credit to Alan Eisenstock in focusing this work on Engvall the man instead of Engvall the comedian. Engvall is an excellent reader, too.

Highly recommended!

Tedious

I had a difficult time forcing myself to finish this book. Far cry from when you hear him on Blue Collar TV! It was an entire book about his life from grade school on. If you were 10 years old (or younger) you might think this book is funny. This definitely is not the book to listen to if you like more mature humor (over ten years of age).

Great story

Bill Engvall writes a great book about his life. True to his style, he has so many funny stories to share with us, some are from his comedy routene while others are personal stories of hardships and trials in his life. One of my favorite things is that Bill reads his own book and as a result he knows the correct pace to share his stories. he can build up everyone the right was, making it feel more like he is there telling you his story and not listening to a book.

I really love how he can make fun of himself no mater what he is doing. not really making excuses for his stupidity but being able to laugh at himself.

Bill is Better in front of a Live Audience

Any additional comments?

This is an okay book read by a comedian who is more experienced in front of a live audience than a sound booth. If you are a fan of Bill's work, you'll enjoy the book, if not, you won't. It's that simple.

A great listen

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

Yes. I would recommend this to a friend. It is just like being in a room and listening to Bill talk to you directly.

Which scene was your favorite?

his baseball stories were my favourite.

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

I went back to listen quite a few times. I really enjoyed Bill's voice along with the stories.

Any additional comments?

You will not be disappointed.

Not as Funny

It was good.Listened to it on our road trip. Not the really funny stuff he does with the other guys though.But a few good laughs.

Just a Guy is just a guy

What did you love best about Just a Guy?

Bill Engvall gives a humorous and lighthearted insight on his life, but also exposes his real self - admitting in parts how much of a guy, or real man, he really is, opening up about his family life, including one of the most scariest times of his life.
I laughed, I related, and I even found myself shedding a tear or two with this Guy.

Which scene was your favorite?

My favorite scene was when he offered a doctor & staff some tickets.
... you'll have to hear the story to get the rest.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Engvall already says it - "Just a Guy"

Any additional comments?

Engvall's audiobook has plenty of breaks. Where many go on and on, he reads it in a simple way, with some "quick shots". This is a great listen for the long hauls or the "piece together for some short trips"

hysterical...

If you like his standup, you will enjoy the book. I hope he is as nice as he paints himself to be.

JUST HILARIOUS

What made the experience of listening to Just a Guy the most enjoyable?

I enjoyed listening to his stories and how much he loves his family.

What about Bill Engvall’s performance did you like?

I like all of it!

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

It made me laugh, cry, sometimes feel sad. He is great narrator and have fascinating family life. Kudos to his wife!

Loved this book - had my laughing all the way home

What made the experience of listening to Just a Guy the most enjoyable?

Bill Engvall's delivery and his story's were touching and funny - made you feel like you knew him.

What did you like best about this story?

His honesty.

Which scene was your favorite?

All the college stories were hysterical!

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

No - I wanted it last!

Any additional comments?

Would highly recommend this book for dealing with Atlanta traffic!