Rating: 
Summary: Screw Reality
Review: This book suffers from a lack of focus, a lack of a consistent narrative voice, an overwhelming amount of underexposed interesting characters and an obvious amount of borrowing from other classics in their respective genres. However, it matters not. Chuck Barris' insane recollection of events is an incredibly enjoyable ride through the mind of a less than generous man. It stands as an attempt to craft a character that doesnt work outside of his own perception of himself. The Chuck Barris in the COADM reflects the modern cynicist's escapist views by leading a life where everything exists as something he doesnt really need but does anyway. It's a popcorn entertainment story with a nonconformist character who truly doesnt belong. Nontheless, it's madly funny, totally insane and doesnt compare as a whole to anything of it's kind.
Rating:
Summary: Great book for a long flight
Review: This is a real page turner. If you grew up watching his silly shows, and like action/adventure, then this is the book for you. Is it true? No idea.
Rating: 
Summary: Diary of a Huckster
Review: This is a surprisingly entertaining read, as I did not expect the wacky 'Gong Show' host to be such a good writer. He skillfully combines his public persona with his suspicious alter-ego to make a wildly original autobiography. True, the CIA part seems too incredible to be real, yet Barris writes with an impressively descriptive authenticity that leaves his reader wondering. If he is making it all up, he's got quite an imagination. Either he's read a ton of spy novels or he has some experience with the business, though perhaps not to the extent here claimed. He cites enough names, dates & places that some winnowed investigator should be able to sort out whether any of it's true. The other surprise is how willing Barris is to reveal his warts, particularly in affairs of the heart (he's a real schlep). Given what a likable tv personality he was, it is unfathomable that he could be such an s.o.b. More evidence for the dual personality that produced the cold-blooded killer he claims to be. Though I could not recommend it to the chaste, if you still exist - it is to the novel what the Gong Show was to 70's television - the book, like his show, is so funny you're likely to forgive in return for a good laugh. Barris is a contemporary version of P.T. Barnum: outrageous and often in bad taste, but boy does he have a feel for an audience.
Rating:
Summary: Confessions of a Satisfied Reader
Review: This was simply one of the best books i have ever read. I did not want to put the book down. What surprised me the most about the book was not the cloak and dagger tales of assassination and secrecy. It was the fact that Barris is truly an excellent storyteller. After viewing the wacky Barris for years on TV I would have never guessed in a million years that he could write so well. I was on the edge of my seat one minute and laughing out loud the next. It was simply hilarious to say the least. I don't really care if he is telling the truth or not; the story was great just the same. Why would he lie? He knows no one would believe him anyway. So he has nothing to gain by making these claims. And if he was lying to me, fine. I read every word of it and can't wait for the sequel. Bring it on, Chucky Baby.
Rating:
Summary: Refreshing and Intriguing
Review: Though I read this account two years ago, I still vividly recall of my impressions. This is not a book you soon forget. Though some say this is hype or improbable, I found it believable and think it was accurately written (however,I am sure certain details were left out). Mr. Barris makes no apologies for his behavior, which I found particularly interesting because to do what he did one would have to be able to be an emotionless sociopath or psychopath. He is obviously highly intelligent and for someone who created many of the game shows we still watch 40 years later, this was the ultimate game! Anyone who favors the genre of murder mysteries or finds True Crime intriguing, would not want to pass up this book. I also think those in law enforcement and the psychology professions would gain insight into the motivations of a hired killer.
If you enjoyed the movie, the book is much better!
Rating:
Summary: Chuck Barris Tells All...
Review: Was Chuck Barris an agent for the CIA? Maybe. Its impossible to tell for sure. And from the standpoint of the entertainment value of this book, it really doesnt matter. Chuck Barris does a great job of detailing his rise as one of the most prolific creators of game shows in our nations History. Barris, despite his reputation on "the Gong Show" is a highly literate, intelligent, Ivy League educated man. I read this book taking the train from New York to Washington, and I couldnt stop turning the pages. This read is fast, entertaining, and insightful. I cant wait for the movie to come out
Rating:
Summary: The literary version of the Urban Myth?
Review: We can spend a lot of time arguing about whether or not the CIA ever hired Chuck Barris to kills Soviet Spies throughout the world. We will probably never know the truth and maybe it's best we never find out. Still, there are a few facts about this book that you can't argue. First off, Chuck Barris is a very funny person. If you don't find yourself rolling with laughter at a few passages in this book then you have no sense of humor. Even if you thought the Dating Game and the Newlywed Game were affronts to civil behavior, you will laugh at some of his recollections about those shows. The same is true for some of his memories about the Gong Show. Another fact about this book is that Barris is very self-centered and narcisstic at times. For that reason, you might come away after the reading this book with a negative opinion about Chuck Barris the person. Still, you will do so with some fun because he can spin quite a yarn. Even if you don't believe any of his CIA stories, you will enjoy reading about them. You might think Barris is either a jerk, a liar, or similar to the people you knew in college, but you will still have fun reading this book.
Rating:
Summary: Who Cares About Whether It's All True?
Review: We can spend a lot of time arguing about whether or not the CIA ever hired Chuck Barris to kills Soviet Spies throughout the world. We will probably never know the truth and maybe it's best we never find out. Still, there are a few facts about this book that you can't argue. First off, Chuck Barris is a very funny person. If you don't find yourself rolling with laughter at a few passages in this book then you have no sense of humor. Even if you thought the Dating Game and the Newlywed Game were affronts to civil behavior, you will laugh at some of his recollections about those shows. The same is true for some of his memories about the Gong Show. Another fact about this book is that Barris is very self-centered and narcisstic at times. For that reason, you might come away after the reading this book with a negative opinion about Chuck Barris the person. Still, you will do so with some fun because he can spin quite a yarn. Even if you don't believe any of his CIA stories, you will enjoy reading about them. You might think Barris is either a jerk, a liar, or similar to the people you knew in college, but you will still have fun reading this book.
Rating:
Summary: AN UNAUTHORIZED AUTOBIOGRAHPY??
Review: While reading this book, every few pages I would say "You've got to be kidding me!" Yea, it's hard to tell what's real and what's not, but one thing is for sure...this is one entertaining, quick read.
Rating: 
Summary: Shouldn't be gonged, by any means
Review: Who knows if this book is true or not (some of the game show anecdotes, by the way, sound just as unbelievable as the CIA stuff), but it does work as a kind of offbeat, arthouse-style mystery/thriller. One thing's for sure, though... Mr. Barris went right to the classics (a mystery classic, anyway) to draw inspiration for his ending. The final confrontation in this book effectively emulates the memorable final confrontation in Mickey Spillane's "I, The Jury". Of course, Barris adds a feel-good epilogue, but even that's a little off-center and edgy. All in all, an entertaining read.
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