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Summary: This book was great
Review: "Playing Right Field" is about George Tabb (the author) and the
various highlights of his childhood years. Things that were funny,sad, whatever. He lives in a town that hates Jews and with him being a Jew it makes for a great book. I especially liked all the blatantly disgusting and funny parts like the slaying of Gamera, the goat-eating turtle beast, and the time a neighbor's dog turned George into his bitch. It only took me part of a day in summer school to complete it and I never stopped laughing throught the whole thing. Overall, this is probably the funniest book I've ever read. I'd think it would be great if Tabb would write more books, and I'd definitely look forward to them.It is on Soft Skull books and I got it at Borders in Winter Park.
Actually, I got my copy from a friend's mom.(...) --Robert
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Summary: I read it in one night!
Review: George rules! This book rules! It's great to know that other people are pussies too, and that they are proud of it. I don't think I've laughed as hard as I did at the crucified frog in ages. It really brought all those scary uncomfortable primary school memories back to the front of my mind. I even remember the name of the bully I concussed in fourth grade for the first time since I whacked him one. Thanks for the great read George.
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Summary: effort is sweet, bittersweet, and never self-pitying
Review: George Tabb is a man of the people. That is to say, he knows a heck of a lot of people and a heck of a lot of people know him. He is an approachable, likeable guy and when I began reading his Maximum Rock 'n Roll columns back in the late 80s I had no idea that he was actually such a friendly person. Due to his long-standing punk rock celebrity/credibility he doesn't have to be. The fact that he IS such a great person is a testament to his character, glimpsed here in "Playing Right Field: A Jew Grows in Greenwich."
This book is a collection of essays that span Tabb's early childhood and teen years. It is all at once heartfelt and heartbreaking. When I finished it I felt the urgent desire to seek out and brutally punish anyone who'd ever been mean to George, and believe me when I say that would be a time-consuming process!
The bottom line is that this book is full of poignant, bizarre, and sometimes upsetting memories presented in amazingly rich detail. Tabb's capacity for recall is the mark of a great writer and a true talent.
I believe this book is an incredibly valuable manuscript that takes the reader back to the sometimes cruel state of childhood, all the while reminding us that back then we always strove to remain optimistic in our belief that Tomorrow would be a better day. I believe that George Tabb is still optimistic - despite everything - and that this both confusing and inspiring characteristic distinguishes him as a complex man with an important voice.
- Katarina Parker
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Summary: Standing O
Review: I bought this book the minute it became available on pre-order because I am somewhat acquainted with George via the online Ramones areas & I knew him to be intelligent, funny & articulate. I've also seen signs of a soft heart under the old school punk rock outside but I digress. I'm a fast reader so it didn't take me long to get through it & just as I thought, it was enjoyable & funny. It isn't easy to keep a light touch when you are talking about a difficult childhood but he accomplished that. A good read from a good guy in every respect.
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Summary: book review
Review: I started reading it and couldn't put it down until it was finished. I only wish the story would have continued to tell how successful George has become.
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Summary: Write-On George Tabb!!! Can't wait for the next book!
Review: I'm so glad to own this book! This is the best childhood memoir I've ever read. Mr. Tabb's intimate writing style pulled me right into 'his world'... right into these wonderful, illustrious, true stories from his rocky childhood. Each chapter is a self-contained story, conjuring up a wide range of emotions from the reader. Many times I felt guilty laughing at such tragic happenings, but I laughed on! I imagine that's what the author wanted. And that's what we got!
Thanks Tabby!
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Summary: A great book!
Review: If you want to know how Mr. Tabb writes, read any of his articles online at the NYPress. Be prepared to be offended and at the same time suffer fits of hysterical laughter. Mr. Tabb is sooo outrageous and disgusting it makes South Park look like Mr. Rodger's Neighborhood. Actually he was my neighbor for several years and is extremely intelligent. He has testified on environmental matters in front of government officials and took on the head of the EPA - making her look like a complete idiot. Mr. Tabb has got chutzpah - he is defiant and it shows in his writing - especially in this book. It is unlike any book you will EVER read! I highly recommend it!
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Summary: CinderFella Strikes Back!
Review: Kids can be extremely cruel. Most people have horrible memories of childhood, and would rather not stroll down memory lane. Do we really want to read any more appalling stories about a 98 pound weakling getting beaten up daily by his classmates and bullies at school (as well as at home)? Do we need to read about these horrible kids torturing animals, eating sheep eyes to spew out onto enemies' faces, or dismembering a sea turtle with an axe? Do we have to read in detail about getting dry humped and ejaculated on by a 200 pound dog named Bear? Of course we do. Especially when George Tabb is the narrator. Nothing personifies the definition of punk rock like Tabb. According to the dictionary, punk rock is "marked by extreme and often deliberately offensive expressions of alienation and social discontent". This perfectly describes "Playing Right Field: A Jew Grows in Greenwich". Tabb certainly understands what its like to be on the outside looking in. He just doesn't care to be on the inside. After spending his first few peaceful loving years in Brooklyn, his folks got divorced and he was dragged up north to Greenwich, CT to live with his physically abusive father and new wife in Waspville. This made young George awfully miserable. His father certainly knew how to snatch defeat from his son's jaws of victory. His cruel stepmother, who liked nothing more than to humiliate and antagonize him, also treated him like CinderFella. Even his home wasn't a safe haven, but somehow Tabb made it through all the violence and mental abuse. Tabb's schoolmates were all anti-Semitic too, which also made his life a living hell. Nothing is worse than being ostracized as the local kike, since everyone in Greenwich seemed to have the Heebie-Jeebies towards him. Luckily the natives never strung him up from a tree, since the most brutal physical torture was saved for local animals. At least his friend Jimmy crucified a frog instead of Tabb. Even the blind kid who looked like a zombie and had no eyeballs beat him up on the head with his Braille typewriter for being a Member of the Tribe. Maybe he was trying to push down the horns he thought Tabb had growing on his head, being Jewish and all. The one legged kid didn't like him either; at least Tabb had the upper hand (or lower leg) with him. Something is seriously wrong when even the unaccepted won't accept you. It's a good thing Helen Keller didn't go to his school; she would have kicked his ass too. This is extremely ironic since Tabb was the only good-natured soul to befriend the one mentally retarded kid at camp, and took under his wing. Of course he got the crap beaten out of him for defending him, but Tabb eventually does get his revenge. Or as much revenge an angst ridden adolescent can dish out. The author has a candor and empathy when describing his experiences that is rarely found. This must be due to the endless persecution he endured. Fortunately Tabb still had a typical suburban childhood, filled with comic books and superheroes. His enthusiasm and humor even in the darkest of times (for a 10 year old) shows a kid who just keeps trying and never gives up. Always looking for approval from his father and never getting it. Some role models pass through his life, and show him that he really is a great person, no matter what. Tabb soon learns life lessons, such as breasts are really comfortable to lay on, and there is something in between his legs for a reason .He still has an innocence about him that wasn't completely lost. Except for the time he got dry humped and ejaculated on by a 200 pound dog. But Tabb just gets up, wipes himself off, and goes on. That's what this book really is about, perseverance in the face of adversity. And that's how Tabb's vivid memoir makes you feel, as if you are actually there with him experiencing his miseries and joys, through his young perspective. You'll be out playing in right field; sharing the same sweat encrusted team shirt with his two brothers. During the same game. That his rich father was generous enough to buy. We should all be so lucky. George Tabb is a pussy, and is damn proud of it. If you read this book, you'll agree, too.
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Summary: Even us kids dig it
Review: My pops has known George for a few years and always told me about how great a guy he is and how wonderful of a writer he is. Well pop was reading this book and laughing so I had to see what was so funny. I could not put this book down! I laughed harder when reading A Jew than I do when I read Mad. I cant belive how much I can relate to George and he grew up like like in a different time than I. I honestly felt like I wanted to be there to help this pour kid out and save him from the bullies in his life. You cant help but fall in love with this poor kid and want to be his savior. George you need to write more!!!
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Summary: I laughed... I cried......... but mainly I laughed.
Review: Not only was this book able to hold my attention for longer than 30 minutes, but I read through the book in 2 days because I couldn't put the damn thing down! Every story is told in such detail, I would forgot that these things happened to him - not ME! Just don't hate him when his writings appear in the 22nd Century Edition Bible. George Tabb is an absolute genius. I know this book is going to be part of a series and I can hardly wait for the next one to come out. So get a move on it George.
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