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Summary: as if i had been there
Review: i bought the book after hearing the author on npr (a great interview, by the way) and was really moved by how mark katz takes the reader along on a very strange ride. i felt like a doppleganger to one of the oddest tours of the Clinton white house around. katz writes with incredible honesty about how humbling -- and funny -- it is to be a normal guy in extraordinary circumstances. he also manages to maintain an even, measured reaction to the clinton drama that helps me understand this president in a new way -- as a person. a very interesting read.
Rating: 
Summary: Trying too hard
Review: This was an amusing, not hysterical read. Too many times I found myself thinking, "I know this part is _supposed_ to be funny..." without actually laughing. And the footnotes were more annoying than not and could easily have been incorporated into the text of this memoir-not-thesis. Another frustration was the Streisand chapter that was completely blacked out for comic effect (or something). For someone who makes his living writing humor, I was disappointed.
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Summary: Katz Brings the Funny
Review: "Clinton and Me" is the book for you if you're looking for something funnier and less mean than the collected works of Al Franken.If you love politics and humor, Mark Katz's book is for you. He takes you on the wise-ass world tour, from the principal's office to the Dukakis campaign office to the Oval Office all in one fell highly entertaining swoop. Part political memoir, part Sedaris, part "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead," but, most importantly, all funny.
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Summary: Insight into the White House that you can't get elsewhere
Review: Not only did I laugh out loud repeatedly while reading this book, but I was intrigued by the backstage White House that you really never get to see. Mark Katz does a great job painting a true picture of life in the White House from a rarely seen angle. In addition, his honesty about how he felt during the scandalous times was refreshing. It gave me inspiration to pursue things I believe in, but try to have fun in the process.
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Summary: I could not put this book down -- it's terrific.
Review: Mark Katz's story, from the class clown to comedy speechwriter for President Clinton, is a great read. The book is full of funny one-liners and stories, excerpts from what made it into the President's speeches, and what didn't. And I laughed. But that's not what makes the book great. What makes the book great is that the reader feels what it's like to step into Mark Katz's shoes, and see this world of power and privilege though the eyes of someone who feels humbled and privileged to be there. He gives these people he comes into contact with depth and dimension and makes them real.... I couldn't put it down. And it was funny. Buy the book.
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Summary: A book club reader
Review: Having seen Mark Katz' delightful and informative interview with Katie Courac on the Today show last week, I bought a copy of this book the same day and finished reading it over the weekend. I will be recommending it to my book club friends at our next gathering. With our national election just around the corner, I found this insiders look at politics refreshing to say the least. But, even if you are not a particularly political being, the personal reflections, anecdotes and "dish" are rewards in themselves. Mark is one funny guy, with a writing style that not only informs, but is truly unique.
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Summary: This guy's got the goods
Review: I read a lot, and have become very frustrated by the limited number of "styles" demonstrated in most books. But this guy's got one of the freshest voices I've seen in a long time, and his book is a pleasure to read. Not only are his stories funny, smart and accessible, but they're told with panache and heart. And the sum total of all these stories is a very different and insightful look at the game of politics as it's played today. It's a book that doesn't fall neatly into any category (punditry, political history, autobiography...) except one: the "must read". I hope this guy keeps writing.
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Summary: Most nformative and funny look into the West Wing
Review: Clinton & Me gives a totally different view of politics.Really funny but very informative about how humor can change the perception of the public views of any situation. Great Read
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Summary: Thoroughly unique -- and very, very funny
Review: A friend gave me this book because he knows I'm a political junkie. I started it late one evening when I couldn't sleep and let's just say I never got to sleep that night. What I got instead was a smart, heartfelt and hilarious account of the bizarre career trajectory of a very talented guy. This is a book that operates on many levels. First off, I got a look into the workings of the Clinton White House that is not to be found anywhere else. Add to that incredible insight into one of the biggest political dramas of the recent past. And finally a surprisingly honest account of the career steps and mis-steps of a rising political operative. This guy knows how to write and how to tell a good story. He also knows that politics is not just local, it's personal. A must read for any thinking person.
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Summary: Even the Footnotes Are Funny
Review: I'm not much of a political junkie, but do love David Sedaris type humor. Facing a long flight, I picked this book up on a whim. I love it. I can't believe how many stares I got from the passengers around me for laughing out loud. Bet they buy the book, though (except that one guy who kept giving me dirty looks, but he doesn't look all that nice anyway). Two thirds of the way through, and I don't want it to end. Sometimes it's just plain funny, and other times it's cringe inducing funny, like watching the band playing as the Titanic sinks, only this guy has to rush out and tell jokes while the water rises. Love the off-the-cuff zingers with the politicians. And yes, even the footnotes are funny. I'm sure this is the first of many more from the authoer. Mark Katz is one very funny fellow.
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