Rating: 
Summary: Al Franken at his best!
Review: I'M GOOD ENOUGH, I'M SMART ENOUGH, AND DOGGONE IT, PEOPLE LIKE ME!, is a year in the life of Stuart Smalley, the character created by Al Franken, seen on Saturday Night Live. The book is written in journal format - each day is a daily affirmation, and Stuart gives us advice and tips on various subjects as he works his way along the road to recovery (he belongs to several 12 step groups).The book had me laughing so hard - especially the references to the 12 step lingo - he refers to his higher power constantly - and his affirmations themselves are funny unto themselves. Each page is a new day, and a new problem to tackle: social problems, ex boyfriends, jealousies, insecurities... at one point he becomes the executor of a will, of all things! And the book reads as one big gossip-fest.... he rambles on in his journal as if he's talking, and THAT'S okay!!! I am having a hard time describing this book, but all i can say is READ IT. It had me in stitches!!
Rating:
Summary: A rare thing, a genuine comic novel
Review: If you know anything about the recovery movement, you know that in addition to being helpful to millions, it can also be saccherine, irritating, and humorless. So can most churches, so that's not a condemnation. But what if the humanity and sweetness of the movement could be captured along with a huge dose of laughter at this lumbering, self absorbed thing? You would have a really special book. Written as a series of daily affirmations, the book reminds us of Richardson's PAMELA (a very early English novel in the form of a series of letters home). In this straitjacket of a form, characters develop, personality is revealed, and we laugh at and with the Recovery world without one jot of cruelty to people's pain or their struggles. This is one of the funniest and best comic novels since Auntie Mame. So raise a non-alcoholic glass to salute Stuart Smalley, who is a little bit of a hero after all.
Rating:
Summary: A rare thing, a genuine comic novel
Review: If you know anything about the recovery movement, you know that in addition to being helpful to millions, it can also be saccherine, irritating, and humorless. So can most churches, so that's not a condemnation. But what if the humanity and sweetness of the movement could be captured along with a huge dose of laughter at this lumbering, self absorbed thing? You would have a really special book. Written as a series of daily affirmations, the book reminds us of Richardson's PAMELA (a very early English novel in the form of a series of letters home). In this straitjacket of a form, characters develop, personality is revealed, and we laugh at and with the Recovery world without one jot of cruelty to people's pain or their struggles. This is one of the funniest and best comic novels since Auntie Mame. So raise a non-alcoholic glass to salute Stuart Smalley, who is a little bit of a hero after all.
Rating:
Summary: Lovable and funny
Review: Stuart rocks! This book is hilarious and sweet. The humor is pointed yet never mean-spirited. Stuart tells of his life over the course of a year, a year that would probably qualify as the worst for most people, yet for Stuart, one of his best. Every six weeks or so he retreats to his bed, but the inspiring thing is he springs back each time, reminding himself, "I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and doggone it, people like me". Buy this book for a funny and insightful take on depression. Mr. Franken, I am waiting for a sequel.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best books ever written!
Review: That may be slight hyperbole. Reading Stuart makes me start talking like Stuart. I think I may _be_ Stuart! This book works both as comedy and, well I'm not sure Al planned for this... as therapy too. I've actually found some strength from both the book and the movie. I'm not kidding. You'll find yourself laughing out loud in public (well, that is, if you read it in public) _and_ walking away feeling better about yourself. I'm not kidding.
Rating:
Summary: Awesomely funny!
Review: This book had me laughing out loud all of the way through it! Al Franken, as Stuart Smalley, manages to uplift the reader as he or she journeys through a year in the life of Stuart. Franken has a true gift for humor. He was somehow able to make Stuart's tragic and pitiful life funny and endearing. The really incredible thing about this book is it's ability to get at the essence of good psychology. I am hoping for a sequel
Rating: 
Summary: A bit of Stuart in us all...
Review: This book is funny, but not roll in the floor, rib-aching kind of funny. But like all comedic books I have come to enjoy, I found it pleasant, good-natured humor. The book is written in the first person view of an extremely neurotic, yet very likeable, middle-aged man. I actually found much of this book to be rather poignant, especially with regard to dysfunctional relationships. I think I picked up some personal survival skills from this book, too. I won't elaborate on that, but I recommend this book to all. It'll make you smile, and you're bound to learn some good things from it. Having read "Why Not Me", which I did find to be hilarious, I wish this man would do more writing than he does.
Rating:
Summary: hilarious.
Review: This book was hilarious. My husband and I took turns reading it aloud to each other, and would have to stop reading, we were laughing so hard. It brought laughter to the point of tears. I still laugh when I hear the title.
Rating:
Summary: Amazing
Review: This is one of my favorite books. It's so well constructed and funny. I felt as if I was on a journey along with Stuart. It is more than a humor book.
Rating:
Summary: Laugh out loud funny - great gift for people in Recovery
Review: When Stuart Smalley first came out I didn't quite see the appeal. Now with 5 years in The Program, I finally get the joke. I have lent this book to a lot of folks in my home group and we all agree that it's pretty impossible not to laugh out loud while reading it. What a funny, smart insightful man. Seriously one of the funniest books I've ever read, though I might not have "gotten it" without my familiarity with 12 step programs.
|
