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Rating: 
Summary: Funny Enigma -- A Book For... Whom?
Review: A quick perusal of the widely varied reviews on Amazon.com shows this book has polarized those who read it into two groups: those who laughed and those who didn't. Both points of view are, in this case, quite valid.One of the major "problems" with this book might be the title. This is, in fact, NOT a book FOR graduates. It IS a book ABOUT graduates from a parent's point of view. The point of view is very important, because it has everything to do with the prism through which the humor is presented. A been-there-done-that parent sees the world very differently from their green-as-grass new grads. A new grad who has yet to pay a rent check to Attilla The Hun can't possibly know what that's like, therefore the reference will be unfunny, maybe even a little scary. Therefore, I wonder if the title choice wasn't made by a publisher marketing suit who hadn't read the book... Nonetheless, the book still isn't one of Mr. Cosby's strongest efforts. Doubtless, this book would be far funnier in audio format with Mr. Cosby as the reader, as his vocal inflections can paint word pictures worth 1,000 additional words. Unfortuneately, I was left with my own, quite unfunny internal voice that had me smiling alot but never laughing aloud. I would not recommend giving this as a graduation present to your 22-year-old grad fresh out of the dorms, but their parents might enjoy it.
Rating:
Summary: Funny Enigma -- A Book For... Whom?
Review: A quick perusal of the widely varied reviews on Amazon.com shows this book has polarized those who read it into two groups: those who laughed and those who didn't. Both points of view are, in this case, quite valid. One of the major "problems" with this book might be the title. This is, in fact, NOT a book FOR graduates. It IS a book ABOUT graduates from a parent's point of view. The point of view is very important, because it has everything to do with the prism through which the humor is presented. A been-there-done-that parent sees the world very differently from their green-as-grass new grads. A new grad who has yet to pay a rent check to Attilla The Hun can't possibly know what that's like, therefore the reference will be unfunny, maybe even a little scary. Therefore, I wonder if the title choice wasn't made by a publisher marketing suit who hadn't read the book... Nonetheless, the book still isn't one of Mr. Cosby's strongest efforts. Doubtless, this book would be far funnier in audio format with Mr. Cosby as the reader, as his vocal inflections can paint word pictures worth 1,000 additional words. Unfortuneately, I was left with my own, quite unfunny internal voice that had me smiling alot but never laughing aloud. I would not recommend giving this as a graduation present to your 22-year-old grad fresh out of the dorms, but their parents might enjoy it.
Rating: 
Summary: This book is so true
Review: Bill Cosby does it again. Being a recent College grad, I found this book very amusing and enjoyable to read. He hits the nail on the head in talking about apartments, job interviews, and leaving home. Final Word: A DEFINITE buy for any graduate!
Rating:
Summary: This book is so true
Review: Bill Cosby does it again. Being a recent College grad, I found this book very amusing and enjoyable to read. He hits the nail on the head in talking about apartments, job interviews, and leaving home. Final Word: A DEFINITE buy for any graduate!
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing... !
Review: Commencements are always long, and usually boring. I occasionally get a 30 second view of my relative or child from a half a mile a way or so. The speakers drone on for hours. It usually rains. Over the years, I have learned to bring crossword puzzles and novels to keep me entertained. From now on, I'll bring Congratulations! instead. It's the best humor I have ever read from the parents' point of view. I am impressed that some of the students and graduates also found it funny. That shows a lot of maturity. Bill Cosby says all of the things that parents say to each other when they are alone, but would never say to their children. Here are two people who are usually spending every spare dollar they can find (and borrowing more) to send their child to a school while the child often feels overworked while doing less than an order taker does at McDonald's every day. The child often studies something with little future economic relevance, and the parents worry about paying for graduate school to help add some employability to their offspring's resume. As you can sense, parents are more than a little paranoid at these times. Cosby captures, appreciates, and beautifully lampoons that paranoia. The book will always be funny to parents, but more so at Commencements. Be sure to get and bring a copy before you attend your next one!
Rating:
Summary: Cosby does it again!
Review: Cosby rules in this book aimed at the new graduate. Instead of waxing poetic on how well-prepared college has left you for real life (all lies told by professors and commencement speakers!), he humorously talks about ordeals college grads go through with job interviews, renting the first apartment, moving out of the parents' home (a Cosby theme at least since 1982!), etc. He even manages to poke some fun at Fat Albert, and he created that character. Any book that makes a reference to Fat Albert while discussing real-life (and so far it's the only one) is an amusing read.
Rating:
Summary: Funny Stuff!
Review: I just love Bill Cosby. His sense of humor is fantastic. This book has lots of good tips mingled throughout really great funny stuff. This is a lighthearted approach to a serious subject. I sure enjoyed reading it. When finished I felt like I need a bit more information to help my son with his career direction. I found Major In Success by Patrick Combs to be the perfect addition to this book. Bill made me laugh and gave me some helpful tips to pass on to my son and Patrick laid out the step by step approach on how to get a great job. My son really enjoyed reading Major In Success. I recommend all parents purchase both books.
Rating:
Summary: pessimistic and unrealistic
Review: This book has nothing positive and uplifting to tell college graduates. Rather it depresses them. I read it as I will graduate in January and Cosby seems to think you don't learn anything in college. He also seems to assume all students are stupid and incapable of even simple things. He also puts down liberal arts colleges. I would not read this if you want to be inspired after you finish college, only if you want to be depressed.
Rating:
Summary: pessimistic and unrealistic
Review: This book has nothing positive and uplifting to tell college graduates. Rather it depresses them. I read it as I will graduate in January and Cosby seems to think you don't learn anything in college. He also seems to assume all students are stupid and incapable of even simple things. He also puts down liberal arts colleges. I would not read this if you want to be inspired after you finish college, only if you want to be depressed.
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