Comic Insights: The Art of Stand-Up Comedy by Franklyn Ajaye
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Book Reviews of Comic Insights: The Art of Stand-Up Comedy
Book Review: Character and Comedy
Summary: 5 Stars
Comic Insights, by Franklyn Ajaye is a great read. The heart of the book for me, is the series of interviews with many of the top comedians working today. While I think a young comedian wanting to start in the business would find the book invaluable, general readers interested in comedy, and life, would also enjoy it. One gets a good sense about the people these comedians are in these interviews. I wish they were longer. It is clear that Ajaye knows these fellow comedians well and that knowledge made a more intimate conversation possible. There is so much insight into the practice of stand up comedy, that I experienced moments when I wanted to give it a try! Of course I know better, but one begins to fully appreciate the discipline, intelligence, and creativity that great comedians bring to their work. Not incidentally, there are some very thoughtful perspectives on life, gems of thought, offered by these gifted people, some funny and sad, poignant, witty, and wise. It was clear to me that the comedians interviewed also shared an appreciation for the comedic gifts of Ajaye, whom I have heard and seen perform, to my great delight, over the years.Book Review: Lessons from the masters
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is awesome. It is a 3-part book, with the 1st 50 pages filled with Ajaye's own personal experience and tutelage, followed by a large series of interviews with 17 successful comedians, and finally about 36 pages with major players in the comedy industry. Did Johnny Carson get nervous? If so, how did he handle it? Answered here. Ajaye asks the comedians about starting out, how to handle hecklers, handling stage fright, and how often they bombed when they started out. You get a feel for the industry from major pros. The interviews with the club owners and talent scouts really gives you a feel for the type of comics their looking for. I also like the layout of the book, where each interview is preceded by a brief summary including details about the comic as well as where and when the interview took place. The side page marks each indicate a new section if you want to skip from one interview to the next. A very aptly-titled book that I recommend. The only lowlights are that most of these interviews took place from the mid-80s and 90s. This info is great, but I want to read about the successful comics who started in the early 90s and 00s too.Book Review: Entertaining and Inspirational
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm a young standup comic and I love learning about where comics come from and discuss the art of Stand-up which is why I bought this book. That alone would be worth the purchase, with interviews from many of the greatest comedians of our time talking in depth about how they got started and how they keep track and create their material. While that's the majority of the book(as well as interviews with those in the industry discussing what it takes and what they're looking for), the first part includes an excellent and informative look at how to study comedy and find your identity, and how to properly hone your craft. Mr. Ajaye is honest and discusses some of the problems he's had with his act and how he solved them. I know so many comics who if they would just read this book would become so much better. Everything is discussed from timing to delivery, and being honest with yourself, all little parts that make such a big difference in a performance. I recommend this book to anyone interested in the art of stand-up comedy, looking to start performing, or even current comics; I can see myself using this as a reference in the years to come.Book Review: Truthful, inspirational and an answered prayer
Summary: 5 Stars
As a young stand up comic I have always wished I could meet all of my comic idols and ask them how they did it and how they continue to do it...and be succesful at it. This book says it all. Stand up comedy is often a tough gig, but reading this book which shows how the "greats" made it through the hard times, mastered their craft and keep things new shows that it's all worthwhile. Franklyn Ajaye has a way breaking things down and painting a perfect picture of what creating your own individual comic point of view is about. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who has ever considered doing stand up, who has a respect for stand up, who is in awe of stand up, who has never done stand up, who has done stand up for 20 years, and for those who have secretly always dreamed of being a successful stand up comic. Hell, I recommend it to anyone who hates stand up comedy...it may open some doors. I have read many "comedy" books, some written by complete unknowns. The author is a very successful stand up comedian himself...that should tell you something.Book Review: Insightful
Summary: 5 Stars
I was really impressed by the high calibre of those interviewed including one of my real favourites - George Carlin. Ajaye with his very conversational style of interviewing(rather than the standard list of same questions) was able to get his interviewees to feel comfortable and divulge a lot about their art as well as their personal lives. The author obviously has the respect of his fellow comedians.
A brilliantly articulate book this should be an essential part of the library of any student of comedy and highly recommended reading for aspiring comedians everywhere.
I know of 3 other comedians in Melbourne Australia who have read this book and all spoke about it in glowing terms.
I hope that "Comic Insights" is a best seller because it truly deserves to be.