Harpo Speaks! by Harpo Marx, Rowland Barber
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Book Reviews of Harpo Speaks!
Book Review: What a life!!
Summary: 5 Stars
This man, who has spent so much time in the spotlight without a voice, has more to say than you could ever imagine. The book is a real page turner. Although he plays an annoying, dumb, slapstick mute in show business, his real personality is completely the opposite. He was a warm, down to Earth, kind hearted person. This book will not only explain the details of Harpo's life, but it will also take you back to a time when people were more innocent, genuine, and things like anti-depressents, Attention Deficit Disorder, and obessive compulsive behavior did not exist. This book actually makes me happy about being alive and is better than any therapy session I could ever attend. All the Marx brothers have been through so much, and yet came out ahead each time, with a level head and real love in his heart.
Book Review: A clown reviews 'Harpo Speaks'
Summary: 5 Stars
Frankly, this is one of my favorite books of all time. It's hilarious, serious, witty, poignant and thought-provoking, sometimes all at the same time. It details what it was like to grow up in the Marx household, how all of the brothers were pushed into show business by their mother, Minnie, how hard they worked for so many years at (barely) subsistance wages, how they entertained each other, grew up on the road, and in one night changed from a singing group to the first great 'screwball' comedy team. If you love clowns, or are interested in clowning, you want to read this book; it's a wonderful insight into clowning, what's funny and why, as well as some of the Marx Brothers' classic routines. It's also a wonderful insight into a man I would have loved to have known; Harpo Marx.Book Review: Probably My Favorite Book Ever
Summary: 5 Stars
There's a reason this book is still in print--it's a wonderful read, a book I return to every few years. Just writing this review makes me smile. The story of Harpo Marx's life is a fascinating one; full of wonderful stories and the people who were in his orbit. It is a vanished world come vividly to life.
I think, though, the man who comes through these pages is the real appeal of "Harpo Speaks!" The book reflects it's author better than any impartial biographer (or family member). If you want to know more about Harpo the man after reading this, check out Groucho's letter reacting to Harpo's death in "The Groucho Letters" or Arthur Marx's accout of Groucho's reaction in "Life With Groucho".
A life well-lived. Thanks for sharing, Harpo.
Book Review: Reading Harpo is always reading for the first time
Summary: 5 Stars
Though it is tempting to agree with the comment that "Harpo Speaks" should be read slowly because you only get to read it for the first time once, I have read it for the first time three times now, and find Harpo's approach to life and laughter renews both itself and the reader with every re-read. Of many praiseworthy elements in "Harpo Speaks," perhaps the most important is the sense of acceptance that Harpo brings to the experience of life; whether being thrown out a window in primary school days, or being arrested for (amongst other things) impersonating himself in Los Angeles, Harpo's approach to life is a giant "yes!" I've rarely read a book that made me feel as good, and perhaps never read one that made me feel betterBook Review: Harpo Speaks! And speaks, he does!
Summary: 5 Stars
One of the best books I've ever read, and that is saying something because I have never read a nonfiction book cover to cover in my life, and I laughed my way through this one easily enough. Not only is it entertaining and funny to boot, but it tells the evolution of the trade mark costume of Harpo, sheds light on the real Marx brothers, tells the story of his harp fasination, and reveals the story of the funny face he makes when he puffs out his cheeks, crosses his eyes, and sticks out his tongue a little (it's called a "Gookies"). Harpo wrote one heck of a book when he wrote this, and it reads quickly, at least, it did for me.
If you have any interest in the Marx Brothers at all, this is the book for you!