Too Fat to Fish by Artie Lange, Anthony Bozza
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Book Reviews of Too Fat to Fish
Book Review: Artie Lange didn't replace Jackie Martling, he replaced Sam Kinison
Summary: 5 Stars
I picked up TOO FAT TO FISH, the autobiography of comedian and HOWARD STERN SHOW cast member Artie Lange, expecting to flip-read it. But, starting with a funny introduction from Stern that Lange matches or exceeds laugh-per-page for the rest of the book, TOO FAT TO FISH did not leave my hands until I read every word.
Despite Stern's introduction, Artie Lange does not say much about his work on the radio show in TOO FAT TO FISH until the last couple of chapters. But Lange and coauthor Anthony Bozza hold your attention throughout the pre-Stern years with tales of the comedian's charmed life. I say "charmed life" because, despite Lange's tendencies toward alcohol/drug abuse, gambling, overeating, and angry outbursts, a world of family and friends - even show-business friends - watch his back. There are a number of touching moments, especially regarding his parents. Prepare to choke up as Artie Lange realizes the only difference between homeless drug addicts and him is the support of those who loved this 296-lb. prodigal son. Nonetheless, even reflections such as that lead to some of the funniest comments in TOO FAT TO FISH thanks to Lange's ability to laugh at himself, wisecracking his way through the details of his darkest moments.
Howard Stern hired Artie Lange on his radio show in 2001 after joke whiz Jackie Martling left. But the void Lange filled best was that of Sam Kinison, a regular HOWARD STERN SHOW guest whose combination of comic talent, substance abuse problems and volatile personality made for hours of compelling radio until his untimely 1992 death.
While there are not as many HOWARD STERN SHOW-related anecdotes as you may expect, TOO FAT TO FISH has a number of celebrity stories. For example, Artie Lange's work with the likes of Tom Cruise and Chevy Chase result in two of his most memorable tales about the ups and downs of the entertainment industry.
Read TOO FAT TO FISH.
Book Review: Part-racist, part-homophobe, part-sexist....all GENIUS!!
Summary: 5 Stars
He's Artie Lange a.k.a. The current occupant of the coveted "Jackie Chair" on the Howard Stern Show... but in case you don't know, he is a brilliant stand-up comedian who got his big TV break on MADTV, assuming the obligatory "funny fat guy" stereotype (a sketch show staple created by the late, great John Belushi on SNL). Unlike his hero, Lange is one of the world's greatest storytellers ... his cautionary tales of self-deprecating woe are filled with hookers, hedonism and substance abuse.
Artie's honest stories are touching at times and the stuff of legend at others. His memoirs are a trainwreck of decadence and a glorious modern day comedy of errors to liken Falstaff or a New Jersey I-tie "Confederacy of Dunces." Long time listeners of Lange on the radio or those familiar with his stand-up will gladly recognize some stories - the Pig Suit story, from his MADDTV days, for example. Other stories are new as yet unrevealed anecdotes from the comedian. One striking one is Artie's suicide attempt and recovery.
This volume is less showbiz oriented than many of Lange's tales. Touching tales of his early life and his dad, along with some scary stories of Arties sorted past....Even with one bad call after the next, by the end and Artie's own admission, he has plenty more stories to tell. Thanks to AMAZON.COM's preorders (over 12,000) his publisher has offered him another book, which he has accepted.
Also check out audio version, the CD is nar. by Gary, Jimmy F. and Artie himself.
Book Review: The title alone makes you want to buy this book!!
Summary: 5 Stars
Much like other people, I too was skeptical about an Artie Lange, Jr. book; but I must admit I came away with a different view about Artie. Sure, he always seems out to screw up everything that is good currently at that moment in his life, but that is Artie and some people are like that, I guess. I got the book on my b-day (the 12th) and could not have been more happy about it since I was having a crappy day turning 38. Anyways, I really was drawn into the stories, like the 'baby gorilla' was sitting next to me holding his J.D. & Coke (with it's obligatory straw sticking out of the glass) in his hand! I honestly could NOT put this book down; and I mean that... I was up till 3:30 a.m. lastnight reading it! I finished it today after another few hours.. sure it's an easy read, but in a good way. I love the food stories the most and the details about the celebrity jerks, like Kelly Preston and her kid; that story is great and Artie does not hold back. Granted, most of the stories I've heard on Howard's show before over the course of 7 years, but I can never get enough of the show-biz 'back lot' stories and drunken, drugged-up episodes he went through!! I really think he (and Anthony Bozza) deserve all the success in the world. I can't wait for book #2... that is if Artie doesn't screw that up too!!! Artie: Your father is looking down on you brother and he is proud of you. -Salud!Book Review: A must read for any Artie or Howard fan!
Summary: 5 Stars
It's really quite simple to review this book in a single word "Revealing". When you hear Artie on the Stern show you immediately recognize his quick wit and hilarious commentary that he brings to the show. People feel two ways about Artie - disgusted or sympathetic, there is NO middle ground. This book provides an insight to what is behind this man. Yes, he comes off as rough or brash or harsh - but that is his schtick. Artie is probably one of the nicest people you would ever want to meet. No, I have never met the man, but you can read into his persona and realize he is a decent and caring guy who just happened to fall into some really bad habits. The book will explain how he evolved and will give you a better understanding of what Artie is all about.
I absolutely loved the book - it will not win a Pulitzer and Artie will not be a candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize, but he is quite an endearing person - and that is what is really important.
Enjoy the book...
Mike
Book Review: Why Men Cheat
Summary: 5 Stars
In his book, Lange talks about cheating but I have found that this issue about male wanderlust is better covered in the companion book "FLUSH THE TOILET" Why Men Cheat by author Misogy Nist. Both Artie and Nist are very direct and insightful people and they have a direct pulse on the American funnybone. Howecver, author Nist captures the imagination of all women who are clueless about the real reason why men cheat. In fact, his 10 step approach engages women in a pedantic, colorful, imaginative, humorous and direct dialog with the not-so-fairer sex and their wanderlust proclivities. In fact, men be forewarned that this book reveals many secrets that men are loathe to share about sex with their female counterparts. It's a must read for women who want to understand the men in their life. And, for the guys . . . WOW!!!Flush the Toilet: Why Men Cheat