After a decade spent in isolation in the Ugandan jungles thinking about stuff, David Cross has written his first book. Known for roles on the small screen such as "never-nude" Tobias Funke on Arrested Development and the role of "David" in Mr. Show With Bob And David, as well as a hugely successful stand-up routine full of sharp-tongued rants and rages, Cross has carved out his place in American comedy. Whether deflating the pomposity of religious figures, calling out the pathetic symbiosis of pseudo-celebrity and its leaching fandom, or merely pushing the buttons of the way-too-easily offended P.C. left or the caustic, double-standard of the callous (but funnier) right, Cross has something to say about everyone, including his own ridiculous self. Now, for the first time, Cross is weaving his media mockery, celebrity denunciation, religious commentary and sheer madness into book form, revealing the true story behind his almost existential distaste of Jim Belushi ("The Belush"), disclosing the up-to-now unpublished minutes to a meeting of Fox television network executives, and offering up a brutally grotesque run-in with Bill O'Reilly. And as if this wasn't enough for your laughing pleasure in these troubled times, some of the pieces splinter off with additional material being created online in exclusive video and animated web content created solely for the book-a historical first (presumably)! With a mix of personal essays, satirical fiction posing as truth, advice for rich people, information from America's least favorite Rabbi and a top-ten list of top-ten lists, I DRINK FOR A REASON is as unique as the comedian himself, and cannot be missed.
This book is wonderful. Imagine that you're searching the internet for odd tidbits written by your favorite comedian, and then he publishes a book with 100 times the comedy gold you were looking for. That's what you got here. This is not a funny novel. That's not what David Cross does. He writes comedy. The style is very diverse. Some chapters are his comments on political issues. Some are just riffs on things like music reviews. It's also great to read this and compare and contrast to his recent concert album and dvd. It's like variations on a theme. You hear one joke on the cd, see it expanded on the dvd (or vice versa since there's non-overlapping material on both) then see a completely revised version of it in the book. Of course the book has much more than could fit in a stand up routine. By the way, if you don't have a sense of humor then you probably should not read this book. Rather, you should watch "According to Jim," watch a Larry the Cable Guy special, or listen to a Dane Cook cd. (Actually, I like a few of Dane Cook's jokes, although it's not worth it to listen to his other stuff.) In other words, if you're easily offended, or looking for someone to just reaffirm your own shallow world view, then it's probably not a good idea to look to David Cross for your comfort. He's a comedian intent on pushing the line. He's going to say some things that offends everyone, and that is the great equity in his bits. He probably even offends himself sometimes. But none of what he is saying is unfair. And most importantly, it's all freakin hilarious.
adjust enthusiasm to taste ( & by TASTE, i mean Taste for Education and/or a sense of humor)
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 14 years ago
I absolutely love this book's ability to turn me into a completely gullible grade-school-girl; while at the same time, berating me with, Mr.Cross' sense of expectation for the people's obvious agreement with himself--on the basis of it Making Absolute Perfect sense to anyone who actually thinks--makes me feel like this country may have staved off its increasingly likely days of populationally all-inclusive illiteracy for one more week. however, people think I'm rather unfairly disapproving of my peers for their disingenuous (under?)appreciation for my own humor.
Hilarious! Wow!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 14 years ago
After reading these reviews I was afraid I wouldn't like this book... now I'm wondering, who are these "fans" that are posting these harsh reviews? It almost makes me wonder if this is some church-led conspiracy ("Jesus wants you to give Mr. Cross' book one star!") or maybe these are true fans of Larry the Cable Guy. Maybe I should thank them for lowering my expectations, because I have been repeatedly surprised at how FUNNY this book is! Yes! HA! Wow! I have laughed out loud too many times to count. So don't be afraid. If you really are a fan of David Cross, you'll be highly entertained.
David Cross at his finest
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 14 years ago
This book is like one giant stand up routine in book form. The reviewers above me are trolling. None of them probably even know who David is. He should have dedicated part of his book to internet trolls with no jobs/lives who troll book review sites. This is classic Cross material and funny as hell. Thank you for this book.
get it got it good.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 15 years ago
any supposed die hard fans of david cross should find this spot on. if you don't "get it", i think your status as a fan is in question.
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