Rickles' Book: A Memoir
by Don Rickles
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Book Reviews of Rickles' Book: A Memoir
Book Review: A Memoir That's More of a Joke Than a Book
Summary: 2 Stars
This disappointing "memoir" is merely a series of supposedly comedic riffs on various moments in the life of Rickles. There are snippets of stories that go nowhere. Chapters are only a couple pages long. He gets through his entire first 20 years in 15 pages (with a lot of white space) and gives so few details that you have to wonder what he is hiding.
Often the short "stories" he tells come across as just set-ups for joke punchlines. He will mention an incident (meeting Bruce Springsteen, going to the White House, opening for Sinatra, getting the part in "Toy Story") and instead of giving any details or insights, Rickles just tells what he thinks is a joke about it and then moves on to the next chapter. The problem is almost nothing he writes is very funny.
There are also numerous subtle mentions of the Mafia--he even admits to calling a "friend" to quiet an upset audience member. Admitting to using goons to physically threaten his audience is not funny nor endearing.
There is so little about this man's life in this book that to call it a memoir is deceptive--it's just a series of gimmicky jokes that don't help the reader know Rickles any better than before. As a matter of fact, you'll come away disappointed that this man won't open up to let you see inside.
Book Review: A Nice Guy!
Summary: 4 Stars
This is a sort of mini biography of Don Rickles. A collection of reminiscences arranged chronologically beginning with his childhood, the book is easy and fun to read. There are some laughs and some great anecdotes from the glory days of The Rat Pack. For example , the boys are in a steam room and Frank Sinatra tells Don "You're not getting enough publicity Don, the public needs to see more of you" So they grab a naked and struggling Rickles and carry him outside to the pool and leave him there in front of the shocked hotel guests.
We also get a nostalgic look back at what it was like for a young comic trying to make it in the 50's and 60's.
I saw Mr. Rickles at the MGM in Vegas in the late 90's. After the show was over , he came down from the stage and shook hands and talked a bit with people in the audience. I was one of the lucky ones who got to meet him. Really, a nice guy. If you can't see him in person, read this delightful little book and get to know one of the last of his era.
Book Review: Rickle's pamphlet
Summary: 3 Stars
I actually liked this book, but I agree that there isn't a lot too it. I'm going to cut him some slack for being around 80 when he wrote the book. He at least acknowledges all the people who helped him make it, and gives you a clear idea of where he came from. So, I don't think it's a money grab. Interesting and funny stories, but low on the detail. Kind of makes sense from an ad lib guy's perspective, but if you have someone helping you write it, shouldn't they flesh things out? Ah well, I got this at the library, and it helped me through a nasty flu, so I won't gripe too much. Looks like there's a documentary called Mr. Warmth out there too, that might be the place for these disappointed Rickles fans to look.Book Review: Entertaining Anecdotes from a Comedy Legend
Summary: 5 Stars
Rickles is one of the last of a generation of legendary comedians. His appearances on the Carson show were must see TV. His quick wit and timing were entertaining and always fired up a room. For all the entertainment that Rickles has given me over the years, I happily put down the 15 bucks for the book. For those of you whining about the books brevity, get over it. His act was based on rapid fire insults and shtick. He didn't do deep comedy (a la George Carlin or Lenny Bruce). The man's in his 80s. Just buy the book and quit moaning....Book Review: Stories of the Golden Age of Entertainment
Summary: 5 Stars
Rickles is a man with a golden heart with mean jokes. No one comedian could get away with the jokes told by Rickles. But then again, there is no comedian like Don Rickles.
Each chapter is a little story from the life of Rickles. Many stories include great celebrities of yore. Every story with Frank Sinatra will make make you bellow with laughter.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves the history of hollywood and entertainment. Rickles is definitely the comedian's comedian.