Too Fat to Fish
by Anthony Bozza, Artie Lange
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Book Reviews of Too Fat to Fish
Book Review: Some humor appears to come from very dark places of the soul
Summary: 4 Stars
Artie Lange's TOO FAT TO FISH has some very funny moments. But readers who expect something along the lines of a Tucker Max book or one of Howard Stern's (who wrote the forward which is very entertaining) books may be in for an unwelcome surprise. Not everything in the book is funny, nor is it meant to be.
Lange uses a lot of the book as therapy. He discusses his relationship with his family in detail. He lets us peek in the room as he lumbers from one drug-induced disaster to the next. He opens up to the reader about his attempted suicide, his time in jail and his stints in rehab and in the psychiatric unit.
Those who are familiar with Lange know that his humor comes from a dark place. Just how dark a place is something some readers that thought they might be delving into the humor of a Chris Rock, George Carlin or Jerry Seinfeld book might find surprising and perhaps a little uncomfortable.
This is not a bad book and it is a very quick read. But I suspect it is not as funny as a lot of people expect and a lot grimmer than a lot of readers might be prepared for. I recommend it, but it's not a day at the comedy club by any stretch of the imagination.
Book Review: Too Fat to Fish Review
Summary: 3 Stars
I went into this book with high expectations. However, as anyone who knows someone with drug problems can attest, there is a lot of lying that occurs. As in real life, I found myself getting irritated, because I truly felt the author was lying to either himself, or just us readers. It makes me mad. Don't put out an "honest" portrayal of your life, only to have it be less than honest. I don't know Artie, but his story about getting into heroin smacked of dishonesty. Almost as if it was, oops, an accident, and not thought out at all. REALLY? You struggle with sobriety, and yet give no thought into getting into heroin. It sounds like any one of many excuses that addicts seem uniquely capable of, which takes all the responsibility away from the addict, and puts it under one of those mysteries of life. Anyway, my other complaint about the book, is really through my own fault. It is not exactly a biography, which I was expecting, but rather it is a series of stories, sometimes seeming disconnected. I still gave it three stars, b/c it is interesting, the stories move along at a good pace, and for some of his redeeming behavior towards the end of the book.Book Review: True Review
Summary: 2 Stars
Hey Artie.. Great writer you hired. I guess you got together with a writer at some place that serves food and you and he/she talked about the memories you have of your life. Then the writer went to his/her house with recorder on desk and wrote a book for you.
Artie doesn't even know how to start a computer, so now what he's writing books?
Amazing, when you're famous all you have to do is sign your name to a book and Walla.. About the book? Why should I care about someone's life experiences? As if Artie would read about anyone of us who read his book? I read the book just out of curiosity and it's just want I thought it'd be.. his life story. Yawn! Boorring! Artie's so full of himself he actually thinks people care about his life experiences. How grandiose of him, might I add 'delusional'? No one cares Artie.. same way you don't care about anyone's life. If only Artie knew that life is a mirror image of ourselves. All I want the man to do is his job, crack jokes so I can laugh while I drive. That's absolutely all I want, and I got that attitude from Artie's boss, Howard Stern.
Book Review: 2nd Half Better
Summary: 4 Stars
I was reading this and thinking "This is nothing we haven't heard before." The first half of the book contains many stories that have been told on the Stern show but just in a bit more detail. If you're a super fan you'll know. I didn't care about the long shoreman work or even when he got started on MadTv
Then when he started really abusing the alchohol and going into tirades in public, it got a lot more interesting. I can relate being an abuser of Klonopin (not that he was) and alchohol as well. I really like Artie. I could really feel the hell of his withdrawal and desire to get his fix. It's a beast that makes you completely dysfunctional. I hope Artie continues to stay on the straight and narrow. (That was the latest according to the Stern show.) But I also understand the need to go back.
The end was touching with the USO and all. This book proves to me that he has really come a long way and has learned a lot through all his endeavors and it shines through in his memoir. I love you Artie!
And the cover picture is awesome!!!
Book Review: I Balled Like a Baby
Summary: 4 Stars
The third chapter of this book, Mr October, is simply amazing. I had to put it down several times and just sob before I could get to the end of it. That chapter alone is worth the time to read this book.
As far as the rest goes; it's mostly stories Artie has told on the Stern show. The story of his suicide attempt, Chapter, "Waa, I ran out of Cocaine" was a new revelation when the book was released. But was finally revealed to Howard on the air on November 18th, 2008.
A few places in the book are obvious attempts to appologize (or otherwise communicate) with people he has lost from his life (like Dana). They seem a little weird and self serving.
Overall, Artie's likeability and sense of humor come through very well in the writing. Everything in the Book having to do with Artie's relationship with his father is truly awe-inspiring.
I consider this a must-read for all Stern fans and a very good read for anyone trying to get through day-to-day life all the while struggling with their inner demons.