Too Fat to Fish
by Anthony Bozza, Artie Lange
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Book Reviews of Too Fat to Fish
Book Review: Shallow and Self-Indulgent
Summary: 3 Stars
I am not a Howard Stern fan. I learned about Artie Lange from hearing him interviewed by Terry Gross on NPR. Terry Gross is an absolute genius at what she does. She got Lange to turn introspective and to give insight into what makes him tick. I would recommend going to the Fresh Air Web site and downloading the interview.
I picked up a copy of the book at the bookstore, hoping to find more of the same. What I found was a driven and self-involved character who seems not to have a clue about anything beyond himself. Come to think of it, that is pretty much what I think of Stern. The stories in the book would be much more poignant if they did not focus so exclusively on Lange. In their current form they quickly become tiresome.
Book Review: Love Artie!
Summary: 5 Stars
I have always loved Artie, but after reading his book I love him even more. His stories about his dad are so sweet and heartbreaking. The stories about his drug use break your heart as you realize how he has not yet escaped that demon. His love for his mom and sister and the pride he takes in financially providing for his mother make you realize what a sweetheart he is. It also seemed that he was trying to repair damaged relationship and professed his love for former friends and managers with whom he has lost touch. Finally, the reader also gets a better glimpse into his heroin breakdown while filming his movie. Wish he could repair his relationship with Dana. She seemed to really love him.
Great Read!
Book Review: Artie has lots of issues
Summary: 4 Stars
This book is unfiltered. It is raw, but not in terms of language. It is raw because Artie has opened his mind and heart. While a lot of these stories were already made famous on the Stern Show, there is far more humanity in this book than you've ever heard from him on the radio. Artie has a lot of qualities and he goes from extreme self pity to over-the-top gravitas. There is no middle ground with Artie. Because there is so much to be found (look for all of the signs), I highly recommend this book for anyone who's dealt with or wants to learn something about addiction (gambling, drugs, alcohol), insecurity, and mental health. Artie probably has a couple of more books in him because his story is far from over.Book Review: More Depressing Than Funny.
Summary: 3 Stars
I really looked forward to Artie Lange's "Too Fat To Fish." Unfortunately I'm not sure it lived up to the hype. The book is the story of Artie's coming up from a Jersey kid to making it in showbiz. Every time he has something good happen to him, he destroys himself and the people around him with drug binges. If you listen to The Howard Stern Show I would say you have already heard 90% of the content contained within this book.
I liked his honesty throughout the book however you never know what you can trust from Mr. Lange as his life is basically a mountain of lies.
Overall I didn't hate the book but I feel like it under-delivered. It was way more depressing than it was funny.
Book Review: Really, you know all the stories
Summary: 3 Stars
To say this is a quick, easy read would be an understatement. It flows well and can be read through it on one lazy Sunday afternoon. However, if you listen to Stern, you know all the stories already. I mean every story - even the major revelations.
It's a little self important, a little too whiny - basically everything Artie Lange would make fun of. I did enjoy some aspects, like how he was being chased by the producers of Mad TV in a supermarket, or how he fell in love with his first hooker. However, it's really just the following for pretty much the whole book: I was doing fine - I miss my dad - I started taking drugs - rinse, repeat.
Not bad, but not that great.