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Book Review: I Drink For a Reason (David Cross)

B. Kline — Thu, 30 May 2024 03:34:26 +0000

I Drink for a Reason by David Cross

David Cross

David Cross in 2007 (photo courtesy of Wikipedia)

David Cross’s career is a tapestry of diverse comedic and dramatic endeavors, underscored by his sharp wit and distinctive voice. He first gained widespread attention in the 1990s with the HBO sketch comedy series Mr. Show with Bob and David, which he co-created and starred in alongside Bob Odenkirk. The show, known for its inventive and often surreal humor, became a cult favorite and established Cross as a significant figure in the comedy world. Mr. Show was lauded for its clever writing and ambitious sketches, earning critical acclaim and a devoted fan base that appreciated its subversive take on societal norms and pop culture.

Following the success of Mr. Show, Cross’s career continued to flourish with a mix of television, film, and stand-up comedy. Perhaps one of his most iconic roles is that of Tobias Fünke on the critically acclaimed sitcom Arrested Development. As the perpetually clueless, aspiring actor and “never-nude,” Cross delivered a performance that was both hilarious and endearing, further cementing his status as a versatile and talented comedian. His portrayal of Tobias became a standout in a show known for its ensemble cast, showcasing his ability to blend absurdity with a touch of humanity.

In addition to his work on television, Cross has also made a mark in the world of stand-up comedy and film. His stand-up specials, such as The Pride is Back and David Cross: Making America Great Again, are characterized by his fearless approach to controversial topics and his incisive social and political commentary. On the big screen, Cross has appeared in a variety of roles, from voice work in animated films like Kung Fu Panda to live-action comedies such as Alvin and the Chipmunks. Despite the broad range of projects he has undertaken, Cross remains consistent in his commitment to challenging the status quo and pushing the boundaries of comedy, making him a significant and enduring figure in contemporary entertainment.

The following about David Cross comes from his Wikipedia page: David Cross:

David Cross (born April 4, 1964)^[1] is an American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and director. Cross is best known for his stand-up performances, the HBO sketch comedy series Mr. Show with Bob and David (1995–1998), and his role as Tobias Fünke in the Fox/Netflix sitcom Arrested Development (2003–2006, 2013–2019). He has been described as “ one of the defining figures of cult Gen X comedy”.^[2]

Cross created, wrote, executive produced, and starred in The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret (2010–2016); developed and had a prominent role in Freak Show (2006); appeared on Modern Family (2011–2012); and portrayed Ian Hawke in three of the live-action/animated films Alvin and the Chipmunks (2007), Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel (2009), and Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked (2011). Cross has also done voice work for the sitcom Oliver Beene (2003–2004), and has had lead voice-over roles in Curious George (2006), Battle for Terra (2007), the Kung Fu Panda film franchise (2008–2016), Megamind (2010), and Next Gen (2018).

In 1993, he won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series for his work on The Ben Stiller Show. For Mr. Show with Bob and David, he gained three Primetime Emmy Award nominations, and for Arrested Development, Cross was nominated for a Satellite Award for Best Supporting Actor – Television Series, and, along with his cast, for three Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series. For his stand-up specials, he was nominated for several Grammy Awards.

Wikipedia – David Cross

Book Review: I Drink For a Reason

The GoodReads blurb:

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.

GoodReads – I Drink For a Reason

David Cross’s I Drink For a Reason is a compelling amalgamation of sharp wit, irreverent humor, and biting social commentary. As a seasoned comedian and actor known for his work on Mr. Show and Arrested Development, Cross brings his distinctive voice to the page, offering a collection of essays, anecdotes, and rants that both entertain and provoke thought.

The book’s structure is delightfully chaotic, with each chapter serving as a standalone piece, allowing readers to dip in and out at their leisure. This format mirrors Cross’s stand-up style, where tangents and digressions often lead to some of the most insightful and hilarious moments. From lampooning Hollywood absurdities to critiquing religious fanaticism, Cross navigates a wide array of topics with a deft hand and a sharp tongue.

One of the standout features of I Drink For a Reason is Cross’s unapologetic and often self-deprecating honesty. He doesn’t shy away from sharing personal anecdotes that reveal his own vulnerabilities and flaws. This candidness, combined with his acerbic humor, creates a sense of intimacy with the reader, as if you’re sharing a late-night conversation with a particularly funny and insightful friend.

However, the book isn’t without its flaws. At times, Cross’s relentless sarcasm can feel overwhelming, and some of the jokes may fall flat or come across as too abrasive. Additionally, readers who are not already fans of Cross’s comedic style might find his humor polarizing or even off-putting. Despite these minor drawbacks, the book’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses.

Cross’s ability to weave humor with incisive social critique is one of his greatest talents. In essays like “Why I Hate Vegans” and “An Open Letter to Larry the Cable Guy,” he dissects cultural phenomena with precision, offering perspectives that are both humorous and thought-provoking. His commentary on the absurdities of modern life, particularly in the realms of entertainment and politics, is both timely and timeless.

In conclusion, I Drink For a Reason is a must-read for fans of David Cross and those who appreciate comedy that challenges the status quo. It’s a book that invites readers to laugh, think, and perhaps see the world from a slightly skewed, yet refreshingly honest, perspective. While it may not be everyone’s cup of tea—or rather, everyone’s preferred drink—those who enjoy Cross’s brand of humor will find it a thoroughly enjoyable and engaging read.

My GoodReads Rating: ***
My LibraryThing Rating: ***1/2
Global Average GoodReads Rating: 3.34 (as of 5.29.24)

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Book Review: The Wit and Humor of Oscar Wilde (Oscar Wilde)

B. Kline — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 15:21:16 +0000

The Wit and Humor of Oscar Wilde (Quotations by Oscar Wilde)

Oscar Wilde

One can’t jump into a book review of quotations by Oscar Wilde without first discussing Oscar Wilde himself. He certainly isn’t an ordinary person, and he most definitely lived an extraordinary life. He lived a life of excess, he lived a life of intrigue, part hedonist, part flamboyant, all parts interesting.

As per Wikipedia:

Oscar Fingal O’Fflahertie Wills Wilde^[a] (16 October 1854 – 30 November 1900) was an Irish poet and playwright. After writing in different forms throughout the 1880s, he became one of the most popular playwrights in London in the early 1890s. He is best remembered for his epigrams and plays, his novel The Picture of Dorian Gray, and his criminal conviction for gross indecency for homosexual acts.

Wilde’s parents were Anglo-Irish intellectuals in Dublin. In his youth Wilde learned to speak fluent French and German. At university, he read Greats; he demonstrated himself to be an exceptional classicist, first at Trinity College Dublin, then at Magdalen College, Oxford. He became associated with the emerging philosophy of aestheticism, led by two of his tutors, Walter Pater and John Ruskin. After university, Wilde moved to London into fashionable cultural and social circles.

He tried his hand at various literary activities: he wrote a play, published a book of poems, lectured in the United States and Canada on the new “English Renaissance in Art” and interior decoration, and then returned to London where he lectured on his American travels and wrote reviews for various periodicals. Known for his biting wit, flamboyant dress and glittering conversational skill, Wilde became one of the best-known personalities of his day. At the turn of the 1890s he refined his ideas about the supremacy of art in a series of dialogues and essays, and incorporated themes of decadence, duplicity, and beauty into what would be his only novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray (1890). Wilde returned to the drama, writing Salome (1891) in French while in Paris, but it was refused a licence for England due to an absolute prohibition on the portrayal of Biblical subjects on the English stage. Undiscouraged, Wilde produced four society comedies in the early 1890s, which made him one of the most successful playwrights of late-Victorian London.

At the height of his fame and success, while An Ideal Husband (1895) and The Importance of Being Earnest (1895) were still being performed in London, Wilde issued a civil writ against John Sholto Douglas, the 9th Marquess of Queensberry for criminal libel.^[3] The Marquess was the father of Wilde’s lover, Lord Alfred Douglas. The libel hearings unearthed evidence that caused Wilde to drop his charges and led to his own arrest and criminal prosecution for gross indecency with men.^[4] The jury was unable to reach a verdict and so a retrial was ordered. In the second trial Wilde was convicted and sentenced to two years’ hard labour, the maximum penalty, and was jailed from 1895 to 1897.^[5] During his last year in prison he wrote De Profundis (published posthumously in abridged form in 1905), a long letter that discusses his spiritual journey through his trials and is a dark counterpoint to his earlier philosophy of pleasure. On the day of his release he caught the overnight steamer to France, never to return to Britain or Ireland. In France and Italy he wrote his last work, The Ballad of Reading Gaol (1898), a long poem commemorating the harsh rhythms of prison life.

Oscar Wilde – Wikipedia

He lived much like he wrote, and he wrote much like he lived. I think thats why we’re so drawn to him. His wit, his intellect, the way he lived, the way he viewed the world seems contrary to the way most of us get a chance to live our lives. I wouldn’t say necessarily that he lived it “well” or that he lived it “bad”. He seems shallow at the same time he seems intelligent. He is artistic, but at the same time he seems to only care about his art. He’s like much of our modern celebrity culture.

Quotation Books

Books of quotations are always interesting in the sense that you get a vague-ish idea of the person. Theres the quips and comments, the wit, and the witticisms, the quotes, and the ideas of the person, but it doesn’t really give you a full picture of the person. There is some context provided by the editors, but not a whole lot. There is some work and context given by Alvin Redman, but oftentimes it just feels like fawning over Oscar Wilde rather than really providing details into the chapter at hand.

But before I digress too much, lets get into the book review.

Back of the Book Blurb

Wilde on Sincerity: “A little sincerity is a dangerous thing, and a great deal of it is absolutely fatal.” Nearly a century after his death, the wit of Oscar Wilde remains as fresh and barbed as ever. This collection of his works, letters, reviews, anecdotes and repartee is ample proof of this iconoclast’s enduring place in the world of arts and letters.

The Wit and Humor of Oscar Wilde – Oscar Wilde (Author) and Alvin Redman (Editor) – GoodReads

Book Review: The Wit and Humor of Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde’s legacy as a master of wit endures well over a century after his passing. Esteemed as a poet, novelist, playwright, and essayist, Wilde was also recognized as the foremost aphorist of his time. Praised by George Bernard Shaw as “incomparably the greatest talker of his time — perhaps of all time,” Wilde’s ability to captivate through conversation is legendary. His articulate and whimsical discourse, delivered with confidence and without pause, enthralled all who had the pleasure of his company.

This book serves as an outstanding guide for those wishing to delve into Oscar Wilde’s spontaneous and eccentric humor. It’s a delightful read for moments of relaxation and amusement, and it’s even suggested as entertaining bathroom literature.

Wilde’s eloquence was so refined that even those on the receiving end of his sharp remarks often felt honored. Wilde boasted of his readiness to tackle any topic at any time, whether he was prepared or not. On one occasion, when asked to speak on “The Queen,” Wilde cleverly responded, “The queen is not a subject.” In another instance, he quickly retorted to a journalist’s claim of only discussing familiar facts with, “That must limit your conversation frightfully.”

Even William Gilbert, of the famed Gilbert and Sullivan duo, expressed envy at Wilde’s oratory skills at a dinner party, to which Wilde humorously replied that denying others the pleasure of listening to him would be selfish.

However, Wilde wasn’t always the victor in verbal jest. During a visit to America, a lady’s description of something as ‘awfully nice’ led Wilde to comment on the inadequacy of ‘nice,’ only for her to cleverly inquire if ‘nasty’ was any better.

Wilde’s wit shone through in various interactions, whether it was playfully addressing a former professor’s inaudibility, humorously arranging a visit with French actor Coquelin, or candidly speaking about his preparations for a lecture tour in the USA, where he sought a “natural style with a touch of affectation.”

His humor extended to anecdotes about America, including a memorable exchange about the moon’s beauty with a Southerner, and his sly response to a theater manager’s request to revise his play ‘Vera’: “Who am I to tamper with a masterpiece?”

Following his lecture tour, Wilde humorously recounted the toll it took on his secretaries—one suffering from writer’s cramp and the other bald from sending locks of his hair to admirers.

Wilde’s meticulous attention to his work was humorously illustrated when he described spending an entire morning removing a comma from a poem, only to reinstate it in the afternoon.

Wilde once remarked, ‘Life does not cease to be funny when people die any more than it ceases to be serious when people laugh.’ This captures the essence of good conversation as a fleeting art, much like the seasonal changing of leaves. Oscar Wilde’s mischievous wit remains vibrantly alive, continuing to enchant and amuse.

No doubt we’ll be remembering is wit, his intellect, and his ‘ephemeral’ usage of language for years and years to come. A product of his time over anything else. Would he be the same if he was alive in the 1990s or the 2000s or even the 2020s? Would be interesting to see how things like Twitter or Facebook (or social media in general) would have changed the way we looked at his ‘dandyism’ and his ‘witticisms’. Maybe he would be viewed less favorably, or maybe even more favorably. He most likely would have escaped having to do jail time.

Either way, while the quotations and the book doesn’t provide the perfect context for Oscar Wilde, it does provide a nice introduction to who and what he was. This is a good start into his character, his personality, and who he was. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it however. I think it would best people read him for his works, and then learn about him as a person, and get into his ‘wit’ and ‘intellect’ and ‘conversation skills’.

My GoodReads Rating: ***
My LibraryThing Rating: ***
Global Average GoodReads Rating: 4.07 (as of 2.9.24)