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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)

Other Book Reviews

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MAPS OF BREWERIES

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Book Review: How to Rule the World: A Handbook for the Aspiring Dictator (André de Guillaume)

B. Kline — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 03:08:40 +0000

How to Rule the World: A Handbook for the Aspiring Dictator by André de Guillaume

Rule the World

Who doesn’t want to Rule the World? This is a humorous look at dictatorship, poking fun at the idea of it in a satirical fashion via a “handbook” style piece of work. There is some historical information and a bit of factual basis to this, but through and through though its a satirical piece of work. It talks of past dictators – Hitler, Alexander the Great, Stalin, Mao, etc, and gives evidence for how they took charge, how they seized power, how they controlled and maintained power, and even how they lost their power (or their lives).

GoodReads Blurb

The back of the book blurb according to GoodReads:

Everyone wants to rule the world, but only a precious few have the skills to create an ironclad plan of attack. Simple, direct, and delightfully unprincipled, this guide contains tales of global power mongering from every age and endeavors to show dilettante dictators and tyrants-to-be just how it’s done. Tips are provided on creating a personal flag, what type of puppet government to establish, how to squelch free speech, and, most important, how to handle enemies. Also included are humorous full-color illustrations, sidebars on admirable despots, and self-quizzes that allow readers to see if they have what it takes to conquer the world.

How to Rule the World – GoodReads

Book Review – How to Rule the World: A Handbook for the Aspiring Dictator

By: Andre de Guillaume

In a world saturated with self-help books and guides on achieving personal and professional success, Andre de Guillaume takes a wildly different route with his audacious and satirical “How to Rule the World: A Handbook for the Aspiring Dictator.” This compact, witty tome provides readers with a cheeky step-by-step guide on ascending to ultimate power and establishing dictatorial rule, ostensibly leaving no political stone unturned.

Overview

Guillaume’s approach is both ironic and instructive, underlined by a sharp, dark sense of humor that both entertains and provokes thought. The book, structured as a manual, covers a range of essential topics for the budding dictator, from seizing power and controlling the populace to managing international relations and suppressing opposition. The author crafts each chapter with a blend of historical anecdotes and hypothetical scenarios, creating a mock-serious tone that underscores the absurdity of the pursuit.

Writing Style

Andre de Guillaume’s writing is direct, incisive, and infused with irony. His ability to distill complex political maneuvers into digestible advice, albeit facetiously, makes for an engaging read. The text is peppered with references to historical dictators, blending real events and figures with hypothetical, often hilarious advice and scenarios. This technique not only makes the material accessible but also continuously reminds the reader of the serious undertones behind the laughter.

Audience Appeal

While “How to Rule the World” is clearly tongue-in-cheek, its appeal stretches beyond just those looking for a humorous read. Students of political science might find it a light-hearted supplement to more serious studies, offering a unique perspective on the mechanics of authoritarian rule. Meanwhile, fans of satire and political humor will appreciate the cleverness with which Guillaume mimics self-help and leadership manuals.

Critical Perspective

Despite its entertaining content, the book might not be for everyone. Some may find the subject matter offensive if taken out of context, and it’s important for readers to approach it with an understanding of its satirical intent. Additionally, while the book is amusing and clever, it doesn’t offer deep, nuanced analysis of political systems—nor is it meant to.

Overall, “How to Rule the World: A Handbook for the Aspiring Dictator” by Andre de Guillaume is a sharply witty, amusing book that cleverly satirizes the self-help and leadership genres. While it should be consumed with an appreciation for its satirical nature and not as a genuine guide, it offers valuable insights—delivered with a laugh—into the machinations of dictatorial power. For those looking to be both entertained and provoked into thought about the absurdities of absolute power, this handbook is certainly worth the read.

My GoodReads Rating: ***
My LibraryThing Rating: ***
Global Average GoodReads Rating: 3.66 (as of 3.14.24)

Other Book Reviews

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MAPS OF BREWERIES

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Futurama Episode Review – Related to Items You’ve Viewed and Beer Review: Lil Ben’s Milk Stout (Antietam Brewing Company)

B. Kline — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 21:49:00 +0000

Related to Items You’ve Viewed

Futurama Video Review

Its time for another Futurama episode video review. This time we’ll be taking a look at episode five – Related to Items You’ve Viewed. So join us on YouTube as we review the episode and have a beer. (This episode’s beer is Lil Ben’s Milk Stout by Antietam Brewing Company.)

You can find all of the videos here at the Futurama Episode Playlist.

You can also follow along with our Futurama articles here:

Futurama Mondays

Thus far, these are the Futurama Monday articles:

Book Review: Futurama and Philosophy (edited by Courtland Lewis)
Futurama Episode Review – The Impossible Stream and Mead Review: Omicron Persei 8 (SpaceTime Meadery)
Mead Review: Omicron Persei 8 (Space Time Mead and Cider Works)
Futurama Episode Review – Children of a Lesser Bog and Beer Review: Stay on Target (Allusion Brewing Company)
Beer Review: I Apologize For Nothing (Fourscore Beer Co.)
Futurama Episode Video Review – How the West Was 1010001
Futurama Episode Video Review – Parasites Regained
Beer Review: Fing-Longer (Turning Point Beer)
Beer Review: Hop Bender (Local Craft Beer)
Beer Review: Leela Wake Up (Launch Pad Brewery)
Futurama Episode Review – Related to Items You’ve Viewed and Beer Review: Lil Ben’s Milk Stout (Antietam Brewing Company)

Ahsoka

Have no fear – we are still pumping out the Futurama content, even if the video reviews are a few days behind. But ontop of that, Drew (of Knights of Nostalgia) and myself are doing video reacts to the Ahsoka show. We are getting drunk, belligerent, and then watching the show. You can find those videos at the Knights of Nostalgia YouTube Channel.

This Episode’s Beer

This video essay’s adjoining beer was “Lil Ben’s Milk Stout” by Antietam Brewery. It is a 5% ABV Milk Stout / Sweet Stout, with 18 IBU and a global average rating of 3.65 on Untappd. The description on Untappd reads: “Brewed with pure milk sugar and a host of specialty malts, this triumphant ale will keep you warm inside and wanting more. Roasted coffee and smooth chocolate notes dominate this creamy sweet stout.”

Antietam Brewing Company sits just outside of the Antietam Battlefield and is a wonderful brewery in a cool spot. Be sure to check out the battlefield and then hit up the great brewery.

Video Review

Futruama Sesaon 11 – Episode 5 – Related to Item’s You’ve Viewed (our video essay review of the episode)

You can also go directly to the YouTube channel to watch the video here: Futurama – Season 11 – Episode 5 – Related to Items You’ve Viewed – Video Review.

Please head over to YouTube by clicking the above video and checking out our YouTube page. Also please subscribe to be able to get more future YouTube content from us. We will be posting a weekly review of each episode of Futurama every Monday when they release. As well as there will be plenty more content.

And of course – make sure you “smash” that like button, subscribe button, and hit the notification button. Otherwise Nixon will sneak into your house at night and wreck up the place.

Futurama Mondays

Thus far, these are the Futurama Monday articles:

Book Review: Futurama and Philosophy (edited by Courtland Lewis)
Futurama Episode Review – The Impossible Stream and Mead Review: Omicron Persei 8 (SpaceTime Meadery)
Mead Review: Omicron Persei 8 (Space Time Mead and Cider Works)
Futurama Episode Review – Children of a Lesser Bog and Beer Review: Stay on Target (Allusion Brewing Company)
Beer Review: I Apologize For Nothing (Fourscore Beer Co.)
Futurama Episode Video Review – How the West Was 1010001
Futurama Episode Video Review – Parasites Regained
Beer Review: Fing-Longer (Turning Point Beer)
Beer Review: Hop Bender (Local Craft Beer)
Beer Review: Leela Wake Up (Launch Pad Brewery)
Futurama Episode Review – Related to Items You’ve Viewed and Beer Review: Lil Ben’s Milk Stout (Antietam Brewing Company)

Season 11 Episode Ratings

Season 11: Episode 1: The Impossible Stream – 6.5 out of 10
Season 11: Episode 2: Children of a Lesser Bog – 8 out of 10
Season 11: Episode 3: How the West was 1010001 – 8.5 out of 10
Season 11: Episode 4: Parasites Regained – 7 out of 10
Season 11: Episode 5: Related to Items You’ve Viewed – 7 out of 10

All of Our Nerd Content

Here’s all of our nerd content, served up best in one single place. Enjoy!

I know ya’ll here for the nerd reviews. So check out our other nerd reviews below:

Star Wars:

Futurama

Good News Everyone, Futurama is Back: Exploring Futurama – Inspired Craft Beers
Book Review: Futurama and Philosophy (edited by Courtland Lewis)
Futurama Episode Review – The Impossible Stream and Mead Review: Omicron Persei 8 (SpaceTime Meadery)
Mead Review: Omicron Persei 8 (Space Time Mead and Cider Works)
Futurama Episode Review – Children of a Lesser Bog and Beer Review: Stay on Target (Allusion Brewing Company)
Beer Review: I Apologize For Nothing (Fourscore Beer Co.)
Beer Review: Fing-Longer (Turning Point Beer)
Futurama Episode Review – How the West was 1010001 (and Beer Review: The Shining by Foam Brewers)
Futurama Episode Review – Parasites Regained and Beer Review: Mow and Flow (Eleventh Hour Brewing)
Beer Review: Hop Bender (Local Craft Beer)
Beer Review: Leela Wake Up (Launch Pad Brewery)
Futurama Episode Review – Related to Items You’ve Viewed and Beer Review: Lil Ben’s Milk Stout (Antietam Brewing Company)

Lord of the Rings:

Magic the Gathering:

New Belgium Teams Up with Magic the Gathering for Vastwood Seer IPA

Zelda:

Rick and Morty:

Beer Review: Peace Among Worlds (Cushwa Brewing Company)

Space Balls:

Beer Review: Moon of Vega (Equilibrium Brewery)

Game of Thrones:

The Simpsons:

Back to the Future:

Beer Review: Back to Reality (Three 3s Brewing Co)

Scrooged:

Beer Review: Scrooge IPA (Iron Hill Brewing)

Groundhog Day:

A Christmas Story:

The Peanuts:

Pro Wrestling:

Soccer:

World Cup:

Phillies:

Drunk Phils Fans and Rotunda Brewing Company Collaborate Together on Jam the Batter sWheat Tart

Matrix:

Matrix Monday

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles:

Beer Review: Terpenes in Time (BAREBottle Brewing Co)

HP Lovecraft / Cthulhu:

Beer Review: Azathoth (Edmund’s Oast Brewing Company)

Seinfeld:

The Muppets:

Other:

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Book Review: Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk (David Sedaris)

BKline — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 00:04:00 +0000

Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk by David Sedaris with illustrations by Ian Falconer

Fables

Fables, particularly ones using animals as the characters and giving them human like traits, is as old as Aesop. (Probably older really, but we really only think about Aesop’s Fables). Anthropomorphism has been a literary device since the beginning of time when we used it as a way to describe the behavior of animals, gods, spirits, and other deities or things we couldn’t figure out – as we were just trying to figure out the world itself. Animal based fables have been used as a way of highlighting a point, providing satire or parody, or just illuminating our behaviors through the guise of an animal – and in doing so, driving home the point more.

David Sedaris uses his little animal fables to showcase some of modern time’s more interesting foibles amongst the humans. Sometimes just comedic, sometimes poignant, sometimes meta, sometimes downright ludicrous, but all enlightening about ‘us’. Little things, big things, little topics, big topics, they are all covered here. (And with wonderful illustrations to go with it as well.)

David Sedaris

Sedaris is known for his sardonic, satirical voice, a bit of an ‘everyman’ but also a humorous, sarcastic, satiric one. He has several books to his name, as well as lots of contributions to different magazines, newspapers, and other medias (documentaries, movies, comedy shows, etc.). His sister is Amy Sedaris (actress and writer) and they have worked together on some projects.

David Raymond Sedaris (/sɪˈdɛərɪs/; born December 26, 1956)^[1][2] is an American humorist, comedian, author, and radio contributor. He was publicly recognized in 1992 when National Public Radio broadcast his essay “Santaland Diaries“. He published his first collection of essays and short stories, Barrel Fever, in 1994. He is the brother and writing collaborator of actor Amy Sedaris.
Much of Sedaris’s humor is ostensibly autobiographical and self-deprecating and often concerns his family life, his middle-class upbringing in the suburbs of Raleigh, North Carolina, his Greek heritage, homosexuality, jobs, education, drug use, and obsessive behaviors, and his life in France, London, and the English South Downs.
David Sedaris (Wikipedia Introduction)

For more information on him, check out his Wikipedia page and his GoodReads pages:

Book Review

Featuring David Sedaris’s unique blend of hilarity and heart, this new collection of keen-eyed animal-themed tales is an utter delight. Though the characters may not be human, the situations in these stories bear an uncanny resemblance to the insanity of everyday life.

In “The Toad, the Turtle, and the Duck,” three strangers commiserate about animal bureaucracy while waiting in a complaint line. In “Hello Kitty,” a cynical feline struggles to sit through his prison-mandated AA meetings. In “The Squirrel and the Chipmunk,” a pair of star-crossed lovers is separated by prejudiced family members.

With original illustrations by Ian Falconer, author of the bestselling Olivia series of children’s books, these stories are David Sedaris at his most observant, poignant, and surprising.
Squirrel Seeks Chimpunk (GoodReads Blurb)

This is certainly a fun, and sarcastic look at human foibles. Satirical and a parody of our own lives, South Park like in many ways. Its interesting to see that Ian Falconer is the illustrator and author for the Olivia series of books, and I can definitely see that in his artwork now (my oldest two daughters loved the Olivia book series), but these images in this book, are much more graphic (showing pus, guts, violence, blood, visceral, etc.).

The illustrations do work perfectly with the different stories / fables. As the fables / stories can get rather graphic themselves – oh yes, spoiler alert possibly – but these are definitely not fables for the faint of heart. (Looking at the story of the bear in particular, and with the graphic illustration to go with it…. or the two lab rats…. or the raven with the ewe’s eye….)

No topic is really sacrosanct in this volume either. He covers prejudices, racism, religion, bigotry, politics, parenting, friends, greed, and all of our other vices and avarice. The Storks are used to discuss parenting (shocking huh? but not in the way your thinking about them), the lab rats are used to discuss “new age” thought (positive vibes, good thinking, etc.), the bear shows the ways people manipulate others over their grief, the chipmunk and the squirrel shows the bigotry and racism of our past generations, etc, etc, etc.

The reviews on Amazon and GoodReads on the book are pretty interesting. Comments ranging from “deranged” to “disgusting” to “hopeless” and then going up to the realms of flattery calling it “sarcastic fun”, “satirical gold”, etc. It certainly has evoked a lot of different opinions amongst many readers. That’s not too surprising really; you get a lot of “I didn’t know this was going to be like that” kind of responses. Its akin to Untappd reviewers saying “Good beer, but stouts aren’t my style” and then proceeding to give it a 1 out of 5 cap review. (Check out some of the blogs and Facebook pages devoted to “Untappd Reviews”.)

Overall, my thoughts are that its a fun enjoyable read. You might need a bit of a dark or twisted sense of humor (which luckily I have in spades), and maybe the pictures might be a bit ‘gross’ at times, but they are beautifully drawn. The fables are mostly short and makes the book a quick read.

My GoodReads Rating: ***
Global Average GoodReads Rating: 3.37 (as of 10.17.21)
My LibraryThing Rating: ***.5

Thanks For Reading

Thank you everyone for reading another book review here on The Beer Thrillers. I really appreciate you all taking the time to come check out our writings and reviews and blog. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, feel free to leave them in the comments section here.

Cheers!

-B. Kline

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