Now in paperback! The View's raciest co-host shares her views on life and womanhood in a side-splitting scrapbook of reflection, rage, and raw honesty
"One of the funniest women in America" (New York Post), irrepressible comedienne Joy Behar never minces words. Whether she's skewering popular culture as the co-host of ABC's The View, or offering her own skewed outlook on life in one of her sold-out standup routines, she's always candid about the way she feels. And this book is no exception. A no-holds-barred scrapbook of Joy's perspective on life, it includes rants on every topic--from aging to men, to family, to death--and features Q&As with Joy's take on every dilemma. Flip through her private, hilarious collection of family photos. Enter her weird imagination as she dreams up a feminist feud between Gloria Steinem and Camille Paglia. And discover why she's certain to remain one of America's most charming and disarming personalities.
Comedian Behar, a co-host of ABC-TV's female talkfest The View, has an unusual storyAcoming to comedy in midlifeAbut this frustratingly disparate book doesn't mine that tale. A mix of memoir, stand-up shtick and bits written for the page, the book obviously seeks to capitalize on its author's newfound fame. But Behar offers no dish on The ViewAit's not even mentioned. Her first chapter reflects on her path to comedy, rising from an unhappy marriage, immobilizing lethargy and therapy. Instead of continuing the memoir, however, Behar opts for thin but entertaining enough anecdotes about her Italian-American family, a topic to which she returns several times. After a chapter on why Behar hates the beach, she returns to her story, relating how the death of a friend gave her the courage to risk "dying onstage." But what's next? A strained "Ask Joy" Q&A. (Q: What do you think of RuPaul? A: Loved him. Hated her.") A chapter on women over 50 contains a flat, Viagra-inspired "Diary of a Mad Viagra Housewife," but ends with some bracingly funny observations about men: "All we want now is a guy who's good in bed and not annoying when he's not in bed." Behar fans may be entertained, but others will wish for more wisdom and wit. Photos not seen by PW. Author tour.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Best known for her role as cohost of ABC's The View, Behar has taken pen to paper to share some of her comic routines. From her stint as a receptionist at Good Morning America to her opinions on men and marriage, Behar regales the reader with her unique take on life. On pornography: "Men love to watch two women make love. I wonder, does this turn them on or are they just trying to figure out how to do it right?" In "The Incredible, Absolutely True Story of Lorena and John," Behar is amazed at the quick retrieval of Bobbit's missing appendageAthey couldn't find Jimmy Hoffa or Amelia Earhart, but "this little pig in a blanket they were able to find in two hours." Behar on paper loses some of the charm and humor of Behar in person, but this is still a funny book. Author notoriety and publicity should create demand. Recommended for public libraries.AKathy Ingels Helmond, Indianapolis-Marion Cty. P.L.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
