Review: When the Balls Drop by Brad Garrett

Title: When the Balls Drop

Author: Brad Garrett

Format: egalley

Pub. Date: May 5 2015

Source: Gallery Books



Book Description via Goodreads:

A refreshingly candid and wickedly funny look at life's second half from Everybody Loves Raymond TV sitcom star and comic Brad Garrett.

In this no-holds-barred book of comedic and personal essays, Brad Garrett waxes hilarious--and irreverently honest--about the gaffes, challenges, and ultimately the joys of middle age as he advises us on how to best approach the dreaded "second half" of life.

Ranging in topics from genetics to genitals, weight to women, and dating to diarrhea, Brad leaves no stone unturned in this laugh-out-loud look at getting older. With pieces such as "No Scales in Heaven," in which Brad points out the essential pointlessness of overthinking diet and exercise, and "Celebrating Your E.D. (erectile dysfunction) During Your Mid-Life Crisis," the star comedian encourages you to forget the overwhelming concerns that accompany middle age and to welcome the laughs--even if you have a fifty-fifty chance of throwing your back out in doing so.

Penned in Brad's signature witty, conversational, no-nonsense style that has cemented his status as an icon in the comedy industry, this autobiographical book will teach you the most important thing: that, no matter what, we're all in this together. So embrace it.

Review:

★★★

I've always loved the show Everybody Loves Raymond. I watched it all the time growing up, and I recently fell in love with it all over again, since all of the seasons are currently streaming on Netflix. Garrett's character, Robert, is my favorite on that show. So, when I came across this memoir, I figured I'd give it a shot. Overall, it's a pretty entertaining read.

What I didn't expect was his sense of humor. I only really know him from his two sitcoms, Everybody Loves Raymond and 'Til Death, and maybe a few spots on talk shows like The Talk. He is way edgier and funnier than I expected. He's pretty racy, and often makes racial and sexual jokes. I honestly didn't expect that! It made me laugh, but sometimes I thought it went too far or got too personal. Comedy is subjective, so I'm sure not everyone else will think so. He's pretty blunt and honest, and in some sections this really worked, but others not so much.

I will say that I recommend "reading" this on audiobook instead of an ebook or paperback. Garrett has a tremendously recognizable voice. Whether you know him from the sitcoms, or things like Finding Nemo, Ratatouille, or Night at the Museum, when his voice comes on screen you know it's him. I think a lot of the comedy is lost in not being able to hear him say it himself. Recently, I had this same problem with comedian Jim Gaffigan's book Dad is Fat too.

This is a pretty solid book. It's a fairly fast read and gives interesting insight into his life. I would recommend the audio version so you can truly appreciate jokes that otherwise fall a bit flat. If sex or bad language offends you, you might want to read the memoir of a different comedian. Fans of his stand-up or acting should give it a go.

I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.