I usually don’t hold on to books after I read them. If I did, I’d have to get rid of a few kids and a couple pets to make room for the books. So if I think a book is a keeper, there’s got to be something special about it. Either the book is a classic, an excellent reference book, has high sentimental value or it makes me laugh.
Right smack in the middle of my very large, very full bookcase is a book which has fit in the “makes me laugh” category for more than 15 years. Jerry Seinfeld’s “SeinLanguage” is packed with the comedian’s humorous take on everyday life. A couple mornings per week, I pull the book from the shelf, read a paragraph or two, return the book to the shelf and walk into the day with a smile.
Having said that, though, I’ve got to warn you, “SeinLanguage” was published way back in 1993 and some topics are out-of-date. For example, Seinfeld devotes a paragraph to a payphone joke. I seriously doubt Seinfeld’s used a payphone in the last decade, but still, the joke is funny. And so is 99% of the book.
Of course, some topics are never out-of-style. Seinfeld has a whole chapter titled “Personal Maintenance.” In it, he covers everything from hair plugs to cosmetic surgery to choosing cold medication. Here is one of Seinfeld’s witticisms about women:
"Women definitely go to maintenance extremes. It’s amazing the way women take care of all the hair on their bodies. One of the great mysteries to me is the fact that a woman could pour hot wax on her legs, pull it out by the roots, and still be afraid of spiders."
If you miss the stand-up piece that used to run with the “Seinfeld” sitcom, this book helps fill the void. Some of the bits may even be the exact ones that were on television. I can’t be sure anymore, because I’ve read the book and watched the sitcoms so many times. What makes being a Seinfeld fan such fun is that I can read the book and picture Seinfeld on the stage delivering the lines, pausing for my laugh with a smirk on his face.
“SeinLanguage” is available used through Amazon for less than $5.00, including shipping. And our library system has it for free. Heck, you can’t even use a payphone for free.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
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7 comments:
LOL at the hot wax!
When you mentioned you were going to review this book, I thought I'd heard of it way back when...but then thought maybe it's a new release. I'm glad to know I wasn't losing my mind! I so will finally get to this book sometime this year. Thanks for the reminder!
I still keep this on my shelf as well. Funny stuff.
I haven't read this, but I will probably pick up a copy. I love funny books. Dave Barry is one of my all time favorite authors. I just finished reading MY HORIZONTAL LIFE by Chelsea Handler, that's a good one as well.
In high school, I had to perform for a communications class. I was pretty shy, so the idea of standing on stage terrified me. I had no talents. I couldn't juggle or sing or dance, but I figured I could tell a few jokes. The only problem was I couldn't write jokes, so I stole some of Jerry's from this book. The book was newish at the time and I was betting the teacher hadn't read it. So I tell the jokes and afterward she busts me. Apparently, Jerry included in his book many of the jokes he told at those stand-up routines at the start of the show.
Plagiarizing at a young age. I could be the next Joe Biden.
Anita, I feel the same way about Ellen Degeneres', "My Point... And I Do Have One" that was released in 1995. I laughed out loud the whole way through. And, I'm with with Rick on Chelsea Handler. She and Lewis Black are my two current favorite comedians. I just LOVE comedy. Anything that makes me laugh rates way up high in my book. Jerry's hilarious. I'll be sure to check out his book.;-)
Hey there, Anita, I just wanted you to know that I've been reading your blog, but I haven't been able to comment. I do most of my checking at work, and for some reason, you and about three other people have some kind of comment setting that makes it so this here white box won't even open on the hostpital's network.
Always a fan, though, okay?
BIG PLAIN V: Comment when you can. No worries!
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