Standup Guys: A Generation of Laughs

I liked the book but thought there would be more inside stories of the great comics of this period in time. Some pretty funny stuff sprinkled throughout and Now I understand Larry David a little better!

John DeBellis's Stand Up Guys is definitely worth reading. The writing is very good. Overall, a very entertaining book. There are many laugh out loud moments.

I picked up "Standup Guys: A Generation of Laughs" on Saturday night and from the moment I started to read it, I could not stop laughing, nor could I put the book down. I remember those days well, because in the summer of '78 I began singing at the Improv, and continued singing there for two years. John's memory of the people and the things that went on in the clubs, is spot on, heartwarming, and honest. It was wonderful to watch John, Joe Piscopo, Glenn Hirsch, Rita Rudner, Larry David, Gilly Gottfried, Paul Reiser, Larry Miller, John Mendoza, Keenan Ivory Wayans, and so many more go up there night after night trying out new material fearlessly. The talent was bouncing off the brick wall - crazy good! I watched them grow into wonderful comedians. As for the singers, it was a tough crowd, but great schooling in how to deal with a rowdy audience, and the comedians were very supportive of us, too, so I for one had a ball. John has captured so many memories of the times with such clarity, that I was transported back to 1978. I'm only sorry that I finished it so quickly. There are more stories, enough for John to write a second book! Bravo, John! It's brilliant!