Duplex Planet

by David Greenberger (Editor)

"America's strangest magazine" (Spin), The Duplex Planet began when Greenberger started publishing his unlikely conversations with the residents at the Duplex Nursing Home in Boston. Over 100 issues later, his magazine has inspired a poetry collection, a 5-vol. CD set, two documentaries, three plays, and this book. Illus.

Genres: Humor

170 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1994

About the author

Artist, writer and radio commentator best known for his Duplex Planet series of zines, comic books, CDs, and spoken word performances and radio plays. From 1996–2009, he was a frequent contributor of essays and music reviews for National Public Radio.

Reviews

[Lynell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Years ago I had a subscription to Duplex Planet. I think it was quarterly, but I can't recall. I can't believe I didn't keep all of them because I loved reading them so much. I can't wait to revisit this collection.

[Rex Hurst · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really unique book. The author interviews a group of senior citizens at a retirement home where he worked a series of questions. The answers which will surprise you. The book, which promises cheap laughs, actually delivers a variety of strong emotions, and at the same time offers a balanced portrayal of aging that doesn't shy away from its more frightening aspects. This is one of the collections from over 100 issues of the magazine.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is one of those evergreen books that i find myself returning to time and time again. it's one of those books that you could sit on your coffee table and pick up once every blue moon, or you could just plow through it in one sitting, as i did initially when i got it several years ago.

basically, the book is a collection of short interviews with residents at an old folks' home. the interviewer, david greenberger, worked for some time at this home, as an entertainment coordinator for the residents. he started up a home newsletter, which featured interviews with various residents. the newsletter was a hit, not only in the home, but outside, where copies found themselves being passed around, first among greenberger's circle of friends, then beyond.

there is genuine comedy here, especially when greenberger asks residents to offer their take on, say, the beatles, elvis, technology, etc. there is also a great bit of wisdom, wit, and off-topic tangents that are worth the ride.

this is one of those that you will read and want to share every other sentence with the person sitting next to you. you'll laugh out loud and you'll fall in love with these folks. with their brutal honesty, their confusion, and their defiance. i wish more people would have been exposed to this collection. especially in a country where we seem to throw our elders away, believing they have little to offer, or that they are a burden. this book provides a tiny glimpse into just how wrong those sentiments are.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful small book that is more full than you expect of touching, funny characters. Greenberger doesn't preach though there is clearly an undercurrent of a message throughout: stop and listen to others, there is musicality in speech and conversation, we bring ourselves with us as we grow old.

Fun to read aloud among friends, the laughter is a great thing. And nice to have in bed with you.

[Jenny Schmenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Old people say the darnedest things, especially when polled about random crap. In turns entertaining, poignant, wise, bizarre.

[Masked · Rating 5 out of 5]

this guy works in a nursing home and records conversations he has with the folks who live there. this is one of the funniest things ever.