Openly Bob

by Bob Smith

Bob Smith writes about topics that are standard elements of almost any actor-humorist's family visits, early jobs, auditions for parts, and the ups and downs of romantic relationships. The major difference between Bob and most other comedians, however, is that he's openly and unashamedly gay. Openly Bob is not, however, a collection of gay jokes. When Bob's sexuality is relevant to the joke, it comes up, as in his thoughts on how to abate right-wing fears about homosexuals using sex education in public schools as "recruitment." "Our educational system has proved," he writes, "that if a subject is taught in a boring enough manner, Americans will make every effort to avoid it for the rest of their lives. If homosexuality was taught in the same manner as trigonometry, even most gay people would have no use for it after graduation." The rest of the time, however, Bob's gayness is not an issue, but simply a state of being. His jokes aren't funny because he's gay; his jokes are funny because they're funny. "How did Tom and I come to realize that we needed couples counseling?" he asks at one point. "We had sex less frequently. Then we had sex less frequently than people in full-body casts. We stopped having sex. Finally, our relationship stopped other people, gay or straight, from wanting to have sex." Bob Smith's wit and intelligence, which garnered Openly Bob a 1998 Lambda Literary Award, will make him an equally appealing humorist to both gay and straight readers.

Genres: Humor, LGBT, Memoir, Gay, Nonfiction, Biography, Biography Memoir

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

"Bob Smith is a real writer . . . . But what readers, gay and straight, will really appreciate are the direct approach and the eye for detail that make this book a touchingly personal document.. . . Smith brings a sensibility and a sensitivity that make this one of the most rewarding gay books of the year." — Lambda Book Report "(LY BOB is a dazzlingly funny, semiautobiographical, hardcover one-man show." — Paper

Reviews

[Scott Vandrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

A tight collection of “everyday” essays penned by a normal, gay man in the 1990s. While it must have seemed incredibly novel at the time – look, he is just like everyone else! – reading it now it feels all smoke, no bang. It’s well-written, and Smith’s ability to capture characters (and there’s tons of them in this slim memoir), is razor-sharp.

[Todd Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun read. There was a chapter or two that seemed dated now, but over all I found it humorous and fun. I liked how he shared details about his life catering and then spending time at the bar looking for "Mister Right." I remembered life in the 90's doing the same thing at I could really relate. It is sad that he decided recently and he loss the ability to showcase his talents. He was an aspiring voice for gay activism in the 1990s as the first openly gay comic. He did this all by being honest about who he was upfront. This was shown in the book and this added enjoyment to reading it.

[Charles McCaffrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's hard to believe that I purchased this book back in 1997. I would have been stationed in Norfolk, VA with the Navy; and had probably bought my copy on a trip to DC (from the Lambda Rising bookstore near Dupont Circle). While I still have my first edition of the book, both the author and the bookstore are no longer with us. Not so much a book about being gay and about being human.

[Sean Kennedy · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3.5/5) A mixed bag of humorous essays, some which are funnier than others (for example, the time in Provincetown really dragged). What Smith is more successful at is in exploring relationships with his partner and his family - the scenes at the end of the book where they all come together for his father's funeral are hilarious and touching. You'll probably see your own family in the sketches.

As a side note, given there was a lot of focus on his partner Tom throughout the book, I was quite saddened to hear (in looking up some of Smith's performances on YouTube) that they now have seperated. It just gives another poignant layer to the book, really.

[Stacie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a book about a gay man's life and I was a bit apprehensive about the book when my friend Mike suggested I read it. I mean, how could I relate to his life? I am a heterosexual woman. But, it was well written and I could see into his life and the things he went through and was able to get a glimpse of understanding. He writing technique was good and not over the top. All in all, I enjoyed this book.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read this book, I was inspired beyond words. That I later met Bob and adored him like every other person on earth who ever met him, was beyond my wildest dreams. That he was kind to me, and probably was the sweetest man I've ever met, was icing on the cake. Bob Smith proved to us all, that you can be wildly successful at your art and career and be a wonderful human being at the exact same time.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw the book at the bookstore and decided to pick it up. Not only was it quite funny, but also moving. I saw a lot of myself in his writing and could relate to many of the stories. It is written in essay format and very easy to read. You will laugh, and possibly cry (or cry from laughing). The stories within the book jump around a bit, but it always takes you to an intersting place.

[Zweegas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I remember that this book was fun to read, but nothing actually about this book was very memorable. Way To Go Smith is less fun to read yet more memorable because there is a connecting theme in that book. The only thing I remember about Openly Bob is that part of it takes place in Provincetown.

[Cory Van Horn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got this book at a thrift store for a dollar. It was a cute read but not something to scream from rooftops about. You can tell this was a first attempt at writing a book for Bob Smith. His second book was much more interesting.

[Jennifer Kronk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hysterically funny and a great series of short stories.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

First read in 1999.

[Nate Chamberlain · Rating 3 out of 5]

View review at http://ow.ly/3UhYW

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hilarious moments, surrounded by lots a dead space and blah

[Sam Bennardo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very funny and fun to read.