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Why You Crying?: My Long, Hard Look at Life, Love, and Laughter
Cowritten by Emmy Award–winning writer and sportscaster Armen Keteyian, the darkly funny narrative of Why You Crying? riffs on the importance of family, the stark, often hysterical differences between Chicano and gringo culture, and the inspirational message that anybody can become Somebody. Read it and weep!
When George Lopez gives a comic performance, there’s not a dry eye or empty seat in the house, and for six years, millions of viewers tuned in to get their weekly G-Lo fix with ABC’s The George Lopez Show . Now, George is back, and he’s made the switch from prime-time family guy to late-night talk show host. Lopez Tonight combines George’s irreverent and very opinionated humor with spontaneous celebrity interactions to create a party of a show; with George, the audience knows the conversation will be high-energy, low-formality, and 100 percent unpredictable.
But while he can make his audiences cry with laughter, Lopez’s own life—before becoming one of America’s most popular Latino personalities—was anything but funny. Abandoned by his California migrant-worker father at the tender age of two months and deserted by his own mother at the age of ten years, Lopez was raised by grandparents who viewed “love” as a different four-letter word.
Co-written by Emmy Award-winning writer and sportscaster Armen Keteyian, the darkly funny narrative of Why You Crying? riffs on the importance of family, the stark, often hysterical differences between Chicano and gringo culture, and the inspirational message that anybody can become Somebody. Read it and weep!
When George Lopez gives a comic performance, there’s not a dry eye or empty seat in the house, and for six years, millions of viewers tuned in to get their weekly G-Lo fix with ABC’s The George Lopez Show . Now, George is back, and he’s made the switch from prime-time family guy to late-night talk show host. Lopez Tonight combines George’s irreverent and very opinionated humor with spontaneous celebrity interactions to create a party of a show; with George, the audience knows the conversation will be high-energy, low-formality, and 100 percent unpredictable.
But while he can make his audiences cry with laughter, Lopez’s own life—before becoming one of America’s most popular Latino personalities—was anything but funny. Abandoned by his California migrant-worker father at the tender age of two months and deserted by his own mother at the age of ten years, Lopez was raised by grandparents who viewed “love” as a different four-letter word.
Co-written by Emmy Award-winning writer and sportscaster Armen Keteyian, the darkly funny narrative of Why You Crying? riffs on the importance of family, the stark, often hysterical differences between Chicano and gringo culture, and the inspirational message that anybody can become Somebody. Read it and weep!
208 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
October 17, 2008
If you are a Latino who grew up in the states, you can relate to pretty much everything. Hilarious, but sad too since these are based on his true life experiences.
November 6, 2008
Have you ever read an autobiography that was so funny, that it didn't seem true? Well, that is what happened to me when I read"Why You Crying?: My Long, Hard Look at Life, Love, and Laughter" by George Lopez. He took every moment of his life and turned it into something that he could laugh at too. I really liked this book because it's funny, true, and full of heart full moments.
The first reason why I like this book is because it is funny. Every bad moment in his life, he turns it into a moment that can make you laugh and laugh. Before every chapter or moment of George's life, there is a short funny passage which explains his culture in a way that can make someone in that culture laugh with everyone else. The humor made this book interesting to read and made me laugh from start to finish because I like to laugh and hope to do something in comedy.
The second reason why I like this book is because it is a true story. I am a real sucker for a true stories. This true story has a lot of up and downs and sad and happy moments. Every bad moment in George's life, no matter how bad or funny it seemed, it was all true. It made want to read what was going to happen to George the rest of his life. The fact that it was a true story made me want to read it more and more and never put it down.
The final reason why I like this book is because it is full of heartfelt moments. The stories and moments that he wrote touched my heart deeply. His bad childhood, to losing his favorite comedian, to having his own show and making everyone laugh through his own pains. The way that he writes the stories makes me want to cry but in a way that makes me want to laugh my head off. It's something that moves me to do more.
In conclusion, this book made me feel as if I was reading about comedy instead of an autobiography. The laughter, the stories, and the felling that you get when you finished the book. All that after reading one book. It is something that we can all relate to in away that brings us together. It inspired me to so much more than I can imagine.
The first reason why I like this book is because it is funny. Every bad moment in his life, he turns it into a moment that can make you laugh and laugh. Before every chapter or moment of George's life, there is a short funny passage which explains his culture in a way that can make someone in that culture laugh with everyone else. The humor made this book interesting to read and made me laugh from start to finish because I like to laugh and hope to do something in comedy.
The second reason why I like this book is because it is a true story. I am a real sucker for a true stories. This true story has a lot of up and downs and sad and happy moments. Every bad moment in George's life, no matter how bad or funny it seemed, it was all true. It made want to read what was going to happen to George the rest of his life. The fact that it was a true story made me want to read it more and more and never put it down.
The final reason why I like this book is because it is full of heartfelt moments. The stories and moments that he wrote touched my heart deeply. His bad childhood, to losing his favorite comedian, to having his own show and making everyone laugh through his own pains. The way that he writes the stories makes me want to cry but in a way that makes me want to laugh my head off. It's something that moves me to do more.
In conclusion, this book made me feel as if I was reading about comedy instead of an autobiography. The laughter, the stories, and the felling that you get when you finished the book. All that after reading one book. It is something that we can all relate to in away that brings us together. It inspired me to so much more than I can imagine.
May 21, 2009
Funny,,, Typical Hispanic traditons....
a easy read,, very entertaining......
a easy read,, very entertaining......
November 13, 2020
Poor bastard had a mommy dearest for a mommy and that was just not funny. It made me angry sad etc., but not happy smiling or anything that I was reading this book for.
March 14, 2022
I think I bought this at the dollar store. Now, I know why it was there. Wah Wah Wah
April 17, 2018
I do enjoy watching the George Lopez show and his movies whenever I catch them on tv. I did also see him live once and have heard some of his standup CDs, which I found hilarious! But...if you are thinking this book will be lighthearted or have you cracking up, think again. It’s called “Why You Crying?” for a reason.
It's inspiring to see where he came from, and his honesty and openness about his past is commendable, but reading about the constant negativity in his life makes this book, surprisingly, a downer to read. Of course, his past isn’t his fault and he’s speaking the truth, but nonetheless, I wished there was more balance or depth to it. The negative voice mixed with some pretty arrogant anecdotes chronicling his way to the top despite his past, doesn't make it very enjoyable. Plus, much of the jokes included were part of his stand up routines, so unfortunately, I had already heard them. You can imagine him talking as you read along, but without his delivery/performance, the punch lines fall flat on the page.
He's overcome a lot of negativity and deserves the success he's worked so far for, no doubt. But the heavy "Look at me now! I'm amazing! Look who I hang out with [celebrity name drop] and check out what [celebrity name drop] said about me and why I'm #1 and what I've done for this award and all Latinos everywhere" attitude, gets old fast. He has the life story to inspire Latinos and all (great!), but could also benefit from a nice, tasty slice of humble pie.
It's inspiring to see where he came from, and his honesty and openness about his past is commendable, but reading about the constant negativity in his life makes this book, surprisingly, a downer to read. Of course, his past isn’t his fault and he’s speaking the truth, but nonetheless, I wished there was more balance or depth to it. The negative voice mixed with some pretty arrogant anecdotes chronicling his way to the top despite his past, doesn't make it very enjoyable. Plus, much of the jokes included were part of his stand up routines, so unfortunately, I had already heard them. You can imagine him talking as you read along, but without his delivery/performance, the punch lines fall flat on the page.
He's overcome a lot of negativity and deserves the success he's worked so far for, no doubt. But the heavy "Look at me now! I'm amazing! Look who I hang out with [celebrity name drop] and check out what [celebrity name drop] said about me and why I'm #1 and what I've done for this award and all Latinos everywhere" attitude, gets old fast. He has the life story to inspire Latinos and all (great!), but could also benefit from a nice, tasty slice of humble pie.
February 6, 2017
Okay, admittedly, I am a George Lopez junkie. If he has a special on I watch it. I watch his television show in syndication every night. If that doesn't make you understand the level of my devotion I don't know what will. So imagine my absolute delight when I typed his name on my NOOK and an actual book came up. Not only that, but a biography! I was going to get to learn about one of my heroes.
I wasn't prepared for what I'd learn.
George Lopez's comedy? It's true. This is stuff he's actually dealt with and been through. He hasn't had an easy life by any means. He had no form of tangible love or praise as a child. He became resilient. Cold, but resilient. He had to be taught later in life what love was.
You have to respect this man for what he did. He came from nothing, he came from a very dark place, and he made it funny. He didn't let it drag him into nothingness and become nothing, he became someone. He made something of himself.
And I have nothing but respect for him for that.
There's no way I can appropriately review this book other than to say that it's amazing and if you want an inspirational story? This is where you go.
I wasn't prepared for what I'd learn.
George Lopez's comedy? It's true. This is stuff he's actually dealt with and been through. He hasn't had an easy life by any means. He had no form of tangible love or praise as a child. He became resilient. Cold, but resilient. He had to be taught later in life what love was.
You have to respect this man for what he did. He came from nothing, he came from a very dark place, and he made it funny. He didn't let it drag him into nothingness and become nothing, he became someone. He made something of himself.
And I have nothing but respect for him for that.
There's no way I can appropriately review this book other than to say that it's amazing and if you want an inspirational story? This is where you go.
December 5, 2008
This book realy helped me get to know george lopez alot better. he went through alot of hard things in his life like bein raised by his grandmother since both of his parents decided to leave him alone. he was only a little boy when they abanded him his dad left him before he was born. i realy think that i can look up george lopez since he had a hard life and is now living his dream being admierd by alot of people. when or if you do read this book you can tell that he isnt such a good book writer but he still made sence lets just say he should stick to jokes. the reason i say this is because i feel as if he dosnt have a strong climax or one at all. and his book just seems out of order but its cool since he is stayin calssic.
April 6, 2010
George Lopez childhood was a sadness of ext-ream. Being bonded by his father when two weeks and forced to live with his mother who was scared of her won mother forced George to live a unmissable childhood. tought him how to devolped by him self in California. Now he reflects on his life in his Book "Why you crying" he named the book after his Mother favorite quote because his mother would abuse him in the dressing rooms of clothes shop. He laughs at his past and says he doesn't regret his past. After meeting his best friend for life Enrique Cardenas and his wife, George became a successful comedian and being on the Hollywood walk of fame makes him one happy Latino. With his racist jokes and his childhood jokes is a pealusre to read "Why you crying" by George Lopez
December 13, 2010
We just went to see him live several weekends ago ... although his humor has always been based (loosely?!) on his life, it is only now that I find myself wanting to read more about him. :)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Turns out the book incorporated much of the stand-up material we were exposed to when we watched him. Perhaps some further elaboration here and there. And the last chapter focusing on a golfing experience ... went over my head. :)
But I liked how it switched back-and-forth between real-life memory/experience and related stand-up/humor "translation" of said memory/experience. I can see and hear George as I read ... the book was very much in his "voice", I thought.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Turns out the book incorporated much of the stand-up material we were exposed to when we watched him. Perhaps some further elaboration here and there. And the last chapter focusing on a golfing experience ... went over my head. :)
But I liked how it switched back-and-forth between real-life memory/experience and related stand-up/humor "translation" of said memory/experience. I can see and hear George as I read ... the book was very much in his "voice", I thought.
Read
July 8, 2014No rating since I could not finish this. Stopped at page 44. Oddly, this book was such a downer. This may have had a more upbeat ending or a life lesson to sum it all up at the end, but it starts off so negative that it was making me depressed. All I got was how sorry George still feels abut himself even after all his success and how hard his childhood was. I couldn't quite figure out what was so bad about his childhood, sad maybe but not outright bad, and it was reminding me way too much about my sister who also seems to come up with unwarranted stories of an "oppressed" childhood. I was hoping this book would make me laugh but the title should have warned me away.
April 8, 2008
I stumbled upon the book by accident. Found it on a clearance table and because my family and I have been watching re-runs of his TV show and enjoy them, I bought the book and ended up really enjoying it. Didn't like some of the foul language that was used but I understand that that was part of his upbringing and his culture. I also came to admire him as a person not just an entertainer for the struggles he overcame. Also, could relate to some of the prejudice and sterotype he experienced because of race.
January 12, 2009
this book is very inspiring. George Lopez talks about his young life and how hard it was for him growing up. but even though with he struggled he still succeed in life. He is a comedian with his own show and he had a special on HBO which was sold out. I really look up to him and i know how he felt because i come from a family just like him except its not broken up. this is a good book n i think everyone who has struggled in life should read it because it can give you an idea of letting everything out...in a good way.
August 19, 2011
This book really shows the struggles George went threw on his journey to fame. The book also contains some of his famous jokes suck as: Different People, The Bike, Backyard Weddings, Mi Tia, Teamleader, Medicine... Mexican Style, The Lamp, Nows the Time, Latino Fast Food, and The Roof. In the book he talks about his life, wife, daughter, and his televison show "George Lopez". He talks about how everyone would always tell him we was gonna ebd on the streets. And he did, on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!
August 21, 2008
I decided to read this book because I've enjoyed his stand-up comedy special at the Dodge. I enjoyed it for the most part. I found myself waining a bit in the middle and again in the chapter called Father's Day. If you've ever seen any of his stand up comedy routines then you can appreciate after each chapter he included a bit from his routine. I could picture him saying those exact things so it enhanced that part.
July 20, 2011
It's obvious during his comedy and stories that George Lopez has lived an interesting life. You can see it in his stand up and kids show. I was hoping to get more of a no holds barred writing approach. I'm sure due to his appeal to all ages this was tough to do. His history and relationships with other actors was very interesting. I didn't know that his characters that his comedy skits were really based closely on people in his life.
April 23, 2008
Do you know who George Lopez is? Well if you do you should read this book. You'll learn alot more about this great comidian. For example, like how he decided to become a comidian, how his life was like growing up, and how he got his big break. So you should read this book because its funny and very informative.
March 20, 2012
The book Why You Crying is a inspirational book describing the childhood of the author himself. Describes the hard times he has went through while adding humor to every chapter. It is a book i can relate. The attitude of family relatives, the moments, the humor, and the hispanic culture. It is a good book and i recommended to everyone.
March 14, 2015
I love George Lopez's humour.
This book was a perfect combination of serious, sweet, inciteful and funny.
He really makes you feel his pain and his triumph.
He combines parts of his comedy act which we all know and love and real life stories of growing up.
I would definitely read this again in the future.
This book was a perfect combination of serious, sweet, inciteful and funny.
He really makes you feel his pain and his triumph.
He combines parts of his comedy act which we all know and love and real life stories of growing up.
I would definitely read this again in the future.
May 3, 2018
Un libro muy interesante sobre la vida de George Lopez. Habla sobre su infancia y como fue crecer junto a su abuela quien fue la que lo crió.
Te conmoverás con la historia pero también tiene momentos muy cómicos.
Descubrirás el motivo de la frase "Why Are You Crying?" ""Por que lloras" y entraras en el mundo de George Lopez el ser humano.
Te conmoverás con la historia pero también tiene momentos muy cómicos.
Descubrirás el motivo de la frase "Why Are You Crying?" ""Por que lloras" y entraras en el mundo de George Lopez el ser humano.
August 11, 2008
George Lopez tells some of his life story; it makes you cry and laugh at the same time. It's like watching his sitcom.
October 21, 2008
If you've seen the stand up routine by the same name, it can be somewhat repetitive but Lopez' childhood is more closely examined and the sad details put forth.
June 9, 2010
This boook is about George Lopez's life. His child hood, his journey to become the successful person he is today. His laughs and his cries. and all his memories and thoughts.
April 6, 2014
Good read! His show and stand up are hilarious so I just had to read this book. Funny and inspiring. I am glad all his hard work paid off.
July 23, 2015
Its a good book.
He talks about his life experiences.
How his grandma didn't take him to chucke cheese and
instead told him to look at dead rats behind the fridge.
That was sad.
He talks about his life experiences.
How his grandma didn't take him to chucke cheese and
instead told him to look at dead rats behind the fridge.
That was sad.
May 11, 2016
An emotionally draining book to read! I laughed but I also read words that broke my heart. Very talented individual, very humbling book!
September 30, 2016
i thought it was insightful and entertaining. i could relate to some of the cultural stuff. it was like he was describing people from my life.
April 11, 2023
Next to Ray Romano George Lopez has always been one of my favorites stand up comedians. I was only made aware of his books recently, and since Ray's biography is one of my all-time favorites, I was curious what kind of writer geeoge would be.
If you have seen his stand up, the writing style will be a little repetitive as I recognized several skits, but overall, i loved the book! It is super funny and great to see behind the scenes of the TV, which I still enjoy rewatching.
If you have seen his stand up, the writing style will be a little repetitive as I recognized several skits, but overall, i loved the book! It is super funny and great to see behind the scenes of the TV, which I still enjoy rewatching.
June 26, 2023
I was a huge George Lopez fan as a young man. I knew his comedy was based on painful personal experiences but never wanted to learn more about that beyond what made me laugh. This book dove into those experience, the pain, and depression. I was able to relate in a lot of ways. The book was an easy read, but dragged in some places (way too in depth about his experience on the golf course) and lacked depth in others. But overall, a decent book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews