Something Good for a Change: Random Notes on Peace Thru Living

by Wavy Gravy

Biographical essays discuss the spirit of volunteerism sweeping the nation, the author's experiences with Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters, and his counseling in children's hospitals

Genres: Nonfiction

Hardcover

First published June 1, 1992

About the author

Wavy Gravy (born Hugh Romney) is a life-long activist for peace and personal empowerment, best known for his hippie appearance, personality, and beliefs. His moniker (which is the name he uses on a day-to-day basis: "It's worked pretty well through my life," he says, "except with telephone operators – I have to say 'Gravy, first initial W.") was given to him by B.B. King at the Texas International Pop Festival while he lay onstage. It was announced that B.B. King was going to play and Romney began to get up when a hand appeared on his shoulder. It was B.B. King, who stated, "Are you Wavy Gravy?", to which Romney replied "Yes". "It's OK; I can work around you" said B.B. King, and he proceeded to play. Romney considered this a mystical event, and permanently assumed Wavy Gravy as his legal name. Wavy Gravy's clown persona grew out of his political activism. Constantly being arrested at demonstrations, he decided he would be less likely to be busted if he dressed as a clown. "Clowns are safe," as he put it. He does however enjoy traditional clown duties such as jokes, magic tricks and entertaining children. He is also the "official clown" of the Grateful Dead, and has two radio shows on Sirius Satellite Radio's Jam On station.

Reviews

[Chris Q. Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

to give this book five stars is semi-ridiculous. i know that. but somehow, i think wavy would appreciate that ridiculosity as this book walks the line between new-age/self-help bullshit and a farce of the same from beginning to end.

i read this shit when i was 16 or so and found it to be absolutely life-affirming/changing. i use to by copies and give them to people, the only caveat being that they pass their copy along with a happy and inspiring inscription.

in retrospect, this book deserves a mere two starts, but the other three (and then some) are easily made up for in nostalgia.

[Morgan jaRRELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book, I love Wavy Gravy and I loved learning about his life. He is such a cool guy and I wish I were him honestly, absolutely would recommend.

[Sparrow .]

Exactly why this book exists is a something of a mystery. It was written way back in 1992, and appears to be a series of articles for a "post-underground newspaper," but apparently WAS conceived as a book. Probably to raise money for Camp Winnarainbow. The 60s play a small part in it. Wavy seems to remember quite little of that era -- and Woodstock is almost missing. It does give you a sense of what it's like to sit around playing pinochle with Ram Dass, in 1989. Which seems like fun.

Wavy studied acting at the Neighborhood Playhouse in Greenwich Village, and taught improvisation to Harrison Ford in the early 60s -- before either of them were famous. In LA! He met his beloved wife Jahanara because she saw him, and placed chopped peanuts in his hamburger. (She was a short order cook. In LA.)

Wavy Gravy has largely been a concert promoter, for good causes. He became a saint, because he tried to kill himself and failed, with an overdose of drugs, then a woman named Cherie wrote him a few days later saying: "You appeared in a dream of mine, and I can cure you with polarity therapy." Apparently it worked. Now Wavy does good on earth, and can teach us how to, also. Though this book could use a better title.

[Jacky Torrisi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wavy Gravy is a really cool guy, however half the time I’m not really sure what he’s talking about. A lot of the stories in each chapter didn’t really seem to have much meaning, especially toward the end of the book. I love his philosophies towards life and laughter but some of the writing is just silly (though that’s probably what he was going for). For such an interesting guy, some of the anecdotes were rather dull. It would have been interesting to read more about his childhood and how he got into cahoots with many famous musicians & promoters, and his place in the Acid Test.

I admire his positive message and sense of humor. It was difficult to pick 3 stars or 4 so let’s say 3.5.

[Omid Mirshafiei · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true super node!

From famous musicians to journalists, spiritual figures, movie stars, scientists...Wavy has floated through space and time and touched many lives across many cultures. This memoir reads like short stories in a book of tall tales, but given his propensity for absurdity, it's likely mostly true. A testament to his "temple of accumulated error."

Incredible book with some Buddhist lessons on joy and compassion and service.

[Justin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like Wavy from what I can tell. However, this seems like it was a half-hearted effort.
You'd be much better off watching "saint misbehavin"

[Stevie · Rating 4 out of 5]

My daughter and I swap counterculture info. I gave her Steal This Book Abbie Hoffman and she gave me this.

[Sigmund BoPs · Rating 5 out of 5]

lots of hate for this --- and I really don't get where that motivation comes from ? -- if you love Wavy .... there's no way you could give this less than 5 stars .... and that's really not an opinion ... hehe

[Emily]

A counterpoint to The Sheep Look Up
Coming back to this book after reading it over 10 years ago, for its look into a lifework of seeing the fun in everything

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book takes you back to Woodstock and beyond, I enjoyed it