Searching for Dave Chappelle

by Jason Zinoman

In 2005, Dave Chappelle left show business at the height of his fame, giving up a small fortune and the hottest new television show in many years. In so doing, he transformed from being one of the greatest comics of his generation into one of the most enigmatic ever. In Searching for Dave Chappelle, Jason Zinoman, the first comedy critic in the history of The New York Times, sorts through the myriad theories and examines what happened to this singular artist.
Through extensive reporting, this kindle single tells a compelling narrative that takes readers behind the scenes of Comedy Central, the New York comedy scene and network television. This is not just a story about Dave Chappelle, but also about race, fame and the often blurry relationship between image and reality. Chappelle’s reputation has only grown over the years and he remains one of the most influential and admired comedians alive. Just as he tip-toes back into the spotlight with a high-profile national tour, this E-book delivers the essential analysis of his life and work.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Humor, Comedy, Audiobook, Short Stories

54 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 14, 2013

Reviews

[Mina · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Khari Chappelle is simply the greatest comedian of our generation. Not only is he the funniest, his stand up shows being the best there ever was, Chappelle Show will go down as one of history's greatest sketch show ever!
Dave, in my honest opinion is raw, intelligent, unfiltered and unapologetic. He quit the Chappelle show when he stood to make 50 million fucking dollars for reasons that he just recently disclosed and he did so at such a young age. Dave is one of those artists whose work and input will forever be relevant to Black culture. His work with HBCUs is constant and admirable and I could never forget the most historic block party of 2005 that brought together the biggest comics and hip hop names the culture has ever known. Dave is a living legend. Recently winning the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, which he very so deserved. I must say I very much enjoyed this short magazine like article which skimmed on Chappelle's comedic journey and techniques.I can't wait for his detailed Bio because that is simply what this GOAT deserves!

[Mohammed Algarawi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dave Chappelle is the reason why I got on stage for the first time and started doing stand up comedy back in early 2010.

This book, or rather long article if I may call it, was written to answer the questions behind Chappelle quitting one of the most successful comedy shows in history of TV and turning down a $52 million contract. That, I'm not interested in so much. But the best thing about this book is that it takes you through Chappelle's career from his first stand up performance, to the gigs he did after his return. It focuses on his style of comedy, his techniques and his revolutionary sketches.

I knew Chappelle's material was deep and complex, but to read this analysis.. It's just overwhelming.

I'm typing this review as I finalize my material for the Saudi National Day event. Reading this book one night before the show was a great decision!

Long Live Chappelle!

[Jeff Raymond · Rating 4 out of 5]

I considered myself a fan of Dave Chappelle and his show back when it aired, and, frankly, I'm not too familiar with anything he's done recently at this point. This Kindle Single filled a lot of the gaps for me as well as reminded me of some of the issues with his split from the show back in 2006 or so.

Ultimately, it's a good short take on the whole Chappelle episode and his type of comedy and thinking. It's really worth the 30 minutes or so to read through this as a long-form biographical piece. I learned a few things.

[Leah Wescott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick insightful read. As well researched and analyzed as anyone could realistically expect when exploring such a mercurial subject. The final chapter made me laugh out loud as I hope Mr. Chappelle will again someday ---on his own terms--- if we'll let him.

[Douglas Castagna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast and fun read about Dave Chappelle, but I think it would have worked better if it were a biography instead of a supposed explanation of what had happened during the Chappelle Show incident. The book shines when it discusses his coming up, his contemporaries, and his struggles, and falls down where it was intended. Like the mention and brief discussion of the late Charlie Barnett brought back memories of his comic genius as well. I did like parts of this book a lot and wish there were more of those parts. As for the purpose of the book, that seemed to be lost, though what it was lost in, was much more enjoyable.

[Sudeep · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is focused about Chappell's career. This has some of his insights. Most of them are about story telling. As a design student I was focused about the story. telling and here's what grabbed my attention the most. Before telling something he always create interest and curiosity before telling something good he says “ I don’t know whether I should share this with you but here” such things gain more attention. He pause things he takes time to tell a story. Chappelle is one of the best story tellers in my point of view. if someone is interested in story telling there are good insights to get through the book.

[Christine (Queen of Books) · Rating 2 out of 5]

More of a longform magazine article than a book (guess that's what makes it a "Kindle Single"), Searching for Dave Chappelle was fine. I'm not all that familiar with Dave's life post-Chappelle's Show/pre-return to the stage, so I expected to at least get something out of reading this. Not sure I did? Felt really light on substance. Like, this is a short read, but long for the amount of actual content it contains. Mostly it just left me wanting a memoir from the man himself.

[Mikey James · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook of this as it was included in the audible subscription. Being a Chappelle fan, I found this gave good background information on him from his time before The Chappelle show, during and after (when we all thought he turned down 50 million dollars, gone crazy, smocked crack and went to Africa ) some of it being true and some of it, not so much. It was a quick listen. Recommend to fans of Chapelle.

[William Agans · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting take on Chappelle

Good look at the personality of Dave Chappelle. It tries to give an insight on why Dave Chappelle may have walked out on his Chappelle Show contract, as well as some background info. It doesn't provide a "Smoking Gun" however. If you want that, ask Dave Chappelle. I don't think you'll get an answer, though.

[André · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read about Dave Chapelle's Career

Provides some insightful background on Cappelle's career with interviews from some of the people who were closest to him. Chappelle still remains a mystery and we may never really know why he quit one of the greatest comedy shows ever produced at the height of his career. I suppose we will have to wait for Dave's autobiography.

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first time reading a book like this, i guess that meaning investigative jounralism. The author does a great job of creating a biography that isnt too biographical while also having his own voice and style. It was a very insightful read and gives me a new perspective on Dave Chapelle while commenting on a few other important issues.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great quick read for Chappelle fans

Good insight to what happened to Dave from famously quitting his show to now. Enjoyable and eye opening. A good look at Dave Chappelle the man, and Dave Chappelle the comic.

[Krista · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not why I expected

This book doesn’t tell much about his past or current life, it basically just gives little moments in his career that could have played a part in his decisions but not necessarily...

[Abidha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was I expecting this to include a Hadith, no? Did I finish learning a bit more about Dave than before I started, yes.
So I guess it wasn’t too shabby. Would love to read something more up to date, also this didn’t reveal anything that you wouldn’t find in an article tbf.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed learning about the development of Chappelle's comedic perspective. Interesting journey so far.

[Walker Westbrook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting look into the formative moments that brought Dave Chappelle to become a household name. Filled with anecdotes from friends, colleagues, and those he inspired.

[Pete Aceves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chappelle Show

A good story about the legend that is Dave Chappelle. The real life inner-struggle that many introverts can relate to.

[Nichelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good short read

Reading about Chappe!le makes me want to watch some of his show AGAIN. It was good to read different perspectives about WHY he left Comedy Central.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what I expected from this book, so it probably isn't fair to say I was disappointed. It was well written. .

[Russell Romney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet

A quick look into Dave Chappelle's psyche and career and why he quit at the height of success. I do like me a short book.

[Richard Luck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leaves one looking forward to a full-length Chappelle bio, one that Zinoman will hopefully write in the fullness of time.

[Nela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Voiam să știu mai multe despre fenomenul Dave Chapelle, so this book did the job

[Art · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting look at Dave Chappelle. I enjoyed this book.

[Carli Hughes · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was fine!
Very easy listen. I enjoyed the content but a lot of it I had already known.

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chapelle is the kind of famous that earns my respect, not letting money challenge his principles.

[Habib Noor · Rating 2 out of 5]

Long article, on different opinions of Chapelle’s disappearance. Last three chapters were full of repetitions.

[Jennet headstones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lxzk

[Emi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, but not really sure what I expected. Not really a bio, not really a chronological excerpt of how he became a great artist, but not really his point of view…

[Sherrie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn’t like it

[Zully Z · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a decent audiobook. As a Dave Chappelle I already knew most of this but it was interesting to hear about the drama behind Comedy Central.