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Emperor of Nothing: The Making of Larry David
The first authorized biography of legendary comedian Larry David, co-creator of Seinfeld and star and creator of Curb Your Enthusiasm, featuring exclusive interviews with Larry himself as well as his family, friends, and colleagues
From Seinfeld to Curb Your Enthusiasm, Larry David has built a comedy empire on candid observations, endless self-deprecation, and an endearing brand of selfishness—now immortalized into a fictionalized on-screen alter-ego. But who’s the actual man lurking behind this legendary television persona? And how has he managed to remain a walking, talking enigma for so long?
In Emperor of Nothing, author Blake J. Harris moves past the persona to paint an honest, detailed portrait of the real Larry David. Based on more than five years of meticulous research and exclusive interviews with Larry, his family, and his closest collaborators, this book offers never-before-told stories, never-before-published stand-up bits, and unprecedented access to an otherwise elusive figure, exploring all the nuance behind the neurosis. From his quirky Brooklyn upbringing and temperamental stand-up career to his creative partnership with Jerry Seinfeld and starring in his own show, Emperor of Nothing ultimately reveals where one Larry starts and the other stops, untangling the myriad reasons that Larry became the brutally honest—if accidental—voice of a generation in the process.
Whether you’re an overthinker yourself or just want to marvel at Larry David’s colossal cultural footprint, this definitive biography gives you a front-row seat to the man behind the myth, tracking his rise from punchline to “prett-ay, prett-ay, prett-ayyy good.”
From Seinfeld to Curb Your Enthusiasm, Larry David has built a comedy empire on candid observations, endless self-deprecation, and an endearing brand of selfishness—now immortalized into a fictionalized on-screen alter-ego. But who’s the actual man lurking behind this legendary television persona? And how has he managed to remain a walking, talking enigma for so long?
In Emperor of Nothing, author Blake J. Harris moves past the persona to paint an honest, detailed portrait of the real Larry David. Based on more than five years of meticulous research and exclusive interviews with Larry, his family, and his closest collaborators, this book offers never-before-told stories, never-before-published stand-up bits, and unprecedented access to an otherwise elusive figure, exploring all the nuance behind the neurosis. From his quirky Brooklyn upbringing and temperamental stand-up career to his creative partnership with Jerry Seinfeld and starring in his own show, Emperor of Nothing ultimately reveals where one Larry starts and the other stops, untangling the myriad reasons that Larry became the brutally honest—if accidental—voice of a generation in the process.
Whether you’re an overthinker yourself or just want to marvel at Larry David’s colossal cultural footprint, this definitive biography gives you a front-row seat to the man behind the myth, tracking his rise from punchline to “prett-ay, prett-ay, prett-ayyy good.”
576 pages, Hardcover
Published October 20, 2026
About the author
Blake J. Harris
7 books206 followersBlake J. Harris is the bestselling author of CONSOLE WARS, THE HISTORY OF THE FUTURE and Dey Street's upcoming EMPEROR OF NOTHING: THE MAKING OF LARRY DAVID (available 10/20!). He is also the Correspondent-at-Large for Colossus. He lives in Colorado with his wife and two cats.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 18, 2026
As a Seinfeld/Curb obsessive, this was SO much fun. While I think you'll clearly get more out of this if you use the words "social assassin", "low talker", and "master of my domain", on a regular basis, you can still enjoy it if you have at least a minor understand of the world of Seinfeld and Curb.
While the Seinfeld and Curb sections were my favorite, I also really loved learning about Young Larry and how is stand up career started and how he became the Larry we all know and love.
Again, I think anyone can really get something out of this, but as a person who falls asleep every night to the shenanigans of Jerry and the Gang this was right up my alley!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
While the Seinfeld and Curb sections were my favorite, I also really loved learning about Young Larry and how is stand up career started and how he became the Larry we all know and love.
Again, I think anyone can really get something out of this, but as a person who falls asleep every night to the shenanigans of Jerry and the Gang this was right up my alley!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a very enjoyable book -- if you are a fan of Larry David, Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm. I'm still shocked that Larry David agreed to be interviewed for a biography, but as someone who has watched every episode of both shows (my husband still watches them over and over), I am glad he did. Blake J. Harris did meticulous research, and his interviews with Mr. David, along with Jerry Seinfeld, other actors from both shows, as well as so many people involved in those genre-breaking masterpieces, provide insight that is entertaining as well as interesting. I especially liked all the details about the creative processes involved in creating the episodes of both shows. Highly recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Dey Street Books/Harper Collins for the eARC and the opportunity to read this book. All opinions are my own.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Dey Street Books/Harper Collins for the eARC and the opportunity to read this book. All opinions are my own.
November 2, 2026
This is a thorough, well-researched biography of Larry David. Biographies can often be dry recitations of facts but the author presents LD’s life story in a very entertaining way. He had access to people who were essential parts of LD’s life and career and he used their quotes very effectively.
It took a long time for LD to have any measure of success which all changed with the Seinfeld TV series. But since LD was behind the scenes, he was not a recognizable star to the general public even then. That all changed with Curb Your Enthusiasm.
I loved this book. It is lengthy (556 pages) but I devoured it quickly. And it concludes brilliantly, in case critics of how Seinfeld concluded are wondering.
It took a long time for LD to have any measure of success which all changed with the Seinfeld TV series. But since LD was behind the scenes, he was not a recognizable star to the general public even then. That all changed with Curb Your Enthusiasm.
I loved this book. It is lengthy (556 pages) but I devoured it quickly. And it concludes brilliantly, in case critics of how Seinfeld concluded are wondering.
October 29, 2026
OK, I haven't looked at the reviews yet, but has anyone stooped so low, I wonder, to write that this was 'pretty, preeettttty good'? Surely no one would sink that low. Surely, no one with refined tastes and decorum would stoop to that level, right?
October 30, 2026
DNF. I slogged through about 1/4 of this book. I never even made it to the Seinfeld years because there was far too much details about lots of other people in the periphery of Larry's life. There would be page after page of scripts he wrote for shows and his comedy routine and then every single little change made. I finally couldn't take another second.
September 16, 2026
Emperor of Nothing is an absolute goldmine for anyone who considers Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm essential life curriculum. As someone who has logged an embarrassing number of rewatches of both shows and thought I already knew every piece of Larry David trivia in existence, I was thrilled (and slightly humbled) to realize just how much I actually learned from this book.
Blake J. Harris does a deep dive into the mind of the man who turned awkward social encounters, neurotic boundary-setting, and pure spite into comedy gold. What makes this read so entertaining is how it captures the sheer, unvarnished "Larry-ness" of Larry David’s journey—from struggling stand-up to accidental cultural icon. It’s packed with fantastic behind-the-scenes anecdotes, precise comedic breakdowns, and surprising history that even the most dedicated "prettttty, prettttty good" super-fans will find fresh.
The only reason it loses a star is that a few middle chapters get a bit bogged down in industry detail and pacing lulls, but honestly? In true LD fashion, complaining about a minor structural flaw feels on-brand anyway.
If you’ve ever stopped mid-argument to wonder if you’re pulling a Larry, this is mandatory reading.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Blake J. Harris does a deep dive into the mind of the man who turned awkward social encounters, neurotic boundary-setting, and pure spite into comedy gold. What makes this read so entertaining is how it captures the sheer, unvarnished "Larry-ness" of Larry David’s journey—from struggling stand-up to accidental cultural icon. It’s packed with fantastic behind-the-scenes anecdotes, precise comedic breakdowns, and surprising history that even the most dedicated "prettttty, prettttty good" super-fans will find fresh.
The only reason it loses a star is that a few middle chapters get a bit bogged down in industry detail and pacing lulls, but honestly? In true LD fashion, complaining about a minor structural flaw feels on-brand anyway.
If you’ve ever stopped mid-argument to wonder if you’re pulling a Larry, this is mandatory reading.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My thanks to NetGalley and Dey Street Books for an advance copy of this biography about a man whose quirks are known to the world, his ideas, his mistakes, his omissions, and confessions the fodder for water cooler discussions, a man who mined his own life for material, never fearing what it showed, and in the end really just learned nothing.
Artists have always drawn on their own lives and experiences for their art. Hacks, professionals, dreamers and amateurs use what they know, what they have gained from breathing the air, seen in others, and sometimes found lacking. In themselves and in others. Few artists though get to cast the person that gets to show their life in public. Even fewer get to do it twice, even if they have to cast themselves. Larry David is one of those artists. A humorist of embaressment, uncomfortable moments, laugh-out loud situations, on who has dived deep into himself, found a wealth of material, and presented it to the world, in a career that has spanned over forty years. A reality star in a way, writing about himself, his friends, and his views, stories that he would say are honest, even if tinged with a little bit of self-loathing. But funny. This book is his story. Emperor of Nothing: The Making of Larry David by Blake J. Harris, is a biography about a man many have laughed at, yet not known, what drives him, what drives him crazy, and even what his thoughts and his talent might drive him to do next.
Larry David was born in Brooklyn in 1947. David's parents were middle class, his father working in clothing manufacturing for various shady businesses, something that David would later draw on for material. Larry's brother Ken was the smart one, skipping grades and even entering college early. Larry, lacked the drive to achieve, not sure what that achievement would get him. Until David was bit by the comedy bug. When David started in the early 1970's comedy was in an upswing. Comedy clubs were cheap, one didn't have to pay much for talent, if anything and David took to open mike nights. Though the open mike crowds didn't take to him. David though was popular with fellow comedians, which led to jobs writing. Unfortunately on shows that didn't last. However it was another friend, Jerry Seinfeld, that lead to David's greatest success. A show about nothing, with no lessons learned, a show that drew from David's life, thoughts and background. A show that soon became a huge success, that ended with David feeling kicked to the curb. A curb that soon became his new television idea.
I liked Seinfeld, didn't love it, I can admit that now. At the time it was airing, this was an unpopular opinion. I think I knew a little about Larry David, maybe because I watched the show Fridays that Larry starred in, with my father, who found it really funny. Curb Your Enthusiasm David's last show, that was my jam. From not wanting to take house tours, to not wanting to deal with people in the ways mannered society expected, David was kind of a hero to me. So I learned much, including the fact that David is not as much an ogre as I expected. More a mensch in all the positive terms. The book is really well-written, with lots of interviews and quotes from the subject and those around him. Harris really gets into the nitty-gritty, finding out little facts that soon became fodder for the various television shows that David wrote for. My only problem is that there is lot about the Seinfeld show, without much mention about David, but that is a small nitpick.
I really enjoyed the writing, the humor and the peek behind the curtains at a wizard of the uncomfortable. This is a book that is both illuminating about David, about persistence in chasing one's dream, and in looking inside for one art's. Listening to the experiences one has had, and going for it. A really well-done biography and one I quite I enjoyed. I am sure that Larry hated it. This is the second book by Harris I have read, and I look forward to what Harris has planned next.
Artists have always drawn on their own lives and experiences for their art. Hacks, professionals, dreamers and amateurs use what they know, what they have gained from breathing the air, seen in others, and sometimes found lacking. In themselves and in others. Few artists though get to cast the person that gets to show their life in public. Even fewer get to do it twice, even if they have to cast themselves. Larry David is one of those artists. A humorist of embaressment, uncomfortable moments, laugh-out loud situations, on who has dived deep into himself, found a wealth of material, and presented it to the world, in a career that has spanned over forty years. A reality star in a way, writing about himself, his friends, and his views, stories that he would say are honest, even if tinged with a little bit of self-loathing. But funny. This book is his story. Emperor of Nothing: The Making of Larry David by Blake J. Harris, is a biography about a man many have laughed at, yet not known, what drives him, what drives him crazy, and even what his thoughts and his talent might drive him to do next.
Larry David was born in Brooklyn in 1947. David's parents were middle class, his father working in clothing manufacturing for various shady businesses, something that David would later draw on for material. Larry's brother Ken was the smart one, skipping grades and even entering college early. Larry, lacked the drive to achieve, not sure what that achievement would get him. Until David was bit by the comedy bug. When David started in the early 1970's comedy was in an upswing. Comedy clubs were cheap, one didn't have to pay much for talent, if anything and David took to open mike nights. Though the open mike crowds didn't take to him. David though was popular with fellow comedians, which led to jobs writing. Unfortunately on shows that didn't last. However it was another friend, Jerry Seinfeld, that lead to David's greatest success. A show about nothing, with no lessons learned, a show that drew from David's life, thoughts and background. A show that soon became a huge success, that ended with David feeling kicked to the curb. A curb that soon became his new television idea.
I liked Seinfeld, didn't love it, I can admit that now. At the time it was airing, this was an unpopular opinion. I think I knew a little about Larry David, maybe because I watched the show Fridays that Larry starred in, with my father, who found it really funny. Curb Your Enthusiasm David's last show, that was my jam. From not wanting to take house tours, to not wanting to deal with people in the ways mannered society expected, David was kind of a hero to me. So I learned much, including the fact that David is not as much an ogre as I expected. More a mensch in all the positive terms. The book is really well-written, with lots of interviews and quotes from the subject and those around him. Harris really gets into the nitty-gritty, finding out little facts that soon became fodder for the various television shows that David wrote for. My only problem is that there is lot about the Seinfeld show, without much mention about David, but that is a small nitpick.
I really enjoyed the writing, the humor and the peek behind the curtains at a wizard of the uncomfortable. This is a book that is both illuminating about David, about persistence in chasing one's dream, and in looking inside for one art's. Listening to the experiences one has had, and going for it. A really well-done biography and one I quite I enjoyed. I am sure that Larry hated it. This is the second book by Harris I have read, and I look forward to what Harris has planned next.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I got this book from Netgalley, so I can read and review it before it's published. As a fan of Seinfeld, I was very intrigued to learn more about Larry David and how he became one of the top comedy writers for two of the top television shows ever produced. Let me say, it wasn't about nothing. A lot of the stories from Seinfeld and Curb were based on real moments.
For the Seinfeld fans, it provided a great insight to how the cast members came to be and a lot of interesting tidbits for your favorite episodes. Told from the mouth of Larry David, Jerry Seinfeld, other writers, producers, and NBC executives, Castlerock executives, and many more.
For the Curb fans, it started as an HBO documentary, and then it just fell into a television series. Told from the mouth of Larry David, Jeff Garlin, Richard Lewis, Ted Danson, Mary Steenburgen, Cheryl Hines, and other writers. I have only seen a few scenes from Curb (unlike Seinfeld).
The book also mentioned Larry's wife and kids, his divorce, and his 2nd marriage. Never did anything stupid! Unless you count his short stent on SNL as a writer (but that was where Julia was as a performer).
For me, I enjoyed it and had a lot of LOL moments throughout the parts on Seinfeld.
For the Seinfeld fans, it provided a great insight to how the cast members came to be and a lot of interesting tidbits for your favorite episodes. Told from the mouth of Larry David, Jerry Seinfeld, other writers, producers, and NBC executives, Castlerock executives, and many more.
For the Curb fans, it started as an HBO documentary, and then it just fell into a television series. Told from the mouth of Larry David, Jeff Garlin, Richard Lewis, Ted Danson, Mary Steenburgen, Cheryl Hines, and other writers. I have only seen a few scenes from Curb (unlike Seinfeld).
The book also mentioned Larry's wife and kids, his divorce, and his 2nd marriage. Never did anything stupid! Unless you count his short stent on SNL as a writer (but that was where Julia was as a performer).
For me, I enjoyed it and had a lot of LOL moments throughout the parts on Seinfeld.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was an absolute amazing book!! It will be on my "reread" list!
I had the privilege of watching Seinfeld when it originally aired. While missing the first season, my wife and I picked it up in the second season and we were totally hooked.
Since that time, I have rewatched the series at least 6 times, not including catching single episodes in syndication. In fact, I found this book while rewatching the series with my family (probably my seventh time).
I have followed Larry's career since I was a teenager. Watching Friday's every week, I thought it was much edgier than SNL. I know Larry didn't like the show, but it was still fun.
It was after I became a huge fan of Seinfeld that I found out Larry was co-creator of the show.
Now concerning the book:
This book is packed full of stories and antidotes about the show. Not only that, we also get insights into Fridays and Curb Your Enthusiasm. Just one of these subjects would be worth the price of the book.
Being an Advanced copy, I am looking forward to the audiobook version. My son and I can listen to it on our commute to and from work.
I highly recommend this book, especially to Seinfeld fans!!
Thanks to Dey Street Books and Netgalley for the advance book
I had the privilege of watching Seinfeld when it originally aired. While missing the first season, my wife and I picked it up in the second season and we were totally hooked.
Since that time, I have rewatched the series at least 6 times, not including catching single episodes in syndication. In fact, I found this book while rewatching the series with my family (probably my seventh time).
I have followed Larry's career since I was a teenager. Watching Friday's every week, I thought it was much edgier than SNL. I know Larry didn't like the show, but it was still fun.
It was after I became a huge fan of Seinfeld that I found out Larry was co-creator of the show.
Now concerning the book:
This book is packed full of stories and antidotes about the show. Not only that, we also get insights into Fridays and Curb Your Enthusiasm. Just one of these subjects would be worth the price of the book.
Being an Advanced copy, I am looking forward to the audiobook version. My son and I can listen to it on our commute to and from work.
I highly recommend this book, especially to Seinfeld fans!!
Thanks to Dey Street Books and Netgalley for the advance book
October 20, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed Emperor of Nothing: The Making of Larry David by Blake J. Harris! I've always found Larry David funny, and this biography was such an entertaining look at the man behind that wonderfully quirky, often outrageous sense of humor!
My favorite parts were definitely those covering the Seinfeld years. Loved reading about that period of his life and getting a behind-the-scenes look at one of the greatest sitcoms ever. It was so interesting to learn more about the creative process and experiences that helped shape the show.
Harris did a good job of making Larry’s story interesting and entertaining. I also really liked that the book didn't feel dry like a typical biography. It kept me interested the whole time and I feel an even greater appreciation for Larry David and his comedic genius.
What a fun read, especially for Seinfeld fans!
Thank you to Dey Street Books and NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
My favorite parts were definitely those covering the Seinfeld years. Loved reading about that period of his life and getting a behind-the-scenes look at one of the greatest sitcoms ever. It was so interesting to learn more about the creative process and experiences that helped shape the show.
Harris did a good job of making Larry’s story interesting and entertaining. I also really liked that the book didn't feel dry like a typical biography. It kept me interested the whole time and I feel an even greater appreciation for Larry David and his comedic genius.
What a fun read, especially for Seinfeld fans!
Thank you to Dey Street Books and NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received a copy of the book " Emperor of Nothing" by Blake J. Harris from NetGalley. I am a fan of Larry David so delighted to see this biography on him. like every biography it starts at the beginning writing of Larry David's childhood. His success in show business took years. Some very frustrating years of rejection and not having immediate success. But of course he did go on to a very successful career. He is especially known for the television series "Seinfeld" the author spends a good part of the book describing the years on the Seinfeld show the actors in the show.and even focusing on the more famous episodes. His other very well known series "Curb Your Enthusiasm. also focusing on some of the more famous episodes and actors who were in the show. I enjoyed reading this book and learning more about Larry David.
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October 21, 2026I freaking love Curb. My husband and I have watched it so much that our little daughter now declares things to be “pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty good,” so this book was basically written for our house. I’m still shocked Larry David agreed to be interviewed, and I’m so glad he did. Blake Harris also talked to Jerry Seinfeld and a long list of writers, actors, and executives, and the research really shows. My favorite parts were Larry’s early stand-up years and the behind-the-scenes stories from Seinfeld and Curb. So many episodes started from real moments in his life, and it was fun to see how they turned into scenes. It’s a fun, easy read, and you’ll get the most out of it if you already know the shows.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dey Street Books for the ARC!
Thank you to NetGalley and Dey Street Books for the ARC!
October 29, 2026
With the exception of my brothers and a few of my friends, no man has made me laugh as much as Larry David. I have rewatched both Seinfeld and Curb many, many times, and they both still bring me a great deal of joy (as did David's recent historical sketch comedy on HBO). And I don't think it's possible to watch Curb and not wonder what the real Larry is like, or to watch Seinfeld without wondering the same thing once you know that George is based on him. In this biography Blake J. Harris has drawn a vivid portrait of a very funny and idiosyncratic man.
If you love Seinfeld and Curb as much as I do, you will probably also love this book as it reveals not only what makes Larry tick, but also the origins behind so many of the stories in Larry's shows. Tons of fun to read. I loved it.
If you love Seinfeld and Curb as much as I do, you will probably also love this book as it reveals not only what makes Larry tick, but also the origins behind so many of the stories in Larry's shows. Tons of fun to read. I loved it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Emperor of Nothing is an enlightening exploration into Larry David’s personal history and iconic TV shows.
As someone whose Top 10 TV show list includes Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm, I found this biography to be intriguing and fun. I thoroughly enjoyed discovering Larry’s backstory. I also liked the candid interviews with friends and family. My favorite part of the book was, of course, all the fascinating trivia about Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm.
Overall, this is an absolute must-read for fans of Seinfeld or Curb Your Enthusiasm. I highly recommend it!
Thank you NetGalley and Dey Street Books for the ARC(advanced reader copy) in return for an honest review.
As someone whose Top 10 TV show list includes Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm, I found this biography to be intriguing and fun. I thoroughly enjoyed discovering Larry’s backstory. I also liked the candid interviews with friends and family. My favorite part of the book was, of course, all the fascinating trivia about Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm.
Overall, this is an absolute must-read for fans of Seinfeld or Curb Your Enthusiasm. I highly recommend it!
Thank you NetGalley and Dey Street Books for the ARC(advanced reader copy) in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is nothing short of brilliant. It is not curmudgeonly or sour. Larry's life story is so deeply intertwined with his two most famous shows it's remarkable. Retracing the Seinfeld backstory and all the seasons as well as all of the Curb seasons and castings makes for some very fun reading. This book is gold! RECOMMENDED!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was super excited when I learned that I was selected to review an ARC from NetGalley of Emperor of Nothing: The Making of Larry David as I am a huge LD fan! However, this book turned into a Seinfeld biography rather than a Larry David biography. The author put too much focus on Larry David's Seinfeld's years and not enough focus on the rest of his life.
October 29, 2026
If you're like me and you love Larry David, Seinfeld and Curb, you'll enjoy this book. My husband and I got to be extras on an episode of Curb in season 9, no surprise our scene got cut because we're not actors. Ha. However, spending the day with the Curb crew and watching them ad-lib the episode was an absolute riot and beyond entertaining.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I absolutely loved this book! Getting to read all of the background to stories that Seinfeld and Curb brought to the screen was so great! I laughed many times as I read.
It is important to know this book is super detailed! Which is great, but does tend to drag things out a bit.
It is important to know this book is super detailed! Which is great, but does tend to drag things out a bit.
October 28, 2026
This was way more interesting than I expected. I was never obsessed with Seinfeld nor do I think I ever finished the Curb Your Enthusiasm series- however the book is just as entertaining and quirky as the main character. 5 stars
October 24, 2026
I wish it focused more on Curb than Seinfeld. Also wish it went a little deeper, but it was alright.
October 29, 2026
Doesn't add too much to the story of Seinfeld/David/Curb that fans wouldn't know already. There are more quotes from his peers than him. Having said that, it's a fun read.
October 30, 2026
A masterpiece. Voraciously tore through it. Cannot emphasize enough how unique of a storytelling method this took for a biography. Love it and love him.
October 29, 2026
Pretty, pretty, pretty good! Could have had more on the Curb seasons.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews