Plrknib

by Alex Bernstein

In "Plrknib" Alex Bernstein takes the I'm with the Band vibe from "Almost Famous" and flips it into I'm with the Comics. The author of "Miserable Holiday Stories" brings you back to 1980 to tell a coming-of-age story set in the breakneck world of stand-up comedy. At 16, Bernstein became the youngest regular at Cincinnati’s premiere comedy club, d.w. eye. But as the pressure to keep up with the older comics grew, he looked for something – some edge – to help him compete. And then he found "Plrknib" – the perfect joke. But using the joke came with a terrible, terrible price. Set against the bohemian, downtown comedy boom of the early '80s, "Plrknib" is a breezy, bittersweet, and utterly compelling memoir about love, friendship, and finding your own punchlines.

Genres: Fiction, Humor

242 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 12, 2016

Reviews

[Pam Mooney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hilarious! I loved this book because it made me laugh and it has heart. I enjoyed so much being in the author's mind and seeing how he progressed through his career. It was fun to read how those who work inside the industry think and interact with each other. My favorite parts were the first chapter and the last chapter. How he started out and where he is now - very cool. A good read.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was well written. I enjoyed the various references to Cincinnati in the book. I would pick this up if you are into books about comedians.

[Barb Eck · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book from Goodreads. It is set in a Cincinnati comedy club during the 1980's. This is a book worth reading.

[M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. Very funny. I won it in a contest and it was a good read!

[Hanna Newby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Won this in a Goodreads Giveaway. It was very entertaining to read about the past of my hometown, as well as an adolescent pursuing their passion - but overall, the writing fell flat and was a bit too scattered.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bernstein's book was a fast read. While it struck me as primarily a light, funny look at the travails of a very young (16) man trying to make it big on the comedy circuit, there are enough poignant moments to keep this book in my memory long after similar books lacking such poignancy will have faded into the mists of memory. 4 stars.