Rock This!

by Chris Rock

The National Bestseller--now in trade paperback!

From today's hottest stand-up comic--heir to Richard Pryor and Eddie Murphy and known for his Emmy Award-winning HBO Specials and The Chris Rock Show --comes this edgy, no-holds-barred humor book about race, relationships, and politics.

Genres: Humor, Nonfiction, Comedy, Biography, Memoir, Autobiography, African American

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Christopher Julius Rock, III is an American comedian, actor, screenwriter, television producer, film producer and director. He was voted by Comedy Central as the fifth greatest stand-up comedian of all time.

Reviews

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chris answers many questions that are afraid to be answered by most in "Rock This!"by Chris Rock. He makes a lot of connections with people's opinions, and gives his own throughout the book, such as "Why white people can't say the N-word", "crack-heads", & many other subjects that have become controversy's. This book is filled with jokes, and things that will literally make you laugh out loud.

My opinion on "Rock This!" is that I really enjoyed it. Sitting in class being forced to read is no fun, so this book was perfect because even though the last thing I wanted to do was read, I still laughed. I would definitely recommend this book to someone who has a sense of humor. I learned that everyone has a different opinion and that Chris Rock has funnier ones than everyone else.. haha.

I give this book a 4.5, It made me laugh and kept me occupied during the miserable 15 minutes of reading in class. I would definitely recommend it to other people. I've never laughed harder over a book in my life, NEVER. "Rock This!" by Chris Rock is officially one of my favorites.

[Rade · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am still deciding whether to go with 3 or 2 stars. I love all Chris Rock's stand up specials and I think he is a really funny guy but this book felt like a stale piece of bread. It would have been awesome to turn it into a an hour long HBO special but the book jokes seemed like they lacked a punchline.

Yes, there were quite a few jokes in this book that would have been deemed offensive and racist but Rock is a comedian. Their job is to poke fun of controversial or taboo topics. Some of the jokes in the book can be found in his HBO specials. A lot of the jokes are a hundred times better when you hear Rock deliver them. In a book form they miss that unique zing he puts in his delivery.

I hate to give this guy 3 stars but I just love his stand up more than this draft of his jokes.

Again, if you find offensive humor unfunny, than this book is definitely not for you. If you find clean humor funny, than go watch Bob Saget.

[Tosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Usually I don't ask for autographs, but my wife was or is a major fan of his. To study English, she's Japanese, and read this book. Odd woman my wife. She studied English by watching Beevis and Buthead, Green Acres, Absolutely Fab, and reading this book. So yes her English is all the above.

Anyway I was at the bookstore and asked Rock to sign all his books that we had in stock. He signed each one "Love, Chris Rock." When I asked him to sign a book for my wife he wrote "Smoke Crack, Chris Rock.'

The thing is Lun*na, my wife, liked to act out the routines in this book. And the book is hysterical. Reading it, you can hear Rock's voice. Come to think of it I just gave this book four stars - it's really five stars!

[Susie · Rating 1 out of 5]

proof that 99% of chris rock's hilarity is his performance/delivery. on paper, his comedy just comes off as bigoted. i only laughed out loud once, which normally would be fine, but chris rock is my favorite comedian so i was truly disappointed.

[Tamara Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first bought this book, I didn't really give it a chance and ended up giving it away.However, once I did read it, I felt like a moron for letting such a funny and insightful book go to waste.In Rock This, Chris Rock leaves no stone unturned as he examines various topics from race relations to dating.

The reason why I like this book so much is because Chris Rock doesn't just make fun of certain things but instead, he jokes about everything. Also,I agree with a lot of topics that he brings up in this book. The one thing that sets this book apart from others like it is that the author also makes fun of himself. Within the course of this book,Rock talks about how he dropped out of high school and got a G.E.D. which he says stands for a "good enough diploma." By making fun of himself as well as other topics, the reader realizes that Chris Rock is flawed just like anybody else.

Probably the best thing about this book is how well the book relates to the reader. As for me, I loved this book. Not only did I fully relate to what the author was saying but also, I came away with more insight and a deeper understanding about people. So, for anyone who wants to read a extremely funny book, this is the one for you.

[Adil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rock This
Chris Rock
242pgs
Hyperion
0-7868-8941-1


This is a hilarious and extreme book created by Chris Rock, a well-known comedian. Chris Rock explores all the usual issues and taboo issues of America such as our prison system, racism, government, economy, drrug problem,e.t.c. While he's talking about these issues, he cracks jokes that would make even the most serious person laugh. He takes a lot of shots at O.J. and the possibility of a black leader, but most of his jokes are varied.

Even thought Chris Rock is silly most of the time, he puts up some good points like: the prison system of America isn't tough enough, racism is present most of the time, and our government doesn't do enough to help out the needy.Chris Rock exagerates most of the issues to make a good joke, but he ties all to one main theme: Life is full of many hardships and anything that is derogoratory to people makes it even worse.

This book may be conteversial and too much for some people to handle, but in the end you learn from someone else's point of view and laugh in the process. Read this book and learn to poke fun at some of the ridiculus things that happen in our nation.

[Bailey · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's very hard for me to put in words what I feel for this book...upon reading it I read it's review's and they were harsh and unflattering to say the least . Which, of course made me want to read it even more. I think its really interesting to have seen and heard Chris' comedic stand up and then to read the book, to me it seems one in the same. Yet reading the reviews people seemed to take his words to seriously and literally. Let me remind you, Chris is a comedian, what he says is meant to shock and make one laugh, why would his book be any different? There was a lot of out loud laughter and a lot of "raised" eyebrows as I made my way through this book, but it also has a lot to "say" as well. For what it is I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, it was entertaining and hysterical, just as it was meant to be.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think Chris Rock is very funny, insightful, and talented. That said, this book is rather repetitive and not super interesting to read if you've heard (as I have) even a decent amount of his stand-up. There's just no point (in my opinion) in having it in book form, when it's like 200xs funnier to hear it delivered by Rock himself. For example, the infamous "Black people vs. Niggers" skit (which was hilariously dealt with on the first season of The Office). It's good, it just didn't exactly need to be written in a book, in my opinion.

These are basically just little stories and thoughts, some probably true, some probably exaggerated, some clearly fabricated, like in the style of Carlin's books. It had a few moments that made me LOL, which I appreciate.

[Ashley Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, so I realize that 5 stars might seem a little excessive when it comes to a book like this but... honestly, I loved it. I would recommend it to anyone though I realize that this might not be the type of comedy that everyone enjoys. I, however, found myself laughing aloud both at home and at work. I think is comedy is both hysterical and honest and I agree with the quote on the front of the book that says he is one of the best comics. Kudos to you, Chris Rock, for writing a great book.

[Dionisia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this the summer before my freshman year of college began. I was in a new city and far from home. I remember it being a hilarious read and held on to this book like a kind of security blanket. I would carry it around with me and occasionally (read: often) hide behind it in lieu of talking to strangers. I'm such an odd duck.

So, lots of laughs here. If you love his stand-up, then you'll love this. The two are very similar.

[Jess Aly · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I love about this book is the honesty. Which is also funny with the way Chris Rock delivers it. Racism is a tough subject to broach but here it came and went without being insulting. It's just plain funny. I would love to read it again and again just to view both sides of racism and understand why society has those stereotypes. All in all a great read.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the funniest book I've read in a while. His description of how drug war's laughably flawed strategy is hysterical. How many drug dealers complain about their inability to move product, and become vacuum cleaner salespeople as a result?

[Diana]

This book talks about Chris Rock's history and he became famous, and his life as a Comedian. I chose to read this book, because i used to watch "Everybody Hates Chris". I also learned a lot more about Comedians. it is very difficult being one and it takes talent.

[Jeremy]

This is by far the funniest autobiagraphy that i have ever read. Chris Rock takes an approach that I have never seen in a biagraphy, and makes a joke of the different situations he has ecountered throughout his life. This book keeps you laughing from the first page all the way to the last page.

[Quanah Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my beach read a few years ago. As I read it, I had Rock's voice in my head. It was funny and I had a smile on my face while reading it. He makes a lot of good points and says a lot of things people are a little hesitant to talk about.

[Heather Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book on a quiet Greyhound bus ride from Wisconsin to Texas. That was 13 years ago so I don't remember it. What I DO remember and will never forget, is my constant embarrassment at cracking up laughing out loud on a quiet bus! Therefore, 5 stars!

[christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. If you want to laugh then read this book.

[suzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

He's funny!

[Jrobertus · Rating 2 out of 5]

perceptive and sharply funny book about life as a black man.

[Tony · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the way a lot of his humor has a point like Richard Pryor and Lenny Bruce.

[Primadonna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Naughty and fun!

[Angela Zhu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am aware that this is not good literature, but it /is/ highly entertaining.

[angrykitty · Rating 3 out of 5]

the thing is, rock is just way funnier to hear than in print. i wish the book was funnier, but it his stuff just doesn't translate to the page as well....

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frikkin HEEEEEEEEEEEE-Larious! I read the entire book standing in a barnes and noble. LoL! Could'nt put it down.

[Jose · Rating 4 out of 5]

also funny

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a funny book. Chris Rock invites us into his world.

[ACG · Rating 5 out of 5]

FUNNY AS HECK.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just like his act. I usually think Rock is pretty funny, but why does he seem even more racist on paper?

[Connie T. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I normally wouldn't have picked this book but once I peeked inside, I was hooked. Rock offers interesting and insightful social commentary.

[Frank Taranto · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some really good stuff in this one. Like always, some not so good stuff also.