What do you think?
Rate this book
Last Words
As one of America's preeminent comedic voices, George Carlin saw it all throughout his extraordinary fifty-year career and made fun of most of it. Last Words is the story of the man behind some of the most seminal comedy of the last half century, blending his signature acer-bic humor with never-before-told stories from his own life. In 1993 George Carlin asked his friend and bestselling author Tony Hendra to help him write his autobiography. For almost fifteen years, in scores of conversations, many of them recorded, the two discussed Carlin's life, times, and evolution as a major artist. When Carlin died at age seventy-one in June 2008 with the book still unpublished, Hendra set out to assemble it as his friend would have wanted. Last Words is the result, the rollicking, wrenching story of Carlin's life from birth -- literally -- to his final years, as well as a parting gift of laughter to the world of comedy he helped create. George Carlin's journey to stardom began in the rough-and-tumble neighborhood of New York's Upper West Side in the 1940s, where class and culture wars planted the seeds for some of his best known material, including the notorious "Seven Words You Can Never Say On Television." His early conflicts, his long struggle with substance abuse, his turbulent relationships with his family, and his triumphs over catastrophic setbacks all fueled the unique comedic worldview he brought to the stage. From the heights of stardom to the low points few knew about, Last Words is told with the same razor-sharp honesty that made Carlin one of the best loved comedians in American history.
316 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
622 people are currently reading
13445 people want to read
About the author
George Carlin
63 books2,957 followersGeorge Denis Patrick Carlin was a Grammy-winning American stand-up comedian, actor, author and philosopher.
Carlin was especially noted for his political and black humor and his observations on language, psychology, and religion along with many taboo subjects. Carlin and his "Seven Dirty Words" comedy routine were central to the 1978 U.S. Supreme Court case F.C.C. v. Pacifica Foundation, in which a narrow 5-4 decision by the justices affirmed the government's right to regulate Carlin's act on the public airwaves.
Carlin's mid-2000s stand-up routines focused on the flaws in modern-day America. He often took on contemporary political issues in the United States and satirized the excesses of American culture.
A disciple of Lenny Bruce, he placed second on the Comedy Central cable television network list of the 10 greatest stand-up comedians, ahead of Bruce and behind Richard Pryor. He was a frequent performer and guest host on The Tonight Show during the three-decade Johnny Carson era, and was also the first person to host Saturday Night Live.
Carlin was especially noted for his political and black humor and his observations on language, psychology, and religion along with many taboo subjects. Carlin and his "Seven Dirty Words" comedy routine were central to the 1978 U.S. Supreme Court case F.C.C. v. Pacifica Foundation, in which a narrow 5-4 decision by the justices affirmed the government's right to regulate Carlin's act on the public airwaves.
Carlin's mid-2000s stand-up routines focused on the flaws in modern-day America. He often took on contemporary political issues in the United States and satirized the excesses of American culture.
A disciple of Lenny Bruce, he placed second on the Comedy Central cable television network list of the 10 greatest stand-up comedians, ahead of Bruce and behind Richard Pryor. He was a frequent performer and guest host on The Tonight Show during the three-decade Johnny Carson era, and was also the first person to host Saturday Night Live.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 741 reviews
October 5, 2013
I picked this audiobook up at my local bookstore years ago without even thinking about it. I'm terribly fond of Carlin, and the thought of hearing him read his own memoir was a no-brainer.
A few days later, I looked at the box more closely and saw it wasn't actually read by George Carlin himself. My desire to listen to it immediately evaporated, and I put it on the shelf, pissed.
It sat for years until just a couple days ago, I was going on a long drive and figured it would be better than sitting in silence.
In short, I was amazed and delighted and surprised. If you like George Carlin, you should absolutely pick this up.
The first thing on the CD is actually an interview between Carlin's daughter and Tony Hendra. Hendra was Carlin's friend, and they'd been collaborating on the book for years before Carlin died.
The narrator, it turns out, is George Carlin's older brother, Patrick. Not only does he *sound* like George, but George Carlin credited his brother with helping him deveop his own personal philosophy and his comedy.
Did I mention that he sounds like George Carlin? He really does. As I listen to it, I constantly forget that it's his brother reading it.
As for the content of the book itself, it's everything I'd hoped for and more. It's got the funny, sharp-tongued, irreverent wit that I loved about Carlin.
But more than that, it's brutally painfully honest. He talks about his relationship with his parents and pulls no punches. He talks about the times in his life when he was an asshole and lays it all out unashamedly.
Of particular interest to me is how he talks about the trouble he had coming to grips with being a success. He talks about his failures and fuck-ups. He talks about how he changed from being a social conservative to someone whose whole art revolved around pointing out bullshit and hypocrisy. He talks about his struggles being a father and a celebrity at the same time.
In short, I loved it. My only regret is that I didn't listen to it sooner.
A few days later, I looked at the box more closely and saw it wasn't actually read by George Carlin himself. My desire to listen to it immediately evaporated, and I put it on the shelf, pissed.
It sat for years until just a couple days ago, I was going on a long drive and figured it would be better than sitting in silence.
In short, I was amazed and delighted and surprised. If you like George Carlin, you should absolutely pick this up.
The first thing on the CD is actually an interview between Carlin's daughter and Tony Hendra. Hendra was Carlin's friend, and they'd been collaborating on the book for years before Carlin died.
The narrator, it turns out, is George Carlin's older brother, Patrick. Not only does he *sound* like George, but George Carlin credited his brother with helping him deveop his own personal philosophy and his comedy.
Did I mention that he sounds like George Carlin? He really does. As I listen to it, I constantly forget that it's his brother reading it.
As for the content of the book itself, it's everything I'd hoped for and more. It's got the funny, sharp-tongued, irreverent wit that I loved about Carlin.
But more than that, it's brutally painfully honest. He talks about his relationship with his parents and pulls no punches. He talks about the times in his life when he was an asshole and lays it all out unashamedly.
Of particular interest to me is how he talks about the trouble he had coming to grips with being a success. He talks about his failures and fuck-ups. He talks about how he changed from being a social conservative to someone whose whole art revolved around pointing out bullshit and hypocrisy. He talks about his struggles being a father and a celebrity at the same time.
In short, I loved it. My only regret is that I didn't listen to it sooner.
February 14, 2016
Last Words tells the story of George Carlin's life from his conception , This book is both funny and thoughtful i loved it his childhood was so sad but the way he tells his story is so funny ! i can't wait to read more of his work , RIP George Carlin !!
June 18, 2014
I grew up listening to George Carlin. His HBO comedy specials, which frequently aired in the 1980s and 90s, shaped my ideas and opinions. Carlin was brilliant when he discussed language and euphemisms, and his famous bit about the Seven Dirty Words You Can't Say on Television was memorized and giggled over with friends. Carlin talked about the stupidity of Politics and War.* He talked about our obsession with Stuff. And he said Religion was Bullshit, which was the first time my young mind had heard an adult say that. What a revelation!
I mention this to stress how much George Carlin meant to me. His stand-up comedy was never just jokes -- they were ideas. He was a powerful social critic who had a big influence on not just me, but several generations of young adults.
"I was beginning to realize something ... Getting laughs all the time wasn't my only responsibility. My responsibility was to engage the audience's mind for ninety minutes. Get laughs, of course, dazzle them from time to time with form, craft, verbal fireworks, but above all engage their minds ... Laughter is not the only proof of success."
Carlin had been working on his autobiography for a number of years before he died of heart failure in 2008. This book, "Last Words," was published after his death. I listened to it on audio, read by his brother Patrick, and it was surprisingly moving. Patrick has a similar edge and vocal inflections, and frequently I forgot that it wasn't George who was speaking. It was as if George were alive again and sharing his story.
"Last Words" covers George's Catholic upbringing in New York City, his tense relationship with his mother, his adoration of his big brother, how he got his start in comedy, his drug use, and his evolution as an artist. I particularly liked learning about his change from being a suit-and-tie wearing, clean-cut guy in the 1960s to a long-haired performer who wore jeans, swore a lot and who criticized the government and religion in the 1970s. It's a great read, both thoughtful and funny. I think any Carlin fan would love it.
*This book includes the text of a number of Carlin's bits, and I was happy he discussed one of my favorite pieces on war from the early '90s. I liked it because his point of view was so diametrically opposed to all of the hyper-patriotic speeches we typically saw on TV in the United States: "America loved war, I said. In our history we've had a major war every ten years. We suck at everything else but we could bomb the shit out of any country full of brown people. Only brown people. The last white people we bombed were the Germans. Because they were trying to dominate the world, and that's our job!"
I mention this to stress how much George Carlin meant to me. His stand-up comedy was never just jokes -- they were ideas. He was a powerful social critic who had a big influence on not just me, but several generations of young adults.
"I was beginning to realize something ... Getting laughs all the time wasn't my only responsibility. My responsibility was to engage the audience's mind for ninety minutes. Get laughs, of course, dazzle them from time to time with form, craft, verbal fireworks, but above all engage their minds ... Laughter is not the only proof of success."
Carlin had been working on his autobiography for a number of years before he died of heart failure in 2008. This book, "Last Words," was published after his death. I listened to it on audio, read by his brother Patrick, and it was surprisingly moving. Patrick has a similar edge and vocal inflections, and frequently I forgot that it wasn't George who was speaking. It was as if George were alive again and sharing his story.
"Last Words" covers George's Catholic upbringing in New York City, his tense relationship with his mother, his adoration of his big brother, how he got his start in comedy, his drug use, and his evolution as an artist. I particularly liked learning about his change from being a suit-and-tie wearing, clean-cut guy in the 1960s to a long-haired performer who wore jeans, swore a lot and who criticized the government and religion in the 1970s. It's a great read, both thoughtful and funny. I think any Carlin fan would love it.
*This book includes the text of a number of Carlin's bits, and I was happy he discussed one of my favorite pieces on war from the early '90s. I liked it because his point of view was so diametrically opposed to all of the hyper-patriotic speeches we typically saw on TV in the United States: "America loved war, I said. In our history we've had a major war every ten years. We suck at everything else but we could bomb the shit out of any country full of brown people. Only brown people. The last white people we bombed were the Germans. Because they were trying to dominate the world, and that's our job!"
September 10, 2015
Last Words...an apt title for an autobiography penned at the time of the author's death.
I wasn't sure I wanted to read a retrospective of a dead comedian's life. I've done it before and it can be depressing. Plus, I love George Carlin in a way. I mean, I was a fan back in the 80s/early 90s, but I haven't followed his career since. What interest would I have in the life of a man I hardly know? I thought about it, realized I was talking about one of the great comedians of our time, spanning generations, and decided I really ought to know more about the man. Who better to hear about him, but from himself?
As always when reading books by comedians, I suggest going with audiobooks, especially when they're read by the author/comedian themselves. Books by Tina Fey, David Sedaris, and Amy Poehler are all recent reads of mine that attest to the value of that wisdom. There's nothing like hear the intonation, the inflection, the rhythm of the words as they were intended. In the case of Last Words that was going to be a problem, as Carlin died before he finished it. Luckily George has a brother, Patrick, who narrated this book with his magically "Carlin" voice so very similar to George's that after a couple hours of listening I forgot it wasn't George speaking.
Ghost-written with friend Tony Hendra, who said in an included interview with Carlin's daughter that the experience was more like writing with a ghost, Last Words lays out Carlin's entire life in a very satisfying, linear timeline, touching on all the important personal events, as well as the history moments, that molded him.
His Irish-Catholic upbringing, childhood joys, and growing up with an alcoholic, abusive and estranged father kick it all off at the perfect pace and just the right amount of "sharing"...after all, don't we read these books with some amount of snoopy curiosity? Of course we do.
Carlin was never what you'd call "straight laced", but he did spend time in the military and started out with somewhat of a right-wing, conservative mind. He takes us through the relationships and times that changed this young, self-admittedly ignorant person into the radical comic of the '70s.
As the times changed, so too did the thinking of what already would've been considered a very successful comedian. He could've rested on his laurels, but he pushed on, reinventing himself, while somehow doing that most uncommon of things, becoming more true to himself and his ideals. It's an incredible transformation and one quite worth reading about.
All of Last Words is quite worth reading. I highly recommend you let Patrick take you through the raucous life of his beloved brother George.
I wasn't sure I wanted to read a retrospective of a dead comedian's life. I've done it before and it can be depressing. Plus, I love George Carlin in a way. I mean, I was a fan back in the 80s/early 90s, but I haven't followed his career since. What interest would I have in the life of a man I hardly know? I thought about it, realized I was talking about one of the great comedians of our time, spanning generations, and decided I really ought to know more about the man. Who better to hear about him, but from himself?
As always when reading books by comedians, I suggest going with audiobooks, especially when they're read by the author/comedian themselves. Books by Tina Fey, David Sedaris, and Amy Poehler are all recent reads of mine that attest to the value of that wisdom. There's nothing like hear the intonation, the inflection, the rhythm of the words as they were intended. In the case of Last Words that was going to be a problem, as Carlin died before he finished it. Luckily George has a brother, Patrick, who narrated this book with his magically "Carlin" voice so very similar to George's that after a couple hours of listening I forgot it wasn't George speaking.
Ghost-written with friend Tony Hendra, who said in an included interview with Carlin's daughter that the experience was more like writing with a ghost, Last Words lays out Carlin's entire life in a very satisfying, linear timeline, touching on all the important personal events, as well as the history moments, that molded him.
His Irish-Catholic upbringing, childhood joys, and growing up with an alcoholic, abusive and estranged father kick it all off at the perfect pace and just the right amount of "sharing"...after all, don't we read these books with some amount of snoopy curiosity? Of course we do.
Carlin was never what you'd call "straight laced", but he did spend time in the military and started out with somewhat of a right-wing, conservative mind. He takes us through the relationships and times that changed this young, self-admittedly ignorant person into the radical comic of the '70s.
As the times changed, so too did the thinking of what already would've been considered a very successful comedian. He could've rested on his laurels, but he pushed on, reinventing himself, while somehow doing that most uncommon of things, becoming more true to himself and his ideals. It's an incredible transformation and one quite worth reading about.
All of Last Words is quite worth reading. I highly recommend you let Patrick take you through the raucous life of his beloved brother George.
September 23, 2016
DNF at about p. 103-129?
I was aware of who George Carlin was when I picked up this book, however I was not familiar with his comedy. This is the second book I pick up about a comedian whose book I did not enjoy reading because it delved too much into the business aspect and work process of the artist. I don't want to read about that. I want to read about their life and how that influenced their comedy. Or give me some funny thoughts about life in general. Jut don't tell me about how you managed to book this club and that or how you pursued a particular talent agent. If I'm picking up a comedian's memoir I want to be able to laugh and maybe even cry. I don't want to be bored reading about the behind-the-scenes aspect of business.
I enjoyed reading the first chapter as George talks about his family and growing up with mom and brother. That's what I wanted more of. I realize this was not for me and maybe not really knowing much about George didn't help either. Someone else may like this more. I didn't hate this so I'm giving this two stars for what I did read, but this rating in no way reflects the sum of the book.
I was aware of who George Carlin was when I picked up this book, however I was not familiar with his comedy. This is the second book I pick up about a comedian whose book I did not enjoy reading because it delved too much into the business aspect and work process of the artist. I don't want to read about that. I want to read about their life and how that influenced their comedy. Or give me some funny thoughts about life in general. Jut don't tell me about how you managed to book this club and that or how you pursued a particular talent agent. If I'm picking up a comedian's memoir I want to be able to laugh and maybe even cry. I don't want to be bored reading about the behind-the-scenes aspect of business.
I enjoyed reading the first chapter as George talks about his family and growing up with mom and brother. That's what I wanted more of. I realize this was not for me and maybe not really knowing much about George didn't help either. Someone else may like this more. I didn't hate this so I'm giving this two stars for what I did read, but this rating in no way reflects the sum of the book.
January 8, 2023
The best thing about the audiobook was the narrator. He sounded so much like Carlin. If I remember half correctly there was a reason for this: a relative or something. It went deeply into his relationship with Lenny Bruce, which I found interesting because I’ve always liked hearing about that life dynamic. I learned about his marriage, which started out quite hopeful, , and his daughter, which started out so happy. Really this book was a large block of time not an entire life. I enjoyed his “7 words you cannot say”. I remember the SNL episode, but not in detail because I was so young. But I didn’t realize you couldn’t say them on stage either and how the law would just sit at a table or stand at the bar just to wait for comedians to break this profanity rule and arrest them. Ridiculous. If you don’t want to hear what people have to say, then don’t go where you know it’s going to be said. I think too many people have too many hang ups. Loosen up and learn how to have a good time. And stop preaching your cred to others who live by a different one. If we want to know what you’re thinking we will ask.
January 9, 2011
I was given this as an Xmas gift from a friend and read it all the way through in part for that reason-- the feeling that when given a book as a gift, one should see it through. I hadn't listened to Carlin in years-- since I was teenager at least, if not earlier, but I had a fond recollection of him, a sense that he was a pretty sharp social commentator and a funny guy. Maybe that was true, but it doesn't come through in the book, for the most part. The writing is poor-- in part because it's transcribed from discussions (by Tony Hendra, who I expected could do much better), but in part because it's not terribly inventive, creative, or evocative. Most shocking is the terrible unfunniness of the bits he includes, so unfunny that it's almost embarrassing to read them. The Carlin I remember from when I was younger seemed funny on every topic, but what he quotes here is just flat on the page. Toward the end, as he gets into his more political works in the 90s, it picks up a little, but that's really only in the last 50 pages. Even then-- his politics are a little weird, and there's a lot of stuff about his complaints about having to pay huge amounts of tax and being chased for being a celebrity that he doesn't seem to notice clash against his righteous anger about the divide between rich and poor in America.
But also unsettling is the undercurrent of misogyny that runs through the book, starting when he describes his "first group sex," which is a bunch of teenaged guys holding down a girl and fondling her breasts. He says she "didn't struggle" but was clearly upset by it but still plays it for a laugh-- that really left me disgusted. Similar stuff about him fighting with his wife made me really uneasy. Altogether a real disappointment in many ways and on many levels.
But also unsettling is the undercurrent of misogyny that runs through the book, starting when he describes his "first group sex," which is a bunch of teenaged guys holding down a girl and fondling her breasts. He says she "didn't struggle" but was clearly upset by it but still plays it for a laugh-- that really left me disgusted. Similar stuff about him fighting with his wife made me really uneasy. Altogether a real disappointment in many ways and on many levels.
November 26, 2019
A wonderful book, full of George's signature wit and cynicism. Thankful and glad that George's elder brother, Patrick, narrated the audiobook in George's absence. I think part of me will always be sad he couldn't stay in this world a bit longer, but... maybe it's better that way :P He considered Broadway a bunch of times, but it never materialized. Suffice it to say that his material really does feel timeless and consistently relevant.
July 30, 2024
"The larger the group, the more toxic, the more of your beauty as an individual you have to surrender for the sake of group thought. And when you suspend your individual beauty you also give up a lot of your humanity. You will do things in the name of a group that you would never do on your own. Injuring, hurting, killing, drinking are all part of it, because you've lost your identity, because you now owe your allegiance to this thing that's bigger than you are and that controls you." (PG. 284)
One of the most thoughtful and favorite quotes in the book. I chose this book because I think his later comedy is hilarious and has lots of truth in the way he sees government and people and this is my maiden name which I found amusing to keep reading Carlin except I'm Mexican and George had an Irish background that makes me think my ancestors came from somewhere near his...... food for thought.....
I thought it would be a funnier kind of book but that was just me. Tony Hendra did a great job of finishing the book for Carlin because he died before it was finished. I enjoyed learning about his upbringing and how his comedy changed over the years as he was finding himself professionally. It was nice to know he was married to his wife until her death of cancer and didn't cheat on her although he was a big pothead and doing other nasty drugs. He wasn't a great father to his only daughter but is candid about all his shortcomings and regrets. He was a hippy dippy baby boomer and his mom's road to being rich, as she was a bit uppity. He had his own adversity's like not knowing his father but overall he had a pretty good life.
It was an interesting biography but it bored me in the middle. Sometimes it felt like gibberish or the story was about someone I knew nothing about so I'd Google. Then it would pick up again and back to get your ass to the point George! But there were funny moments so it might be worth a try.
I like this genre so feel free to throw one at me below that was 4 stars and above, for you.....
One of the most thoughtful and favorite quotes in the book. I chose this book because I think his later comedy is hilarious and has lots of truth in the way he sees government and people and this is my maiden name which I found amusing to keep reading Carlin except I'm Mexican and George had an Irish background that makes me think my ancestors came from somewhere near his...... food for thought.....
I thought it would be a funnier kind of book but that was just me. Tony Hendra did a great job of finishing the book for Carlin because he died before it was finished. I enjoyed learning about his upbringing and how his comedy changed over the years as he was finding himself professionally. It was nice to know he was married to his wife until her death of cancer and didn't cheat on her although he was a big pothead and doing other nasty drugs. He wasn't a great father to his only daughter but is candid about all his shortcomings and regrets. He was a hippy dippy baby boomer and his mom's road to being rich, as she was a bit uppity. He had his own adversity's like not knowing his father but overall he had a pretty good life.
It was an interesting biography but it bored me in the middle. Sometimes it felt like gibberish or the story was about someone I knew nothing about so I'd Google. Then it would pick up again and back to get your ass to the point George! But there were funny moments so it might be worth a try.
I like this genre so feel free to throw one at me below that was 4 stars and above, for you.....
August 26, 2010
A must read for every fan of Carlin, and those who want a look inside the mind of the word-obsessed, meaning-searching stand-up comedian. What we find inside is not always pretty, but it's as honest and truthful as any memoir can be.
While the book is, at times, uproariously funny, the focus here is not on comedy, but on how comedy is made. Humor, it turns out, is no laughing matter. Carlin worked meticulously on notes on topics, slowly and carefully shaping his 'bits' over years, carefully nursing them until they were ready for public view.
This book, too, was decades in the making, and the effort paid off. Those who hate Carlin will find reason here to find him as the self-centered, uncaring, drug addled freak that they expect. And those who love Carlin will find the working class intellectual who rose above two-dimensional shtick to rip the lid off polite society and show it for the hateful, greedy, violent mess that it is, and did so with great humor.
They're each part of who George Carlin was, and what made his work unique. I miss him, I miss his work, and I am grateful that this book invited in one last time.
While the book is, at times, uproariously funny, the focus here is not on comedy, but on how comedy is made. Humor, it turns out, is no laughing matter. Carlin worked meticulously on notes on topics, slowly and carefully shaping his 'bits' over years, carefully nursing them until they were ready for public view.
This book, too, was decades in the making, and the effort paid off. Those who hate Carlin will find reason here to find him as the self-centered, uncaring, drug addled freak that they expect. And those who love Carlin will find the working class intellectual who rose above two-dimensional shtick to rip the lid off polite society and show it for the hateful, greedy, violent mess that it is, and did so with great humor.
They're each part of who George Carlin was, and what made his work unique. I miss him, I miss his work, and I am grateful that this book invited in one last time.
August 21, 2019
Aug 14 ~~ Review asap.
Aug 20 ~~ I am so late with this review, and this time I cannot plead the excuse of trying to think of something interesting to say. I have just been up to my ears in real life and laziness.
So now, a week later, what did i think of George Carlin's Last Words?
It was amazing to learn more about him, for one thing. I used to watch him many many years ago when he would be on various television shows doing his characters like the Hippy-Dippy Weatherman Al Sleet. I loved him then, even though at the time I was too young to understand exactly why the hippy-dippy weatherman was so hippy-dippy.
This book tells about Carlin's life from his youth on the streets of New York to his time in the Air Force, to performing all over the country. Along the way you get to see just how much work it took for him to create his routines: he made notes, kept files, rehearsed and polished sometimes for years. I had never really thought about how difficult it must be to create a good stand-up routine and keep yourself fresh. Carlin did have a few weird years, but he pulled himself out of them eventually when he rediscovered his inner outsider, the rebellious class clown that began it all in the first place.
He shares the fuzzy drug years, at least as much of them as he can remember, and along the way the reader sees him slowly evolving into the comic legend we will all remember him as. Fascinating to see him progress from character driven skits to the biting satire of his later years.
You must be prepared for raunchy language in this book. After all, it is George Carlin, the man famous for his list of Seven Words You Can Never Say On Television. But you can write them in books, and many show up here.
I often wonder what Carlin would have to say these days. He died in 2008, so he was spared the vision of the country as we are today. Or was he? He saw realities around him and commented on them. And unfortunately some things never seem to change.
This is from his 1988 HBO show What Am I Doing In New Jersey?:
It's the old American double standard. And of course we're founded on the double standard. That's our history. This country was founded by slave owners WHO WANTED TO BE FREE! So they killed a lot of English white people in order to continue owning their black African people so they could kill the red Indian people and move west to steal the rest of the land from the brown Mexican people, giving them a place for their planes to take off and drop nuclear weapons on the yellow Japanese people. You know what the motto of this country oughtta be? You give us a color ~~ WE'LL WIPE IT OUT!
Here he is talking about his 1992 HBO show Jammin' In New York:
America loved war, I said. In our history we've had a major war every ten years. We suck at everything else but we could bomb the shit out of any country full of brown people. Only brown people. The last white people we bombed were the Germans. Because they were trying to dominate the world, and that's our job!
Those years were when Carlin realized that his responsibility was not just to get laughs all the time, but also to "engage the audience's mind for ninety minutes". He wanted us to think about our society, our country, our leaders, ourselves. Not to just be sheep bowing down to whatever fool might be in the Oval Office at the moment.
Amen, George. And thank you.
Aug 20 ~~ I am so late with this review, and this time I cannot plead the excuse of trying to think of something interesting to say. I have just been up to my ears in real life and laziness.
So now, a week later, what did i think of George Carlin's Last Words?
It was amazing to learn more about him, for one thing. I used to watch him many many years ago when he would be on various television shows doing his characters like the Hippy-Dippy Weatherman Al Sleet. I loved him then, even though at the time I was too young to understand exactly why the hippy-dippy weatherman was so hippy-dippy.
This book tells about Carlin's life from his youth on the streets of New York to his time in the Air Force, to performing all over the country. Along the way you get to see just how much work it took for him to create his routines: he made notes, kept files, rehearsed and polished sometimes for years. I had never really thought about how difficult it must be to create a good stand-up routine and keep yourself fresh. Carlin did have a few weird years, but he pulled himself out of them eventually when he rediscovered his inner outsider, the rebellious class clown that began it all in the first place.
He shares the fuzzy drug years, at least as much of them as he can remember, and along the way the reader sees him slowly evolving into the comic legend we will all remember him as. Fascinating to see him progress from character driven skits to the biting satire of his later years.
You must be prepared for raunchy language in this book. After all, it is George Carlin, the man famous for his list of Seven Words You Can Never Say On Television. But you can write them in books, and many show up here.
I often wonder what Carlin would have to say these days. He died in 2008, so he was spared the vision of the country as we are today. Or was he? He saw realities around him and commented on them. And unfortunately some things never seem to change.
This is from his 1988 HBO show What Am I Doing In New Jersey?:
It's the old American double standard. And of course we're founded on the double standard. That's our history. This country was founded by slave owners WHO WANTED TO BE FREE! So they killed a lot of English white people in order to continue owning their black African people so they could kill the red Indian people and move west to steal the rest of the land from the brown Mexican people, giving them a place for their planes to take off and drop nuclear weapons on the yellow Japanese people. You know what the motto of this country oughtta be? You give us a color ~~ WE'LL WIPE IT OUT!
Here he is talking about his 1992 HBO show Jammin' In New York:
America loved war, I said. In our history we've had a major war every ten years. We suck at everything else but we could bomb the shit out of any country full of brown people. Only brown people. The last white people we bombed were the Germans. Because they were trying to dominate the world, and that's our job!
Those years were when Carlin realized that his responsibility was not just to get laughs all the time, but also to "engage the audience's mind for ninety minutes". He wanted us to think about our society, our country, our leaders, ourselves. Not to just be sheep bowing down to whatever fool might be in the Oval Office at the moment.
Amen, George. And thank you.
October 31, 2015
George Carlin left us with a great read. This is an autobiographical book of experiences in his life never shared before, and his comedic houmor. He was a genious in many ways and had a different slant on the world's happinings.
I recommend this book to all. You can find a copy on youtube read alowd by his brother Pat.
Enjoy and Be Blessed.
Diamond
I recommend this book to all. You can find a copy on youtube read alowd by his brother Pat.
Enjoy and Be Blessed.
Diamond
May 24, 2012
I've been an admirer of George Carlin since I was a teenager. My high school boyfriend took me to see Carlin in concert in KC at a time when Carlin was being threatened with arrest in every city he performed in if he did his "Seven Dirty Words" routine. Well, he did the routine, but only after having the operators of the stage lights turn up the house lights so he could point out the Kansas Bureau of Investigation agents stationed at the back of the room. Perhaps not surprisingly, he didn't get arrested that night.
When I was in my 20's, while attending law school, we read the Pacifica case in my constitutional law course, which dealt with that very Carlin routine and whether it could be broadcast on the radio. Unfortunately, the Supreme Court found Carlin's routine "offensive," and upheld the sanctions that the FCC had imposed on the radio station.
Fast forward to the last ten years, when I've been teaching constitutional law myself. I always played the Carlin routine for my Con Law students, and asked them what, if any, message Carlin was attempting to convey to his audience. They almost uniformly responded that he was both trying to entertain by being funny AND to criticize how arbitrary the "establishment" can be in attaching sanctions to words that the dominant culture doesn't like. That latter message is core political speech -- something that virtually all scholars believe lies at the center of our First Amendment protections. Nonetheless, the Supreme Court inexplicably failed to comprehend that message in Carlin's monologue.
Carlin was a brilliant satirist and wordsmith. His death in 2008 was a great loss for people who enjoyed his combination of social commentary and extraordinary command of the English language. This book is Carlin's autobiography, in his own words. Unlike many famous folk whose memoirs read like an after-the-fact justification for how wonderful they are, Carlin is quick to point out his personal shortcomings and life mistakes. He still had more amazing insights & viewpoints to share with us, but unfortunately, his ticker gave out. So read this book, and listen to one or more of his comedy routines. I highly recommend "Seven Words ..."
When I was in my 20's, while attending law school, we read the Pacifica case in my constitutional law course, which dealt with that very Carlin routine and whether it could be broadcast on the radio. Unfortunately, the Supreme Court found Carlin's routine "offensive," and upheld the sanctions that the FCC had imposed on the radio station.
Fast forward to the last ten years, when I've been teaching constitutional law myself. I always played the Carlin routine for my Con Law students, and asked them what, if any, message Carlin was attempting to convey to his audience. They almost uniformly responded that he was both trying to entertain by being funny AND to criticize how arbitrary the "establishment" can be in attaching sanctions to words that the dominant culture doesn't like. That latter message is core political speech -- something that virtually all scholars believe lies at the center of our First Amendment protections. Nonetheless, the Supreme Court inexplicably failed to comprehend that message in Carlin's monologue.
Carlin was a brilliant satirist and wordsmith. His death in 2008 was a great loss for people who enjoyed his combination of social commentary and extraordinary command of the English language. This book is Carlin's autobiography, in his own words. Unlike many famous folk whose memoirs read like an after-the-fact justification for how wonderful they are, Carlin is quick to point out his personal shortcomings and life mistakes. He still had more amazing insights & viewpoints to share with us, but unfortunately, his ticker gave out. So read this book, and listen to one or more of his comedy routines. I highly recommend "Seven Words ..."
September 19, 2014
George Carlin's unique career as a standup comic spanned over 4 decades. In this book, he shows that how success was not easy either at the business or the content ends.
I laughed at Carlin’s (what were then called) “party records” in the early 1960’s, saw him perform live in the late 80’s and caught him from time to time on The Tonight Show, HBO, and later, internet clips. Since I had only followed him loosely, this book put the pieces together. While his monologues looked effortless, he shows how they were culled, shaped and honed.
The longest part, proportional to his lifespan, is his youth. He shows how the attitude that defines his work was formed. He writes of his family, his strong determined mother who left his successful, abusive, alcoholic father and his experience in the diversity of his neighborhood. His stint in the Air Force was perfect (for him): he left with only two court marshals and experience in radio. He absorbed his mother’s republicanism, but partner, Jack Burns, gave him the political perspective that informed his work.
Carlin gave up (what appeared to be overnight) success with the Burns and Carlin team to set out on his own. His career can be characterized by independence, risk taking and growth. Through the book you see the ups and downs of it, his marriage and the influence of drugs and alcohol. He covers the Supreme Court case over his content (FCC vs. Pacifica) and the tax problem that dominates his later financial life.
In the introduction, Tony Henora writes how the book began from Carlin’s tapes and notes that were produced over a ten year period. They called this work in progress a "sortabiography". After Carlin's death, Henora “shaped it”. Whatever he did to the material was just right since the book reads seamlessly and is always in the unmistakable Carlin voice.
October 22, 2013
I've been an admirer of Carlin for so long that it was impossible not to relish the autobiographical details and craft observations throughout this book. Since I listened to the audiobook I was also treated the eerie experience of hearing Carlin's brother, Patrick, read this book--Patrick's voice is similar to George's and, at times, he seemed to be channeling his younger brother.
Near the end of Last Words, Carlin reveals that he had always wanted to do a live one-man Broadway show about is life (a la Lily Tomlin, etc) so that he could put the characters that inspired his many voices and personas onto the stage more fully. This autobiography was intended as the first-step toward making that happen. It's a shame George Carlin died before he could bring that project to life, for as fun as this book is to read (or listen to) the fact is that Carlin was, first and foremost, a performer. So much of what made Carlin's words funny and profound was his way of bringing them to life for his audiences through voices, expressions, gestures, and sheer charisma.
Still, this book is a worthwhile consolation prize. It is worth the price of admission to read Carlin's account of how he pulled himself together in the late 1980s and produced some of his finest work in what many had assumed was the twilight of his career.
Near the end of Last Words, Carlin reveals that he had always wanted to do a live one-man Broadway show about is life (a la Lily Tomlin, etc) so that he could put the characters that inspired his many voices and personas onto the stage more fully. This autobiography was intended as the first-step toward making that happen. It's a shame George Carlin died before he could bring that project to life, for as fun as this book is to read (or listen to) the fact is that Carlin was, first and foremost, a performer. So much of what made Carlin's words funny and profound was his way of bringing them to life for his audiences through voices, expressions, gestures, and sheer charisma.
Still, this book is a worthwhile consolation prize. It is worth the price of admission to read Carlin's account of how he pulled himself together in the late 1980s and produced some of his finest work in what many had assumed was the twilight of his career.
September 8, 2018
How easily art masks the artist. Surely George Carlin, the renowned wordsmith, studied hard and emulated literary masters. Surely Carlin, the longstanding celebrity in a field fraught with flame-outs, knew how to pick his battles and keep his financial house in order. Surely Carlin, that discerning, precise, slender gentleman, kept his nose clean and his body healthy. Surely this man I respect was largely like me; a quiet, sensitive lad who took the long path of listening and watching before finding worthwhile ways to connect to those around him. Surely.
But no of course not. Carlin grew up on the tough streets of Irish Harlem with a brilliant-but-controlling mother and a brilliant-but-psychotic father. He made friends, mimicked them and earned their laughter with ease and in return they conscripted him into their gang of larcenous hoodlums. Even looking back on his childhood many decades hence, Carlin admits no regret about being a vandal and petty thief. His chosen excuses; 'kids being kids' and 'the yuppies deserved it.'
And this is the pattern of Carlin's life; that of the brilliant, organized mind that rarely brought that power to bear on the world around him in any form outside comedy. Carlin joined the air-force and bounced around in rank so many times he must have felt the g-forces. He earned early success as a comic but couldn't find a way to hold onto the money he was making, even when he lived frugally. At different times he loses his nest egg to theft, tax mismanagement and having it literally fly out the window. Even his loving marriage (monogamous, love-at-first-conversation) nearly ends in tragedy several times from drug abuse and lack of communication. And his fit-looking frame proved an illusion, as within lurked a heart as prone to attack as Carlin's increasingly political mouth.
By the final page of Last Words, I looked upon Carlin's epic career less as a testament to his brilliance as a miracle of persistence. For every time it looked like his life would tumble into the abyss, he found a way to crawl away from the edge. And ultimately he finds a measure of peace in his old age; freedom from cocaine, stability in his relationships and comic material that fulfilled his need for meaningful social critique. How easily he could have been just another genius comedian who gained success too fast and died too young. And had Carlin's life been cut short I never would have come to think of him as such a stable personality, only to have my expectations so thoroughly shattered as I laughed along reading about his life.
edited 9-8-2018
But no of course not. Carlin grew up on the tough streets of Irish Harlem with a brilliant-but-controlling mother and a brilliant-but-psychotic father. He made friends, mimicked them and earned their laughter with ease and in return they conscripted him into their gang of larcenous hoodlums. Even looking back on his childhood many decades hence, Carlin admits no regret about being a vandal and petty thief. His chosen excuses; 'kids being kids' and 'the yuppies deserved it.'
And this is the pattern of Carlin's life; that of the brilliant, organized mind that rarely brought that power to bear on the world around him in any form outside comedy. Carlin joined the air-force and bounced around in rank so many times he must have felt the g-forces. He earned early success as a comic but couldn't find a way to hold onto the money he was making, even when he lived frugally. At different times he loses his nest egg to theft, tax mismanagement and having it literally fly out the window. Even his loving marriage (monogamous, love-at-first-conversation) nearly ends in tragedy several times from drug abuse and lack of communication. And his fit-looking frame proved an illusion, as within lurked a heart as prone to attack as Carlin's increasingly political mouth.
By the final page of Last Words, I looked upon Carlin's epic career less as a testament to his brilliance as a miracle of persistence. For every time it looked like his life would tumble into the abyss, he found a way to crawl away from the edge. And ultimately he finds a measure of peace in his old age; freedom from cocaine, stability in his relationships and comic material that fulfilled his need for meaningful social critique. How easily he could have been just another genius comedian who gained success too fast and died too young. And had Carlin's life been cut short I never would have come to think of him as such a stable personality, only to have my expectations so thoroughly shattered as I laughed along reading about his life.
edited 9-8-2018
July 15, 2011
If you're not too distressed by profanity, then you won't be too distressed by the language to enjoy what is a remarkable insight into a great comedic mind. George Carlin was one of the small number of comedians (in my opinion) who not only had the gift of seeing the world differently, but the intelligence and lucidity to both understand and explain that gift. In "Last Words", completed by long time colleague and fellow comedy icon, Tony Hendra, after Carlin's death in June 2008, Carlin shares that understanding. His 'last words' are shameless, confrontational, hilarious, heart breaking and, at times, quite brilliant. As well as providing a blunt, near confessional chronology of his drug and alcohol addiction and his sometimes close and warm, sometimes distant and neglectful relationship with his wife, Brenda, "Last Words" provides an intimate view of Carlin's growth as a stand up comedian, and of the alienation from established, Hollywood and Broadway values that was an inevitable part of his journey.
"Last Words" will offend you if profanity does. Carlin sprinkles the "Seven Words You Can't Say on Television" throughout. If George doesn't like someone, that person will be described bluntly, using at least one of the seven. If you can deal with that, there is some remarkable writing here, capturing the views and ideas of a man who thought deeply about his life, his country and its people - individually and as members of the "groups" he so despised. Here is a sample, on the "zen" of comedy:
"But when you're in front of an audience and you make them laugh at a new idea, you're guiding their whole being for the moment. No one is ever more herself or himself than when they really laugh. Their defenses are down. It's very Zen-like, that moment. They are completely open, completely themselves when that message hits the brain and the laugh begins. That's when new ideas can be implanted. If a new idea slips in at that moment, it has a chance to grow. So for that moment, that tiny moment, I own them. That's one of the things - maybe the most important - I seek by following this path: to have that power. To be able to say: stop in your tracks and consider this!"
Purely as a chronicle of Carlin's life, "Last Words" is a little lacking in continuity; at times the sequence of events from one chapter to the next, and even within chapters, is a little out of whack. But don't let that put you off. George Carlin's last words are worth reading.
"Last Words" will offend you if profanity does. Carlin sprinkles the "Seven Words You Can't Say on Television" throughout. If George doesn't like someone, that person will be described bluntly, using at least one of the seven. If you can deal with that, there is some remarkable writing here, capturing the views and ideas of a man who thought deeply about his life, his country and its people - individually and as members of the "groups" he so despised. Here is a sample, on the "zen" of comedy:
"But when you're in front of an audience and you make them laugh at a new idea, you're guiding their whole being for the moment. No one is ever more herself or himself than when they really laugh. Their defenses are down. It's very Zen-like, that moment. They are completely open, completely themselves when that message hits the brain and the laugh begins. That's when new ideas can be implanted. If a new idea slips in at that moment, it has a chance to grow. So for that moment, that tiny moment, I own them. That's one of the things - maybe the most important - I seek by following this path: to have that power. To be able to say: stop in your tracks and consider this!"
Purely as a chronicle of Carlin's life, "Last Words" is a little lacking in continuity; at times the sequence of events from one chapter to the next, and even within chapters, is a little out of whack. But don't let that put you off. George Carlin's last words are worth reading.
July 1, 2012
I had no idea that George Carlin was once arrested for armed robbery. (It really did turn out to be a crazy misunderstanding.)
Carlin and his cowriter Tony Hendra did not want to write a memoir because, to them, that word was a tiresome combination of me and moi. So they referred to this as a "sortabiography."
"I used to mark my really severe drug use by the years I couldn't remember who won the World Series. There were three or four years in there, mid to late seventies. Cincinnati Reds? Twice in a row? When the fuck did that happen? How the fuck did that happen?"
"Fuck the drug war. Dropping acid was a profound turning point for me. . . . More people should do acid. It should be sold over the counter."
One of his regrets was that his 10-year-old daughter had to stage an intervention because he and his wife were threatening each other with knives. He was a heavy user of cocaine; his wife was an alcoholic.
Of the 14 HBO specials he did, he felt that 1992's Jammin' in New York was his best.
"The audience shapes the material. They are part of the process. I write, they edit."
"I love anarchy. Anarchy and comedy are a team."
Carlin and his cowriter Tony Hendra did not want to write a memoir because, to them, that word was a tiresome combination of me and moi. So they referred to this as a "sortabiography."
"I used to mark my really severe drug use by the years I couldn't remember who won the World Series. There were three or four years in there, mid to late seventies. Cincinnati Reds? Twice in a row? When the fuck did that happen? How the fuck did that happen?"
"Fuck the drug war. Dropping acid was a profound turning point for me. . . . More people should do acid. It should be sold over the counter."
One of his regrets was that his 10-year-old daughter had to stage an intervention because he and his wife were threatening each other with knives. He was a heavy user of cocaine; his wife was an alcoholic.
Of the 14 HBO specials he did, he felt that 1992's Jammin' in New York was his best.
"The audience shapes the material. They are part of the process. I write, they edit."
"I love anarchy. Anarchy and comedy are a team."
December 16, 2009
Nothing spectacular, but well edited and thus not overlong like some bios. It was interesting to learn the personal history behind the public image. I always enjoyed Carlin's unique perspectives, although some of his humor was admittedly a little raw and crass. I liked the way he refused to conform to trends of "correctness" and often said things the rest of us were thinking but weren't bold enough to say.
Read
September 28, 2011I was always a fan of George Carlin; one of my first purchases was his first album Take-Offs and Put-Ons, which I played so often that even today I can repeat major portions of it.
If you're looking for this to be as funny as his concerts, you will be disappointed. If you want to know about the guy, which I did, you'll find this an engaging read. I really respect the way he expressed his thoughts and his love for words. Although we are both Irish Catholic, he's much more into the Irish thing and I'm considerably more into the Catholic thing.
It was interesting to see how obsessive-compulsive he was in preparing new material and the many paradoxes in his life, such as:
- anti-war and anti-authority but joined the air force;
- no respect for his father who drank and ruined any relationship with his family, yet Carlin became addicted to cocaine and alcohol and once got into a knife fight with his wife while his daughter tried to intervene.
He has no problem laying out many sordid details along the way. Interestingly, he and his wife stayed together for 38 years until she died of cancer. Carlin noticeably pulls back in describing Brenda's death. It's noticeable; as if paragraphs are missing and one can feel that the guy who had no problem talking about anything just can't bring himself to revisit that moment.
I also found it interesting that in concert he spells out in no uncertain terms that he is an atheist, but throughout the book there are many "if God is real..." moments. Maybe that's just my wishful thinking though.
As you would expect, he doesn't think twice talking about the celebrities he's met along the way, most memorably when he hosted SNL and suggested to cast member Billy Crystal that the two of them someday work together. Crystal blew him off and said something condescending to the effect of "Yeah, I don't see that ever happening." He admired Jon Stewart, Dennis Miller's mind (although he thought Miller was arrogant)and was touched that when he told Steve Martin that he liked his work, Martin seemed genuinely moved by the comment. His days on the panel of The Mike Douglas Show and "Merv" offer some nice insight of the forced grouping of celebrities.
I didn't want it to end, which is how I felt about the author's life.
If you're looking for this to be as funny as his concerts, you will be disappointed. If you want to know about the guy, which I did, you'll find this an engaging read. I really respect the way he expressed his thoughts and his love for words. Although we are both Irish Catholic, he's much more into the Irish thing and I'm considerably more into the Catholic thing.
It was interesting to see how obsessive-compulsive he was in preparing new material and the many paradoxes in his life, such as:
- anti-war and anti-authority but joined the air force;
- no respect for his father who drank and ruined any relationship with his family, yet Carlin became addicted to cocaine and alcohol and once got into a knife fight with his wife while his daughter tried to intervene.
He has no problem laying out many sordid details along the way. Interestingly, he and his wife stayed together for 38 years until she died of cancer. Carlin noticeably pulls back in describing Brenda's death. It's noticeable; as if paragraphs are missing and one can feel that the guy who had no problem talking about anything just can't bring himself to revisit that moment.
I also found it interesting that in concert he spells out in no uncertain terms that he is an atheist, but throughout the book there are many "if God is real..." moments. Maybe that's just my wishful thinking though.
As you would expect, he doesn't think twice talking about the celebrities he's met along the way, most memorably when he hosted SNL and suggested to cast member Billy Crystal that the two of them someday work together. Crystal blew him off and said something condescending to the effect of "Yeah, I don't see that ever happening." He admired Jon Stewart, Dennis Miller's mind (although he thought Miller was arrogant)and was touched that when he told Steve Martin that he liked his work, Martin seemed genuinely moved by the comment. His days on the panel of The Mike Douglas Show and "Merv" offer some nice insight of the forced grouping of celebrities.
I didn't want it to end, which is how I felt about the author's life.
September 21, 2019
"Words - the thing he loved the most."
(From Tony Hendra's Introduction to George Carlin's Last Words)
Another difficult review to write. A reviewer of a biography needs to be careful not to let their opinions of the biography subject bias their opinion of the biography itself. I have to be very careful not to let my admiration for Mr. Carlin's worldview influence my perception of this biography as a literary "product." So let me say upfront: My worldview matches Mr. Carlin's almost perfectly. Like him I love words (a right word is worth a thousand pictures!) Like him my heart is on the left side of the political spectrum but I can't stand most leftists. And like him I am disappointed with the human species (including myself, of course). Anyway, I hope that my liking Mr. Carlin is not the main reason for me liking his autobiography - Last Words (2009).
This is a very solid, detailed, insightful, and - I believe - as objective an autobiography as humanly possible. It is also a captivating read that cost me one three-hours-of-sleep night. The book begins with colorful descriptions of Mr. Carlin's childhood in New York. The portrait of his parents is multifaceted and realistic. He berates his alcoholic father's fondness of beatings:
Similarly to many other performers, Mr. Carlin's career as a comedian began at school, where he was a class clown. Military career spent as a deejay led to employment in radio stations. We read about his partnership with Jack Burns, performances in comedy clubs, acquaintance with Lenny Bruce, and his appearances on the popular Merv Griffin Show on TV.
One of the most interesting fragments of the autobiography deals with the "transformational period" of Mr. Carlin's career, roughly the years 1968 - 1969. From a "nice" stand-up comedian whose routines were suitable for all audiences he morphed into an angry anti-establishment performer, an outspoken social critic. From "old-fashioned, square culture" to counterculture. The sources of his radicalization may be found in the turbulent political events of the time, including the assassination of Robert Kennedy and Chicago Democratic Convention riots. Mr. Carlin's most famous routine, Seven Words You Can Never Say on TV (unspeakably dirty words like 'tits', words "that'll infect your soul, curve your spine, and keep the country from winning the war.") Unfortunately Mr. Carlin's career stagnates in the 1970s, likely due to drug abuse. The period of his "financial and creative swamp" lasts until the turnaround which begins in 1982 with the famous Carnegie Hall performance.
The later portions of the autobiography resonate with me particularly strongly. Mr. Carlin, essentially a political left-winger, writes how the "liberal orthodoxy was as repugnant [to him] as conservative orthodoxy":
I love the closing pages of the autobiography where Mr. Carlin bares his scathing views on a very basic human characteristic - the instinct to form groups. He demonstrates the superficiality of groups of various types and writes how he has found "all the group stuff: rules, uniforms, rituals, bonding [...] a distraction."
Finally, throughout the autobiography, but particularly towards its end, Mr. Carlin writes about his performance techniques. I have found these passages extremely interesting and instructive. When I teach mathematics at the university I also try to do a bit of stand-up comedy to enliven the occasionally intimidating material; I have learned a few technical tricks from Mr. Carlin. Highly recommended autobiography!
Four stars.
(From Tony Hendra's Introduction to George Carlin's Last Words)
Another difficult review to write. A reviewer of a biography needs to be careful not to let their opinions of the biography subject bias their opinion of the biography itself. I have to be very careful not to let my admiration for Mr. Carlin's worldview influence my perception of this biography as a literary "product." So let me say upfront: My worldview matches Mr. Carlin's almost perfectly. Like him I love words (a right word is worth a thousand pictures!) Like him my heart is on the left side of the political spectrum but I can't stand most leftists. And like him I am disappointed with the human species (including myself, of course). Anyway, I hope that my liking Mr. Carlin is not the main reason for me liking his autobiography - Last Words (2009).
This is a very solid, detailed, insightful, and - I believe - as objective an autobiography as humanly possible. It is also a captivating read that cost me one three-hours-of-sleep night. The book begins with colorful descriptions of Mr. Carlin's childhood in New York. The portrait of his parents is multifaceted and realistic. He berates his alcoholic father's fondness of beatings:
"And off they go to the bathroom, father and son, to continue the grand American tradition of beating the shit out of someone weaker than you."He also makes it clear that most of the time he was not able to stand his mother with her higher-class pretensions, yet the author's love for his parents clearly shows.
Similarly to many other performers, Mr. Carlin's career as a comedian began at school, where he was a class clown. Military career spent as a deejay led to employment in radio stations. We read about his partnership with Jack Burns, performances in comedy clubs, acquaintance with Lenny Bruce, and his appearances on the popular Merv Griffin Show on TV.
One of the most interesting fragments of the autobiography deals with the "transformational period" of Mr. Carlin's career, roughly the years 1968 - 1969. From a "nice" stand-up comedian whose routines were suitable for all audiences he morphed into an angry anti-establishment performer, an outspoken social critic. From "old-fashioned, square culture" to counterculture. The sources of his radicalization may be found in the turbulent political events of the time, including the assassination of Robert Kennedy and Chicago Democratic Convention riots. Mr. Carlin's most famous routine, Seven Words You Can Never Say on TV (unspeakably dirty words like 'tits', words "that'll infect your soul, curve your spine, and keep the country from winning the war.") Unfortunately Mr. Carlin's career stagnates in the 1970s, likely due to drug abuse. The period of his "financial and creative swamp" lasts until the turnaround which begins in 1982 with the famous Carnegie Hall performance.
The later portions of the autobiography resonate with me particularly strongly. Mr. Carlin, essentially a political left-winger, writes how the "liberal orthodoxy was as repugnant [to him] as conservative orthodoxy":
The habits of liberals, their automatic language, their knee-jerk responses to certain issues, deserved the epithets the right wing stuck them with."( I have a simple-minded and naive explanation to that: any orthodoxy is repugnant!) I also love Mr. Carlin's passages about "old American double standard" (why only American, I ask; double standard and hypocrisy in general are the trademarks of human species.)
I love the closing pages of the autobiography where Mr. Carlin bares his scathing views on a very basic human characteristic - the instinct to form groups. He demonstrates the superficiality of groups of various types and writes how he has found "all the group stuff: rules, uniforms, rituals, bonding [...] a distraction."
Finally, throughout the autobiography, but particularly towards its end, Mr. Carlin writes about his performance techniques. I have found these passages extremely interesting and instructive. When I teach mathematics at the university I also try to do a bit of stand-up comedy to enliven the occasionally intimidating material; I have learned a few technical tricks from Mr. Carlin. Highly recommended autobiography!
Four stars.
December 27, 2019
"I've been calling people cocksuckers for years and never got a quarter for it."
If you are a fan of Carlin's comedy than I think you will enjoy this quirky and funny memoir about his life. I guess it went unfinished but it's still very good. It is slow to start, but the last quarter of it makes up for the slow start.
If you are a fan of Carlin's comedy than I think you will enjoy this quirky and funny memoir about his life. I guess it went unfinished but it's still very good. It is slow to start, but the last quarter of it makes up for the slow start.
April 22, 2015
Georgie Carlin grew up with an alcoholic father, a neurotic mother, a brother who served as the punching bag for their dad and tyhe imprimatur of all of new York shaping his childhood..
he was a class clown/ He loved his wife.. His brother Pat reads his bio or auto bio on audible..
Carlin was flawed? Of course.. all comics are flawed..
But thus so are we all...
Comics just get to put their flaws on display...
he credits LSD with opening up his tight ass sensibilities...
he spent his early life attempting to pleas ethe public and
in the latter half he spent his time attempting to live down all of that crowd pleasing crap..
he talks of the birth of the seven words.. and he recalls his many arrests.. he was arrested along with his partner (yes he was part of an two guy act) Jack Burns at a Lenny bruce concert.. He and Jack waited .. in the audience and offered some epithets to the cops who had stopped Lenny mid hum...
As the cops bum rushed him out the door?
He turned to his long-suffering wife... Honey I'm going to jail ... don't wait up
he chats about his cocaine/grass habit and he is honest to a fault about his coke problems..
His schtick about several appearances on the Ed Sullivan are hilarious...
he talks about Sullivan's celebrated lack of edit... about how Ed was always on stage with his guests and about his outrageously inappropriate intros and exit lines...
Carlin was called over once to chat after his set...
"You're Catholic? he asked.. george nodded..
"Ladies and Gentlemen George Carlin.. a funny man and he's catholic .. Let's hear it for George!"
Jesus..
His friend Jose Feliciano appeared on Sullivan and Carlin was there for this intro from Ed..
Ladies and gentleman Jose Feliciano tremendous singer and guitar player... He's BLIND! And he's Puerto Rican.. Let's hear it for Jose Feliciano...
he asked Pat to read the book because it was finished posthumously
Pat Carlin never backed down from his dad.. and his dad was a terror...
he became a car salesman in California until george gave himn a nudge to get his funny on..
"Pat was always a great writer.. and I thouight he was wasting that talent as a used car salesman.. Pat is a great writer and he sounds like?
Guess who..
His brother Georgie..
he reads the bio
lovingly... he always had his younger brother's back...
george followed his brother into the army ..
when they left they had five court martials between them..
Pat had three and George had two...
The army gave George his one big break.. they trained him to be a radio announcer... and he took that training and ran with it..
he ran into another comic in newsers clothing jack Burns... Burns he credits with giving him the liberal sensibilities that followed him the rest of his life..
George grew up in a republican household and in his youth was a big fan of Joe McCarthy and J Edgar Hoover.. yes.. those guys were role models for the young New York Irish kid... Burns drove the crazy right out of george... they burgeoned as a comic duo....
They traveled .. George his new bride and jack.... on the road across america playing small clubs / big clubs and many of the sixties art houses.. Carlin became friends with the legends/ Seeger/the folkies who were just then occupying prominence in the hippie dippie movement.
This is a very good book...
Of course you should read it.. but do yourself a favor..
get an audible book subscription and listen to his older brother pat spin tales about his brother..
There's love ion every word...
Terry Gav
he was a class clown/ He loved his wife.. His brother Pat reads his bio or auto bio on audible..
Carlin was flawed? Of course.. all comics are flawed..
But thus so are we all...
Comics just get to put their flaws on display...
he credits LSD with opening up his tight ass sensibilities...
he spent his early life attempting to pleas ethe public and
in the latter half he spent his time attempting to live down all of that crowd pleasing crap..
he talks of the birth of the seven words.. and he recalls his many arrests.. he was arrested along with his partner (yes he was part of an two guy act) Jack Burns at a Lenny bruce concert.. He and Jack waited .. in the audience and offered some epithets to the cops who had stopped Lenny mid hum...
As the cops bum rushed him out the door?
He turned to his long-suffering wife... Honey I'm going to jail ... don't wait up
he chats about his cocaine/grass habit and he is honest to a fault about his coke problems..
His schtick about several appearances on the Ed Sullivan are hilarious...
he talks about Sullivan's celebrated lack of edit... about how Ed was always on stage with his guests and about his outrageously inappropriate intros and exit lines...
Carlin was called over once to chat after his set...
"You're Catholic? he asked.. george nodded..
"Ladies and Gentlemen George Carlin.. a funny man and he's catholic .. Let's hear it for George!"
Jesus..
His friend Jose Feliciano appeared on Sullivan and Carlin was there for this intro from Ed..
Ladies and gentleman Jose Feliciano tremendous singer and guitar player... He's BLIND! And he's Puerto Rican.. Let's hear it for Jose Feliciano...
he asked Pat to read the book because it was finished posthumously
Pat Carlin never backed down from his dad.. and his dad was a terror...
he became a car salesman in California until george gave himn a nudge to get his funny on..
"Pat was always a great writer.. and I thouight he was wasting that talent as a used car salesman.. Pat is a great writer and he sounds like?
Guess who..
His brother Georgie..
he reads the bio
lovingly... he always had his younger brother's back...
george followed his brother into the army ..
when they left they had five court martials between them..
Pat had three and George had two...
The army gave George his one big break.. they trained him to be a radio announcer... and he took that training and ran with it..
he ran into another comic in newsers clothing jack Burns... Burns he credits with giving him the liberal sensibilities that followed him the rest of his life..
George grew up in a republican household and in his youth was a big fan of Joe McCarthy and J Edgar Hoover.. yes.. those guys were role models for the young New York Irish kid... Burns drove the crazy right out of george... they burgeoned as a comic duo....
They traveled .. George his new bride and jack.... on the road across america playing small clubs / big clubs and many of the sixties art houses.. Carlin became friends with the legends/ Seeger/the folkies who were just then occupying prominence in the hippie dippie movement.
This is a very good book...
Of course you should read it.. but do yourself a favor..
get an audible book subscription and listen to his older brother pat spin tales about his brother..
There's love ion every word...
Terry Gav
April 12, 2013
I saw Carlin perform twice in my life, but became aware of him when I secretly watched Carlin at Carnegie when I was about 10 or 11 while my folks were bowling on a Friday. I didn't understand a lot of what he was saying, but I knew some bad language when I heard it. It was the stuff that my dad and mom yelled at each other all the time. Except this was incredibly funny, not filled with menace and fear.
I still own several of his CD's, my favorite being a double CD set of his AM/FM, Occupation Foole and Class Clown releases. Perhaps the thing I liked about this book the least was the somewhat lengthy quotations from these albums. Shit I've had those fuckin' things memorized since I was about 12 or 13. The three things that make this a must read book are:
1. Yes, there are drugs here in mass quantities. But it is not a story about the glories of drug abuse, nor the lamenting of the effects of drug abuse. Carlin maintains an attitude of that is in the past. With many other writers I would call Bull Shit, but not him. With many "show biz" biographies, tales of drinking three cases of beer with Peter Fonda or insert-known-addict-here and winding up teabagging insert-celebrity-you-despise-here are banal. Carlin was there, did that and spent the last four years of his life sober.
2. Carlin was first and foremost a performer, and his writings about audiences are insightful and grand. A word that gets abused in this culture is "authentic", but Carlin was authentically one of those people at his best on a stage. He knew it and here is matter of fact about it, again a refreshing item. There is also little or no name dropping, something I can't stand. I really don't give a shit about who celebrities hang out with in their spare time. I want to learn about how they do what they do, and Carlin is exhaustive in the hows-and-whys department.
3. The growth in his comedy lay in the fact that he never stopped learning or trying to find new information. While an excellent lesson for each of us, I never realized how much of an effect this has had upon me as a writer. Carlin's stuff stands up well because, as he so eloquently put it, "Bullshit is the glue of our society." Since he is always riffing on the thing that most Americans instinctively despise (hypocrisy) his writing and shows will remain relevant.
I still own several of his CD's, my favorite being a double CD set of his AM/FM, Occupation Foole and Class Clown releases. Perhaps the thing I liked about this book the least was the somewhat lengthy quotations from these albums. Shit I've had those fuckin' things memorized since I was about 12 or 13. The three things that make this a must read book are:
1. Yes, there are drugs here in mass quantities. But it is not a story about the glories of drug abuse, nor the lamenting of the effects of drug abuse. Carlin maintains an attitude of that is in the past. With many other writers I would call Bull Shit, but not him. With many "show biz" biographies, tales of drinking three cases of beer with Peter Fonda or insert-known-addict-here and winding up teabagging insert-celebrity-you-despise-here are banal. Carlin was there, did that and spent the last four years of his life sober.
2. Carlin was first and foremost a performer, and his writings about audiences are insightful and grand. A word that gets abused in this culture is "authentic", but Carlin was authentically one of those people at his best on a stage. He knew it and here is matter of fact about it, again a refreshing item. There is also little or no name dropping, something I can't stand. I really don't give a shit about who celebrities hang out with in their spare time. I want to learn about how they do what they do, and Carlin is exhaustive in the hows-and-whys department.
3. The growth in his comedy lay in the fact that he never stopped learning or trying to find new information. While an excellent lesson for each of us, I never realized how much of an effect this has had upon me as a writer. Carlin's stuff stands up well because, as he so eloquently put it, "Bullshit is the glue of our society." Since he is always riffing on the thing that most Americans instinctively despise (hypocrisy) his writing and shows will remain relevant.
August 11, 2011
This labels itself as a "sortabiography." Carlin met with Hendra many times over the course of 15 years, developing this as a book about his life. Sometimes they would have a specific theme or time period in mind, and sometimes they would just have a conversation with the tape recorder going. And although they never had the time to put it together while Mr. Carlin was alive, Hendra took it upon himself to assemble all the bits and pieces.
And the result is amazing. I have always been a Carlin fan, from since way before I should have been allowed to watch his stand-up. But my parents knew that he was saying important things that I needed to hear. Eventually, I read his three books as well. They are more about language and funny business than ideas, but Carlin was a man of depth. From abortion to war to religion to snot to dogs to drugs to words to prison to leftovers in the fridge to sports to...stuff. I absorbed it all.
And this book told me things I never would have thought to ask about. I had heard some of the stories before, but much of it was new to me. And it was great to have the scope of the man's whole life, chronologically. Sometimes chrono-illogically. I got to see how changes in the world caused changes in the man, and how those changes caused changes in his work. Which caused changes in comedy. Which caused some changes in the world. It was pretty amazing.
And Tony Hendra must be some kind of genius. Carlin died a year and a half ago. This book came out last week. Yet somehow I felt as if there were no middle man. It was so intimate, conversational, and well put-together...for a while, I forgot he was dead. And that was a nice feeling. The world needs more George Carlins. And this book adds to a body of genius that might well help create some more.
Highly recommended.
And the result is amazing. I have always been a Carlin fan, from since way before I should have been allowed to watch his stand-up. But my parents knew that he was saying important things that I needed to hear. Eventually, I read his three books as well. They are more about language and funny business than ideas, but Carlin was a man of depth. From abortion to war to religion to snot to dogs to drugs to words to prison to leftovers in the fridge to sports to...stuff. I absorbed it all.
And this book told me things I never would have thought to ask about. I had heard some of the stories before, but much of it was new to me. And it was great to have the scope of the man's whole life, chronologically. Sometimes chrono-illogically. I got to see how changes in the world caused changes in the man, and how those changes caused changes in his work. Which caused changes in comedy. Which caused some changes in the world. It was pretty amazing.
And Tony Hendra must be some kind of genius. Carlin died a year and a half ago. This book came out last week. Yet somehow I felt as if there were no middle man. It was so intimate, conversational, and well put-together...for a while, I forgot he was dead. And that was a nice feeling. The world needs more George Carlins. And this book adds to a body of genius that might well help create some more.
Highly recommended.
February 24, 2010
My dad had CARLIN ON CAMPUS, one of his HBO concerts from the 80s. I used to sneak a peek and laugh laugh laugh. I had his entire routine memorized.
I was lucky enough to see him in concert in Raleigh, NC, in the early 90s. I went with my parents, and while it was fun...several parts were PRETTY UNCOMFORTABLE watching with my parents (though I looked over a couple times to see my parents red-faced and laughing along with him!).
I've read Napalm and the sequel. Those were more standup put in print. This was a really good account of who he was, what made him...Carlin. It was funny, sometimes sad, and he was honest. I liked that.
In the preface it's mentioned that it is not really a finished product. I agree. It seems to skip ahead a decade or two (from the mid 80s, when Georgie was hitting his stride and coming into his own) to the end. It does feel rushed at the end, but I think the fact he died suddenly is probably a contributing factor:)
All in all, if you're a fan of Carlin, this book is a MUST.
It's great to see how he went from somebody associated with the establishment (Sullivan Show) to someone who spends every waking minute challenging it.
RIP Carlin. You rock, Sir.
I was lucky enough to see him in concert in Raleigh, NC, in the early 90s. I went with my parents, and while it was fun...several parts were PRETTY UNCOMFORTABLE watching with my parents (though I looked over a couple times to see my parents red-faced and laughing along with him!).
I've read Napalm and the sequel. Those were more standup put in print. This was a really good account of who he was, what made him...Carlin. It was funny, sometimes sad, and he was honest. I liked that.
In the preface it's mentioned that it is not really a finished product. I agree. It seems to skip ahead a decade or two (from the mid 80s, when Georgie was hitting his stride and coming into his own) to the end. It does feel rushed at the end, but I think the fact he died suddenly is probably a contributing factor:)
All in all, if you're a fan of Carlin, this book is a MUST.
It's great to see how he went from somebody associated with the establishment (Sullivan Show) to someone who spends every waking minute challenging it.
RIP Carlin. You rock, Sir.
January 16, 2010
This book reminds me of what a classical liberal really think. He also cut down on the liberal ideology, the othrodox ones, and even confessed to doing something conservative like showing his daughter's abusive boyfriend a baseball bat and saying that he's not really a baseball player but use that to persuade certain people to either change or simply don't come back. He is also for other people's abortion, just not his own.
My favorite part, where I actually laughed out loud was when he described one of his setbacks, in where he performed at a club where the owner who already paid his fee did not like the materials. While Carlin was on the stage, the lights slowly dimmed during his bit, 'slow like a sunset' until he was completely in the darkness on the stage and then they slowly reduced the sound of his microphone to silence so all the audience saw was a skinny stiloulette trying to gamely continue to perform. You have to admire his tenaciousy.
It is a fine thin book, very well written and not a bulky tome. I really learned a lot about himself and his off kiltered way of thinking and how he developed his skill and talent as one of the greatest comedians of all times.
My favorite part, where I actually laughed out loud was when he described one of his setbacks, in where he performed at a club where the owner who already paid his fee did not like the materials. While Carlin was on the stage, the lights slowly dimmed during his bit, 'slow like a sunset' until he was completely in the darkness on the stage and then they slowly reduced the sound of his microphone to silence so all the audience saw was a skinny stiloulette trying to gamely continue to perform. You have to admire his tenaciousy.
It is a fine thin book, very well written and not a bulky tome. I really learned a lot about himself and his off kiltered way of thinking and how he developed his skill and talent as one of the greatest comedians of all times.
November 29, 2010
I always like George Carlin for his rebellious questioning and honest summaries of things in politics and the popular culture that seemed skewed to me.
This book is like him, very honest and blunt about his life and his struggles as a performer, person, artist, son, father, husband and man. I should have realized, listening to his monologues over the years, how much he drank and did drugs, but at the same time, my denial was telling myself that someone so clever couldn't be doing THAT many drugs or getting THAT drunk. Silly me. But, like many other very gifted people, maybe alcohol and drugs helped fuel some of his creativity. How do we know? Perhaps he had to quiet the demons long enough to access the creativity.
At any rate, and possibly every rate, Last Words is an honest commentary on a life lived with purpose and honesty. I'm sorry George left us, but we have the legacy of his words.
This book is like him, very honest and blunt about his life and his struggles as a performer, person, artist, son, father, husband and man. I should have realized, listening to his monologues over the years, how much he drank and did drugs, but at the same time, my denial was telling myself that someone so clever couldn't be doing THAT many drugs or getting THAT drunk. Silly me. But, like many other very gifted people, maybe alcohol and drugs helped fuel some of his creativity. How do we know? Perhaps he had to quiet the demons long enough to access the creativity.
At any rate, and possibly every rate, Last Words is an honest commentary on a life lived with purpose and honesty. I'm sorry George left us, but we have the legacy of his words.
March 6, 2019
Why do I read biographies? Invariably I discover I hate the person and lose respect for at least a portion of their work. Rich people just piss me off,Artists also piss me off. At his best, he transcends himself.
To be fair, I'm not a very big Carlin fan to begin with -- He always struck me as a mostly uninformed hippy. He's a brilliant clown, not a brilliant satirist.
Meh, I can't recommend this -- it's nothing special as entertainment. If you are really curious about Carlin you don't need the recommendation, and if you're not, skip it.
To be fair, I'm not a very big Carlin fan to begin with -- He always struck me as a mostly uninformed hippy. He's a brilliant clown, not a brilliant satirist.
Meh, I can't recommend this -- it's nothing special as entertainment. If you are really curious about Carlin you don't need the recommendation, and if you're not, skip it.
June 26, 2022
I *loved* George Carlin. He had an amazingly original and funny take on so many aspects of US society. So I wish I hadn't read this. It's re-chewed material put out for him to earn some money he needed. He spends a ton of time in the book talking about his tax problems. (Could there *be* a less interesting subject?) I will try to forget this book and concentrate instead on some of his earlier wonders, like "When Will Jesus Bring the Porkchops?"
Displaying 1 - 30 of 741 reviews