Enter Laughing

by Carl Reiner

In his semi-autobiographical, laugh-out-loud novel, Carl Reiner details a young man's frustrations as he works as a machinist's helper and tries to break into show business. Along the bumpy path, the aspiring young actor tries to extricate himself from his overly protective parents -- and his two girlfriends -- and eventually lands an acting gig with a small theater troupe. Human, funny, and relatable, Enter Laughing is a warm tale of a young man with love in his heart and greasepaint on his face that guarantees to have everyone exit laughing.

Genres: Humor, Fiction, Plays

232 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1959

About the author

Carl Reiner was an American actor, film director, producer, writer and comedian. He has won nine Emmy Awards and one Grammy Award during his career. He has the distinction of being the only person to appear on all five incarnations of The Tonight Show. He is best known for his work in Ocean's Eleven, Ocean's Twelve, and Ocean's Thirteen.

Reviews

[Christina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I expected this to be funny, it wasn't.

[TraceyL · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hate giving this book 1 star because there's nothing wrong with it, but there wasn't a single thing I liked about it. The characters, the writing style, the story line - nothing did it for me. It popped up in my library app shortly after Carl Reiner's death, but I think I would've rather read an actual autobiography instead of a novel inspired by his life.

[Janette Schafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming coming of age story about a young man falling in love with the theater. Actors & Actresses and aficionados of professional and community theater will adore this play.

[Elise · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up. Some pretty funny bits.

[A. Breton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gave me a giggle. I enjoyed this story about an actor getting his start in show business. I look forward to reading more of his stories.

[Cecellia Rogers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as hilarious as I expected but nonetheless entertaining. And short.

[Joanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haven’t read this in like 10 years! Carl’s writing is always delightful!! Always the storyteller and humorist!

[Kathleen Meacham · Rating 1 out of 5]

Huh? If it wasn't such a short read, I would have abandoned it.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and funny story of David, a young 17 year old in 1938 who gets a part in a low budget play in NYC and over the course of 3 days has to learn all his lines and deal with his parents, his day time boss and two different girlfriends. Very funny with lots of laughs of the period and times. Endearing, read by Carl Reiner of audio. I wish he had been younger when he read it, for a 80-something year old man just doesn't come across all that well as a 17 1/2 year old young man. Still, all the voices of the different characters were first rate.

3.5/5

[Beverly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was cute. Probably deserves a 3.5. It's the story of a 17.5 year old boy that is a delivery boy for a sewing repair shop. The owner loves him like a son and wants him to follow in his footsteps. Unfortunately, all David Kolowitz wants to do is be an actor, his alter-ego, known as Don Coleman. The story is a very funny semi-autobiographical story of Carl Reiner. The main character is so loveable! I'd give it a 3.5 if I could.

[Barb · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think I may have been generous with a two star rating on this one. I like Carl Reiner's TV and movie writing. I thought I'd like his novels. I thought wrong. This was more than likely a semi-biographical novel about a young, teenage boy and his quest to become an actor. Sadly, I already purchased the sequel. I'm not sure if I'll bother to read it, though.

[Joshua Grisetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

The musical version of this book (by Joe Stein and Stan Daniels) started my career in the New York theatre scene. The incredibly charming and funny story is based on Carl Reiner's real life beginnings, and is a quick, delightful read if you can get your hands on a copy!

[Marjorie]

I love Carl Reiner and will read other bios on him when the mood strikes me. This one addresses his youth and how he got into show business. He is a funny man and was a funny kid.

[joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the story and Carl's reading. Wish it covered more of this life.