Scan barcode
leesmyth's review against another edition
3.0
This is mostly a collection of anecdotes and other recollections, perhaps loosely framed through a recurring theme of occasions on which the author had an opportunity to sing "Bright Side" and the recurring quest for revenue. There is an awful lot of name-dropping, but then again, as he himself notes, the general public is generally more interested in hearing anecdotes about people they've already heard of – rather than ordinary unfamous folk like themselves.
Overall, I enjoyed it. I haven't really read anything about or by the Pythons before, so there was much new to me here. I'd never have suspected that he was friends with George Harrison, for example – but then again, I suppose the individual Beatles had to socialize with someone, didn't they? I particularly loved his fight to receive every penny of the 1£ the International Olympic Committee owed him.
As for his personal life, he comes across as fair in describing both the unraveling of his first marriage and the strength of his enduring second marriage – not necessarily an easy feat. One aspect he merely mentions in passing did give me pause, though: He suggests at one point that his wife helped trigger what turned out to be a 12-year relapse from sobriety, by stocking their tour bus with champagne. But such serious matters are not the subject or focus of this memoir, and he quickly returns to the breezy stories.
Overall, I enjoyed it. I haven't really read anything about or by the Pythons before, so there was much new to me here. I'd never have suspected that he was friends with George Harrison, for example – but then again, I suppose the individual Beatles had to socialize with someone, didn't they? I particularly loved his fight to receive every penny of the 1£ the International Olympic Committee owed him.
As for his personal life, he comes across as fair in describing both the unraveling of his first marriage and the strength of his enduring second marriage – not necessarily an easy feat. One aspect he merely mentions in passing did give me pause, though: He suggests at one point that his wife helped trigger what turned out to be a 12-year relapse from sobriety, by stocking their tour bus with champagne. But such serious matters are not the subject or focus of this memoir, and he quickly returns to the breezy stories.
rpcroke's review against another edition
5.0
Super charming and filled with jokes and lines I am certainly going to steal. If you are a Python fan you will love it. It's a well thought book in that it uses "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" as a throughput. Thanks for all the jokes :)
linesuponapage's review against another edition
4.0
When we were children, my big brother, Gene loved humor, all kinds of humor, he would regale us with jokes at the dinner table or whenever he thought it was needed. He loved Mad Magazine feature Alfred E. Newman, anything that made him laugh or lampooned reality, especially Monty Python and the Flying Circus, and then all the Monty Python movies.
I want to say that Monty Python's Life with Brian might have been his favorite. So when I had the opportunity through Penguin's First to Read, to read Eric Idle's 9th book, Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life I jumped at the chance. I knew I was going to be reliving so many funny memories. Little did I know that I would learn more than just that Eric is funny. One of a kind, a real nutty guy.
Mr. Idle's history was fascinating at times, outside of my element at other with all his partying, varying bed partners when he was younger and his seeming lack of morals then he grew out of it and settled down with the love of his life Tania. He didn't let me down with his way of writing that resembled how he and the other Python's wrote their skits and shows -- hilarious and filled with rolling on the ground stomach pain from all the laughing mixed with truth. Mr. Idle has a way of making everything relatable. Would most people understand the hobnobbing that he did with George Harrison, Carrie Fisher, Steve Martin, and Robin Williams partying, jet-setting on vacations, playing music and just goofing off with his friends? I sure didn't relate, however, Mr. Idle made it so I could see that he was just a normal person, hanging out with famous people who were also just normal people with their flaws, their humanity and their incredible opportunities to do the things they love so much.
I love that Always Look on the Bright Side of Life from Monty Python's Life of Brian became his life theme, it sure is a good song to lighten the mood and a great standard to view life with. It definitely uplifts your smile and it's plain funny irony, men being crucified and trying to find the good and bright side while going through it.
I enjoyed reading about John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Graham Chapman, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, and their ever returning honorary cast members, Carol Cleveland, and Connie Booth. I enjoyed it so much I had to go back and watch a few episodes of the Flying Circus just to remind myself of the genius and irreverent way that they acted in the episodes. I laughed, I cringed, and then I laughed some more. Thank heavens for Youtube and the ability to watch clips from Monty Python and the Holy Grail, my favorite Python movie. I laughed so hard I cried when the Knights are traipsing through the forest clapping coconuts together and galloping and encounter the black night. One of my favorite scenes commences and I just cry and cry and cry. A laughing cry is good for the soul. I truly believe this.
Now, my kids would only remember Eric as the bad guy in the movie Casper and I would tell them there is so much more this man has done. The book reminded me of how much Eric Idle really has accomplished in his 75 years on earth things I didn't even know about such as The Rutles, the mockumentary about the Beatles. If you haven't seen it you really should. Mick Jagger playing himself is the best. George Harrison and the rest of The Beatles loved it. It's a hoot. I've watched sections on Youtube. Again, thank heavens for Youtube.
I could go on and on about Always Look On The Brightside Of Life, but then I would ruin the book for you and what fun would that be for you? If you are a Python Fan, an Eric Idle Fan, a reader in need of juicy details about celebrities this book is for you. If you are squeamish of the 60's and its whole lifestyle this book isn't for you, sorry, it's downright British dirty.
Thanks to Penquin and First to Read for the opportunity to read this book in leiu of my honest opinion.
I give this book a 4 1/2 for humor, writing style and just the pure love of Eric Idle and the other Pythons.
I want to say that Monty Python's Life with Brian might have been his favorite. So when I had the opportunity through Penguin's First to Read, to read Eric Idle's 9th book, Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life I jumped at the chance. I knew I was going to be reliving so many funny memories. Little did I know that I would learn more than just that Eric is funny. One of a kind, a real nutty guy.
Mr. Idle's history was fascinating at times, outside of my element at other with all his partying, varying bed partners when he was younger and his seeming lack of morals then he grew out of it and settled down with the love of his life Tania. He didn't let me down with his way of writing that resembled how he and the other Python's wrote their skits and shows -- hilarious and filled with rolling on the ground stomach pain from all the laughing mixed with truth. Mr. Idle has a way of making everything relatable. Would most people understand the hobnobbing that he did with George Harrison, Carrie Fisher, Steve Martin, and Robin Williams partying, jet-setting on vacations, playing music and just goofing off with his friends? I sure didn't relate, however, Mr. Idle made it so I could see that he was just a normal person, hanging out with famous people who were also just normal people with their flaws, their humanity and their incredible opportunities to do the things they love so much.
I love that Always Look on the Bright Side of Life from Monty Python's Life of Brian became his life theme, it sure is a good song to lighten the mood and a great standard to view life with. It definitely uplifts your smile and it's plain funny irony, men being crucified and trying to find the good and bright side while going through it.
I enjoyed reading about John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Graham Chapman, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, and their ever returning honorary cast members, Carol Cleveland, and Connie Booth. I enjoyed it so much I had to go back and watch a few episodes of the Flying Circus just to remind myself of the genius and irreverent way that they acted in the episodes. I laughed, I cringed, and then I laughed some more. Thank heavens for Youtube and the ability to watch clips from Monty Python and the Holy Grail, my favorite Python movie. I laughed so hard I cried when the Knights are traipsing through the forest clapping coconuts together and galloping and encounter the black night. One of my favorite scenes commences and I just cry and cry and cry. A laughing cry is good for the soul. I truly believe this.
Now, my kids would only remember Eric as the bad guy in the movie Casper and I would tell them there is so much more this man has done. The book reminded me of how much Eric Idle really has accomplished in his 75 years on earth things I didn't even know about such as The Rutles, the mockumentary about the Beatles. If you haven't seen it you really should. Mick Jagger playing himself is the best. George Harrison and the rest of The Beatles loved it. It's a hoot. I've watched sections on Youtube. Again, thank heavens for Youtube.
I could go on and on about Always Look On The Brightside Of Life, but then I would ruin the book for you and what fun would that be for you? If you are a Python Fan, an Eric Idle Fan, a reader in need of juicy details about celebrities this book is for you. If you are squeamish of the 60's and its whole lifestyle this book isn't for you, sorry, it's downright British dirty.
Thanks to Penquin and First to Read for the opportunity to read this book in leiu of my honest opinion.
I give this book a 4 1/2 for humor, writing style and just the pure love of Eric Idle and the other Pythons.
patti_pinguin's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.5
slim_oysterhiatus's review against another edition
3.0
I'm a big fan of Eric Idle, from Python and the Rutles to his novel and various adventures with stage productions. I actually read this immediately after finished John Cleese's autobiography. I expected that one to be self-congratulatory and to take a cynical view of the early years, but it was actually great and focused on what I wanted to know more about, so I went into Idle's book with a positive attitude toward Python autobiographies. It starts good, and I definitely learned a bit more about his early life and how he got started writing. I always love to hear stories of the early days (David Frost, Python/Goodies relationships, etc.). The book skips the parts most Python fans probably want to hear most about, but I get that celebrities get tired of talking about what they are most known for-- they've moved on to other projects, and we should be just as interested in those if we are true fans. (Shouldn't we?) But, towards the end it's just page after page of wild parties and celebrity connections. Idle is friends with everyone in the business, and he wants us to know that. Yes, he constantly points out how amazed he is that these things have happened to him, but it gets old fast.
Still a must read for a Python fan, but some chapters can be glossed over.
Still a must read for a Python fan, but some chapters can be glossed over.
finnthehuman217's review against another edition
I love monty python so much and Eric Idle was my childhood. Starring in films such as "Scream Team" and "Casper", and "Ella Enchanted" I loved reading this book. As soon as he started reading, I was so excited. I've loved Monty Python for ages and to read a book by one of the Pythons was awesome!!! very good audiobook. I still can't believe that a lot of their projects were bankrolled by a ton of musical artists including Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Elton John and George Harrison of the Beatles. It's Fucking crazy.
pattydsf's review against another edition
3.0
“I think, after all, I’m happiest being a foreigner. Perhaps there should be a Homo sapiens passport? I feel less and less connected to individual states, and more and more connected to human beings.”
This was a fun read which was exactly what I was looking for. I needed a distraction as all Americans were waiting for the transfer of power from the 45th president to the 46th – Joe Biden. I wish it has been available from my library as an audio. I think it would have been even better to hear Eric Idle read his own words.
This was a fun read which was exactly what I was looking for. I needed a distraction as all Americans were waiting for the transfer of power from the 45th president to the 46th – Joe Biden. I wish it has been available from my library as an audio. I think it would have been even better to hear Eric Idle read his own words.
glowbird's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting stories, but very spotty editing. Some chapters felt like they needed another round of revisions, with words/phrases repeated within paragraphs. It’s a disservice to the author.
pixie_d's review against another edition
3.0
2.5 stars. I guess if you like to read about lifestyles of the rich and famous (and deathstyles, as a couple of the chapters are on deaths of the author's celebrity friends), you might like this better than I did. I guess I didn't mind reading a lot about George Harrison.
But for me it just ends up being depressing to read about all the interesting things that some people get to do, interesting people they get to hang out with, and beautiful places they get to go/live, whereas most of us are desperately trying to find something funny on TV to watch to relieve our everyday grind. And so we pay for entertainment that allows a few people to live large.
Although now that I think about it, even if I could afford to I wouldn't do drugs, so those people would not think I was a fun hang. Oh, wait, as a female I wouldn't have been in the loop anyway. That whole era (or eras? The book spans decades) as described seems incredibly sexist, despite comments by the author throughout the book about how unacceptable those attitudes were.
If anyone reads my reviews you know I tend to describe my experience or thoughts upon reading a book, not a generic synopsis. I can't imagine what a die-hard Python fan would think of this book - maybe they would love any tidbits they can get? I can only tell what came up for me when I read it. Reading the book did feel as if I were listening to Eric Idle talk about his life. there was a consistency between what I've seen on TV/in movies and the authorial voice.
But for me it just ends up being depressing to read about all the interesting things that some people get to do, interesting people they get to hang out with, and beautiful places they get to go/live, whereas most of us are desperately trying to find something funny on TV to watch to relieve our everyday grind. And so we pay for entertainment that allows a few people to live large.
Although now that I think about it, even if I could afford to I wouldn't do drugs, so those people would not think I was a fun hang. Oh, wait, as a female I wouldn't have been in the loop anyway. That whole era (or eras? The book spans decades) as described seems incredibly sexist, despite comments by the author throughout the book about how unacceptable those attitudes were.
If anyone reads my reviews you know I tend to describe my experience or thoughts upon reading a book, not a generic synopsis. I can't imagine what a die-hard Python fan would think of this book - maybe they would love any tidbits they can get? I can only tell what came up for me when I read it. Reading the book did feel as if I were listening to Eric Idle talk about his life. there was a consistency between what I've seen on TV/in movies and the authorial voice.