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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.
thematinee's review against another edition
4.0
Occasionally leans towards bragging, but is usually wry and heartwarming. Say no more.
broncoannee's review against another edition
4.0
The history of Monty Python plus many truly LOL moments.
nssutton's review against another edition
4.0
Picked this up after hearing his interview on Conan’s podcast and realizing how little I knew about Monty Python, compared to my love for them. It was kind of like sitting next to a old, distantly related relative at a family gathering and being like oh boy, here comes the stream of stories only to find that the stories are about like George Harrison and David Bowie and Robin Williams. I must have added a dozen more celebrity biographies to my never ending queue by the last page.
andymills's review against another edition
2.0
I love Monty Python but could not finish this. The name dropping just got too much.
jackiewilham's review against another edition
5.0
I loved every minute of this audio book. Most audio books performed by the author are a struggle, but this is an absolute delight. My girls (20-somethings) walked in as I was listening and asked what it was. I struggled for a moment to explain and then remembered their connection to Eric Idle. “It’s the autobiography of the professor in the Figment ride at EPCOT.” Recognition crossed their faces: “I knew he sounded familiar,” said the oldest. And, he does. He sounds familiar and relatable and absolutely charming as he tells story after story of a life that is beyond comprehension. Wow! This book was the perfect guard against the January blues. How I’m going to get through the rest of this cold, gray month without him I just cannot imagine. It definitely helped me see the bright side of life while I was listening.
bluecupbooks's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
5.0