Rickles' Book Author:Don Rickles, David Ritz Insult comic Rickles has written a feel-good memoir that's loaded with photos and sentiment. The only son of loving parents, today he's an 80-year-old grandfather who still performs nationwide. The most interesting bits--his climb to the top--are told only in broad strokes. The tone is friendly and conversational, however, as he describe... more »s, among other things, his style: "I found a distinct sense of sarcasm and humorous exaggeration."
Rickles wanted to be a serious actor, but he started as a comic in strip clubs and worked his way up. His break came when Sinatra heard him--and he used Sinatra's influence to get him better gigs. Yet for a guy famous for calling others a "hockey puck," Rickles's story is Hollywood lite. There's no backstage drama, no sex, no gossip. When he name-drops celebrities, it's always in glowing terms. We learn of his short-lived TV shows, CPO Sharkey and The Don Rickles Show, and how voicing Mr. Potato Head in Toy Story jump-started his later career. Those looking for a sardonic autobiography will be disappointed; Rickles accentuates the positive. If he has a bad word to say about anyone, he'll probably save it for his act.« less
This was a quick read, funny and interesting about the era when a handshake and friendship was everything. I'm not a particular fan of Rickles but this book was very enjoyable. I recommend.