During the break between summer and fall classes I started reading several books, one of which is The Chris Farley Show written by Tom Farley, Jr. and Tanner Colby. For those you who are familiar with Chris Farley, I don’t have to say much to convince you that he was an endearing, yet troubled, young comedian who met with an untimely death. If you’re not familiar with Farley and his repertoire of characters from Saturday Night Live and his movies, I suggest (if you’re interested) to check out the SNL archives (circa early 90’s)featuring him as the motivational speaker, Matt Foley and/or his movie with David Spade, Tommy Boy.
This book is written in a style that allows you, the reader, to feel as though you’re sitting in a room listening to his friends and family members reminisce about their interactions with this comedic genius. Each person gives a short paragraph or two in each chapter of the book that takes up where the previous person leaves off, or they begin a new story or an account of some experience they had with Farley. It’s done in a no holds barred honest account of their feelings and opinions about what Farley did, should have done, could have done, and how he touched them on some level.
I enjoy biographies, and autobiographies, and recommend this book to those who also enjoy the real-life stories of others. This story also demonstrates the destructiveness of addiction and how it can rule and dictate an individual’s struggle to “be clean,” as well as the profound affect that an addict can have on the people around them, close or otherwise. There is a common theme among those who are afflicted with the addictive gene; there is only one pivotal moment in which their lives change forever.
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Janet-
ReplyDeleteI have to say that I look up to people like yourself for being able to read books like the one that you discussed here. I would really like to be able to read them but it seems like everytime I try I am too distracted to get into them. I have to be hooked like a fish to stay into a book. I really love reading but it has to be the a "perfect" book. This book on Chris seems to be a good one and how you explained it feeling like you were in the room with his family and friends was very good in describing it. I still keep hope that someday I will be able to sit down with books on my favorite poets, writers and actor and read all about there lives without being distracted. Thanks,
Carmen
Janet~
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your comments on this particular book as I too gained an appreciation for Chris Farley after Tommy Boy, Black Sheep, and his SNL classics came out. My kids saw most of Tommy Boy as well and giggled at Chris' silly antics. I edited the unsavory parts to the best of my ability, however. I did have to explain that Chris Farley wasted his comedic talent by getting involved in too many addictive substances which eventually led to his death. They seemed to understand my point and hopefully will take his example as one not to follow.
I will have to pick up a copy of The Chris Farley Show book one of these days. It sounds like a great read! Thanks for your vivid description of its content.
~Lisa Ball