The Death of Comedy -by Robert O’Connell
- DougInNC book review
Where this book shines most will depend on the individual, but anyone with a funny bone or in need of one will find the light somewhere in these pages. Everyone has their ax to grind, but not everyone knows how to poke you in the ribs with their ax and make you laugh out loud, which this author will accomplish.
A collection of vignettes that strikes humor into head and heart, “The Death of Comedy” is a quick read with a great variety of topics and varying length of short story. From the first chapter, titled as the book, this is anything but death. It is farcical musings, family humor, ragging on friends, learning from situations, introspective comedy, and perceptions from a penchant life. It is the break you deserve from the trappings of your day to read the ramblings of another.
Through keen observation and honest oversharing, now-Southern author Robert O’Connell (call him Bob, bless his heart!) delights the reader. His methods of storytelling, dialogue, and short stage plays keep the engagement strong from cover to cover.
The work fits well with an older audience, containing a few stories emanating from 1960s New York and New Jersey. Other elements range to contemporary millennials and whatever we term the generation after them.
Readers will react to tales ranging from cartoons (Gumby on trial, Wile E. Coyote on airplanes), to characterizations from sports (Ali, Magic, Mets, Yankees, Cowboys, etc.), to the character of characters (family and fast friends) met along the way.
If you read this and do not share at least one of his stories, it’s a pity. If you read this and do not recall at least one forgotten story of your own, it’s a pity. If you read this and don’t see yourself or someone you know portrayed in some way, the author is probably willing to expose the Burnsian louse inhabiting your hat. Enjoy!
Note: It can be hard to find this book, but in late 2018 it was listed on Amazon at this link which uses the ISBN
number: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/099836200X
"Across My Spectrum" 