Almost Interesting: The Memoir

This was a funny and casually well-written book, a good read But it's a little frustrating because it abandons the "narrative," if you will, without finishing it. The first 2/3 of the book deal with Spade's upbringing, his grind through the comedy club scene, and his slow climb from SNL writer to SNL performer. Even though it's written with a light touch, that stuff is all pretty compelling. But it drops that thread after he's made it as an SNL cast member. It doesn't tell the story of what prompted him to leave SNL, or his movie career (except for Tommy Boy), or his experience on sitcoms. Instead, the last 1/3 of the book morphs into more of a George Carlin "Brain Droppings" type thing -- little observational essays on miscellaneous topics ranging from doing cocaine to his thoughts on dating tricks that women pull. I would have been really interested to hear why he made the jump from SNL when he did (given how hard his climb there was) and whether he's happy or not with his sitcom and movie work. The guy writes so well and so honestly about his career that I certainly could have read a lot more of it. But still, this is an entertaining read and I'd recommend it for anyone who likes a fun, self-aware memoir.

As a Gen Xer going to college during much of David Spade's SNL stint and loving the entire cast and every sketch during those early 90's, I became a fan of his a long time ago. I love his standup, so funny to watch. This book is not written by a professional writer which makes this better...he writes this book like he's doing standup which works perfectly for his story and his personality. As was mentioned previously a million times, I hope he comes out with another book picking up where he left off and talking more about the rest of his professional life (and personal). Dennis Finch is one of the best TV characters of the last few decades....would love to read more about that. This book gives a really fascinating insider's look at how the SNL sausage was made during that time. I have read several books by comedians but this one gets more personal than other's I've read. After you read this, you come to the understanding that he was a regular schlub, just like the rest of us, who worked his butt off to get where he is...and he must be a really charming guy.

Thoroughly enjoyed reading David Spade's memoir about his upbringing in Arizona, his SNL and movie career and the crazy anecdotes he acquired along the way. I particularly enjoyed reading how the movie Tommy Boy was made. In fact, I watched this movie again after reading this book just to see all the jokes and craziness that he mentioned in this book. If you enjoy David's comedy and his frequent use of juvenile language, then you will enjoy this book. If you are not a fan of his comedy and colorful language, this book is probably not for you. The only thing I didn't like about this book was that it wasn't well written. The language and word choices were pedestrian, almost as if a high school student wrote it. Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading his stories about his life and career, and I'm glad I read it.

Sure, I expected this to be laugh-out-loud funny, but who knew one of the year's most honest, engaging and fascinating celeb-memoirs would be David Spade's "Almost Interesting". I could not put it down. I blazed through it. Obviously and refreshingly NOT ghost-written, the book flows in such I way I could practically hear his voice in my mind as a I read it, his funny asides and interjections a constant source of amusement throughout. His behind-the-scenes insights into the challenges of stand-up comedy, life on the road and his years in the trenches of "Saturday Night Live" are appreciated, as are memories of his friendship with Chris Farley.Being an Arizonan I also got a kick out of his Arizona youth in the slums of Scottsdale (still probably pretty nice compared to most poor kids' upbringings), running loose in the 1970s desert. His observations about Generation X and the pre-internet Instragram-less world are hilarious.I'd like to have read more about his film career, and TV series post-SNL (we were huge fans of "Just Shoot Me" and Spade's Dennis Finch character, which are barely mentioned here) but perhaps that will be in a subsequent sequel which I will gladly buy.

I was a fan of Spade's from seeing him on a comedian special doing his Michael J Fox impersonation, through SNL to "Just Shoot Me", "Joe Dirt", and beyond. The first few chapters of the book concentrate on his youth, family, and struggle to become a stand-up. The stories are detailed and funny. Spade's voice shines through. The details of the SNL audition, and the SNL years are fascinating. My favorite was his description of the Sinead O'Connor incident and his ancillary involvement.I won't knock it for what Spade didn't share, which was stories from "Just Shoot Me", or details on becoming a father (His follow-up "A Polaroid Guy in a Snapchat World" covers that). I'm giving this book five stars for what the book tried to be, and what it is, which is a collection of great stories from the front lines of comedy.

Lots of interesting and comical situations. The sacrifices and hard work he has done shows why he has the success he has. While he doesn't have what most would consider a great writing style, I got quite a few laughs out of it. He seems to be honest and straightforward because his prose is self-deprecating yet doesn't have to be. The ending was weird, though. He stops somewhat abruptly and we miss out on his current events. The book primarily covers his childhood, his early stand-up, SNL, and Tommy Boy with Chris Farley. After that, not so much. The ending oddly detailed several bits of advice about relationships, which, I have to admit, was somewhat educational, surprisingly funny,and shamefully accurate. Don't expect the whole book to be an autobiography and don't expect the book to cover his life up to the publish date of the book. Still a great read that earns 5 stars.

A good book. Must admit I did not know David Spade before watching him on Rules on Engagement so this is why I got the book.The book is easy to ready, fun and I like Spade's attitude. To quote him, Almost interesting

Purchased for my beloved sister, she adored it, thank you, super fast shipping, great seller

One of the best and funniest biographies I've ever read. highly recommended. The audio book is also worth checking out, as David's voice adds another level to the content and makes it even funnier.

My daughter, who it was bought for as a Christmas gift, loves it. Couldn't put it down.

David Spade has the kind of humor which I enjoy and inspire to myself. I enjoy SNL and "Tommy Boy" is one of my all time favorite movies, and that is a VERY short list. I believe that Chris Farley and David Spade could have been as big as Abbott and Costello in the modern era. They were that complimentary together.As for the book, I could not put it down and had to read it straight through. The reason I did not give it 5 stars is that Spade went too long. The last two chapters were not necessary and did not add to the book. It was like a comedian that was killing it on stage but his set was two minutes too long and he lost his audience. All is forgiven as 80% of the book was really good and I laughed out loud in a couple of places and I almost never do that.