Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #540365 in Books
• Published on: 1999-05-05
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 208 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Comedian Behar, a co-host of ABC-TV's female talkfest The View, has an unusual storyAcoming to comedy in midlifeAbut this frustratingly disparate book doesn't mine that tale. A mix of memoir, stand-up shtick and bits written for the page, the book obviously seeks to capitalize on its author's newfound fame. But Behar offers no dish on The ViewAit's not even mentioned. Her first chapter reflects on her path to comedy, rising from an unhappy marriage, immobilizing lethargy and therapy. Instead of continuing the memoir, however, Behar opts for thin but entertaining enough anecdotes about her Italian-American family, a topic to which she returns several times. After a chapter on why Behar hates the beach, she returns to her story, relating how the death of a friend gave her the courage to risk "dying onstage." But what's next? A strained "Ask Joy" Q&A. (Q: What do you think of RuPaul? A: Loved him. Hated her.") A chapter on women over 50 contains a flat, Viagra-inspired "Diary of a Mad Viagra Housewife," but ends with some bracingly funny observations about men: "All we want now is a guy who's good in bed and not annoying when he's not in bed." Behar fans may be entertained, but others will wish for more wisdom and wit. Photos not seen by PW. Author tour.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
Best known for her role as cohost of ABC's The View, Behar has taken pen to paper to share some of her comic routines. From her stint as a receptionist at Good Morning America to her opinions on men and marriage, Behar regales the reader with her unique take on life. On pornography: "Men love to watch two women make love. I wonder, does this turn them on or are they just trying to figure out how to do it right?" In "The Incredible, Absolutely True Story of Lorena and John," Behar is amazed at the quick retrieval of Bobbit's missing appendageAthey couldn't find Jimmy Hoffa or Amelia Earhart, but "this little pig in a blanket they were able to find in two hours." Behar on paper loses some of the charm and humor of Behar in person, but this is still a funny book. Author notoriety and publicity should create demand. Recommended for public libraries.AKathy Ingels Helmond, Indianapolis-Marion Cty. P.L.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author
Joy Behar is currently a co-host of The View. Her television work includes appearances on Bill Maher's Politically Incorrect, a regular role on Baby Boom, and a Cable ACE Award-winning stint on Dr. Katz: Professional Therapist. She was also a talk show host on her own WABC radio show and had roles in such movies as This Is My Life and Manhattan Murder Mystery. She lives in New York City.

Customer Reviews

Don't Bother...Couldn't Be Worse
I love Joy on The View with her wit and comidic jabs but this book was more than disappointing. I come from an Italian family, my parents from Italy and the only subject I could mildly relate to with any humor was the Italian funeral. I wonder what she was thinking writing this book and who ever critqued it and told her it was any good at all? She babbles on about nonsense and who give a darn about any of the subjects. Babble, babble. This book isn't even mildy funny. It stinks big time. Thank goodness it only cost me a few bucks. Stick to The View, Joy and forget about writing. Great if you can't sleep....better than any pill.

Hysterically Funny

"Joy Shtick" is a real kick! Joy Behar has written a book that is hysterically funny about relationships, family, women, men, Italians, and free advice. I also enjoyed her sections on eating, dogs, marriage, birth control, Viagra, and doctors.

I think that people who will especially appreciate this book will be feminists, writers, Italians, comedians, married people, those with a good sense of humor, and a those with high IQ. Laugh softly and carry "Joy Shtick."

Belly laughs and wry photos
Ms. Behar, lately of ABC's "The View," gives us some standup shtick here along with a little flavor from her life, loves, relatives, and encounters with various show biz celebs. I liked the photos of her, especially the sexy one (p. 50) with the elbow pointing out and the pouty mouth. (That's mouth with a pout, not "potty mouth," although she can do that too.) I also like the shot of her (p. 6, "Coffee break from the bell jar") that makes her look like her mother played by Carol Burnett as Mary Hartman in a out take from "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman." Best piece: at the Friar's Roast, where she quips, "Welcome to the sixteenth century. Actually, it's quite an honor to be the first female roastmaster in ninety-three years. Which is ironic, because ninety-three is the average age of most of the Friars." Best exchange: (in therapy) "Joy: I hate Long Island. Shrink: Why? It's so lovely here. Have you visited the new outlet center? Joy: I shoplifted...I mean, I shopped, there. I know it well. Shrink: A Freudian slip. Joy: No, actually just a cute top."

Behar is a big city girl from Brooklyn who can conduct a lesbian hour and fawn over Harrison Ford at the same time. She manages to be both Jewish and Italian, a dumb brunette and a feminist icon. She can take apart Pat Buchanan with her bare hands while worrying about the cannoli she had with lunch. She can laugh at herself, which is what a comedian has to be able to do.

This little collection of uptown wit is like a box of cherry bon-bons: you'll devour the whole thing in an hour.