RichardPryor.com Forums

I wanted to pose this question. Has anyone read these how-to books on stand-up comedy (judy carter, greg dean, etc)? If so, what were your thoughts? Helpful,useless?

I myself just finished reading "the comedy bible" by judy carter. I thought the most interesting points were the advice from the professional comics, and her advice about making sure your comedy is top-notch before you get noticed. But I couldn't really get into the actual joke-writing techniques. I'm also one who thinks that stand-up comedy is ultimately trial by fire, but I do like reading about comedy as well. What do y'all think? Are there any good books you would recommend?

sammaudlin,
I am no comic but check out a book by Jim Mendrinos!!He is also a member of this board!!!

Bingo's right...it's GREAT.
Franklin Ajaye's is very good as well...

-Smokey

bingolong,

Aw, shucks - I don't know what to say!

Thanks.

And FA's book, Comic Insights is killa!

Jim Mendrinos,

I agree. Ajaye's book is better than average. I haven't gotten your book yet. But will. Another great book is Jay Sankey's Zen and the Art of Stand up. In my opinion, it's the best book on the market so far. And it was written by a magician -- go figure. BTW, no book is a substitute for stage time. You can read from now to doomsday, but you gotta get onstage. Trial by fire indeed...

Jim Mendrinos,
No Problemo my man!!!:)
What's the word with you?

cool, thanks for the recs, guys. I've heard great things about Franklyn Ajaye's book. Jim, I looked for your book in some stores here in San Francisco, has it been nationally released?

sammaudlin,
http://www.jim-mendrinos.com/_wsn/page2.html - This page has a link to Amazon were you can buy the book'

sammaudlin,
I like the Franklyn Ajaye book.
The Judy Carter book is cool.
Books are cool for structure and to give you an idea of what to do and what to try. Ultimately they are going to help you harness your talent.
I have not read Jim Mendrios's book but I hear good things aobut it.

cool,

I get paid Friday, so I think I'll order Ajaye and Mendrinos's books online. Thanks again guys. I understand what you're saying about the books helping to harness your talent, amp-d. I guess my only concern was whether they could possibly make you limit yourself to a set of rules. But then again, I suppose WE are the only people who could do that to ourselves.