May 1, 2003
Mac's first book, I Ain't Scared of You (2001), was a comedy riff of sorts, covering everything from sex and marriage to professional athletes and religion, interspersing tidbits about Mac's own life. Now the comedian presents an autobiography of sorts, with sprinkles of funny insights on poverty, senior proms and choosing books over drugs. It may be a tad more serious than his first effort, but it entertainingly tells the life story of one of today's top comedians. Mac, who has his own television show and has appeared in movies including Ocean's 11 and Head of State, reports on his life thus far, including his childhood on Chicago's South Side, how he broke into comedy and his wife and family. Like his approach to stand-up--"I don't sit home and polish the material. Talking shit, I call it. And as long as they're laughing, I know I'm on the right track"--Mac's book feels impromptu yet personal. Although it does recycle some material from I Ain't Scared, this is nonetheless an uplifting--and humorous--rags to riches story, told with heart.
April 15, 2003
Mac's first book, I Ain't Scared of You (2001), was a comedy riff of sorts, covering everything from sex and marriage to professional athletes and religion, interspersing tidbits about Mac's own life. Now the comedian presents an autobiography of sorts, with sprinkles of funny insights on poverty, senior proms and choosing books over drugs. It may be a tad more serious than his first effort, but it entertainingly tells the life story of one of today's top comedians. Mac, who has his own television show and has appeared in movies including Ocean's 11 and Head of State, reports on his life thus far, including his childhood on Chicago's South Side, how he broke into comedy and his wife and family. Like his approach to stand-up--"I don't sit home and polish the material. Talking shit, I call it. And as long as they're laughing, I know I'm on the right track"--Mac's book feels impromptu yet personal. Although it does recycle some material from I Ain't Scared, this is nonetheless an uplifting--and humorous--rags to riches story, told with heart. (On sale Apr. 29)
Copyright 2003 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.