Customer Reviews

I'm Dreaming of a Black Christmas

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If are a fan a Lewis Black, you will thoroughly enjoy this book. Unlike his classic "Me Of Little Faith" (which ranks in my top 5 of all-time) -- Black Christmas offers a very personal side to Lewis with of course a mix of his impression on the yuletide season. It's a fast read, it is extremely funny in spots but most of all -- the reader gets a glimpse of the real Lewis Black.

I really enjoyed Lewis Black's last book so I had to read this one. In the beginning of the book he makes sure you understand that there is a good chance you might be offended by his views on Christmas and the holiday season, so he knows it is only for a certain group of people. It is a funny read and his style of comedy/speaking and sarcasm come across in writing well like his other book. Some parts were more of just him telling stories and not really trying to make you laugh. My favorite part by far was the last section in which talked about his work with the USO and doing shows at various bases in the Gulf. Even though this part took place during December, Christmas wasn't as much of the focus as in the rest of the book. I would love to read more about his time spent over there. You can feel about much he admires and supports our troops by the way he words his stories and refers to people as gentlemen or goes on about how gracious and friendly they are even though he made it clear he is not happy about the war.

Mr. Black is my type of comedian. He's a smart, socially-conscious bug in the public's ear. Much like his mentor, the late George Carlin, Mr. Black has made a career of dwelling within areas that make other people squeamish. It did not surprise me that, despite him being Jewish, the quasi-curmudgeon would pump out a Christmas rant. The book does offer some funny insights about how Americans celebrate this festive season, but he also dwells quite a bit on the fact he is a single, 61-year-old guy with no kids. A more apt title might have been something like "A Typical Christmas Day for Lewis Black." The comedian keeps going off on tangents like the Haitian earthquake, child-rearing and politicians. It felt more like the author struggled to find enough stuff to fill a book about Christmas. Mr. Black's tribute to the most famous of holidays is a somewhat funny, quick, easy read. You could probably finish this baby during a few visits to the bathroom.

This was a great book. I have the audio version and I listened to it twice. Very funny how Lewis looks at the Holidays, much like me. HA, HA, Ha. We do blow Christmas way out of control and forget the real meaning of xmas. It not about expensive gifts, and how many you get. I will be listening to this every year to keep me in line about the Holidays.

At least he admitted to his publisher in the Introduction that he was the last person who should write about Christmas. Black's standup is in-your-face hilarious; this book is not. I bought based largely on an interview on NPR where he described his participation in USO holiday tour - that part of the book was very good and frankly if the book were devoted entirely to that subject, would have been a better book. There are some surprisingly poignant and sensitive descriptions of his friends and his brother but they are very brief. This is not a book about a Jewish man alienated from society by the vast commercialized conspiracy that Christmas has become - rather a single urban man adrift in a world centered around families (this angle developed further would also have made for a good book). I give him credit for opening up and being really honest about his choices in life, feelings, lonliness, etc. Bottom line - great concept and potential here but I dont think he really tried.

I love Lewis Black's diatribes on The Daily Show, so I thought would enjoy this short book as a fun diversion. I listened to the audiobook version which is good because half of Lewis' humor is the outraged delivery. But in a way, it was also a problem for something of this length. Lewis' rants are amusing in short duration but become tiresome over longer periods. The joke premise of this book is having a grumpy Jew talk about Christmas and after awhile the punchline wears a little thin. I'm not sure Lewis really had enough to say on this subject for a whole book, and there is a lot of filler, weak jokes that would have gotten edited out of a Daily Show bit. Still there are some very funny parts. I almost have to recommend the book just for the section where Lewis talks about how he finds out his wife was pregnant not just with another man's child, but with a mime's. You can imagine how the volcanic Lewis explains how that played out.

Perfect for every Scrooge on your list!Lewis can really cut through to the TRUE meaning of the modern holiday.An easy one sitting reading.

Not Only Do I love Lewis Black but this shipped really Fast and the quality was awesome !!! I ordered this for my little sisters birthday and she loves it!
(Sorry it's taken me so long to leave a review I've been in the hospital)

Like some of the other reviewers, I am a fan of Lewis Black and eagerly anticipate any new material he releases. His jaded & cynical view of things is thought-provocing and laughter inspiring. I purchased this in anticipation of the upcoming holidays, humor to get me thru a dreary time. Of all his work that I have listened to/watched, I think "Me of Little Faith" is a better overall choice, but "Black Christmas" definitely has its high points as well. I hope to see more of his efforts on the market.

Lewis Black's I'M DREAMING OF A BLACK CHRISTMAS arrived too late for holiday mention but provides a fine author-narrated story anyway, in a hilarious, pointed condemnation of the Christmas season. From his own Christmas rituals that have nothing to do with traditions to doing a USO Christmas tour, this is hilarious any time of year!