Maybe You Never Cry Again [Paperback]

Bernie Mac (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 12, 2004

By the tender of age of five, Bernie Mac had found his calling: making others laugh. Now this amazing comedian delves deep inside to share the poignant story of his childhood and the people who shaped him into the strong, self-reliant man and ruthlessly funny comedian he is today.

When Bernie was just sixteen, he lost his mother to cancer.

A tough but loving teacher, she showered the unwilling boy with life lessons and "Mac-isms" that would later carry him through many hardships and give him strength during his slow rise to stardom. Maybe You Never Cry Again recounts this ascent in hilarious detail, from eight-year-old Bernie's stand-up comedy performance at a church dinner to open mike nights in Chicago, the jobs he juggled to make ends meet and eventually, his success in entertaining huge audiences on stage, in film, and on television.

Maybe You Never Cry Again is a powerful testament to how a mother's love makes everything possible.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

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 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Bernie Mac is the star and cocreator of The Bernie Mac Show. He has appeared in Russell Simmons's Def Comedy Jam, HBO's Midnight Mac, The Original Kings of Comedy, Mo' Money, Moesha, Ocean's Eleven, Head of State, and the upcoming Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle and Mr. 3000. He divides his time between Los Angeles and his hometown of Chicago.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: It Books (October 12, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060529326
• ISBN-13: 978-0060529321
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (34 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #710,082 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow!, May 2, 2003

By 

Kimberley Wilson (VA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Maybe You Never Cry Again (Hardcover)

This is one impressive biography. I never got into Bernie Mac's comedy but after reading a few pages of this book I decided to buy it and I'm glad I did. Bernie Mac's life has been a series of fateful encounters. The first time he sees Bill Cosby on TV and notices how Cosby's jokes cheered up his sad (with good reason) mother is a turning point. At five he decides to be a comedian and he sticks with that plan. His dream and his mother's love keep him moving past the neighborhood gangs, out of the "dumb kid" classes, into a strong marriage, devoted fatherhood and finally success.
Bernie is a funny man but he's dead serious about duty, parenthood, marriage and doing the right thing. This book will stay with you long after you come to the final page.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must-Read for Men and Boys Everywhere, May 11, 2004

By 

Chris Frost (Ingalls, IN United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Maybe You Never Cry Again (Hardcover)

Maybe You Never Cry Again is the story of Bernie Mac's life. Bernie Mac has a lot to say and a lot of things to teach. From his fatherless childhood to moonlighting as a comedian while frying fish during the day, Bernie lays it all out for the world to see and learn from. Forget about sports stars as role-models....all you need is Bernie Mac. A man who knows how to get things done, no matter how unpleasant they may be. If more people had Bernie's attitude toward life, this country would be a far better place.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Impressive Insight, June 24, 2003

By 

S. Hudson "Avid Reader" (Tucker, GA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Maybe You Never Cry Again (Hardcover)

There is a serious side to every comedian, and Bernard McCullough is no different. Bernie Mac takes the time, in this autobiography, to share the intimate portrait of his life and pay tribute to those who influenced, inspired, and encouraged him on his comedic journey. I've enjoyed his comedy, when he toured with The Kings of Comedy, and his television show, but to go behind the scenes really enlightened me. Maybe You Never Cry Again isn't your typical chronological display of life events that often has you reading the book to fall asleep. No, if you listen any to Bernie Mac, you can hear him saying the words as you read. The closest I've come to an audio book without actually listening to one. The way the words are written is exactly the way your mind imagines that he would say them.

Bernie Mac shares a lot in this book. I like the way the book was laid out - each chapter had a poignant quote that dealt with the theme of the chapter. There was a picture of Bernie and/or his family included in each chapter as well which further personalized the book and encouraged the reader to see the intimate side. Each reader can pick up something that we can carry forward in our own lives. He's never forgotten from whence he came and he's kept it real throughout his career. He's been true to his craft, true to his family and true to himself, which makes Maybe You Never Cry Again, a wonderful read.