Customer Reviews

Pounding nails in the floor with my forehead

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'Pounding nails' is an excellent showcase of Bogosian's one-man-show style of writing monolouges.

It is a series of scenes in which the characters he portrays speak directly to the audience, or to another unseen character offstage.

It is a very dark, critical, and insightful take on the contemporary American way of life, as seen through the eyes of the various characters that populate the script. Although cynical and often very funny, the characters posses a striking level of humanity that you don't often see from other cynical comedians/writers.

Overall, an excellent script that is a must for anyone interested in theatre, which can be performed by a solo artist, or by a series of actors.

"Blow Me," the final piece of writing in this book, sums up my entire exsistence. For a long time after buying this book, I read the monologe daily. It seems to confirm every negative thought I've ever had about American life. And the strategies that Bogosian offers to survive it don't seem that irrational. Who doesn't long to feel something real for just two or three seconds? Bogosian's work as a whole seems to pin point the reality in America's superficial facade. You might find his work extreme or offensive. But you can't hide from the awesome truth of it. And if you don't agree with me, well, BLOW ME.

Bogosian's work just keeps getting sharper and wittier. That may be an overstatement - I think I prefer Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll - but as is his norm, he's got funny characters living great little stories. I love his work, and this is no exception.

Eric Bogosian is a very funny and probing writer. This book is not the best example of that talent. "Pounding Nails" is a collection of monologues that work together as a one-man show. The monologues are funny, and, at times, pretty good social commentary. Unfortunately, the monologues get tiresome. The characters are all unique, but that is primarily because they are all extreme characterizations. If you create enough outlandish caricatures, you are sure to avoid having them overlap.

If you're interested in Bogosian, I would suggest "Wake Up and Smell the Coffee." This collection would be a good second choice.

These monologues are his best that i have read. He has sharpened his skill beyond what it was in "Sex Drugs, Rock & Roll" while maintaining his energy and cutting insight.

Read this book, buy it for yourself and for friends

Eric Bogosian's take on life as well as other people is well depicted in his writing. After a performance of "The Fan" out of this book to audience of 500, I got praise including a standing ovation. I recommend this book to an actor who is committed to energy, fun, and improvised movement.

An Excellent read. I'm using some parts of this book for several two minute monologues (For contemporary parts). My favorites is the Molecules read, I've lived and met that guy.

this is a very good picture book it has step by step pictures of how to pound nails in the floor with your forehead. It even comes with a coupon for a free box of bandaids and 10 dollars off your next medical bill.