Customer Reviews

They Call Me Baba Booey

5 star:		(64)
4 star:		(26)
3 star:		(14)
2 star:		(14)
1 star:		(30)

 

 

Let me first preface this review by stating that I am a long-term fan of Howard Stern's radio show and a fan of Gary Dell'Abate himself. That being said, I found this book to be quite boring and highly irrelevant. As stated above, I find Gary to be a likable father and husband. His rise from record salesman to producer of the most successful morning radio show in the history of radio is quite commendable. But as the basis for a 280 page text it falls far short in terms of entertainment value. Frankly, if Howard was not promoting this book, and Gary was not calling in favors on Letterman and Kimmel,it would not be selling. As other reviewers have stated, there are absolutely no revealing details or "behind the scenes" information on the Stern show. As a book about a radio producer and his life... it is weak and inconsequential.

I'm a lifelong Howard Stern fan and think Gary seems like a nice enough fella. Good father, good husband, good producer. But a book this does not make.

Rather than focus on what is arguably the most interesting part of Gary's life (the show), this book touches on his upbringing on Long Island and his relationship with his family. Without spoiling anything, the stories about his mom in particular should have been interesting...but they weren't. Without Howard's color commentary to help Gary's stories along, this book reads like the world's longest run-on sentence. You know when Gary gets going on the show and tells a story without taking a breath? That is essentially what this book is like.

Gary's a nice guy, but his story isn't particularly interesting. I would pass on this and instead pick up another book they've been talking about on the show - "The Battle for Late Night" by Bill Carter.

I'm reading reviews and feel I need to comment here. For all those who are focusing on the reviews stating "This is a boring book... There are no funny reveals about the show", Don't! I am a loyal Howard listener myself. Time and time again Howard, Gary, and many on the staff have said this book has absolutely nothing to do with the show itself. It is all about Gary's upbringing and personal life. Though the show enters the story, it is purely Gary's point of view and his progression and dedication through the years. I thought it was a decent read, not the best book ever written, but if you are interested in how Gary got to where he is today that's what it's all about. If you are interested, get the book and form your own opinion, but certainly don't expect all sorts of behind the scenes info and secrets that never made the air like all these low grade reviews here. If anyone writes a book like that, it'll be Howard and only Howard!!

I am a huge howard fan. The only reason I bothered with this book was to get some insight to the intricacies of how the best show ever is created. Instead, this book is filled with banal, soporific tales from Gary's life. Give me a break! Gary is obviously a talented producer as evidenced by the stern show.

I picked up this book for some inside detail to the epic events on the stern show, instead I am forced to slog through disjointed tales of his mom and hippy brother.

Howard you should be ashamed! What other talent would allow a producer to shame their brand with this waste time of book? Would "Morton" from Letterman ever publish a biography?

Mr. Lange is an element that is sorely missed, replace him soon!

I would be more inclined to read a book by Sal or Richard. I never read Quivers book.

What next a Ronnie the Limo Driver Bio?

Dont waste yoour time with this book!

I've listened to Stern for over 20 years. This books is poorly written and laid out. It's like listening to him talk. Which isn't good. I can only imagine how bad it would be without a co-author. Still trying to figure out what the "real" writer contributed. Happy for Gary that he's getting money from this, but it doesn't really add to anything you need to know about him.

For hard core Stern fans, if you think you know it all about Gary, you'll be pleased by the fresh material and "reveals" in this book. Without spoiling, I can tell you that Gary explains his aging parents' relationship and his mother's whereabouts, both of which he's only alluded to on the show. You know it's deep, because Howard doesn't even bring it up. (Although now that it's in the book, it's fair play, so that will be interesting for we listeners.) We also get new information about "the tape!" You know what I'm talkin' 'bout!

This may be my favorite Stern-cast-member book so far (Along with Artie's). I noticed a typo, and some sections verge on the mundane. But I'm such a Gary fan and radio geek that even his descriptions of his early internships were interesting to me.

WOW this book is a written version of Garys boring story telling on the show... He thinks very highly of himself as we all hear on the wrap up show, when he takes the persona of a righteous politically correct all knowing god. Along with that loser John Hien. Save your money if you wanna read gripping stories, this is not that book

You have to be kidding me? What publisher would release a book of boring stuff about Gary? I was at a Borders store closing and they shelf was full of these useless BaBa books at 90% off and STILL not selling. Give me a break. Baba should be bagging groceries at Bag N Save.I would give 0 stars if I could...

Quiet boring for most of the time. Very simple, and easy reading. The details goes back and forth between childhood and life with Howard's shows.

I wish he would talk more about the time with Howard inside stories. I rather hear him on the show than this book. Not worth the price.

I'm not certain what I as expecting; however, I was pleasantly surprised by what I read. If the reader is hoping to get some inside information on the Howard Stern Show they need not purchase this book. This book is a story of how Gary grew up with a mother who had mental health issues. I have been married to my wife for 25 years and this book sounds like I could have written it! There are millions of men, women, and children who have to deal with a person daily who is fighting his/her own demons. Reading this book woke me up to the fact that I'm not the only person dealing with the same problems. Thank you, Gary. The title needs to be changed to something which might let people searching for this kind of book know what is truly inside.