Customer Reviews

Tickled Pink: A Comic Novel

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

On the cover of this book, between the title and the author's name, it says "A Comic Novel". True, its written by a very successful and funny comedienne but there's so much more to it than that.

This is the type of book that you find yourself thinking about long after the last page is turned. For instance, you wonder why she put "A Comic Novel" on the cover and why this particular title for the book.

There are many different degrees to this novel - it IS comical but its also very serious - about show business, about how hard it is to get started but mostly about friends and relationships and what happens to them when life happens.

As Mindy's mother would say, "Fish banana". (Don't worry, the explanation is in the book).

It's funny, intriguing and very, very readable.

I really loved this book. I had to read it through in one day because I couldn't put it down. Mindy, the protagonist, is such a very real person. I completely related to her. I was expecting a laugh-out-loud book, but what I got was a very touching story of an up-and-coming comedian, and the obstacles and joys along the way with friends and family. If you love Rita, then read this book; you won't be disappointed.

I should note that I was not more than passingly familiar with Rudner's work before I read this book (which I received as a gift). I assume that Rudner fans will likely get even more out of it than I did.

Tickled Pink tells the story of a young dancer who makes her way to New York from Florida only to find that comedy is her true calling. It follows her and her best friend Ursula (an aspiring model/actress) as they climb the path to fame and happiness.

While the book often reads like a semi-autobiographical first novel-- too flat in places, too sweet in others-- it has more heart than you generally find from this kind of work from a performer. It kept me engaged and reading, and even provided some interesting insights into the world of comedy clubs in the 1980s. Nobody is going to accuse it of being a great work of literature, but it really isn't bad.

All in all, I would give it three-and-a-half stars. I enjoyed it more than expected to and you may as well. It makes me a little bit sorry that we opted to see Tom Jones rather than Rudner during our recent trip to Vegas.

I have always loved the humor of Rita Rudner, so it's no surprise that she would write a fantastic book like, "Tickled Pink" that is, at times, downright hilarious, just based upon her characterizations. With the backdrop of solid comedy, wonderful pacing and clever plot development this book is a MUST for those who love humor in their reading. I know, it's trite, but I didn't want it to end. I felt like Rita was telling the story to me over a double latte and I hope she makes a lot of money on this one!

What's not to like? Rita Rudner is funny and generous and warm, altogether engaging. I caught her act in Las Vegas last year and she is freakin' adorable. (And hot. That's right, I said it so there.) AND a snazzy dresser. Rita delivers her signature zingers in spades, and the reader gets a good overview of what it must be like to come up through the ranks in the comedy circuit. But you know what makes this book so good, so appealing? It's the voices Rita gives her characters. Each one is distinct and resonant, so gravid with character is seems to carry the entire life of the speaker in it. A writer must be very tuned into people to do that, which explains why Rita is able to make her comedy relevant and liberating to the audience, and why the audience seems to like her at once. Rita, if you ever read this, please note that three stars is a lot for me; four stars means a book changed my life and five stars means the book changes my life and the author comes over to paint my house. Mozel Tov girly-girl, the book is sweet and low-down.

"Tickled Pink: A Comic Novel" by Rita Rudner deals with two friends, Mindy and Ursula who both aimed to make it big in New York. Mindy was aspiring to be a dancer in Broadway while Ursule hoped to be popular as a model. As both came from a difficult family background, they needed each other and considered each other as family. Soon, Ursula became a famous model while Mindy, who was injured in an accident and could never dance again sought a new career - as a comedian. As Ursula became more popular, Mindy's situation stayed the same as she was still waiting for her big break. Unfortunately for them, something happened (don't want to reveal everything here) that broke their relationship and soon they were on their own.

I really enjoy reading this book. I have no idea who Rita Rudner was... received this book as a gift. There are plenty of laugh out loud moments but I feel that this book is more than just that. Rudner deals with issues as such friendship, family and forgiveness. The characters are wonderfully developed... you feel as though you really know Mindy and Ursula. In addition, it gives me insights into the world of stand up comedians and the things that they have to overcome in order to be successful. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a relaxing read.

I thought Tickled Pink was a great story about women, friendships, priorities and life. Rudner kept me interested and excited throughout. The characters and the way they intertwined amazed me. I personally think it would make a great movie.
I found myself enthralled in the book and losing track of time while reading. I finished it in less than a day. As soon as I finished, I made sure it was the next book my friend would pick up! Tickled Pink kept me wanting to learn more about Mindy, Ursula and all the characters mixed in between their lives. The comedy was well placed and the characters were very well defined! I loved it.

I'll be honest in saying that I'm sure that this book wasn't written with someone like me in mind. This is a book about and for women and their relationships, and I'm a 35+ man. Still I like Rudner's comedy and thought I would give it a read and I enjoyed it immensely.

This is not high-minded literature. It's really just a fun book to read on a plane or on the beach. What I enjoyed about it was the relationship and interplay between lead character Mindy Solomon and her father, her friends, her competitors and her love interests.

While much of it is predictable and it reflects many of her comedy routines, Rudner takes the reader through a number of funny scenes and touching commentary of the value of friendships. The ending is a tad predictable, but you'll end it with a smile on your face and some positive memories that might prevent you from taking your loved one for granted.

I picked this up on a whim, since I really enjoy Rita Rudner's comedy. The main character, Mindy, must be at least partially autobiographical. The details of her life and career are just too real to be fiction.

If you're a fan of Rita Rudner, you'll recognize several of her jokes sprinkled through the narrative. The story moves along at a good pace, and the characters are well-drawn and realistic. The relationships among the various characters are written very well, and feel real even when they're played for comedy. The most touching relationship is the one between Mindy and her father.

Overall, this is a great, light read. Recommended for those times when you just need a laugh.

I recently received this book as a gift. During a weekend of mishaps and "fish bananas," I started reading it. I could not put this book down. From the cover I expected it to be a regurgitation of a stand-up routine. The character development was incredible, I found myself laughing through tears. It was touching first and foremost. I am so impressed with Ms. Rudner's ability-I'd read her grocery list! A sincere thank you for this novel.