Too Fat to Fish [Hardcover]

Artie Lange (Author), Anthony Bozza (Author), Howard Stern (Foreword)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This debut memoir from the comedian best known as Howard Stern's radio show sidekick is scrappy, funny, tumultuous and profane, just like its author. Lange, a self-proclaimed fat guy with a heroin problem, is difficult to love, but easy to like, his shaggy-dog life story full of derogatory self-awareness and cheerful vulgarity (often in the form of casual profanity and sexism). Many episodes from this life story will be familiar to Stern listeners, including the infamous "Pig Story," wherein Lange snorts cocaine while in full pig costume on the set of television's MADtv. Less familiar to fans will be a sobering account of Lange's suicide attempt and fond childhood memories of his beloved father. Lange's outrageous and horrific behavior involves prostitution, jail time and several trips to rehab; perhaps the saddest recurring theme is the frequency with which Lange thanks someone who's helped him, only to reveal that that person is no longer a part of his life. Glossing over Lange's penchant for alienating people is just one oversight that keeps this warts-and-all memoir from feeling fully honest. Still, for those with a taste for his aggressive, self-loathing brand of humor will find this volume full of compulsively readable stories. Photos.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

“A very funny man.”–David Letterman
“A comedy treasure…One of the funniest guys there is…The pride of New Jersey.” –Jimmy Kimmel

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Spiegel & Grau; 7th ptg edition (November 11, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385526563
• ISBN-13: 978-0385526562
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (270 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #74,773 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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  Books > Entertainment > Humor > Hunting & Fishing

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Artie Lange didn't replace Jackie Martling, he replaced Sam Kinison, February 22, 2009

By	J. L LaRegina "Jim LaRegina" (New Jersey) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Too Fat to Fish (Hardcover)

I picked up TOO FAT TO FISH, the autobiography of comedian and HOWARD STERN SHOW cast member Artie Lange, expecting to flip-read it. But, starting with a funny introduction from Stern that Lange matches or exceeds laugh-per-page for the rest of the book, TOO FAT TO FISH did not leave my hands until I read every word.

Despite Stern's introduction, Artie Lange does not say much about his work on the radio show in TOO FAT TO FISH until the last couple of chapters. But Lange and coauthor Anthony Bozza hold your attention throughout the pre-Stern years with tales of the comedian's charmed life. I say "charmed life" because, despite Lange's tendencies toward alcohol/drug abuse, gambling, overeating, and angry outbursts, a world of family and friends - even show-business friends - watch his back. There are a number of touching moments, especially regarding his parents. Prepare to choke up as Artie Lange realizes the only difference between homeless drug addicts and him is the support of those who loved this 296-lb. prodigal son. Nonetheless, even reflections such as that lead to some of the funniest comments in TOO FAT TO FISH thanks to Lange's ability to laugh at himself, wisecracking his way through the details of his darkest moments.

Howard Stern hired Artie Lange on his radio show in 2001 after joke whiz Jackie Martling left. But the void Lange filled best was that of Sam Kinison, a regular HOWARD STERN SHOW guest whose combination of comic talent, substance abuse problems and volatile personality made for hours of compelling radio until his untimely 1992 death.

While there are not as many HOWARD STERN SHOW-related anecdotes as you may expect, TOO FAT TO FISH has a number of celebrity stories. For example, Artie Lange's work with the likes of Tom Cruise and Chevy Chase result in two of his most memorable tales about the ups and downs of the entertainment industry.

Read TOO FAT TO FISH.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars too fat to fish, December 2, 2008

By	Jessie Leon "the león family" (New Jersey) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Too Fat to Fish (Hardcover)

My husband and I both really like the book so far. It's touching and sad and funny as hell too. If you love Artie you will love the book!! great read!!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Waaaah, I'm a druggie!, December 1, 2008

By	Jason Antebi (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Too Fat to Fish (Hardcover)

Pleasantly surprised by this effort by Stern cast member Artie Lange. Though it loses steam in the last chapter, the book is a fun and easy read, making you laugh and occasionally may have you shedding a tear or two. This is no Pullitzer-prize winning piece of literature, but if you're a fan of Lange and the Stern Show, you'll get more than your money's worth in this book.