Customer Reviews

Too Fat to Fish

5 star:		(157)
4 star:		(56)
3 star:		(32)
2 star:		(18)
1 star:		(21)

 

 

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.

I have been listening to Howard Stern since 1982 when he was in Washington. I like so many people discovered Artie Lange when he became a member of the show. I truly enjoyed his book and in hindshight it was like watching a train wreck. He is an incredibly gifted entertainer. His stories were amazing and funny. If you are fan of the Stern show then this book should be a must read. If you want to read an incredibly honest view of oneself then you should pick this book up. I hope that he finds peace and will be able to give us some more entertainment because he is so gifted.

One of the best Autobiography type books on a person i have ever read. So much emotion. One second your laughing so hard you've just pissed yourself and 5 pages later your crying like a baby!

What a wonderful experience! Buy It. Enjoy it. Love it. Its an amazing book that chronicals the events of one Fat Funny Man. Artie Lange!

If I had the option to give this book 10 stars I would. To be honest i give very tough reviews.

What a great book. I waivered between buying the audio version or the "real" book. I am glad I went with the audio book. Hearing these stories told by Artie himself makes all the difference!!! I highly recommend this book.

Artie you Rule man Get well soon.This book is so funny it has to be made up lol. but the sad thing is it isn't man Autie I feel your pain. My mother told me it was to hot to swim just so she didn't have to drive us to the beach. happy reading

Excellent! Artie is a fantastic story teller. This is a fully entertaining read.

I bought this book because I have always thought Artie Lange was funny as hell. That Baby Gorilla scene is burned into my PFC. While I had been a Stern fan for ages, I have grown tired of him over the last few years- I bought this book soley because of Lange (and the back cover- funny as crap).

What I did not expect was how serious and sincere this book can be at times. When he talks about his dad, losing him, etc.. it is very difficult to read. This is someones life- a decent guys life- and it could have been any of ours. As a father of young kids, I am actually going to take better care of my personal well being as a result of reading this book.

I have been a fan of The Howard Stern Show for over 20 years and expected more from this book by Artie. Artie is good for acute and biting remarks on the show, but a writer he is not. Even with a co-writer his mess of a life is poorly presented and leaves you wondering why you wasted two hours reading it. No insight is given as to the cause of his reckless behavior beyond that it feels good to do heroin, gamble, and have whores service him. He was already on a path of self-destruction before his father died.

Avoid this crudely written garbage.

nothing but a dull story about a pathetic, self-absorbed, loser.......
the book is a waste of time....
sorry, but this is a must miss!

I have been a Stern fan for about 20 Years. Listen to him every day during my 1 hour commute to work. I am a fan of Arty too. I figured it would be a great idea to buy Arty's Book on CD's for this trip during the Stern show holiday vacation.
My opininion?.....Firstly, you have to get passed the HORRIBLE Narators for the book. It is so painful to listen to you are resisting yourself to not turn it off. The simple fact of having to continue, similar to not beeing able to look away from a car reck, brings you through Arty's pathetic stories. Secondly, it is his unbelievable honesty that got me to the end of the CDs. Much of the stories have been played on Stern and are entertaining. Story after story it gets very monotonous and depressing. Knowing what I know now, find someone that has listened to the cd's and borrow from them. Dont waste your money! Its your high expectation that is enticing you to purchase the book/cds. Resist the urge, you will be disapointed if you spend the money.