Writing in Restaurants [Paperback]

David Mamet (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In these essays, playwright Mamet addresses many issues in contemporary American theater, such as the electronic amplification of live stage, the hidden politics of the theater and the proper function of the actor or playwright. PW called these pieces "short and hard-hitting."
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

The title of Mamet's first collection of essays and speeches certainly doesn't suggest the themes of commitment and excellence. Nevertheless, if a collection of 28 essays on a variety of topics can be said to have an overarching theme or themes, then surely commitment and excellence sound clearly. These essays, apparently written over a considerable span of years, treat topics ranging from radio drama through middle-class fashion trends to the Academy Awards and the use of amplification in theaters. In nearly all of them, however, Mamet finds his way back to his twin themes. Some of the most rewarding efforts are "Radio Drama," "Acting," and "Notes on The Cherry Orchard ." Mamet's sense of humor is also evident. Libraries that have his dramatic works will also want this. Theodore O. Wohlsen, Jr., Connecticut State Lib., Hartford
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics) (October 1, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140089810
• ISBN-13: 978-0140089813
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #477,586 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good stuff here, May 15, 2001

By 

hvgutman "hvgutman" (Philadelphia, PA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Writing in Restaurants (Paperback)

There are some really great essays in this book, especially if you're a person who loves the theater. Much like "True and False", this book takes aim at problems plaguing America's theater. His best essays in here are for actors - they inspire and reclaim some of the art's dignity.

Also, if you're like me, you can appreciate his essay in here on pool halls. I've never seen anyone nail why they're such great places to visit like he does in this book.

This isn't his best work. But it's a pleasant read nonetheless. Worth the time.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Misc Essays By David Mamet, December 18, 2008

By 

bongo (Denver, CO USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Writing in Restaurants (Paperback)

As a sometime admirer, but not exactly a fan of, David Mamet's theater work, I wasn't sure how much I'd care for this short collection of essays. I'm very glad I took the chance. Mamet writes clearly and firmly. He's the opposite of dogmatic. He can be harsh but he can also be thoughtful. Most of these essays are on theater related topics but not all. My favorite was the one on The Cherry Orchard.

To sum up - many short, intellectually stimulating, essays written by a guy who knows how to grab a reader.

Note - Mamet's other essay collection, Jafsie and John Henry is similarly excellent. If you liked this you'll probably like that. Also, it's subject matter is a little more diverse.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Delicious!, August 30, 2008

By 

McNair Wilson "McNair" (Colorado Springs) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Writing in Restaurants (Paperback)

Pull up a chair at your favorite sidewalk cafe's, order a latte or a spicy red Zin, and let our finest, living, American playwright tell you...well, whatever he's thinking about today. Here the master storyteller is opinionated (though not a bit condescending or patronizing), thoughtful, and ever-fascinating.

You will laugh, learn, and be encouraged to think out loud on paper.(Write something!) This is a book to be kept "out" (not tucked away on a shelf collecting dust and disinterest.) I carry it in my day bag for a month-at-a-time, leave it on the end table in the "living room" of my loft to read in between salad and the evening movie, or just setting on top of my old, leather-bound dictionary (in my "writing lounge") along with Mr. Chesterton and "Walking On Water" (L'Engle) for a quick hit of inspiration.

This little (160 pages) tome is like having an endlessly curious friend on-call to clink wine glasses and share their latest musings on . . . whenever you need them. Wine and Mamet. You can't lose.