Customer Reviews

Years of Minutes: The Best of Rooney from 60 Minutes

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

 

 

Andy Rooney is a national treasure that much of our population obviously does not care enough about by the lack of readers posting a review on this book. Regardless of your politics, Rooney is an entertaining ol' coot. A little simplistic on his views of military and inteligence spending (regardless of who was in the White House). Whether he's taking a look at the mundane (the contents of his desk) or the emotional emptiness after the 9/11 attacks, Rooney always has something poinient (spelling?) to say. Even if you never watch 60 Minutes, this compellation is a wonderful look back at Andy's years on the news magazine show that started them all. A must read.

I dont know about the rest of the readers,David,but I just finished it and heres is my two bits.
What we have here is a selection of the best of Andy's rants from 22 years on 60 Minutes.
If youve ever watched Andy,I dont need to tell you what theyre like;youll know.
I liked his intro to one in 1998 titled "Differences": "Tonight,in an effort to promote discord ,I propose to take a stand on a number of vital issues about which most Americans are always disagreeing."
"What tastes best ,chocolate or vanilla?
Ans.A Chocolate is a bold,strong taste.Vanilla is namby-pamby.
B Vanilla is more popular.
Andy: I like chocolate better and I like people who like chocolate better than I like people who like vanilla."

He did one in 2001 on the theme of "God Bless America"
He asked the question "Do people who ask God to bless America believe that a just and caring God who has the power to make things better or worse for a country,would really choose to make things better for America than for the people of say,Canada or Botswana?Why would God do that?" That same year he did one with the theme "I get Letters".Carol Deverick ,Fresno,California provided Andy with this answer.
God doesnt bless the whole world because he doesnt go where he's not wanted."

If youre wondering why so many apostrophes are missing in this review youll have to read Andy's Foreword.I think hes onto something.
A great collection of thoughts ;maybe we'd all be a bit better off if we thought about things the way Andy does.

Few people on TV have the courage of their convictions to tell the truth. His writings go from 1982-2003. Mr.Rooney does not suffer from "the political correctness disease." His opinions are logical, thoughtful, and sarcastic. This reader found herself usually in agreement with him. All in all I would say this should be required reading for our high school students. They could use some old fashioned "common sense and decency."

From the trivial, mundane, and the very seriously charged issues the author has an opinion for everything and everyone. The essays may be brief, but they stiil contain Mr. Rooney's caustic tone and dry humor. The great diversity of topics made this a fast read. I found his last four years to be the most entertaining. In 2000-Whats The Symbolism? 2001-The Great Country. 2002-Libraries, and 2003-The French to be poignant and painfully truthful.

Andy Rooney: from his modest beginnings as a midget in 'Not to Be Trusted', to his eyebrow raising turn as a buck-toothed asian man in 'Breakfast At Tiffany's', Andy Rooney has been winning over America with his plucky drive and indomitable spirit. Now the famed commentator from 60 minutes is back with a collection of delightful old man thoughts. Reading this book was like leafing through the cross-sections of a dried brain, and being held in awe by the rich colours and intricate patterns. 5 stars.

He's lovably curmudgeonly! He's a pontificator and lugubriator. He's spirited AND wrinkled. He's plucky and roseola-y. He's like your grandpa. If your grandpa was one of those guys you just could NOT stand to talk to and had breath that smelled of scotch and arse. I have a wonderful dream where Andy falls down the stairs at an unused stairwell at CBS and the lights go out. Andy weeps softly .. too proud to scream for help. Soon, his bladder takes over and the resulting smell attracts the rats. He fights them off but without his medicine his strength is sapped. Soon they are on him and Andy signs off for good.