To share your reaction on this item, open the Amazon app from the App Store or Google Play on your phone.

OR

Kindle Price:	$1.99
Sold by:	Amazon.com Services LLC

Promotions apply when you purchase

Add an

audiobook with Audible narration for $2.09

Audiobook Price: $2.62

Save: $0.53 (20%)

Read with our free app

You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.

Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions

There was an error. We were unable to process your subscription due to an error. Please refresh and try again.

Image Unavailable

Image not available for
Color:

To view this video download Flash Player

Follow the author

Fred Stoller

Follow

My Seinfeld Year (Kindle Single) Kindle Edition

by Fred Stoller (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

3.8 1,453 ratings

See all formats and editions

Great on Kindle

Great Experience. Great Value.

Enjoy a great reading experience when you borrow the Kindle edition of this book with your Kindle Unlimited membership. Learn more about Great on Kindle, available in select categories.

You'd know Fred Stoller if you saw him. He has appeared on practically every great sitcom you've ever seen - Everybody Loves Raymond, Friends, and Murphy Brown just to name a few. But he has never been a regular on a series, always the guest star. He longs to find a showbiz home. Instead, he is a television foster child, shuttling from show to show in the vain hope that one will finally agree to keep him. "My Seinfeld Year" tells the hysterical and bittersweet story of what happened when Stoller finally got a shot at the showbiz stability he'd always dreamed of -- as a staff writer on one of the biggest television shows in history.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Fred Stoller has been a working actor for decades, a character actor who has landed choice roles in television and movies alike. He's been punched out in Dumb and Dumber, and he's acted in dozens of sitcoms through the years, mastering the role of "jerky annoying shnook." In 1994, he had a sense that his career as an actor was moving in the right direction when an almost unimaginable opportunity came his way: he was asked to write for the hit show Seinfeld. How it came about is almost Seinfeldian in its own right--a surprise party led to a chance encounter with Larry David (whom he kind of knew from New York stand-up), which led to an invitation to do a spec script, which, quite suddenly, led to a giant office and a staff writer position on Seinfeld. Thus we are given entrée into one of the most popular shows in the history of television. We meet the real-life cast and creators, including Larry and Jerry (they do not disappoint). We watch Stoller rise and fall and climb back up again (returning to act in a Seinfeld episode). And we get a true insider's look into what it takes to survive, and last, in Hollywood--even if you're just good at playing an annoying shnook. --Chris Schluep

About the Author

Fred Stoller was raised in Brooklyn and started out as a stand-up comedian, known for his dating woes and his thrill-seeker persona (I drank milk that expired yesterday!). He appeared on many late night shows and has guest-starred in more than seventy TV shows and films such as Dumb and Dumber. Fred & Vinnie, the indie feature he wrote and starred in, won the Audience award at the Austin Film Festival. He chronicled his experience writing for Seinfeld in the bestselling Amazon Kindle Single My Seinfeld Year.

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B006Z499M0
Publisher ‏ : ‎ (January 16, 2012)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 16, 2012
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 324 KB
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Print length ‏ : ‎ 39 pages

Best Sellers Rank: #433,270 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #6 in Kindle Singles: Arts & Photography
- #23 in Kindle Singles: Humor & Entertainment
- #65 in Kindle Singles: Biographies & Memoirs

Customer Reviews:
3.8 1,453 ratings

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.

Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Videos

Help others learn more about this product by uploading a video!

Upload your video

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.

Fred Stoller

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.

Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read book recommendations and more.

Products related to this item

Page 1 of 1Start overPage 1 of 1

Customer reviews

1,453 global ratings

How customer reviews and ratings work

Review this product

Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find the book enjoyable and fun to read. They praise the writing quality as accessible, poignant, and funny. The stories are described as touching and humorous with amusing insights. Readers appreciate the inside look at the show and its process. They also appreciate the author's honesty and openness about his experiences.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

Readability Writing quality Story quality Look Insight Honesty Shortness Boredom

266 customers mention "Readability"266 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable and entertaining. They say it's a short, informative read that provides a glimpse behind the scenes of a TV show.

"...I didn't know his name or his story until I read "My Seinfeld Year," a quick, funny, and oddly poignant read...." Read more

"...Personally, Fred Stoller's "My Seinfeld Years" is an enjoyable excursion into another's ups and downs in the entertainment field...." Read more

"...The book was funny and informative. I could certainly recognize all the stories he told as being authentic and very cool...." Read more

"...The DVDs, commentaries, interviews, etc all portray the show as a wildly happy place, where everyone got along and made TV history...." Read more

96 customers mention "Writing quality"69 positive27 negative

Customers find the writing accessible, poignant, and funny. They appreciate the author's honest, sincere, and open writing style. The book provides insight into the Seinfeld writing process and gives readers a unique perspective on the show's writers and actors.

"...Bride, not quite even a Bride's maid - still he remains a marvelous addition to any cast. Stoller is "that guy!"..." Read more

"...account, not only of the creative process, but of his interactions with the other writers, the struggles of pitching ideas to Larry and Jerry, and..." Read more

"...But it reads a lot like a first draft -- thoughts are tossed out on the page but not connected, and while there is a vague over-arching theme it is..." Read more

"...Fred Stoller is an engaging writer. His story moves along at a nice clip and there are many chuckles to enjoy...." Read more

73 customers mention "Story quality"69 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the stories. They find the stories humorous and touching, with amusing insights into the characters' lives. The narrative includes funny anecdotes and memorable episodes. Readers appreciate the author's ability to tell good stories and his honest insights on thoughts and emotions.

"...managed to come up with a couple of now classic characters and story lines including the one where the unimaginably annoying comic Kenny Bania gives..." Read more

"...Told with just a touch of tongue-in-cheek, this is a personal foray into some of Stoller's moments as he has endeavored to "break into the business..." Read more

"...This essay was really quite touching. As a last question, I really want to know who "Perry" is...." Read more

"...If you're a "Seinfeld" fan, read the memoir. It also offers some heartfelt expression of how hard it is to be funny...." Read more

57 customers mention "Look"54 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the book's inside look at the show and its creative atmosphere. They find it interesting and a nice glimpse into the work-a-day world of character acting and comedy. The memoir has an unassuming charm and provides a less-fawning view of Seinfeld than usual.

"...I was really impressed with the behind the scenes look at what it was like to be a writer on the show...." Read more

"...and actual goings-on of the show are usually dressed up and presented in the best light...." Read more

"...On the surface, it is an interesting behind the scenes look at how Seinfeld was written...." Read more

"...Stoller's shyness and gentle foibles make for a memoir with an unassuming charm that relies as much on character as event...." Read more

53 customers mention "Insight"44 positive9 negative

Customers appreciate the book's insights into the TV show's process and personalities. They find it informative and a genuine account of how TV shows are made. The book provides a glimpse behind the scenes of a TV show and into the author's childhood and experiences in the show business.

"...This is a great companion piece to the show, so if you're a fan don't hesitate in getting this book. Well done." Read more

"...the show as a wildly happy place, where everyone got along and made TV history...." Read more

"...Most importantly the book gives a great account of what its like to be a start-up writer and actor in Hollywood; the ups, the downs, and the in-..." Read more

"...This is exactly the type of thing that Kindle excels at: Providing a framework for books that are otherwise too small to find a regular publisher/..." Read more

47 customers mention "Honesty"47 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's honesty. They find it an interesting and fun read with a humble take on reality. Readers appreciate the author's authentic writing style and say it was a joy to go behind the scenes of Seinfeld.

"...I could certainly recognize all the stories he told as being authentic and very cool...." Read more

"...The inside look into the show is seemingly unbiased, reflective and realistic...." Read more

"...Very talented and unique. He's done an amazing amount of great work, yet remains anxious and insecure...... and still wants the "big break"...." Read more

"...It's hysterical and perfect, and it was a joy to go behind the scenes of it...." Read more

34 customers mention "Shortness"14 positive20 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the length of the book. Some find it fairly short and easy to read, while others wish it was longer.

"...It helps you see it for what it really is. It's quite brief but more than worth the money." Read more

"...I also enjoyed the fact that it was a single and fairly short. I'm not sure Stollers would have had too much more to say with many more pages...." Read more

"...However set your expectations, this is not a lengthy book...." Read more

"This is a short book (more like an essay). An actor/writer making the best of his career to earn some money...." Read more

26 customers mention "Boredom"0 positive26 negative

Customers find the book boring and a waste of time. They say it lacks a beginning, end, or point. The writer is also criticised for talking too much about himself.

"...Not a book worth paying for." Read more

"...I was very bored and annoyed by Fred's run-on sentences and occasional misspellings." Read more

"...Very average book." Read more

"An easy read but a little boring. It gave an inside the way this so called sitcoms are written...." Read more

Sort by reviews type

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

Georgianna de la Torre
Funny, poignant read
Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2012
Verified Purchase
I have been a fan of Fred Stoller for over 25 years, but I didn't know his name or his story until I read "My Seinfeld Year," a quick, funny, and oddly poignant read.

If like me you are a follower of TV comedy standup and sitcoms since the 70's, you will recognize Stoller - he is the painfully thin guy with the blank expression who speaks in a nasal monotone. He's the guy who gets his thrills from ripping the "Do not remove these labels" labels off of pillows. "You can't stop me." he whines "I'm an animal." He plays Ray Romano's cousin on Everyone Loves Raymond and in Dumb and Dumber he gets punched out in a phone booth.

He is not quite our generations Wally Cox but he is an unforgettable character actor, a beloved familiar face about whom you may find yourself asking "yeah, I remember him. Whatever happened to him?"

In "My Seinfeld Year," you learn about the roots of Stoller's deadpan, hangdog, loser from loser-ville comedy routine. It is not a new story - the young man with a self-esteem deficit attracted to the soul crushing world of standup comedy. But Stoller's motivation is his faint ambition to become one of those actors who works just enough to make a nice living but not so much to become famous and bear the social burden of celebrity.

At the center of "My Seinfeld Year" is the story of Stoller's brief stint on the writing staff of Seinfeld. We learn about the hierarchy of writers and about the Larry and Jerry working style. To hear Stoller tell it, he was an outcast among outcasts - a kind of uber-nerd who Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld kept around as much for comedy fodder as for his writing skills. Still, Stoller managed to come up with a couple of now classic characters and story lines including the one where the unimaginably annoying comic Kenny Bania gives Jerry one of his suits and in exchange keeps him on the hook for a dinner at a presumably posh restaurant called Mendy's.

The restaurant pops up later in the book when Stoller moves to New York for an ill fated movie project and gets swept into the scheming lifestyle of Kenny Kramer, the inspiration for the character played by Michael Richards. The real Kramer convinced the owner of a Jewish deli named Mendy's (which has nothing to do with the made up high end establishment of the sitcom) that his restaurant was Stoller's favorite to get a free meal. Stoller also inexplicably agrees to join the Seinfeld tour bus rides of Manhattan organized by Kenny Kramer with predictably dismal results.

If after reading this book you want to experience more of Stoller listen to an interview with him on Marc Maron's WTF podcast, or troll YouTube for snippets of Stoller's choice performances. Or do as I did - write a five star review of "My Seinfeld Year" for Amazon. In this current golden age of comedy" Stoller is ripe for rediscovery. Let's hope that his profile ascends just enough to get him a regular gig.

Read more

Helpful

Report
Carl E. Ahlm
For $1.99: "What Do You Want, Muffin Tops Only?"
Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2012
Verified Purchase
It seems that you either like this work, or you don't. Personally, Fred Stoller's "My Seinfeld Years" is an enjoyable excursion into another's ups and downs in the entertainment field. Told with just a touch of tongue-in-cheek, this is a personal foray into some of Stoller's moments as he has endeavored to "break into the business" over the years. He isn't afraid to reveal his own insecurities, his own frustrations, or to make fun of himself in any situation. All of that makes this an enjoyable journey into Stoller's life. "My Seinfeld Years" ends a bit abruptly; so, it was sad that the book ended just as it was getting going! I would have enjoyed more!

It was surprising to learn how many other shows and movies Stoller has been in. Never the Bride, not quite even a Bride's maid - still he remains a marvelous addition to any cast. Stoller is "that guy!" You know; you've seen him everywhere (in shows like "Everybody Loves Raymond," " Friends," and "Murphy Brown" just to name a few ) with his certain blank look like: "what's happening?" If you are a follower of TV comedy standup during the 80's and 90's, you will recognize Stoller. Perhaps you will recognize him from his role in the "hit," "Dumb and Dumber," as he gets "punched out!" Stoller finally got his big break -- a shot a degree of stability for which he'd always dreamed -- as a staff writer on one of the biggest television shows in history: "Seinfeld." For the "Seinfeld" fans, it is interesting to read how a script for "Seinfeld" comes together, with each of the four actors having a story line requiring approval by each of them before you could move forward with the script idea. While Fred was working as a writer during his "Seinfeld Year," it was fascinating to get a brief look behind the television screen; it was also interesting to follow his discussion of scripts which you remember seeing on the show, which includes one developed by Stoller himself.

This is a great read for any Seinfeld fan. It is an enjoyable piece of comic autobiography, making for an enjoyable afternoon read, which is over far too quickly. For the price of $1.99 for the Kindle addition, what do you what, muffin tops only?

Read more

One person found this helpful

Helpful

Report
Greg Treadway
A Neat Look Into The Making Of Sienfeld
Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2012
Verified Purchase
I am a huge Seinfeld fan and have seen every episode. Though this is a pretty short book, it really gives some neat insight into a show that I loved. I was really impressed with the behind the scenes look at what it was like to be a writer on the show. What a neat perspective I thought Fred Stollers has.

The book was funny and informative. I could certainly recognize all the stories he told as being authentic and very cool. I'd love to read more about his life, which seems very quirky and unique. Anyone who is a Seinfeld fan will enjoy reading this book as I did. I also enjoyed the fact that it was a single and fairly short. I'm not sure Stollers would have had too much more to say with many more pages. This is a great companion piece to the show, so if you're a fan don't hesitate in getting this book. Well done.

Read more

9 people found this helpful

Helpful

Report

Top reviews from other countries

Jamie Mason Cohen
Honest , humble.and entertaining
Reviewed in Canada on May 22, 2020
Verified Purchase
I really enjoyed the author's self deprecating and pretensious writing style about a fascinating and insightful behind the scenes experience writing and acting on Seinfeld. He also integrate life lessons in a subtle and engaging way that the reader can apply to.their own lives.

Read more
Report
Txotxa
simple and interesting
Reviewed in Brazil on January 2, 2015
Verified Purchase
Great inputs on life as a actor/writer. Fred kills it. kills it! It's not a proper book, but it is alright.

Read more
Report
stuartbellsr
I dont have this guys photo on my wall.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 23, 2013
Verified Purchase
Until recently when I listened to his Marc Maron podcast interview, I didn't know Fred Stollers name. However, his face, timbre, delivery and style are unmistakable. Seinfeld isn't a programme that would mean much in Scotland to anyone who has a job and can't sit up all night watching obscure satellite channels, so Mr Stollers Seinfeld credentials are irrelevant(certainly to me). I know him purely as one of those faces that turn up often out of the blue on TV shows in guest appearances. He's one of those guys whom I wished I saw more often on TV even though that would detract from the "Oh there's that guy!" moment when he appears. My Seinfeld Year is exactly what it says on the tin (or cover). Its a too short account of an even shorter period of a career which deserves more plaudits than it gets. Don't let that put you off though; it's roughly an hours read for next to nothing cash wise. That's an hour in the company of one of those unique actors who, despite whether they're playing nice or obnoxious, neurotic or nasty just can't hide the fact that therein lies a genuine human warmth. I've just discovered that he has another book out so I'm going to buy it. Right now in fact. Oh; if I find out who Perry is he's going down. in the form of a very indignant email. F##ker...how dare he!

Read more
Report
Johan Wideberg
Brilliant book about the life as an actor in tv series
Reviewed in Spain on December 8, 2012
Verified Purchase
I really like this book because it is an interesting inside story of a secondary actor in TV series. The author shares his experience in Seinfeld and talk about several of my favourite actors, for instance Larry David and Julia Louise-Dreyfus.

Read more

One person found this helpful
Report
Kathyskindlin
One Year, Some Writing
Reviewed in Canada on October 25, 2013
Verified Purchase
i read this as an e-book and it was okay, but not great. Stoller writes about how his career has taken a few different directions and missteps and how it has included the opportunity to be part of the writing staff for one season of "Seinfeld." During that time, several of his ideas were rejected, he contributed small bits as part of the team, and felt generally frustrated. There was really just one episode that season that was created mainly due to his efforts. While this is a great deal more exciting than most of us can hope to accomplish, it is still not really enough on which to base an entire book.

Read more
Report

Buy for others

Buying and sending eBooks to others

Sorry, there was a problem.

Sorry, there was a problem.

Follow the author

My Seinfeld Year (Kindle Single) Kindle Edition

Customers who bought this item also bought

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

About the Author

From AudioFile

Product details

Videos

About the author

Fred Stoller

Products related to this item

Customer reviews

Review this product

Customers say

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

5.0 out of 5 stars Funny, poignant read

4.0 out of 5 stars For $1.99: "What Do You Want, Muffin Tops Only?"

3.0 out of 5 stars A Neat Look Into The Making Of Sienfeld

Top reviews from other countries

5.0 out of 5 stars Honest , humble.and entertaining

4.0 out of 5 stars simple and interesting

5.0 out of 5 stars I dont have this guys photo on my wall.

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant book about the life as an actor in tv series

3.0 out of 5 stars One Year, Some Writing

Report an issue

Funny, poignant read

For $1.99: "What Do You Want, Muffin Tops Only?"

A Neat Look Into The Making Of Sienfeld

Honest , humble.and entertaining

simple and interesting

I dont have this guys photo on my wall.

Brilliant book about the life as an actor in tv series

One Year, Some Writing