I Shouldn't Even Be Doing This!: And Other Things That Strike Me As Funny (2015) - Plot & Excerpts
When I first read and reviewed this book, I was only 22, so my first knowledge of Bob Newhart came from Nick-at-Nite when I was a kid, but even then I fell in love with his work (although come to think of it, I doubt I got many of the jokes). That is why when I bought this book the first time I saw it on the shelf.As I first started reading it, the book would talk about different routines Newhart had done at the beginning of his career, and I immediately felt left out, because a lot of this stuff I had never heard before. However, I was pleasantly relieved when reading further, the book actually had part of the routine he was talking about. Further reading shows all the routines he mentions in the book are reprinted in the story so no one is left out of the joke.This book is a great inspiration to anyone aspiring to work in comedy, because Newhart shares how he went from working part-time jobs trying to break into a career at "being funny" to becoming an award winning comic and one of the living legends in the comedy world.This book also shows a personal side of Newhart, one where you feel you can really connect with him. The glimpses he gives into his personal life shows he really is a guy just like the rest of us. In one part, he talks about how one day he came in and his wife was mad at him, he couldn't think of what he had done, and it turns out she is mad at him because of something he did in a dream, and even though it was only a dream, it still sounded like something he would do. When I got to that part I made my wife read it and said, "Remember doing that last week?"All around, this is a great book. Many Hollywood types would flaunt their achievements or exaggerate their accomplishments, but not Newhart. He presents a straight forward, entertaining account of his career from the beginning up to today.
We had the chance to see Bob Newhart, 84 (!), live recently; and decided to read his book just for fun. We don’t really recall Newhart from his Grammy-winning recordings or his “standup” days, but remember him well for his two popular TV shows (70’s and 80’s), one as a psychologist, with Susanne Pleshette as his lovely wife Emily; and one as a Vermont innkeeper with a cast of zany support characters. Interestingly, Bob’s wife of some fifty years, Ginny, thought up the famous ending of that latter show as a dream sequence from the former show – an episode that TV Guide has named the fifth most memorable moment in TV history. Newhart also appeared on and subbed for Johnny Carson nearly 100 times!The book is generally a topical memoir, with chapters about how he broke into the biz, his comedienne colleagues, his family life, and his ongoing desire to make people laugh. The author mentions that early on he decided against political or religious material; and unlike modern day comics, he stays away from the bedroom, the bathroom, and R-rated language. We were not surprised to learn that Bob admired Jack Benny – Bob’s own dry humor and pregnant pauses surely remind us of Benny. The style of the book is much the same, with mostly short vignettes that end with a quirky little punch line.Probably of more interest to fans than the casual reader, the book models it’s author – charming and amusing but not overly flashy or hilarious.
What do You think about I Shouldn't Even Be Doing This!: And Other Things That Strike Me As Funny (2015)?
I love Bob Newhart. I love his voice and his face and his sense of humor; I just want to hug him. I was pleased to find that Newhart narrates the audiobook version of this book, which I listened to during my commute. In a very conversational style, Bob tells of growing up in Chicago, becoming an accountant and then a comedian. His stories are littered with bits of his stand-up routine that I had never heard before; Abe Lincoln vs. Madison Avenue, the driving instructor, and King Kong had me laughing out loud as I drove to work. I loved the anecdotes about his wife of almost 50 years, Ginny, and his Granddaughter (who doesn't understand that he's not really an elf). A very funny and enjoyable book about an endearing and loveable man.
—Lynda
Bob Newhart's trademark dry humor and hesitant mannerisms are all over this book and I'M LOVING IT!The comedian-turned-actor has been a favorite of mine ever since I was a kid. Granted, his older fans will give me a Newhart-esque curmudgeonly stare with a telling clearing of the throat when I say it was the 80s show, not the 70s one that got me hooked. Egads, I can't even imagine what fans of his earlier comedy albums must think of me!I gave I Shouldn't Even Be Doing This! only 3 stars because it's a sketchy, piecemeal book of reminiscences, some of which are better than others. Overall it's an enjoyable read - hearing about his life, friendship with comedian friend Don Rickles, and whatnot - but as a book it's nothing special. Great for fans, not so much for the rest of you. And when I say "the rest of you," yes, I am saying it with distain...What is wrong with you people?!
—Jason Koivu
Dan Rowan and Dick Martin were famous for how they handled unruly audiences. These two comedians were basically one brain because each always knew what the other was doing.Once they were playing a hotel in Kansas City and virtually everyone in the crowd was drunk and yelling over the jokes, so Dan said, “We are now going to take you to the site of the 1954 Olympics. I’ll be talking to the world’s fastest man, and he will describe to me what thoughts are going through his mind.”Dan and Dick got down on all fours and ran off the stage, through the audience, out of the auditorium, and into an elevator. They didn’t stop until they were in their rooms. Meanwhile, the audience craned their necks and collectively went through the thought process of: “I wonder where they went… I guess they’re coming back… They’re coming back, aren’t they?” (91)
—Erik
