This was a pretty quick entertaining read. The reviews make this book out to be very dark and depressing. However, for me, it wasn't as dark and depressing as I thought it would be. It is simply a man struggling with addiction and his shaky recovery afterwards. Hammond doesn't have any huge epiphanies or any real change of live moments in which he lives his life differently. He does eventually come to grip with his mother's abuse and seems to see her in a different light after a while. He also tries to cope with himself and his addictions. Overall the man has a pretty low estimation of himself which comes across loud and clear in the book. On one hand this is sad to read but on the other hand refreshing simply because he doesn't grandstand. He seems to say, Look here is my life, this is what happened, take it or leave it. I am not a hero."Another refreshing surprise is Hammond's explanation of his craft of imitation. He talks about studying people, and is always surprised when those people he imitates likes it. Hammond in many ways sees himself more like an empty vessel in terms of his comic work. This despite the fact that he works very hard at his craft and performs it very well. An interesting read! This book was was a chronology of Darrell Hammond's life. There wasn't much detail in regards to his mental illness and recovery. It is inspiring and incredible that he was a working actor in the limelight and living in such darkness. Physically I would think it couldn't be done, but he did it. It is not detail oriented but a general over view of his addictions and mental illnesses.I wanted to know where he thought he was going in the future and more information to help other people who are struggling with some of the same issues. They were glossed over. To write this biography, must of taken courage and vulnerability. I respect that.
What do You think about In My Own Skin LP (2011)?
While perhaps not the most well written memoir I have read, it certainly was fascinating.
—Priyanshu
