Maybe You Never Cry Again (2004) - Plot & Excerpts
I'm still not over the loss of George Carlin, so it seems really unfair, to lose another of our most important entertainers: a comedian. For me, comedians are much more than people who make me laugh; they inform and help me put things into perspective.Bernie Mac was from my neck of the woods: the south side of Chicago. We grew up around the same time, and we had something in common. His book: "Maybe You Never Cry Again," reminded me of how I had also used comedy, as a device to deflect from the pain in my life.I first met him just after 9/11, at his book signing at Eso Won Books, an Afro-centric book store in Los Angeles. The people there know me, because I am one of the few white persons attending its book signings.The night that Bernie was to appear, Fox News interviewed me, no doubt, because I was one of the two white folks there. "I think that comedy is very important, especially now. Comedians will be instrumental in helping to heal our wounds," I said.As approached him, Bernie broke into a huge smile. "Aw, baby, you can party with me anytime!" he beamed. I leaned in and said "Bernie, you keep healing the world with your comedy." "Thank you for that," he said, embracing me.I've seen Bernie's standup, and had always been amazed at his honesty. I saw The Kings of Comedy four times in the theater, as well as adding it to my DVD collection. It will always be one of my favorites, as will he. The fact that so few knew that he was ill, is a testament to the kind of person he was - and his legacy will remain as he lived his life: without compromise. It's a great lesson for everyone, and the best tribute to him, would be that we try to do the same.
Mac didn't really know his father. After his mother died, he was raised by his two grandparents. He had a strict upbringing, and he considers this to be an important reason why he was successful. He saw a lot of other people ruin their opportunities. He started a family when he was very young and had to support them while pursuing his dream of being a comedian. He had a strong work ethic and became very depressed when he didn't have a job and income. He worked a long time in stand-up before his TV show and movies. He studied comedy and learned to adjust his material according to whatever format he was in - using profanity or being clean according to the audience. He told the co-creator of his TV show that he didn't want a laugh track, he wanted to talk directly to the audience, and wanted the portrayal of marriage to not seem silly for the sake of jokes, like he saw other sit-coms do.This is on the opposite end of the spectrum from a book like Arte Lange's Too Fat to Fish. Lange can do very funny standup, but his life is constantly overshadowed by drugs and alcohol, and - like Chris Farley and John Belushi - greed-driven excess.
What do You think about Maybe You Never Cry Again (2004)?
I'm beginning to realize that life is too short to read a book I'm just not interested in. I was listening to this via audiobook and it was read by Bernie Mac. He promotes an awesome message, especially to fellow young people: he had a rough background but he never let it direct his path; he set his sights on something greater and he worked to achieve it. Still, the reading style just didn't appeal to me. He writes like he talks -- and while that gives the yarn a strong sense of voice, it was a bit tedious. It wandered in parts and seemed disjointed, and I got tired of the "well" and "you know." I picked this up trying to find a book for a student - he LOVED biographies. He would probably enjoy this, so I'll keep it in mind, but it just wasn't for me. To be fair, I've restrained from rating it.
—Rachel
From the first sentence to the last, I couldn't stop laughing. Even when Bernie is trying to be serious, he's funny! The man was just oozing with comedy in his blood. This is the reason I love reading about famous people because you learn so much about who they are and why they came to be!Bernard Jeffrey McCullough had an incredible amazing life. He's had a great deal of tragedy, which from what I've learned about most comedians' life stories I've read, pain is what makes them so raw and funny and Bernie Mac definitely had plenty of it. I'm so glad I got to see him perform live at least once, and he was simply amazing. The Kings of Comedy is something I watch all the time when I need a pick-me-up!The one sad note for me in reading this book, Bernie was so alive and looking forward to the rest of his comedic career. He had no idea that a few years after this publication, he'd die. I kept wishing he was still here because I respected his craft so much. He was so damn funny! Critics often stated they couldn't understand what Bernie was saying, but I caught every damn word! He was quick-witted and you had to stay with him to follow the stories he'd tell. I didn't miss a beat! I know his wife and daughter miss him tremendously, but what an incredible legacy he left behind. I miss the Mac Man! He was taken too soon, but I suppose he's making the angels laugh in Heaven.Outstanding read!
—Kimberly Hicks
