Stephen Tobolowsky

You know those imaginary dinner parties where you get to invite any five people from history for an evening of amazing conversation? This book is the reason Stephen Tobolowsky has always been one of my five. He is a raconteur of the first order, and I think an evening with Beethoven, Abe Lincoln, and Winston Churchill would be made ever more fascinating for his inclusion. But it’s not just that his stories are compulsively entertaining. It’s that they resound with insight and revelation. Tobolowsky’s stories make me glad I’m alive. And they make me want to throw a dinner party every night.… (más)

I first encountered Stephen Tobolowsky, the writer, with his collection The Dangerous Animals Club. When I picked up that collection of personal essays that focuses on his childhood, I thought that his name and picture sounded familiar. With a quick Google search I realized that he’s “that actor in that show”. Seriously. He’s a character actor with an IMDB listing as long as Shaq's arm. The Dangerous Animals Club was absolutely hilarious and the title essay reminded me simultaneously of Stephen King’s The Body (the story that inspired Stand by Me) and David Sedaris. It is a must read.

The next time I ran into Tobolowsky (the writer – I can’t keep track of how often I see Tobolowsky, the actor), I was browsing iTunes for podcasts to listen to and there it was: The Tobolowsky Files! Sweet. Sign me up. After I had taken in just a couple of episodes, there he was again, with a new essay collection called My Adventures with God.

Tobolowsky’s latest essay collection, hot off the presses this week, turns away from his childhood and focuses on moments of his life dealing (however obliquely) with religion and spirituality. Never fear, the essays still have a great deal of humor and charm. But they are also tender and raw and deeply contemplative. He shares not only his own stories, but those of other people in his life and his ear for storytelling is impeccable. While this collection has themes of religion and spirituality, it is non-judgmental and widely accessible. I highly recommend everything I’ve heard and read so far and am looking forward to anything he may publish next.

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks!… (más)

I have often said I rarely read memoirs and autobiographies. I have often found them full of nothing by salacious gossip and narcissistic ramblings. I may have to amend my statement, since this year I have read seven memoirs so far, and have thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of them.
The Dangerous Animals Club is no exception. If Stephen Tobolowsky ever quits acting, he can just pick up as a writer. His writing style is relaxed and inviting. As I read, I heard his voice in my head telling me his story. He talks about growing up in Texas, about struggling to become an actor, and about balancing career and family. All is told with warmth and humor.… (más)

I have never laughed out loud soo much, listening to an audiobook. Stephen Tobolowsky does an amazing job narrating his stories and you can't help but grinning at his off the wall and nearly unbelievable stories. There are roughly two dozen stories that illustrate Stephen's childhood, college years, acting gigs, professional life, and parenthood.

Such a great read. I looked forward getting into the car so I could listen to Stephen joke about driving naked down the interstate to escape fleas, capturing scorpions in jelly jars, and debating about whether to pay the big man to pee on his back.

A great collection and one that makes me appreciate Mr. Tobolowsky even more as an actor. What fun stories :)… (más)