Status
Available
Call number
Publication
New York : St. Martin's Griffin, 2014.
Description
"Billy Crystal is turning 65, and he's not happy about it. With his trademark wit and heart, he outlines the absurdities and challenges that come with growing old, from insomnia to memory loss to leaving dinners with half your meal on your shirt. In humorous chapters like "Buying the Plot" and "Nodding Off," Crystal not only catalogues his physical gripes, but offers a road map to his 77 million fellow baby boomers who are arriving at this milestone age with him. He also looks back at the most powerful and memorable moments of his long and storied life, from entertaining his relatives as a kid in Long Beach, Long Island, his years doing stand-up in the Village, up through his legendary stint at Saturday Night Live, When Harry Met Sally, and his long run as host of the Academy Awards. Readers get a front-row seat to his one-day career with the New York Yankees (he was the first player to ever "test positive for Maalox"), his love affair with Sophia Loren, and his enduring friendships with several of his idols, including Mickey Mantle and Muhammad Ali. He lends a light touch to more serious topics like religion ("the aging friends I know have turned to the Holy Trinity: Advil, bourbon, and Prozac"), grandparenting, and, of course, dentistry. As wise and poignant as they are funny, Crystal's reflections are an unforgettable look at an extraordinary life well lived"--… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member knahs
This is a hilarious laugh out loud book. Crystal tells wonderful stories of his family, growing up, and his journey through life. He was profoundly affected by his father's death when he was only 15. We hear about his decision to try stand-up and his early successes. Stories of Muhammad Ali, Mickey
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Mantel, and working with Jack Palance on City Slickers were fantastic. Stories of getting older were also hilarious since I can relate to many of the situations. However, there was too much use of the f word. Using it to describe what Charles Bronson said to him when he called about the City Slickers script is one thing but just to use it to use it - disappointed me in Crystal. He is a good comedian and you don't need to use the f word to get a laugh. Show Less
LibraryThing member wlshirer
I used to be more of a Billy Crystal fan until I listened to this audiobook. I almost couldn't wait for it to be over, and I almost stopped listening to it. Sure, he's a funny guy, but he's not funny in this book at all. He's funny with the one-liners. Anything more than a few sentences for Crystal
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is just too long to be funny. And so you are left with a book where he just talks about his accomplishments and those things in life that are really important to him, like baseball and the Mets. It's all about, "Me, Me, Me," and after I heard it, I realized that the Me was not all that interesting. The book has no great insights. It was mundane and rather boring in my opinion. Show Less
LibraryThing member GrannyNanny
I was really disappointed in this book, I thought it was going to be funnier. There were a few parts I could relate to such as growing older, where has all the time gone and being a grandparent. I, unlike many others, do not like seeing the "F" word and there were several other disgusting terms
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that were used. Billy Crystal is a comedic genius and I have always enjoyed his comedy, but this was a real disappointment. Show Less
LibraryThing member Neale
A great Audio book read by Billy. Includes some stand up as well. I preferred the parts just read by Billy rather than the stand up. An amazing story he has achieved so much and still is a down to earth person, Some swearing but in context. Highly recommend.
LibraryThing member Coltfan18
This is look at Billy Crystal's life and a humorous look at aging. He talks about growing older, his work, and family life. You learn about his lifelong love of baseball and the Yankees and how he played for them for one day. Throughout the book, he talks about his friendships with Mohammed Ali and
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Micky Mantle. Most of the people in Billy's life are enjoyable to read about with a couple of exceptions. The ending is great when he receives his greatest birthday gift. This is an easy to read book with many laughs. Show Less
LibraryThing member Cyndecat
a nice look into the memories of Billy Crystal.
LibraryThing member cameling
Mr Funnyman looks in the mirror when he's 65 and wonders how he started to look the way he does and with that he puts his jokes, his thoughts, his fears, his memories and most of all his heart in between pages of a book. At times hilarious and at times very moving, Billy Crystal did not lead a
He brings us into his friendship with Mohammad Ali, Mickey Mantel and Bob Costas among others. He shares some wonderful family stories and how his parents helped shape the person he is today. He shares the important milestones in each decade of his life thus far, how he got into show business, his successes and his failures, with a self-deprecating joke or a hundred and he makes life sound 'just mahvelous'.
Humbling, entertaining and moving. A very good read.
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charmed life, things did not just fall into his lap like an over ripe apple off a tree. He worked and he worked hard. He listened, he learned, he loved and he laughed,... boy did he laugh alot and most of all, he liked to make people laugh. He brings us into his friendship with Mohammad Ali, Mickey Mantel and Bob Costas among others. He shares some wonderful family stories and how his parents helped shape the person he is today. He shares the important milestones in each decade of his life thus far, how he got into show business, his successes and his failures, with a self-deprecating joke or a hundred and he makes life sound 'just mahvelous'.
Humbling, entertaining and moving. A very good read.
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LibraryThing member Renzomalo
For fans of Billy Crystal, of which I count myself one, the book is worth the price of admission but little more. You do get the occasional dollop of classic Crystal humor, especially in the early going. “The Five Stages of Forgetting Things” is particularly noteworthy – classic Crystal.
If indeed this is a chapter on becoming conservative, it is Mr. Crystal’s homage to Einstein’s theory of Relativity. One wonders just how far left Mr. Crystal’s mindset was to consider his tepid admissions a rightward swing. It’s here where Mr. Crystal demands that “climate deniers” stop denying the “truth of global warming (implied). He advises these them to “look out the F’n window.” Being a card-carrying denier myself, I took the advice.
On an early Cleveland morning in February of 2014, I opened the window, stuck out my head and breathed deep. The snot froze in my nose. Note to Billy: Climate alarmists also need to look out the window, but first they’ll need an alimentary craniotomy. Just sayin’.
It was also tiring to plow through the endless schmoozing and name-dropping with all the “new best friends” and “brilliant” this friend and “genius” that friend. It got tiring, as did the use of the “F word” which I just don’t associate with Mr. Crystal. A real disappointment. Maybe he did it to uphold his genius status with his hundreds of “genius, best friends.” Who knows? Maybe Carl Reiner thought it funny but I’m willing to bet Mohamed Ali didn’t.
Bottom line: “Still Foolin’ ‘Em” is a book for the People Magazine set and Billy Crystal fans in general. But for some of us, it’s a bit of a slog in the late going. There’s some good, and sometime humorous, advice on life and aging, but the occasional dollop of humor at this point doesn’t sweeten the leftist tact. Three stars from this conservative grump, and only because I couldn’t give it 2 ¾.
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However, as the book progresses the text becomes invariably infused and bogged down with the inevitable left-wing, holier-than-thou, it’s-Bush’s-fault, East Coast/Hollywood liberalism, which is funny for some no doubt. And then there’s his chapter on conservatism, entitled “Conservative.” Odd that.If indeed this is a chapter on becoming conservative, it is Mr. Crystal’s homage to Einstein’s theory of Relativity. One wonders just how far left Mr. Crystal’s mindset was to consider his tepid admissions a rightward swing. It’s here where Mr. Crystal demands that “climate deniers” stop denying the “truth of global warming (implied). He advises these them to “look out the F’n window.” Being a card-carrying denier myself, I took the advice.
On an early Cleveland morning in February of 2014, I opened the window, stuck out my head and breathed deep. The snot froze in my nose. Note to Billy: Climate alarmists also need to look out the window, but first they’ll need an alimentary craniotomy. Just sayin’.
It was also tiring to plow through the endless schmoozing and name-dropping with all the “new best friends” and “brilliant” this friend and “genius” that friend. It got tiring, as did the use of the “F word” which I just don’t associate with Mr. Crystal. A real disappointment. Maybe he did it to uphold his genius status with his hundreds of “genius, best friends.” Who knows? Maybe Carl Reiner thought it funny but I’m willing to bet Mohamed Ali didn’t.
Bottom line: “Still Foolin’ ‘Em” is a book for the People Magazine set and Billy Crystal fans in general. But for some of us, it’s a bit of a slog in the late going. There’s some good, and sometime humorous, advice on life and aging, but the occasional dollop of humor at this point doesn’t sweeten the leftist tact. Three stars from this conservative grump, and only because I couldn’t give it 2 ¾.
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LibraryThing member jessibud2
I have always had a secret crush on Billy Crystal. I really loved this book. So many laugh-out-loud moments and some poignant, serious ones too. He does it all so well. He is such a multi-faceted, multi-dimensional guy, and in addition, just a truly decent human being, a quality that seems in
My crush on Billy Crystal continues...
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increasingly rare supply among the famous (and even not-so-famous).My crush on Billy Crystal continues...
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LibraryThing member sleahey
At times hilarious, at times poignant, this audio was partially performed in front of a live audience. Crystal describes much of his career and personal life, joys and sorrows. Enough famous people are mentioned to add to the interest, but fundamentally it's the recollections of a 60 year old man
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looking back over his relationships at home and work. Show Less
LibraryThing member Tanya-dogearedcopy
Still Foolin’ ‘Em: Where I’ve Been, Where I’m Going, and Where the Hell are My Keys?
Written and narrated by Billy Crystal
Ⓟ 2013, Macmillan Audio
8.10 hours
Still Foolin’ ‘Em is an autobiography of Billy Crystal’s career to date as told from the perspective of the 65 year old veteran
This isn’t really a comic album per se. It’s a memoir of a comic who delivers Borscht Belt or Matzoh Ball humor as a part of his personality. It’s interesting and engaging; but if you’re looking for jokes and routines, you’re better off checking out his old performances on television and film.
OTHER: I borrowed a CD edition of Still Foolin’ ‘Em: Where I’ve Been, Where I’m Going, and Where the Hell are My Keys? (Written and narrated by Billy Crystal) from the Jackson County Library System in Oregon. I receive no monies, goods or services in exchange for reviewing the product and/or mentioning any of the persons or companies that are or may be implied in this post.
Written and narrated by Billy Crystal
Ⓟ 2013, Macmillan Audio
8.10 hours
Still Foolin’ ‘Em is an autobiography of Billy Crystal’s career to date as told from the perspective of the 65 year old veteran
Show More
comic, actor, writer and, producer. Crystal recognized as he was writing the book that some sections would be better presented live for the audiobook edition, so there are chapters which have been recorded in front of an audience. Whether live or from a studio, Crystal’s delivery is fast and his timing well-honed.This isn’t really a comic album per se. It’s a memoir of a comic who delivers Borscht Belt or Matzoh Ball humor as a part of his personality. It’s interesting and engaging; but if you’re looking for jokes and routines, you’re better off checking out his old performances on television and film.
OTHER: I borrowed a CD edition of Still Foolin’ ‘Em: Where I’ve Been, Where I’m Going, and Where the Hell are My Keys? (Written and narrated by Billy Crystal) from the Jackson County Library System in Oregon. I receive no monies, goods or services in exchange for reviewing the product and/or mentioning any of the persons or companies that are or may be implied in this post.
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LibraryThing member jillrhudy
I did not love it, but I feel I have been given a gift after listening to Billy Crystal narrate this memoir. Everything most precious to the man is in here. He didn't hold back anything. Having said that, there is too much repetition (about Mickey Mantle and Muhammed Ali, for instance) and not
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enough of reminisces about working with other famous people to hold my attention. I didn't mind the crudeness except when it got boring. The family stuff is wonderful as are the parts about his most famous movies. Show Less
LibraryThing member bookczuk
Billy Crystal is a man I'd like to have as a friend. Unless he's really fooling lots of people, he's a real mensch. There's nothing to date in all that I know of him to give any other indication. Caring, funny, married to the same woman since he was 23, devoted to his friends and family, and able
A few things that stood out for me in this book: the people he calls close friends, who inhabit every walk of life, his love of baseball, his athleticism. There were some stories I'd heard before, others that were totally new to me. Some particularly resonated (his bar mitzvah, the passing of his mother, his interactions with Mohammed Ali, the show in Russia.
Good book. If I ever get to have that fantasy dinner, I hope I remember to invite Billy Crystal.
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to make the world laugh. A few things that stood out for me in this book: the people he calls close friends, who inhabit every walk of life, his love of baseball, his athleticism. There were some stories I'd heard before, others that were totally new to me. Some particularly resonated (his bar mitzvah, the passing of his mother, his interactions with Mohammed Ali, the show in Russia.
Good book. If I ever get to have that fantasy dinner, I hope I remember to invite Billy Crystal.
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LibraryThing member Dream24
I received a free copy through Goodreads.
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It was a rather fun and unexpected read. I haven't seen a lot of Billy Crystal's stand up comedy or films but I rather enjoyed reading this book. He is quite the comedian.
I enjoyed his little jokes here and there, along with some words of wisdom. There
Overall, fairly decent and insightful memoir that allows us a glimpse into Billy's life.
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It was a rather fun and unexpected read. I haven't seen a lot of Billy Crystal's stand up comedy or films but I rather enjoyed reading this book. He is quite the comedian.
I enjoyed his little jokes here and there, along with some words of wisdom. There
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were a few instances were it was a little meh, but there's enough funny parts to keep going.Overall, fairly decent and insightful memoir that allows us a glimpse into Billy's life.
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LibraryThing member joeydag
Very funny book. Part memoir, part collection of material for stand up routines. Billy turned 65 and uses that as a recurring topic. Some filthy jokes, some cute stuff. Spoiler alert. He finds his keys.
I found myself, literally, laughing out loud on quite a few occasions.
I found myself, literally, laughing out loud on quite a few occasions.
LibraryThing member UberButter
Still Foolin’ ‘Em: Where I’ve Been, Where I’m going, and Where the Hell are my Keys? by Billy Crystal
288 pages
★★★
In this book, Billy Crystal talks about his career and his life surrounding it. He also talks about recently turning 65 and he rants about…well whatever he wants.
I
288 pages
★★★
In this book, Billy Crystal talks about his career and his life surrounding it. He also talks about recently turning 65 and he rants about…well whatever he wants.
I
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love Billy Crystal but honestly? I found this book a bit boring. It had its moments of being funny or sweet and there were a lot of interesting tidbits on his life. The man, in 65 years, has had no celebrity drama in his life. This is great for him – same wife, same career, same house, no rehab, no drugs, and no affairs (that we know of!) after 35 years as an actor is a rarity and I commend him for that. However, I won’t lie that it made for a somewhat dull book. A lot of “And I auditioned for this movie. And I met these awesome people. And the movie did well. And it was called When Harry Met Sally… then I met someone else and we made a movie. And then there was this movie….”well you get the gist. And then the many of the parts I did find interesting he had already mentioned in his previous book, 700 Sundays, which I recently read (like..last week recently). I still adore the guy, I think he is amazing and that is reflected in this book but I am glad I got it from the library, I can’t imagine wanting to re-read this one. Show Less
LibraryThing member Dianekeenoy
Very enjoyable!
LibraryThing member enemyanniemae
It's Billy Crystal. He's a very funny man. He also says some very poignant things. His life so far has been very interesting. It'll be fun to hear about how it all pans out.
Listened to him read his book. He did a good job- all the people in the book should be proud.
Listened to him read his book. He did a good job- all the people in the book should be proud.
LibraryThing member LDVoorberg
How could you ever actually READ this book instead of listen to it? Billy Crystal does voices so well, the stories are a thousand times better heard.
It's a bit of a memoir, going back through his life talking about his family and his career, and part reflection on what it means to get "old" (65
It's funny, charming, delightful autobiography with lots of "laugh out loud" moments.
Crystal is certainly obsessed with the Yankees, so it helps to know a bit of baseball if you read/listen to the book.
It's a bit of a memoir, going back through his life talking about his family and his career, and part reflection on what it means to get "old" (65
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specifically) and start thinking about death.It's funny, charming, delightful autobiography with lots of "laugh out loud" moments.
Crystal is certainly obsessed with the Yankees, so it helps to know a bit of baseball if you read/listen to the book.
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LibraryThing member addunn3
Mr. Chrystal has written a funny, warm tale of his life. Very enjoyable, especially as an audio book, since the author read it, and some of the chapters were done in front of an audience.
LibraryThing member TimBazzett
LOVED this book. NYTimes bestseller. Hundreds of reader reviews, and I'm about five years late in reading it. Loved his 700 SUNDAYS too. Not surprised how hard I laughed, but he can make you cry too, and I did. He's that good a writer. Thanks for all of it Billy. LOVED every page, every word!
- Tim Bazzett, author of the memoir, BOOKLOVER
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Enough said.- Tim Bazzett, author of the memoir, BOOKLOVER
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LibraryThing member justagirlwithabook
Tags: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Billy Crystal, Comedians, Reflections, Essays, Growing Older
Overview: I listened to this one on audio read by Billy Crystal, one of my favorite comedians and actors growing up. This one was really reflections on his getting older, looking back on his career and how he
Highlights: Some of the audio was recorded in front of a live audience, so having an element of other people responding live (laughing, commenting, etc.) made the audio really fun to listen to. There were parts that made me guffaw, they were so funny, and there were parts towards the end that made me really tear up, they were so heartfelt and human.
Pre-Requisites: A good sense of humor and the ability to laugh!
If you like: comedy, Billy Crystal, short pieces/reflections, reminiscing on the past, quick reads, thoughtful discussion on life and death (and all the in between things)
Overview: I listened to this one on audio read by Billy Crystal, one of my favorite comedians and actors growing up. This one was really reflections on his getting older, looking back on his career and how he
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got to where he is today, stages of his family (marriage, children, grandchildren), and a few little rants here and there (that are incredibly entertaining).Highlights: Some of the audio was recorded in front of a live audience, so having an element of other people responding live (laughing, commenting, etc.) made the audio really fun to listen to. There were parts that made me guffaw, they were so funny, and there were parts towards the end that made me really tear up, they were so heartfelt and human.
Pre-Requisites: A good sense of humor and the ability to laugh!
If you like: comedy, Billy Crystal, short pieces/reflections, reminiscing on the past, quick reads, thoughtful discussion on life and death (and all the in between things)
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LibraryThing member MHanover10
I'm a big Billy Crystal fan. I've always thought he has been one of the few stars who seemed grounded and real. This book shows how much he is a family man and. I love that he and Janice have been married for over 45 years and have lived in the same house for that long. He still gets start struck
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and he hasn't let fame blow his head up. I enjoyed the live audience sections of the audio book. There were times in this book where I was laughing so hard I was snorting and had I been drinking I would have spit it out. There were times when he made me cry. There were also times where I just smiled because he took me back to a movie I enjoyed or a show I saw him on. The audio book is a must as Billy does a fantastic job reading it. When he talked about hitting for the New York Yankees I got on YouTube and looked up the footage. Probably one of my favorite nonfiction books. Show Less
LibraryThing member Charrlygirl
What an excellent audio book!
In his mid sixties now, Billy Crystal recounts his life by decade, (my twenties, my thirties, etc...), interspersed with portions set in the present which were performed in front of a live audience. What an interesting man!
Starting with his early home life, the death of
The live audience portions of this performance were all about the aging process- they were very funny and all true. Towards the end of this autobiography he addresses the big issues-the loss of extended family members and facing one's own death. There is a real focus here on family and I enjoyed that. It also lent a sense of poignancy when he discussed the losses his family has experienced.
Funny and genuinely interesting, I enjoyed the hell out of this audio book. I laughed out loud, I teared up and I learned a lot. What more could a reader ask for?
Highly recommended!
In his mid sixties now, Billy Crystal recounts his life by decade, (my twenties, my thirties, etc...), interspersed with portions set in the present which were performed in front of a live audience. What an interesting man!
Starting with his early home life, the death of
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his father and his first career milestones, Billy tells his story with warmth, humility, humor and poignancy. Recounting his relationships with Muhammad Ali and Howard Cosell, Johnny Carson and Mickey Mantle, this is a behind the scenes look into building a successful career and family life. The live audience portions of this performance were all about the aging process- they were very funny and all true. Towards the end of this autobiography he addresses the big issues-the loss of extended family members and facing one's own death. There is a real focus here on family and I enjoyed that. It also lent a sense of poignancy when he discussed the losses his family has experienced.
Funny and genuinely interesting, I enjoyed the hell out of this audio book. I laughed out loud, I teared up and I learned a lot. What more could a reader ask for?
Highly recommended!
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LibraryThing member debs4jc
The audiobook of this is particularly funny in places, as Billy Crystal reads it and actually performed parts of it as a comedy sketch in front of an audience. The first 10 minutes I was dying with laughter. Then it turned to the more ususal "let me tell you about my life" type of memoir, which was
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interesting enough as Billy Crystal has led quite a life. But the best parts are definitely the comedic reflections that are spread throughout the narrative. I will say that the humor is definitely R-rated so be careful who is in the car with you when you listen to this! Crystal doesn't hold anything back, so this book may not be for the easily offended. Otherwise, enjoy - but pull over to the side of the road if you are laughing so hard you can't breath. Show Less
Awards
Audie Award (Finalist — Audiobook of the Year — 2014)
Grammy Award (Nominee — 2014)
Language
Original publication date
2013
Physical description
286 p.; 21 inches
ISBN
1250051843 / 9781250051844