Leading with My Chin by Jay Leno Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Leading with My Chin
Book Review: Incredible-But-True Memoirs of Late Night Talk Show Host.
Summary: 4 Stars
First things first. Let me begin by saying I have become increasingly annoyed by Leno's style over the years - the constant brown-nosing, the insulting brand of humor, the incessant laughter at his own jokes, the endless praise of virtually every movie a star comes on the show to promote, etc.That said, there is obviously one thing Leno can do very well, and that's to tell a funny story. This story is full of his (obviously) favorite remembrances of his childhood and the nightmares he had to endure while attempting to hit it big as a comedian. Some of the stories he tells are so outlandish, you may be thinking, "Is he kidding? Did that really happen?" Nevertheless, I do love this book, enough so that I think it's actually worth re-reading. Leno even offers some insights into the success of some of his contemporaries (Robin Williams, the late Andy Kaufman and Freddie Prinze, and his late night rival, David Letterman).
Trust me on this one, you may find yourself laughing in spite of yourself. Especially endearing are the stories about Leno's parents (an Italian father and a Scottish mother!).
I give it four out of five.
Book Review: Jay Leno is one of the best things on Late Night TV
Summary: 5 Stars
Leading With My Chin is by far one of the best autobiographical books in print. It's funny, its heartwarming.....hey, it's even a little dirty. AJy Leno is a great comedian and a wonderful person. He shows how one man from New England can make it to stardom.Book Review: My Favorite in the Genre
Summary: 5 Stars
As a comedian starting the biz in 1990 myself, I enjoy reading these comedian autobiographies. It is very interesting to see how different the industry was back when some of these guys, who paved the path for the rest of us, started. I've always heard great things about Leno, that he is the hardest working guy in show business and one of the friendliest guys in the industry. He is supposedly very supportive and I know he did a free show every year at Zanies in Chicago for all unemployed people, who showed their unemployment checks to get in.
The book tells some of the best stories I've heard of coming up in the business. Leno started back when there weren't comedy clubs, more playboy rooms and strip clubs. He was one of the first club regulars and no doubt his skill, along with the others at that time, helped make the comedy club scene big. (Although I've heard criticisms about his Tonight Show monologues, Jay is known in the industry to have been one of the most talented comedians ever back when he was touring regularly.)
Jay recalls episodes of his life in an easy-to-read style and isn't afraid to tell stories revealing his strong respect and love for his parents. My favorite story wasn't a funny one at all; it was the one where Jay got his first car, even a passion back then, spent lots of time and money to get it all fixed up and was sitting in his high school classroom, staring out the window at impending sudden doom of rain, looking at his convertabile with the top down. He couldn't get to it. Suddenly, his parents drove up and... you'll have to read the book for the rest of the story.
It's also really cool to read about the other up and comers Jay came in contact with in his early years, as well as those who didn't make it or passed before their time. Among them are Jerry Seinfeld and Robin Williams. A fun, quick read for anyone who enjoys standup comedy or wants to read about a grateful star, of which there is a great shortage of today.
Book Review: Stick to the Tonight Show
Summary: 3 Stars
Not that bad, but Leno is much funnier on t.v. The book focuses on his life and how he made the big time. If you're looking for a biography of Leno, this one is acceptable, but if you're looking for some good laughs--look elsewhere.Book Review: The best book.
Summary: 5 Stars
I am a teen and I love this book. It was so funny and good harted. I liked the book so much I gave one to a friend and she loved it.In this book you get to know jay. Not Jay Leno host of the tonight show. It is the best book out there. It is sweet and funny. Get it and get one for a friend.