Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing
Review: LIVE FROM NEW YORK is a book that immediately doesn't live up to its potential. Authors Tom Shales and James Andrew Miller had what seems like unprecedented access to just about everyone involved with Saturday Night Live other than Eddie Murphy and those who have passed away. Their set of interviews had the potential to be the foundation of a well-researched history. What is presented instead amounts to an oral history consistently mostly of paragraph-long anecdotes told by the cast, writers, producers and hosts of the show. While this alone is inherently interesting, there is little interpretation, little context, and virtually no other research in this book. As a result, much of significance is left out and too much irrelevant is left in. Although I'm sure the authors edited out some (probably most) of the words told to them by their interview subjects, they (the authors) would not interrupt a stream of thought chosen for inclusion in the book. As a result, all the "ums," "you knows," fractured syntax and bad grammar that aren't noticed in conversation make otherwise bright people seem stupid and hard to understand in this book. The flip side of the inclusion of this type of unintended language is that the context of several stories is often left to the reader's outside knowledge. This is especially a problem as it relates to stories about specific sketches. Sketches would be discussed, but rarely explained. Those unfamiliar with these sketches will have little greater understanding after reading this book. Overall, the specific sketches and routines that define the show were really under-explored in favor of behind-the-scenes personality stories. All this is interesting enough, but also not nearly enough. Outside critiques of the show are mostly unaddressed. Some of the people interviewed acknowledge vague criticisms, but those criticism are not really explored. Oddly, one internal criticism that crops up is a sense that some of the show's sketches tend not to end well, while the idea that sketches go on too long or ride one joke too far is completely un-addressed. Even the photo section of this book comes up short, as it features mostly photos of the bets known cast members while others who appear throughout the book, but are less well known remain faceless phantoms. The biggest disappointment about this book is that it could have been so much more. The authors could have done some more secondary research, discussed the show's context during its times, and woven together a story in which the gaps (like the absence of commentary from Eddie Murphy, or some of the deceased stars) were less noticeable. While reading this book I kept contrasting it to Bob Woodward's John Belushi biography, WIRED. WIRED may have had a malicious slant, Woodward may not have appreciated Belushi, and he may have included untrue stories (as Dan Aykroyd asserts) - but it was a better story. Despite all that's wrong with the book, I thought it compelling enough to plow through in a few days. I have probably never read a nearly-600 page book so quickly. Again, the material is inherently interesting, but ultimately the product is disappointing.
Rating: 
Summary: An incredible show, an incredible read
Review: I expected one of two things: a thick piece of "fluff" filled with funny backstage antecdotes, or an expose with bitter memories from those no longer associated with the show. I got neither.
Don't get me wrong, the book is packed with both the funny backstage stories, and the bitterness from ex-cast members. But as it turns out, the book, overall, is a detailed glimpse of how to do the impossible (throw together a 90-minute ensemble sketch comedy show in six days, see it come to an end in the blink of an eye, and start all over again the following Monday) 20 times a year for 28 years.
The authors/interviewers especially made a point to select quotes from all the interviewees to give the complete story, not just a biased-towards-the-show attitude. Janeane Garafalo says the show is anti-women, Fred Wolf retorts basically saying Janeane is a comparably lazy performer who seemed to search for negative messages that didn't exist in skits she hated.
The interviewees are astonishingly honest, never hesitating to say "That was a bad episode" or "We weren't doing our best" in their recollections. As a result, you come out of reading the book with a new respect for everybody ever associated with the show. It seems as though strength, both emotional and physical, play a big part in the show's survival.
Rating: 
Summary: This book is horrible
Review: You may think that a book about Saturday Night Live would be fun or perhaps even entertaining. Well this one is not. I hate to disagree with the other reviewers but the book was just huge, boring list of commentary. These authors should not be acclaimed for throwing together a scrapbook of things that other people said. I COULD HAVE DONE IT MYSELF AND SAVED $26! The worst part of the book is looking at the pictures of the authors. They look duller than the book itself!
Rating:
Summary: I hate Chevy Chase, too!
Review: This book is a must read for anyone who grew up watching Saturday Night Live, even in the bad years. I really enjoyed reading this book because it gave first hand accounts of events,from several different points of view. The thing that struck me most about reading this was how much talent Lorne Michaels had and misused through the years. He is nothing, if not short sighted! I also love how cast members and writers all just aired their dirty laundry. All of the feuds and petty arguments came through! What can I say, I'm sycophantic for the original cast, and several of the later casts. If you are a fan of SNL, any cast, this book is for you!
Rating:
Summary: Loads Of Information On Everyone's Favorite Show
Review: For such a big book, this was a surprisingly fast read. I love this book. I love the way this book is put together. I used to love the show... let's hope it improves. As this book shows, SNL has survived bad seasons before. The most intersing thing I learned from the book revolved around the Dick Ebersol years. Even though they weren't the best, they seemed to have dissapeared from reruns. It's not my imagination. The book tells us that Lorne Michaels owns the rerun rights, an aside from an occasional Eddie Murphy sketch, we're not going to get anything from the Dick Ebersol- Eddie Murphy- Joe Piscapo years. This is a great whatever-happened-to book as well. This book made the wise decision to not only include the better known cast members as contributors, but the lesser known ones as well. Especially enlighting were cast members recollections as to who were good hosts and who were bad host. Guess they won't be asking Chevy Chase back to host any time soon. This is a treasure trove of information and trivia for any TV buff. Included are poignant reminiscants about former cast members who have left this world- Chris Farley, Gilda Radner, John Belushi and Phil Hartman. Also- find out who said [the "F" word]... on TV first. Hint: it was on SNL and it wasn't Charles Rocket. Think bald bandleader. Wonderful throughout.
Rating:
Summary: Only One Negative In This Whole Book...
Review: This is a brilliantly entertaining first-person(s) history of Saturday Night Live, thoroughly captivating whether you love SNL, love anything about the entertainment industry, or just love reading about a bunch of really, really screwed-up, back-stabbing, self-destructive, vindictive, revolutionary, and ultimately very insecure and very funny people. Hey, who knew so many people despised Chevy Chase? But since I like to complain, I need to mention the one big negative in this book (other than the fact that Eddie Murphy refused to participate): the cloying, slobbering, overwrought, inane, incessantly irritating, and often just plain ignorant filler pieces by Tom Shales and/or James Andrew Miller that occupy most of the beginnings and endings of chapters, and intrude during the most dramatic interludes in the show's history (the deaths of cast members, mostly). The star-worship begins immediately and never stops -- phrases like "a towering edifice on the landscape, a place of wonder and magic, a sociopolitical phenomenon" and "MGM once boasted of 'more stars than there are in the heavens,' and Saturday Night Live could make the same claim.... Too many of them, alas, really are in heaven now." But probably the single most jarring and flat-out foolish statement is made during the recounting of John Belushi's overdose: "Your parents were right after all, dammit -- drugs can destroy a life, excess can be fatal, self-abuse can have severe consequences, there's no free lunch, and all that other anti-hedonistic claptrap." Claptrap? Claptrap? Belushi is DEAD. Chris Farley, who modelled his career, and life, after Belushi's, is DEAD. And "drugs can destroy a life" is claptrap? To admire the original cast of SNL, as Shales and Miller clearly do, that's fine -- but to shrug off the wretched excess that came close to killing far more of them than just Belushi as "hedonistic" -- as though their disregard for their health and sanity were admirable -- to flippantly dismiss the warnings of those who tried to save them as "claptrap" -- it's just inexcusable. For the conception and creation of this book, Shales and Miller deserve a great deal of credit and praise. If they had only kept their big mouths shut.
Rating: 
Summary: SNL in your Bedroom!
Review: I am a youngster when it comes to SNL history. It has been around longer than I have. Mr. Miller and Mr. Shales do a fantastic job of re-creating the history of this weekend institution. The stories and anecdotes come straight from the cast members, producers, writers, and everyone else involved with the show. The book goes in chronological order and begins as Lorne Michaels is on his quest to put together this show. In reading this book, you will get the inside scoop on every major SNL event from its inception until now. Among the highlights, we get the dish on: the Bill Murray, Chevy Chase fight, the deaths of Jim Belushi, Chris Farley, and Phil Hartman. The romances, the drugs, the parties, the mistakes, the successes, the most loved hosts (Christopher Walken), the most hated hosts (Chevy Chase, Robert Blake), the rivalries between the writers, the competition to get sketches on the air and the rotating door of cast members. This book is great light reading, and would be a great gift for that SNL fan in your family.
Rating:
Summary: Almost 30 years in 594 pages!
Review: I was excited when I found this book, not only because I had watched Saturday night live for as long as I can remember, but I was eager to learn what went on behind the scenes. And I received more than I bargained for, in all good ways. The great thing about this book is it is told by the cast, writers, producers, and NBC executives. It is from their mouths. It isnt rumored tales or reporters speculating. Of course there are different opinions and feelings, but for the most part, all the cast members seem to have the same feelings. They feel a brotherhood to eachother. When you watch the show, and see the sketches, one believes these people are just having a grand old time, and you dont realize how much is involved until you read this. It starts back in 75 with the original cast members, those who are still alive, talking about what it was like. Drugs involved, pressures, etc. It goes over deaths of Gilda Radner, Jon Belushi, Phil Hartman and Chris Farrley. Almost all the cast memebers ever on the show speak in this book, with the exception of Eddie Murphy who, for some reason doesnt want to be any part of Saturday night live, even though thats what made him. For most of the cast members SNL was their platform to stardom. There also is alot of bitterness present, as with Janeane Garafalo. Most of all the cast members and the writers feel pretty much the same about Lorne Michaels, the exucutive producer. He is the creator and the father figure. They all greatly seek his approval, which is scarce. But most look back at him in kindness.
It is a great read, soooooo much information you would never have known otherwise. I really thought this would be one of those books that would last me a while and I looked forward to that, but because you know so many of the cast and are so interested in the words from their own mouth, you really cant put it down. Dont pass this one by!!
Rating: 
Summary: 100 pages of interesting in a 500 page book
Review: Did you know that the writers/performers worked all night on Tuesdays? Or that Lorne Michaels was a dysfunctional father figure? Well you'll be reminded about every fifth page of this yawner. Sure there's some interesting gossip and sniping, but save yourself some time and get the cliff notes because this is about 100 pages of interesting in a 500 page book.
Rating:
Summary: Saturday Nine Lives
Review: Anyone who has been a fan of SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE should enjoy this book, whether you're an original cast fan, an Eddie Murphy fan, an 80's or 90's fan. It's all here. You'll read the stories the performers and writers tell and then watch the reruns with a new perspective.
I remember watching the first SNL when I was in junior high and have been a fan ever since (I have two favorite casts: the original Players and then the Phil Hartman/Jan Hooks/Jon Lovitz/Dana Carvey period).
The book is 565 pages long, but I kept wishing for more insights into a lot of the classic characters and sketches. A good place to find that kind of detail is in another book that came out in the late 1980's called SATURDAY NIGHT: A BACKSTAGE HISTORY OF "SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE" by Doug Hill & Jeff Weingrad (definitely worth reading for the early history of the show).
But the behind-the-scenes dramas and brawls here are irresistible. I thought Bill Murray's comments had a depth and thoughtfulness while I still wonder how Chevy Chase can keep going back to host with his boorish and obnoxious behavior (when recently interviewed by Fox News about his rude past documented in this and other books, Chevy said probably the most suspicious thing any celebrity could say: "I don't read them...they're all lies." Huh?).
I really appreciated reading about how the deaths of John Belushi, Gilda Radner, Phil Hartman and Chris Farley affected the other performer/writers.
Definitely worth checking out.
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