Dirty Jokes and Beer: Stories of the Unrefined

Rating:
Summary: Could've been worse
Review: Carey is not a member of the literary elite, but he never claims to be. There are quite a few good laughs in what is far from your typical comedian-gets-a-sitcom-and-therefore-a-book-deal tome, which should automatically garner Carey better consideration than any of his peers. The author comes off as an average Joe who actually wanted to write a book, rather than find another way to cash in on sudden success.

Rating:
Summary: If you're a "regular guy" READ THIS BOOK.
Review: Drew Carey, star of the ABC sitcom, shows a remarkable talent for writing in this, his first, and hopefully not last, book. He is writing for "regular guys", and even starts by admitting that there are probably better writers than he, but to use a ghost writer would be a cop out. Then he surprises the reader by writing in such a conversational, philosophy-from-a-barstool tone that by the time I finshed the book I said to myself, "Already?". If you're a "regular guy", or even if you aren't, READ THIS BOOK! It's funny and philosophical, even touching in some spots, but most of all, it's funny. A great read.

Rating:
Summary: Blown Away
Review: About the Entertainment Weekly blurb above: The reviewer ALSO said that as she read the book she felt as if there was a gun at her head. Not quite the praise the blurb suggests ... I felt as if the gun had been fired.

Rating:
Summary: Loved it, Go Browns
Review: I think this book was generally funny throughout every chapter. The best were the stories of the unfrefined, but the 101 big dick jokes were some of the non-funny jokes. Over all it was worth the $22.95!

Rating:
Summary: unimaginative, crass, lowbrow
Review: What a dreadful piece of dreck. this may be the REAL drew carey, but that's more than i want to know about anyone. while his tv fans are certain to sample the book. i suspect word of mouth will quickly kill this cretinous compilation.

Rating:
Summary: Consistently very funny, and very insightful, too.
Review: I expected that this book would be funny, and it is. In fact, it's very funny. In fact, it's the funniest book I've ever read by a comedian. But it's not just funny, it's insightful -- kind of "Dirty Jokes and Dilbert," really. (Drew: How long before you play the lead in the Dilbert Movie? Don't bother fighting it, it's inevitable.) Carey is funny the way Mark Twain was funny: by telling the truth.

Rating:
Summary: Carey Rocks
Review: Dirty Jokes & Beer is the first book by Drew Carey, star of his own self-titled TV show. What makes the show so funny is Mr. Carey's ability to poke fun at himself and the humorous look at every day life. This book is written in the same style except it doesn't suffer from the restrictions of network TV. If you are scared off by vulgar language and sexual situations, then this book isn't for you. Mr. Carey goes into tales of his life with a self-deprecating style and keen eye. His account of his trip to Mardi Gras is hysterical and his chapter on the ability, due to his TV success, to buy a house and accoutrements is priceless. The three short stories that make up the end of the book are extremely funny as well. One minor setback is the chapter of big dick jokes. A few of them are very funny, but he drags it out for too long and they get a little tedious. Overall, this is an extremely enjoyable read and just like his show, laugh out loud funny.

Rating:
Summary: It's not War and Peace but then again, it not supposed to be
Review: Drew Carey is a funny guy. As his Funny Bone commercials state, "funnier than you". The first half of the book is extremely funny then loses its momentum for the latter half. Drew lets you in to his human side, where a lot of other celebrities would shy away from such thinks making Drew even more likable knowing who he is and where he came from. I think his show was great and I think he knows that the joke and his star are not always going to be popular so enjoy it while you can. Drew, the every man's everyman. This book is not a laugh riot but a nice look a man that found his way to stardom by accident without any aspirations from childhood. It does make you laugh but it is not a jokebook. Remember that. I enjoyed this quite a bit while at home and at the beach, a very good beach companion. Give it a try!

Rating:
Summary: Title Says It All
Review: Dirty Jokes is his section for ranting about stuff. Each chapter starts with a dirty joke and the follows with something close to his typical stand up routine. This is Drew as stand up comedian section. It's the most crass of all the book and in some regards the funniest.

Beer is Drew's more serious autobiography with information on how his sitcom ran (interesting details), his run ins with the tabloids (funny), his childhood and some thoughts on how he ended up the person he is. Having friends who've been through similar childhoods, his recollections seem very plausible and I'm sorry he went through what he did. I'm glad he's come out of it a stronger person.

Stories of the Unrefined was my least favorite section. The stories werer just too dull after his chattier sections. When writing fiction he tries too hard to sound refined. He should just relax and let the story flow in his natural voice.


Rating:
Summary: Good, but a little scary...
Review: Carey wrote a great story when it came to his experiences and his life. He has a great gift of the gab, and the fun jokes before each section was a nice touch. The fiction, however, was not only sub-par, but a little scary. Carey readily admits that his fiction would never be published if he hadn't already become famous with his comedy, and his honesty gets him brownie points in my book. Ultimately, you can't go wrong with this book if you're looking for something on a trip to the beach or just a lazy couple of days by yourself.