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- Title: Is this Anything?
- Author: Jerry Seinfeld
- Narrator: Jerry Seinfeld
- Length: 06:19:34
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 06/10/2020
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
- Genre: Biography & Memoir, Arts & Entertainment
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
Let’s dive into the world of comedy with ‘Is this Anything?’ by Jerry Seinfeld, a treasure trove of humor that spans five decades of his career. As someone who’s spent years chasing stories across continents, I was eager to settle into this audiobook experience, curious to see how Seinfeld’s evolution as a comedian would unfold like a well-worn map of a city I thought I knew. Published by Simon & Schuster Audio, this memoir of sorts isn’t just a collection of jokes; it’s a journey through the mind of one of our era’s great comedic voices, organized decade by decade, revealing the meticulous craft behind stand-up comedy.
I’ve always believed that the best stories, whether told around a campfire in Oaxaca or through headphones on a long drive, carry a personal resonance. Listening to ‘Is this Anything?’ reminded me of a time when I was driving through the Atacama Desert in Chile, the surreal landscape stretching endlessly outside my window. Back then, I was immersed in an audiobook of magical realism, but this time, Seinfeld’s sharp observations about everyday absurdities felt just as fitting for the vast, otherworldly expanse. His humor, delivered in that iconic, slightly nasal tone, became a companion on an imaginary road trip through life’s quirks – much like those long drives where every odd roadside sign sparks a laugh or a story.
The content of ‘Is this Anything?’ is a curated selection of Seinfeld’s favorite material, pulled from accordion folders where he’s stashed every funny bit since his early days at Catch a Rising Star in 1975. You can almost feel the crinkle of those yellow legal pads as he describes his process, a dedication to the craft that resonates with anyone who’s ever tried to capture fleeting inspiration. The book’s structure, decade by decade, offers a unique window into how comedy evolves – not just Seinfeld’s, but the cultural backdrop against which his humor plays. From the observational quips of the ’70s to the refined, neurotic musings of later years, it’s a masterclass in finding the funny in the mundane, whether he’s riffing on cereal boxes or the futility of socks escaping the dryer.
As a travel writer, I’m drawn to how Seinfeld paints the world through a comedic lens, much like I try to capture a place through its smells, tastes, and hidden histories. His stand-up bits, preserved in this biography and memoir audiobook, aren’t just punchlines; they’re tiny cultural artifacts, snapshots of what made us laugh at different points in time. There’s a thrill in witnessing the progression of his style, from raw, eager jokes of a young comic to the polished, almost philosophical musings of a veteran. It’s arts and entertainment at its finest, a reflection on how humor can be both timeless and deeply tied to its era.
Now, let’s talk about the listening experience itself, because an audiobook is only as good as its narration. Jerry Seinfeld narrating his own work is a stroke of genius. His voice – familiar to anyone who’s ever watched an episode of ‘Seinfeld’ – carries the exact cadence and inflection you’d expect, as if he’s performing these bits live just for you. You can almost hear the smirk as he delivers a line about the absurdity of airplane peanuts. The audio quality is crisp, with no distracting background noise, allowing every pause and intonation to land perfectly. It’s intimate, like sitting across from him at a diner while he tests out new material. For someone like me, who cherishes the oral storytelling traditions I’ve encountered – like those evenings in Oaxaca where a grandmother’s voice wove magic into every pause – Seinfeld’s narration captures that same personal, confiding quality. It elevates the audiobook experience into something akin to a one-on-one comedy show.
That said, I must offer a balanced perspective. While the audiobook shines in its authenticity and Seinfeld’s delivery, there are moments where the format feels slightly disjointed. Because it’s a collection of bits rather than a cohesive narrative, some transitions between decades or themes can feel abrupt, especially if you’re craving a deeper personal story behind the jokes. As someone who’s written memoirs of my own travels, I found myself occasionally yearning for more of Seinfeld’s inner world – beyond the laughter, what drove him to keep those accordion folders for 45 years? Still, this limitation doesn’t detract from the overall joy of the listening experience; it’s more a reflection of my own appetite for narrative depth in a genre that prioritizes punch over prose.
Comparing ‘Is this Anything?’ to other works in the biography and memoir space, it stands apart from more traditional comedic memoirs like Tina Fey’s ‘Bossypants’ or Steve Martin’s ‘Born Standing Up.’ While those books weave personal history with humor, Seinfeld’s focus is squarely on the material itself, almost like an archivist presenting his life’s work. It’s less about the man behind the mic and more about the mic itself – a unique angle that might not satisfy every listener but offers a rare peek into the raw mechanics of comedy. For fans of arts and entertainment audiobooks, this is a must-listen, especially if you appreciate the behind-the-scenes grit of creative industries.
Who would I recommend this audiobook to? If you’re a fan of stand-up comedy, Seinfeld’s television legacy, or just crave a lighthearted escape, this is for you. It’s perfect for long drives – trust me, I’ve tested it – or lazy afternoons when you need a laugh. It’s also a fascinating study for aspiring comics or writers who want to understand how humor is honed over decades. While it may not delve as deeply into personal memoir as some might hope, it excels as a celebration of comedic craft. And if you’re hunting for a free audiobook, keep an eye out for promotions; snagging this gem as an audiobook free would be a steal for any comedy enthusiast.
Reflecting on my own journey with this audiobook, I found myself laughing out loud more than once, reminded of the power of humor to connect us across time and place. It’s not just about the jokes; it’s about recognizing the shared absurdities of life, whether you’re in a New York diner or a roadside shack in South America. Seinfeld’s voice became a thread tying me to memories of late-night conversations with friends, where we’d dissect the silliest details of our days, much like he does with surgical precision. This audiobook experience reaffirmed my belief that stories – funny or otherwise – are the maps we draw to navigate the human condition.
So, my friends, as I pack up my notebook and head to the next horizon, I leave you with this: give ‘Is this Anything?’ a listen. Let Jerry Seinfeld’s voice guide you through a landscape of laughter, and maybe you’ll find a bit of your own story in his. Until our paths cross again, keep seeking the humor in the everyday. Safe travels and happy listening, Marcus Rivera.
