In Laugh Lines, Zweibel looks back, affectionately and informatively ... Like most show-business memoirs, Laugh Lines becomes less interesting as its author becomes more successful. The stories of people making it up as they went along at S.N.L.— and especially of his close personal and professional relationship with Gilda Radner, about which he has written before but still has a lot to say—are fascinating. But Laugh Lines eventually devolves into a litany of name-dropping and 'And then I wrote …' reminiscences, which is much less so. Zweibel’s failures are ultimately more fun to read about than his triumphs.
Zweibel is long-winded in his descriptions at times, but Laugh Lines is, overall, a well-written, enjoyable, often rambling, and funny memoir by an accomplished comedy writer.
This memoir by comedy writer Zweibel includes all the elements of a polished routine: one-liners, funny stories, running gags, a bit of adults-only material, and general musings on the human condition. The best part is that Zweibel’s chosen persona—a slightly oversize, thoroughly likable Jewish kid—remains constant, so readers feel like they really get to know this nice guy, loyal friend, devoted family man, and talented writer ... SNL fans will appreciate the cameos and references to iconic skits, and all readers will find plenty of new, behind-the-scenes details and celebrity anecdotes. This is a truly fun romp.
... in this lively memoir, Zweibel stresses that a writer's life is governed by more than luck—passion and persistence through sometimes hilariously spectacular failures are vital, as are endless rewrites ... This funny, wise, and touching memoir will resonate with fans of comedy and anyone seeking an intimately told life story.
This zippy memoir by comedians’ comedian Zweibel...offers laughs on nearly every page ... On the more serious side, Zweibel delivers a heartfelt depiction of Shandling’s vast talent and often overlooked sense of humanity. Comics and comedy fans alike will delight in this hilarious and self-deprecating memoir.
Zweibel...has plenty of material to dish about, but his memoir is refreshingly light on dirt and scandal ... This is an amiable, big-lug, heart-of-gold sort of book ... A pleasant, amusing tale of a life in jokes, suitable for budding comedians and students of the form.
