Rubber Balls and Liquor Review

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(More customer reviews)Gilbert Gottfried spends most of the 272 pages of "Rubber Balls and Liquor" making veiled apologies about the quality of his writing. In his introduction, he makes it clear that the one and only reason he's writing this book is because, well, he has a book deal, and, against his better judgment, he must fill blank pages with words. A good portion of the book is dedicated to just that: filling up space. Somehow, though, Gilbert gets away with it by distracting you with a killer wit and sense of humor. Sure, you're going to notice the fact that he refuses to divulge anything of any depth or emotion, but you're so busy laughing it won't make any difference.
"Rubber Balls and Liquor" proves a difficult book to review. While being absolutely hilarious it simultaneously reveals a mind-numbingly frustrating habit of veering off into fits of rambling and unnecessary parenthetical asides. Of course, Gilbert knows and recognizes this fact, and makes a point of reminding the reader that he's incapable, and unwilling, of changing his habits.
As I read through the brief introduction to the book I belly-laughed at least five times. A great start to any book, I say. The following 260 pages show Gilbert not really trying to stay on point, bringing up interesting anecdotes, theories, and stories, only to derail himself with some randomness that will make your head spin. But again, you're laughing, so can this be a bad thing?
He brings up most of the career changing events in his professional life, such as his early stand-up, SNL, his movies and voice over work, and his Aristocrats joke at the Hefner roast. He only lightly brushes over these topics, though, before he gets sidetracked and begins babbling about his sex life (or lack thereof), and endless self-deprecating comments that are distracting, but ultimately funny. It's a constant push/pull relationship you'll have with this book that's hard to describe until you read it. Gilbert has no form or structure in mind for this book, but he's always behind the wheel and in control. Of course, he's the worst driver of all time, but he'll eventually get you to your destination.
After reading this book, I know absolutely nothing more than I ever did about Gilbert Gottfried. Just as he appears in real life, he chooses to keep people at arms length by distracting them with killer laughs and jokes. Somehow, this suffices. There were several times in this book where it seemed Gilbert was just about to delve into a deeper part of his psyche or outlook on life, but he swiftly steered into more familiar territory which is, obviously, his comedy. He clearly is content in alienating everyone in life, even his fans. But when you like Gilbert and agree to dive into his book, you already know that and have accepted the ride as given. So as annoying as Gilbert's shallowness can be, you respect the little twerp for the unique creature he is. There has never been anyone in show business who can be directly compared to Gilbert's career, and that fact alone makes this book an interesting read.
Gilbert Gottfried simply doesn't care what anyone thinks, but from that dissent comes a rare comic mind. He gets to display this with occasional appearances on the Howard Stern show. Whenever Gilbert goes on the Howard Stern show my entire day gets re-arranged so I can listen with undivided attention. It's an event. His Stern appearances are special because it's an opportunity to hear him unedited and free, much like this book. This book is a lot like his appearances on the Stern show in that he just spews out whatever is on his mind, provoked or not.
Gilbert is definitely a weird guy. He's riddled with A.D.D., can't hold a thought for more than two seconds, refuses to conform, and we love him for it. If anything, "Rubber Balls and Liquor" is the most refreshingly frustrating book I've ever read.

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