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I Shouldn't Even Be Doing This!: And Other Things That Strike Me as Funny
The first book ever from an icon of American comedy -- a hilarious combination of stories from his career and observations about life That stammer. Those basset-hound eyes. That bone-dry wit. There has never been another comedian like Bob Newhart. His comedy albums, movies, and two hit television series have made him a national treasure and placed him firmly in the pantheon of comedy legends. Who else has a drinking game named after him And now, at last, Newhart puts his brilliant and hysterical world view on paper. Never a punch-line comic, always more of a storyteller, he tells anecdotes from throughout his life and career, including his beginnings as an accountant and the groundbreaking success of his comedy albums and The Bob Newhart Show and Newhart, which gave him fifteen years on primetime television. And he also gives his wry, comedic twist to a multitude of topics, including golf, drinking, and family holidays. Today, Newhart appears on Desperate Housewives, in hit movies such as Elf, and in theaters around the country. Reruns of his shows air constantly on Nick at Nite -- have recently been released with great success for the first time ever on DVD. With this book, Bob Newhart gives his millions of fans a first ever opportunity to sample his unique brand of humor -- including excerpts from some of his classic routines -- on the printed page.
237 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2006
330 people are currently reading
2,775 people want to read
About the author
Bob Newhart
8Ìýbooks69ÌýfollowersGeorge Robert Newhart was an American comedian and actor. Newhart was known for his deadpan and stammering delivery style. Beginning his career as a stand-up comedian, he transitioned his career to acting in television. He received numerous accolades, including three Grammy Awards, an Emmy Award, and a Golden Globe Award. He received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2002.
Newhart came to prominence in 1960 when his record album of comedic monologues, The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart, became a bestseller and reached number one on the Billboard pop album chart and won two Grammy Awards for Album of the Year, and Best New Artist. That same year he released his follow-up album, The Button-Down Mind Strikes Back! (1960), which was also a success, and the two albums held the Billboard number one and number two spots simultaneously. He later released several additional comedy albums.
Newhart hosted a short-lived NBC variety show, The Bob Newhart Show (1961), before starring as Chicago psychologist Robert Hartley on The Bob Newhart Show from 1972 to 1978. For the latter, he won the Golden Globe Award for Best Male TV Star. He then starred as Vermont innkeeper Dick Loudon on the series Newhart from 1982 to 1990, where he received three nominations for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. He also starred in two short-lived sitcoms, Bob (1992�1993) and George and Leo (1997�1998).
Newhart also acted in the films Hell Is for Heroes (1962), Hot Millions (1968), Catch-22 (1970), Cold Turkey (1971), In & Out (1997), and Elf (2003), and voiced Bernard in the Disney animated film The Rescuers (1977) and its sequel (1990). Newhart played Professor Proton on the CBS sitcom The Big Bang Theory from 2013 to 2018, for which he received his first-ever career Emmy Award, for the Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series. He also reprised his role in The Big Bang Theory prequel spin-off series Young Sheldon (2017�2020).
Newhart came to prominence in 1960 when his record album of comedic monologues, The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart, became a bestseller and reached number one on the Billboard pop album chart and won two Grammy Awards for Album of the Year, and Best New Artist. That same year he released his follow-up album, The Button-Down Mind Strikes Back! (1960), which was also a success, and the two albums held the Billboard number one and number two spots simultaneously. He later released several additional comedy albums.
Newhart hosted a short-lived NBC variety show, The Bob Newhart Show (1961), before starring as Chicago psychologist Robert Hartley on The Bob Newhart Show from 1972 to 1978. For the latter, he won the Golden Globe Award for Best Male TV Star. He then starred as Vermont innkeeper Dick Loudon on the series Newhart from 1982 to 1990, where he received three nominations for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. He also starred in two short-lived sitcoms, Bob (1992�1993) and George and Leo (1997�1998).
Newhart also acted in the films Hell Is for Heroes (1962), Hot Millions (1968), Catch-22 (1970), Cold Turkey (1971), In & Out (1997), and Elf (2003), and voiced Bernard in the Disney animated film The Rescuers (1977) and its sequel (1990). Newhart played Professor Proton on the CBS sitcom The Big Bang Theory from 2013 to 2018, for which he received his first-ever career Emmy Award, for the Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series. He also reprised his role in The Big Bang Theory prequel spin-off series Young Sheldon (2017�2020).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 528 reviews
September 27, 2016
Bob Newhart's trademark dry humor and hesitant mannerisms are all over this book and I'M LOVING IT!
The comedian-turned-actor has been a favorite of mine ever since I was a kid. Granted, his older fans will give me a Newhart-esque curmudgeonly stare with a telling clearing of the throat when I say it was the 80s show, not the 70s one that got me hooked. Egads, I can't even imagine what fans of his earlier comedy albums must think of me!
I gave I Shouldn't Even Be Doing This! only 3 stars because it's a sketchy, piecemeal book of reminiscences, some of which are better than others. Overall it's an enjoyable read - hearing about his life, friendship with comedian friend Don Rickles, and whatnot - but as a memoir it's nothing special.
Great for fans, not so much for the rest of you. And when I say "the rest of you," yes, I am saying it with distain...What is wrong with you people?!
The comedian-turned-actor has been a favorite of mine ever since I was a kid. Granted, his older fans will give me a Newhart-esque curmudgeonly stare with a telling clearing of the throat when I say it was the 80s show, not the 70s one that got me hooked. Egads, I can't even imagine what fans of his earlier comedy albums must think of me!
I gave I Shouldn't Even Be Doing This! only 3 stars because it's a sketchy, piecemeal book of reminiscences, some of which are better than others. Overall it's an enjoyable read - hearing about his life, friendship with comedian friend Don Rickles, and whatnot - but as a memoir it's nothing special.
Great for fans, not so much for the rest of you. And when I say "the rest of you," yes, I am saying it with distain...What is wrong with you people?!
September 17, 2020
Having grown up laughing with Bob Newhart, from the 60s records and through two series, this was a thoroughly enjoyable audiobook. Also, one degree of separation through a friend who is an actor, and I live in Chicago � these also contributed to my experience. I think hearing his voice in audio is the right way to experience this memoir.
April 3, 2025
Jan 4, 1150am ~~ I neglected my Biography/Memoir pile last year so thought I would start 2025 with a few from there. I enjoyed this, never knew anything about Newhart except for when I saw him on Johnny Carson way back in the day and in his own shows later. Will complete my thoughts asap. He makes a good point in one of the final chapters which I want to share.
840pm ~~ 8pm ~~ Before adding more comments here, I watched a few YouTube clips featuring our author. Besides a few of his classic sketches, I found a blooper reel from Newhart, the show set in Vermont where Bob was running an inn and writing books. Now my tummy hurts from laughing, but at least I have dried the laugh tears and can see to type again so I'll try to finish up this review.
Even though I remember seeing Bob Newhart doing guest appearances and starring in two of his own shows on television, I never truly realized just what a big impact he had made on the comedy world until I read this book He was one of the earliest comedians to tell stories rather than jokes, and he helped usher in a new era of stand-up comedy. He made an album of his routines, called The Button-Down Mind Of Bob Newhart. That album became the first comedy album to hit #1 on the Billboard charts of the day, won awards and established him in his career.
He had a homey way of writing, and even though there were plenty of famous names dropped, there was never a feeling of telling tales out of school like in some memoirs. He was sharing memories about his friends. And I liked the printed versions of some of his most famous routines, like The Driving Instructor. The book was fun and entertaining to read. Of course it helped that I had seen him enough on tv to hear his voice while I read the skits. I think age does have its benefits sometimes!
Earlier I mentioned something I wanted to share that struck me as a good point, but it is also a sad one. The bold lettering is mine.
"Comedy has changed again since the sixties, as the once acceptable limits of raunchy humor have been breached, but audiences have changed, too. We have lost our ability to laugh at ourselves.
{. . . }
If I start to tell certain jokes, I can hear people in the audience cringing because they are afraid I am going to cross the line. The problem is that we live in an uptight country. Why don't we just laugh at ourselves? We are funny. Gays are funny. Straights are funny. Women are funny. Men are funny. We are all funny, and we all do funny things. Let's laugh about it.
Great idea, Bob! I'll see you in just a minute on YouTube!
840pm ~~ 8pm ~~ Before adding more comments here, I watched a few YouTube clips featuring our author. Besides a few of his classic sketches, I found a blooper reel from Newhart, the show set in Vermont where Bob was running an inn and writing books. Now my tummy hurts from laughing, but at least I have dried the laugh tears and can see to type again so I'll try to finish up this review.
Even though I remember seeing Bob Newhart doing guest appearances and starring in two of his own shows on television, I never truly realized just what a big impact he had made on the comedy world until I read this book He was one of the earliest comedians to tell stories rather than jokes, and he helped usher in a new era of stand-up comedy. He made an album of his routines, called The Button-Down Mind Of Bob Newhart. That album became the first comedy album to hit #1 on the Billboard charts of the day, won awards and established him in his career.
He had a homey way of writing, and even though there were plenty of famous names dropped, there was never a feeling of telling tales out of school like in some memoirs. He was sharing memories about his friends. And I liked the printed versions of some of his most famous routines, like The Driving Instructor. The book was fun and entertaining to read. Of course it helped that I had seen him enough on tv to hear his voice while I read the skits. I think age does have its benefits sometimes!
Earlier I mentioned something I wanted to share that struck me as a good point, but it is also a sad one. The bold lettering is mine.
"Comedy has changed again since the sixties, as the once acceptable limits of raunchy humor have been breached, but audiences have changed, too. We have lost our ability to laugh at ourselves.
{. . . }
If I start to tell certain jokes, I can hear people in the audience cringing because they are afraid I am going to cross the line. The problem is that we live in an uptight country. Why don't we just laugh at ourselves? We are funny. Gays are funny. Straights are funny. Women are funny. Men are funny. We are all funny, and we all do funny things. Let's laugh about it.
Great idea, Bob! I'll see you in just a minute on YouTube!
March 25, 2015
I am a long time fan of Bob Newhart. The man's "style" of comedy has always "cracked me up". I don't know when I first heard him, it had to be in the 1950s on TV... But I simply can't recall.
In this short (audio) memorie he goes over the background of his comedy. I mean let's face it. Who would have thought that a guy talking into an imaginary (or sometimes prop) telephone could be that funny. He's played everything from a submarine captain to Abraham Lincoln's publicist.
And you not only get the stories of how some of it came about, how his career developed but also some of the comedy itself.
While not so much a wall to wall "laugh-fest" as it is interesting and has some good laughs.
Another I can recommend.
In this short (audio) memorie he goes over the background of his comedy. I mean let's face it. Who would have thought that a guy talking into an imaginary (or sometimes prop) telephone could be that funny. He's played everything from a submarine captain to Abraham Lincoln's publicist.
And you not only get the stories of how some of it came about, how his career developed but also some of the comedy itself.
While not so much a wall to wall "laugh-fest" as it is interesting and has some good laughs.
Another I can recommend.
August 4, 2009
Bob Newhart is a very funny guy. And he's written a very funny book.
I picked this up under odd circumstances; in the used book store next to the Boothbay Public Library. The funny thing was that I found it only seconds after finding a copy of . What's the connection? I used to watch Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist and The Bob Newhart Show (the one where Bob plays a psychologist) with a friend back in the 1990s. We loved those shows!
It's a nice, light read; Bob recounts some of his funniest bits and talks about his life and TV shows. The thing that surprised me most was that Don Adams (of Get Smart!) stole some of Bob's material. Apparently he was known for doing that sort of thing.
But the book isn't a tell-all or revenge book. It's just a good, light, enjoyable read with a lot of laughs. Thanks, Bob!
I picked this up under odd circumstances; in the used book store next to the Boothbay Public Library. The funny thing was that I found it only seconds after finding a copy of . What's the connection? I used to watch Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist and The Bob Newhart Show (the one where Bob plays a psychologist) with a friend back in the 1990s. We loved those shows!
It's a nice, light read; Bob recounts some of his funniest bits and talks about his life and TV shows. The thing that surprised me most was that Don Adams (of Get Smart!) stole some of Bob's material. Apparently he was known for doing that sort of thing.
But the book isn't a tell-all or revenge book. It's just a good, light, enjoyable read with a lot of laughs. Thanks, Bob!
April 17, 2022
Back when I was kid I used to watch the Bob Newhart Show and I bet I didn't understand 1/2 of it but I liked it. Then when I was older I watched Newhart and I like it.
This is an autobiography by Bob Newhart. He's funny. In a quiet subtle way
His life story was very interesting and he didn't get into comedy until he was older and his best friend is Don Rickels. And he used to play pretty good golf
This is an autobiography by Bob Newhart. He's funny. In a quiet subtle way
His life story was very interesting and he didn't get into comedy until he was older and his best friend is Don Rickels. And he used to play pretty good golf
March 4, 2013
I laughed from the first page of this book when Bob talks about alternative titles. He says, "I was told by my editor that titles sell books, so the first titles I proposed was A Slimmer You in Three Weeks. That would have been an instant best seller because diet books sell like crazy."
This was a quick, pleasant read about Bob, his career, his jokes, and a little about his life. He includes the text of many of his full routines. I was familiar with a bunch of them, and very much enjoyed reading them. I could hear his voice clearly in all of the routines, especially the ones I'd heard before.
I do wish I had listened to this one instead of reading it. I usually listen to memoirs written by performers. I'm not the biggest audiobook lover, but performer memoirs are the exception. I bought this when it was 99 cents for the Kindle book, but I regret it now, even though it was a great deal. I just think his delivery would have sealed the deal.
I may have given this book only 3 stars, 'cause as far as memoirs go, it's not the best. If you aren't a big fan of Bob Newhart, you should probably give it a pass. However, I am a big fan of Bob Newhart, and the book had me laughing all the way through. I was obsessed with Newhart (the show...you know, "Hi, I'm Larry. This is my brother Darrell. This is my other brother Darrell.") when I was 8 or so years old. I know, not your typical kid show, but I was kind of a weirdo. I loved dry humor when I was a kid. I started watching SNL when I was 5 when I'd stay the night with my grandma, and it was one of my favorite shows.
So, Bob Newhart didn't get super personal. I'm actually glad he didn't get too introspective. I find that highly annoying in a memoir (ahem, Rob Lowe), but he did share some parts of his life. I wish he'd talked more about what it was like to be a dad, and what his kids were like. But I guess that wasn't what the book was about. It was more about his career. I do love that he gave his wife credit where credit was due. For instance, the brilliant and famous finale of Newhart was her idea.
Sorry this review is so disjointed. It's late, and I'm tired. I might come back and edit it later.
This was a quick, pleasant read about Bob, his career, his jokes, and a little about his life. He includes the text of many of his full routines. I was familiar with a bunch of them, and very much enjoyed reading them. I could hear his voice clearly in all of the routines, especially the ones I'd heard before.
I do wish I had listened to this one instead of reading it. I usually listen to memoirs written by performers. I'm not the biggest audiobook lover, but performer memoirs are the exception. I bought this when it was 99 cents for the Kindle book, but I regret it now, even though it was a great deal. I just think his delivery would have sealed the deal.
I may have given this book only 3 stars, 'cause as far as memoirs go, it's not the best. If you aren't a big fan of Bob Newhart, you should probably give it a pass. However, I am a big fan of Bob Newhart, and the book had me laughing all the way through. I was obsessed with Newhart (the show...you know, "Hi, I'm Larry. This is my brother Darrell. This is my other brother Darrell.") when I was 8 or so years old. I know, not your typical kid show, but I was kind of a weirdo. I loved dry humor when I was a kid. I started watching SNL when I was 5 when I'd stay the night with my grandma, and it was one of my favorite shows.
So, Bob Newhart didn't get super personal. I'm actually glad he didn't get too introspective. I find that highly annoying in a memoir (ahem, Rob Lowe), but he did share some parts of his life. I wish he'd talked more about what it was like to be a dad, and what his kids were like. But I guess that wasn't what the book was about. It was more about his career. I do love that he gave his wife credit where credit was due. For instance, the brilliant and famous finale of Newhart was her idea.
Sorry this review is so disjointed. It's late, and I'm tired. I might come back and edit it later.
September 8, 2021
I'm guessing the audio version with Newhart doing the reading is preferable to the book. After all, Newhart's unique delivery is at least half of what makes him funny.
February 1, 2014
Thank you Bob Newhart.
I listened to your book on CD, and the dead pan delivery of the jokes had me laughing as I drove to work in -24 degree weather in MN. At t time where the weather was dangerous and people in general were down, you gave me a lift on the way to work.
Thank you Bob Newhart.
I shared you jokes with others and made them laugh at a time when times were financially tight and stress was at a personal high.
Thank you Bob Newhart.
When I came back from my desk after having a meeting about ethics at work that no one saw coming, your jokes made me smile at a time when I didn't know if I could again sitting in that chair.
Thank you Bob Newhart.
You let the reader in on how you got to where you are, who helped you along the way and the great friend you have in Don Rickles. I found I had a very similar background as you, and you followed your dream. This nudges me closer to fulfilling mine.
Thank you Bob Newhart for always making me laugh. I hope to have many more laughs with you in the years to come.
I listened to your book on CD, and the dead pan delivery of the jokes had me laughing as I drove to work in -24 degree weather in MN. At t time where the weather was dangerous and people in general were down, you gave me a lift on the way to work.
Thank you Bob Newhart.
I shared you jokes with others and made them laugh at a time when times were financially tight and stress was at a personal high.
Thank you Bob Newhart.
When I came back from my desk after having a meeting about ethics at work that no one saw coming, your jokes made me smile at a time when I didn't know if I could again sitting in that chair.
Thank you Bob Newhart.
You let the reader in on how you got to where you are, who helped you along the way and the great friend you have in Don Rickles. I found I had a very similar background as you, and you followed your dream. This nudges me closer to fulfilling mine.
Thank you Bob Newhart for always making me laugh. I hope to have many more laughs with you in the years to come.
August 5, 2015
Bob Newhart is the best! If you don't listen to this as an audiobook you're doing yourself a great disservice because so much of his humor is in his delivery. He even goes over this in the book. It's a stammer not a stutter and it's real, not an affectation.
This book is part memoir, part greatest hits. Newhart tells stories of his personal and professional life all the while interspersing some of his more famous bits (i.e. King Kong/Night Watchman and Submarine Commander to name a few).
I'm embarrassed to say I never watched any of his shows but have always been a huge fan of his comedy albums. After reading this, I'm tempted to go back and do a rock block of his shows. A truly delightful read.
This book is part memoir, part greatest hits. Newhart tells stories of his personal and professional life all the while interspersing some of his more famous bits (i.e. King Kong/Night Watchman and Submarine Commander to name a few).
I'm embarrassed to say I never watched any of his shows but have always been a huge fan of his comedy albums. After reading this, I'm tempted to go back and do a rock block of his shows. A truly delightful read.
November 15, 2010
Breezy, anecdote-driven memoir by a very funny (IMO) guy. Some parts dragged (e.g., the chapter on how much he loves to play golf, some of the many instances in which he and his wife went out to dinner with Don Rickles and his wife.......), but for the most part it's readable and amusing. I remember his hit TV shows well and fondly, and I knew he'd been a successful touring standup comedian forever, but until reading this track I'd lost track of how huge comedy albums used to be. Fun quiz you can try out on people:
Q: Which sold more albums during the 1960's (so, not counting later sales of things made in the 60's) -- The Button Down Mind of Bob Newhart, or any album by the Beatles?
A: Newhart for the win.......
Very hard for me to picture at this point buying a comedy album and listening more than once to a person I can't see doing a standup routine, but I guess in an earlier generation it was all the rage.
One observation I could relate to readily, having been a teacher for 21 years..........he said he has had to cut his "Abe Lincoln" routine in half to accommodate audiences' shorter attention spans these days.
Q: Which sold more albums during the 1960's (so, not counting later sales of things made in the 60's) -- The Button Down Mind of Bob Newhart, or any album by the Beatles?
A: Newhart for the win.......
Very hard for me to picture at this point buying a comedy album and listening more than once to a person I can't see doing a standup routine, but I guess in an earlier generation it was all the rage.
One observation I could relate to readily, having been a teacher for 21 years..........he said he has had to cut his "Abe Lincoln" routine in half to accommodate audiences' shorter attention spans these days.
March 9, 2025
Not so much an autobiography, more a collection of stories from his professional career. Modern audiences will know him from his appearances in the Big Bang Theory, but he cut his teeth in standup before embarking on a wonderfully successful sitcom career. His telephone routines are legendary and this book includes excerpts from some of these.
Very enjoyable and funny, but I would like to know more about his wider life.
Very enjoyable and funny, but I would like to know more about his wider life.
December 20, 2016
I admit I'm not a huge fan of Mr. Newhart's tv shows, but I've always loved his stand up. "The Driving Instructor" is one of my favorite bits, and I don't know how many times I've listened to it. It's brilliant. When I saw he had an autobiography out, I figured I'd give it a whirl, and I'm very glad I did.
He covers his career in various segments, his life growing up in Chicago and afterwards, and has some of his routines included. There are tales of a beginning comic, a rising star, meeting the rich and famous, and what making movies is like, among other things, all told with his wonderfully understated humor. He doesn't make himself sound perfect, admitting to such vices as drinking a bit more than he should and his battle with quitting smoking (which diverts into his "Introduction of Tobacco" bit, another classic).
I was thoroughly entertained. I really enjoyed getting to know this legendary comedian a bit better, and learn more of his material. If you enjoy comedy or have any interest in show biz in general or Bob Newhart in particular, read this.
He covers his career in various segments, his life growing up in Chicago and afterwards, and has some of his routines included. There are tales of a beginning comic, a rising star, meeting the rich and famous, and what making movies is like, among other things, all told with his wonderfully understated humor. He doesn't make himself sound perfect, admitting to such vices as drinking a bit more than he should and his battle with quitting smoking (which diverts into his "Introduction of Tobacco" bit, another classic).
I was thoroughly entertained. I really enjoyed getting to know this legendary comedian a bit better, and learn more of his material. If you enjoy comedy or have any interest in show biz in general or Bob Newhart in particular, read this.
May 23, 2013
This was a nice book. Not really an insightful book about Bob Newhart and what he thinks deeply about life, more of a comedy. I liked the book. I wanted to love it because I like Bob Newhart, but it missed something. He didn't reflect much on his childhood, but did go into detail about how he got into comedy. He focuses especially on his friendship with Don Rickles. He puts many of his comedy bits from the 'Button Down Mind' album, but when you read them in print, it misses something. Made me want to get the albums. He commented in passing on the slights and his dislike of some other comedians, which was interesting. I'd recommend this book and it's a quick read. It's a nice book. Not a great one, but a good book.
June 29, 2016
3.75 stars
"I've noticed that people with a sense of humor tend to be less egocentric and more realistic in their view of the world. They also tend to be more humble in success and less defeated in times of travail."
I really wish I could have listened to this, but I couldn't find an audio version at the library. Even so, it was still funny. Newhart tells of his major life experiences -- the things that gave him ideas for comedy or were just absurd. He can find humor in the little everyday things. He tells some of his skits along the way. The book isn't very long, so it never feels slow or drawn out. I've never actually seen his TV shows, but I admire his creativity and respect his solid personality and unique humor.
The editing was very well done; very few errors.
"I've noticed that people with a sense of humor tend to be less egocentric and more realistic in their view of the world. They also tend to be more humble in success and less defeated in times of travail."
I really wish I could have listened to this, but I couldn't find an audio version at the library. Even so, it was still funny. Newhart tells of his major life experiences -- the things that gave him ideas for comedy or were just absurd. He can find humor in the little everyday things. He tells some of his skits along the way. The book isn't very long, so it never feels slow or drawn out. I've never actually seen his TV shows, but I admire his creativity and respect his solid personality and unique humor.
The editing was very well done; very few errors.
January 1, 2013
Light and fun autobiography of one of my favorite comedians. Newhart comes off as honest and likable--a refreshing reminder that comedians don't have to be super nasty to be excellent at their art. Starts a little slow. Not sure why he even included an introduction. From the intro, on, it's a quick, pleasant read.
November 30, 2013
Listened to this driving to and back from St. George. Hilarious I've always been a fan of Bob Newhart - I find his dry humor pretty entertaining - this book, read by him, was a little slow in places and I would have preferred if he would have just played some of the Johnny Carson interviews that he read the back and forth of - but still - a great read/listen.
April 7, 2020
If you are a FAN of Bob Newhart, you will enjoy this book!
I still recall watching Bob's TV series and frequent guest host appearances on the Tonight Show back in the day and always enjoyed his witty, dry sense of humor. Luckily, that same personality comes through in this book. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is b/c there were a few places in the book that seemed dry/unfunny, but most of it was very interesting and kept me turning pages. I thoroughly enjoyed the behind-the-scenes stuff, such as the story about Buddy Hackett introducing him to his wife, and his close friendships with Don Rickles, Johnny Carson, etc. He also included personal stories about balancing his hectic road schedule with his family life (which is very admirable), how his wife came up with the final episode of his second Bob Newhart TV show (just brilliant!), etc. Overall, I give it 2 thumbs up and think it is a "must read" if you are a Bob Newhart fan (like me)!
I still recall watching Bob's TV series and frequent guest host appearances on the Tonight Show back in the day and always enjoyed his witty, dry sense of humor. Luckily, that same personality comes through in this book. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is b/c there were a few places in the book that seemed dry/unfunny, but most of it was very interesting and kept me turning pages. I thoroughly enjoyed the behind-the-scenes stuff, such as the story about Buddy Hackett introducing him to his wife, and his close friendships with Don Rickles, Johnny Carson, etc. He also included personal stories about balancing his hectic road schedule with his family life (which is very admirable), how his wife came up with the final episode of his second Bob Newhart TV show (just brilliant!), etc. Overall, I give it 2 thumbs up and think it is a "must read" if you are a Bob Newhart fan (like me)!
March 5, 2020
I love, love, love Bob Newhart, but the book wasn't great. It was good and crossed the okay border, but it wasn't great. I'm not sure what I expected, but I think it was more of a narrative of life and less of his comedy bits. They were good, but it's not why I bought the book. Okay, maybe this is me being cranky. I've read a lot of biographies and auto biographies and books that aren't biographical but are written by the subject - not sure where this one fits.
Anyway, I'm not sorry I read it. It just didn't blow me away.
Anyway, I'm not sorry I read it. It just didn't blow me away.
September 6, 2020
At one point Newhart breaks down Laurel & Hardy's comedy in a throwaway line: They would tell you what they were going to do, do it, then explain it.
At the conclusion of the autobiography is three pages probably contributed by an editor that summarize the facts presented while leaving out all anecdotal information. In a life story that name dropped Tom Hanks while not mentioning Peter Scolari - I couldn't help but smile at the revelation that the second Librarian film would be premiering on TNT in December 2006.
At the conclusion of the autobiography is three pages probably contributed by an editor that summarize the facts presented while leaving out all anecdotal information. In a life story that name dropped Tom Hanks while not mentioning Peter Scolari - I couldn't help but smile at the revelation that the second Librarian film would be premiering on TNT in December 2006.
August 22, 2024
The audio CD is abridged. It was rewritten that way. Bob was unable to read the entire book so he picked what was important. After all, we all know the stories anyway.
Bob was open and talked freely about his life and career. It was as interesting as his life and story jokes. I feel I learned enough about him through the highlights as I'm interested in knowing. And I get to listen to him tell it.
I have been a fan since he did the phone calls with just his hand. He used a prop phone for The Tonight Show and he was a success, finally. His TV shows were just as wryly funny and always a laugh.
Bought it/passed it on directly to a friend
Bob was open and talked freely about his life and career. It was as interesting as his life and story jokes. I feel I learned enough about him through the highlights as I'm interested in knowing. And I get to listen to him tell it.
I have been a fan since he did the phone calls with just his hand. He used a prop phone for The Tonight Show and he was a success, finally. His TV shows were just as wryly funny and always a laugh.
Bought it/passed it on directly to a friend
February 6, 2023
Listened to the audiobook, which is read by the author. It was a very quick listen, but delightful. Delivered in his trademark cadence and style, Bob Newhart shares stories of his life, how he fell into comedy, and stories of working with the likes of Don Rickles and Richard Pryor stealing his album.
January 16, 2022
Hi Bob! Bob Newhart has always been one of my favorite comedians, namely because of his second sitcom. His autobiography is a quick and entertaining read filled with how he wrote his material, anecdotes of getting into comedy, and all the funny things that happened along the way. For any fan, this is a great easy read.
June 30, 2022
I'd say 4.75 stars, rounded up to 5 because I really loved hearing this one read by the author. There's no voice like Bob Newhart's, and it was great to hear this small, tiny glimpse into his life and career directly from his own mouth. That said, I wish there was a little more offered up in this book - more tales from the road, or in creating his TV shows. Still, I had a lot of fun listening along, and I'd be glad to find his others!
September 2, 2024
So much fun listening to this audiobook read by the author in his distinctive style! He was hilarious and one of a kind. I only wish this could have included his thoughts on his appearances on The Big Bang Theory, but those came after he wrote the book.
July 11, 2018
Maybe 3.5 stars - there are many amusing stories and Bob Newhart seems as likeable in real life as he does on TV. I think he would be a fun neighbor. But there doesn’t seem to be any organizational structure and, honestly, his life doesn’t seem that exciting. By the last few chapters, I felt that I was reading the same stories over and over.
June 4, 2020
Audiobook narrated by comedian/actor Bob Newhart. Very enjoyable, funny book, with equal parts actor's memoir and jokes from his routines.
August 31, 2021
It pains me to say this because, like everyone else, I love Bob Newhart, but this book is pretty mediocre. Newhart tells the story of how he became a successful comedian (this is probably the most interesting part of the book, but he told it much better on Conan's O'Brien's podcast), he rehashes old comedy routines (which are not as good on paper as they are when he actually delivers them), and he tells a series of jokes and anecdotes that are sometimes amusing and sometimes not so amusing.
July 21, 2024
An excellent comedy memoir from one of the most creatively funny men to ever live. Safe home Bob.
May 18, 2017
A timeline of anecdotes from his life in comedy. The paragraphs will sometimes have no continuity and jump around a bit with no clear segue. Ultimately, any fan of the comedy of the 50s and 60s (especially Bob's) will love the stories. An easy bedtime read. 3.5 stars.
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