Not to be confused with a previous 5 Heart Rating, the Netflix series, “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee”, this is actually the book version but very different in a few ways. And as is almost always the case, I recommend the audio version of the book but with this one I HIGHLY recommend it.
The book is just as entertaining as the series and takes you behind the scenes, allows you to hear from the people that actually produced the award-winning show, and shares dialogue that is not in the series. As with the series, you will love the book if you: love cars, love coffee and a good conversation, love Jerry Seinfeld, love comedians, or love laughing. If you enjoy even just one of these topics, you’ll enjoy the book. Especially on audio because, of course, you will get to hear a plethera of famous comedians in conversation with Jerry.
Comedians are a rare breed and this book explains why. Jerry Seinfeld is not only a comic genius, he’s just a genius. He sees the world through eyes of an empathetic, skeptical lense that I believe is a rare combination. And he is not even a teensy bit afraid to withhold his opinions, albeit never with a disrespect approach. As I mentioned in the 5 Heart Rating for the series, he calls out what he sees and even chided some very famous guests with more money than God – one that calculated the tip on their bill and another that was less than respectful to the waitstaff.
In the book version, additionally, opionions are exchanged on a variety of subjects related to the stand-up comic and the world of comedy in general. And many of the guests tell stories of first meetings or encounters with, and influence by some of the greatest comedians of all time such as Red Skelton, Richard Prior, and George Carlin. There’s even a great story about Denzel Washington meeting Jerry Seinfeld.
I’m tempted to listen to the audiobook again but there’s a long line of people waiting to do the same. So I think I’ll watch the series again from the beginning and listen to the book again sometime in the not-too-distant future. Because, let’s face it, we can all use more laughter.
Also published on Medium.
