Released in April 2001, Napalm & Silly Putty by George Carlin was the comedian’s follow-up to Brain Droppings. I decided to revisit the audiobook by listening to it on Downpour. How does it hold up? Read on for my review.
Publisher’s Summary
He was the inventor of Past-Tense TV (featuring Got Smart, Father Knew Best, and It Was Left to Beaver); the tireless crusader for such charities as the Center for Research into the Heebie Jeebies, Children of Parents with Bad Teeth, and the State Hospital for Those Who Felt All Right About a Year Ago; founder of the George Carlin Book Club (top titles: How to Act Laid-Back During a Grease Fire, Fill Your Life with Croutons, and The Meaning of Corn); and the only social commentator with the guts to point out that “the day after tomorrow is the third day of the rest of your life.”
Yes, George Carlin is here with more of what he did better than any other comic: uproarious observations, laser-targeted crankiness, linguistic legerdemain, and inspired weirdness. (“If the shoe fits, get another just like it.” “When you sneeze, all the numbers in your head go up by one.”) Napalm & Silly Putty is just what his fans have been waiting for—another generous helping of notions, nonsense, assertions, assumptions, mockery, merriment, silliness, sarcasm, and, to be sure, plenty of disturbing references and toxic alienation. George wouldn’t have it any other way.
My Thoughts
Napalm & Silly Putty is one of George Carlin’s best books. I have fond memories of reading passages from the book with my cousin and laughing so hard it hurt. I also remember meeting George at a book signing in Philadelphia, where he autographed a copy of the book for me. It was one of my first times meeting a celebrity, and it’s still one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had all these years later.
Narrated by George Carlin, the audiobook version of Napalm & Silly Putty is about two-and-a-half hours long. But you will be laughing the entire time. George’s delivery and the material itself is stellar. Truly, a comedic feast for the ears.
Napalm & Silly Putty is such a fun listen. If you’re in need of some joy and laughter in your life, I highly recommend it. This audiobook is one of George Carlin’s absolute best, and it serves as a timeless reminder of this legendary comedian’s innate ability to make us laugh . . . really hard.
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