Not That You Asked: Rants, Exploits, and Obsessions

Where to start? Steve Almond is a such a gifted writer -- he makes me laugh. hard. Often just thinking about things he has written makes me laugh out loud. Sometimes at inappropriate times. He is a comedic genius. I bought NTYA during one of the worst weeks in my life (I'll spare you the details), and the fact that Steve could make me laugh when all I had been doing is crying says it all. Reading his book is like spending time with a good buddy -- you walk away feeling like you truly know him and love him... love him for being so real and so honest and saying the things that you've thought before -- saying them in such a brilliant way. Buy this book for yourself. And then buy more copies to give as gifts -- because once you've read it, you'll want everyone you know to read it.

I picked up a copy of "Which Brings me to You" years ago at my local library. I found it to be both savory and sweet and absolutely delicious. Since then I've had a huge craving for anything he's written. "Not That You Asked" satiated my hunger for more. It probably helped that I consider him my male doppelganger. We both share a love of candy, the Oakland A's, have a connection to the Bronx, were arrested as teens and admit to watching (or in his case actually being on) Dance party. Steve embraces his dork side and pervert side with equal reverence which is so refreshing. There are so many things I admire about Steve Almond. He's a talented and gifted writer and his ego has yet to catch up with his talent. He has never compromised his art in order to move himself up into a higher tax bracket or to please those that could help him move in that direction (Ya hear that NY Times Book review!!!.... you s - - k. ) His vulnerability is most evident and heartbreaking in the chapter about his obsession with Vonnegut. You want to just hug him and tell him that in some way he has affected the lives of others. For me it's his ability to write about the absurdities of life and make it funny.......he just consistently cracks me up. I will continue to spread the word and recommend Steve to everyone I know. Many have thanked me profusely. Now if I could just get them to show their gratitutde with candy

Not That You Asked is the third book I've read by Steve Almond, and I would have to say that so far, this is my favorite. As with all of Almond's previous work, Not That You Asked has the all of the sharp wit, cutting insight,irreverance,sex,laugh-out-loud humor and great storytelling that Almond's fans would expect, but this book delivers more... it delivers HIM! The book offers a naked, unflinching, honest, and truely human view into Almond himself. Especially funny and touching are the stories of his childhood and adolecence, which are full of all of all of the secret, awkward insecurities, fears, and humiliations that most of us experienced at that age (as well as a few I'm glad that I didnt), but never discussed with anyone. Instead of hiding them, Almond lays them out for all to see. We watch as Almond progresses from being a teenager full of secret doubts, fears, and neurosies, to becoming an adult full of secret doubts, fears, and neurosies...just like most of us. It is brutally human and real, and at the same time, VERY funny.

Despite the fact that this outstanding collection of essays is being primarily promoted as a racy, sexy read, 'Not that You Asked' is a much more profound work, and I believe that many readers will love it. You will indeed laugh -- out loud, really hard -- but you will also be moved and provoked to think and consider important questions and values. The 'spine' of this book is comprised of Almond's honesty and his cracklingly clever take on life; that is, his life. This is what makes 'Not that You asked' so compelling to me -- Almond holds nothing back and reveals to readers not only his adventures and joys, but also his times of doubt and uncertainty. I feel this book hits on many universal struggles; for writers, families, spouses and families, and what America is and does as a country and a society. All the while, Almond's hilarious style keeps the read fresh and fascinating. The essays are extremely varied in topic but they all fit together marvelously and there's a special flavor to the collection, a really fine flavor. This is a must-read, folks. Enjoy it!