TCCDM Dig and Flip: "Based On A True Story" - Norm Macdonald (2016)

Based on a True Story
by Norm Macdonald
(2016 )
Paperback, 240 pages

I remember watching Norm Macdonald on Larry King's internet show a while back and how I was smitten by his parlay.  It was a great conversation.  I picked up his book shortly after and I'm glad I did.  Based On A True Story is a terrific memoir-ish book filled with whole truths and half-truths that rub close enough to honesty to pass muster.  Stories that are both sweet and funny, as well as bittersweet and funny.  And all while avoiding those paint-by-number bio-celeb book cliches on most shelves.  You know the ones I mean.  This one strikes the reader from angles seldom used and made for an enjoyable read front to back.  And I laughed a lot.

But there's a surprising hint of sadness underneath some of his stories that accidentally slip out.  For the most part, Norm covers up the big hurts in silly exaggerations and wink-wink embellishments.  Maybe because that's easier than telling everyone how much some of the hurts...really hurt.  And still, the book is funny.  People sometimes forget Norm Macdonald was a pretty smart fellow.  Well-read.  He would have won $1,000,000 on "Do You Want To Be A Millionaire" had asswipe Regis not talked him out of going for the final question.  Which he correctly answered.  Norm always seemed like he held a book in his hands a time or two without showing off.  "But what do I know?  I don't know anything."  R.I.P  Norm.   Highly recommended.

"I’m Just An Old Chunk of Coal" - Billy Joe Shaver / ACL (1976)

Good stuff.

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