Storytime With Melvin

I’m not sure there is anyone my age that didn’t grow up with Mel Brooks’ movies. I was first introduced to him with his film History of the World Part 1. Blazing Saddles, Spaceballs, Young Frankenstein, High Anxiety, To Be or Not To Be, and so many others soon followed. While some of his films were … well, not so good … many made me laugh (and still do).

I soon learned that Mel wrote for Sid Caesar on Your Show of Shows. Then I learned he co-created the TV show Get Smart. Then I heard his 2000 Year Old Man stuff with Carl Reiner. I was gifted a Mel Brooks movie collection for Christmas one year with all of the movies mentioned above and a few others. I really came to appreciate this comedy genius.

Recently there was a book that came out about Mel that I saw at the book store. I was going to buy it, but it was like $45. I had heard Mel was writing his autobiography and I thought the book I had was it. It wasn’t. Not that I won’t ever buy that book at some point, but I wanted to read the stories from Mel himself.

I finally received Mel’s book in the mail today. I used a gift card I was given for Christmas to get it.

I read the reviews and they are favorable. Some say the title says it all and say “Mel is all about praising himself.” So what?! LOL Another guy said he literally read the whole book in one sitting because it flowed so naturally from story to story. I barely was able to get into the first chapter, but so far i am enjoying it. Maybe I am weird, but I can hear Mel talking as I read it.

My reading time is limited, so I am not sure how long it will take me to read it, but when I finish, I will be sure to post a review.