Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Bill Cosby, "Time Flies"
After reading approximately the first half of this autobiography, I am surprised that it has not quite met my expectations. Don't get me wrong, Bill is still entertaining although he is very repetitive. As the title describes, this piece is all about aging, and what effect the years have on one's body and mind. So far, I have read one hundred pages all about his muffin top, trifocals and deteriorating mind. I appreciate the self humor he is driving at, but like I said, I expect more out of Bill Cosby. I look forward to finishing this piece in hopes that he will touch on his classic stand up skits that he is so famous for, but it is already clear that he is writing as a common man who is simply aging. His attitude is that he does not want to be seen as a celebrity, so I feel my expectations will be let down. However, this is a true autobiography, and it is showing the man who Bill Cosby truly is.
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What led you to select this book Ethan? Clearly, you like Cosby? Did you check out his earlier books that might have played more into your expectations? Is he funny at all in this one? If you're disappointed not to see the "funny man," what ARE you learning about him? It sounds like you have respect for him and his work. I'm guessing that you can't quite relate to the life he's living now since it's pretty far removed from your own. Does he still manage to tell a good story? Are you learning about regrets and failures or about his successes and happy moments? What does he emphasize?
ReplyDeleteI actually discovered this book while at The Thrifty Reader doing our virtual book tour. I bought it because I am a fan of Bill Cosby's comedy and thought it would be a good read. Upon finishing the book, I am no longer disappointed by the different direction Cosby took with his autobiography. I was expecting more of a behind the scenes as to how he developed his classic routines, but I like how he focused on his life as a normal man. He emphasizes the value of accepting your age and your changing abilities rather than living in denial. I did feel slightly out of place in his discussion, mostly because it centers around being old. Obviously I cannot relate, but the greatest lesson I learned is what to expect for the future. Like Cosby describes, I am still in that mindset of youthful invincibility. I can stay out late, work all day, eat whatever foods I want and be nonstop active. At the time, I feel like I will always be this way, in spirit at least. However the text has taught me that time deteriorates the body and the mind, and someday it will catch up to me too. Basically I am now prepared for the time when people will call me "old man."
ReplyDeleteIn all, I thought this autobiography was excellent due to the many lessons it taught about what everyone will go through. Despite all the misfortunes of Cosby's lost youthfulness, me makes it perfectly clear that he could not be a happier man with the life he lives.