Ian Bernard
1 Clear, well-written and enjoyable advice for writers
I was impressed with the writing and the range of literary knowledge (as a professor of English, I am familiar with a range of writing skills). But more important was the clarity of the instruction; in detail, examples, and demonstrations, it is a wonderful tool for writers. The interviews are excellent--particularly the one with Larry Gelbart.
2 Humor Will Set You Free; This Book is the Key
Trying to teach somebody how to be funny is like trying to teach somebody how to be TALL. You can't. I dare you. The great thing about Ian Bernard's bouyant examination of humor is the clever way he deconstructs the eternally elusive phenomenon of: FUNNY. He does it by being a smart, witty writer who is, simultaneously, a huge fan of other smart, witty writers. The material he has chosen to analyze is hysterical. He also has famous funny friends who happily show-up in his book as if they were attending a fabulous party in his living room. As a writer of comedy myself, as well as a teacher of comedy writing at UCLA EXTENSION, I intend to force my colleagues and studentia to buy, own & read this book. Its somewhat clunky title is the only thing I feel could use a re-write. I'd call it something like... "CHERISHING HUMOR" because it's not just for writers -- it's for readers and other smart, clever people (like the author).
