Richard Pryor - Pryor Convictions: And Other Life Sentences Book Review
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Book Review
What is a book review of a comedian doing in a music website?
Good question! I think lots of music fans have a good sense of humour - nurtured perhaps by some of the jokers who inhabit our music charts - now that's what I call comedy
(47).
As you would probably expect, the book features strong language from the outset (this is a warning to the faint of heart).
I have formed quite a soft spot for autobiographies and biographies - but preferring the former over the latter, feeling that it's best to get the words from the horse's mouth - not that I've read any books written by horses recently.
Born in 1940 in Preoria, USA, living through segregation and much prejudice must have been hard enough. Add to the mix the fact that you are brought up in a brothel, with a family that treat you quite harsh, and you have the ingredients for a hard life.
From the start the book pulls no punches in either the delivery of the darkest scenes through to the delivery of scream-inducing laughter. I do not think I have ever read a more open autobiography in my life - Richard (aided by Todd Gold) peels apart his life in some detail - warts and all.
Perhaps the most touching aspect of the book is in the self doubt/ self-questioning present after delving into his past - where Richard frequently asks either himself, or his now deceased parents why he/ she did something/ acted in a certain way etc.
His ability to see humour in something that most people would see as a life sentence is astounding.
If you have seen Stir Crazy, See No Evil, Hear no Evil, Brewster's Millions, Superman III (to name but 5 of his films) or any of his live shows, then this book is a must. If you like humour, then this book is a must. If you like life, then this book is a must.
Oh yeah: and despite the numerous rumours that were blowing around to the contrary in the 90s, and to quote Richard Pryor:
I ain't dead yet mother******!
