Audio book Review: Billy Crystal shines in ‘Still Foolin Em’

Billy Crystal has become a household name and his autobiography and “essays” in Still Foolin Em chronicles the ups-and-downs, the laughs and great interactions with some of the greatest entertainers of all-time.

After several “essays” read to live audience, Crystal moves through his early years in 25 minutes, including unforgettable stories about Lew Alcindor, sneezing until he bleeds and the secret words of advice at his bar mitzvah.

The journey continues through decade after decade as the listener learns of his friendship and nickname from Muhammad Ali, the awkward meeting with Orson Welles, his friendships with Rob Reiner, Sammy Davis Jr, Martin Short and many others.

His growing friendship with Mickey Mantle, ultimately playing catch with the legend, is a great backstory to 61, the film directed by Crystal.

Just as charismatic as his SNL days or his countless Hollywood hits, Crystal shines when he “performing” and making us all laugh. The behind-the-scenes look at his projects is an incredible expansion of Crystal’s legacy, who reveals his efforts to make every project a success.

His audience will comes away appreciating When Harry Met Sally, City Slickers and his work on the Oscars even more than they do today.

The full title of the opus is Still Foolin’ ‘Em: Where I’ve Been, Where I’m Going, and Where the Hell Are My Keys? and Crystal delights when he speaks on aging and turning 65.

Sadly the profanity begins right way and prevents this audio book from being appropriate for a younger audience even though some of the jokes are. Crystal sidetracks himself from time to time.

Only when he generalizes about religion and blames God for tragedy on the earth does the listener want to race to move on to another track.

Overall this is an award caliber book: 4 out of 5 stars