An Ode to my brother Gene: Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life -- A SORTABIOGRAPHY by Eric Idle

House: Crown Archetype
Publication Date: October 2, 2018
Genre: Autobiography
304 Pages

About the Author

"ERIC IDLE is an English comedian actor, author, and singer-songwriter who found immediate fame with the sketch comedy show Monty Python's Flying Circus. Following its success, they began making films, which include Holy Grail (1975), Life of Brian (1979) and The Meaning of Life (1983). Idle also authored the smash Broadway musical Spamalot, which won three Tonys, including Best Musical. He lives in Los Angeles." - book blurb

My Thoughts

When we were children, my big brother, Gene loved humor, all kinds of humor, he would regale us with jokes at the dinner table or whenever he thought it was needed. He loved Mad Magazine feature Alfred E. Newman, anything that made him laugh or lampooned reality, especially Monty Python and the Flying Circus, and then all the Monty Python movies. I want to say that Monty Python's Life with Brian might have been his favorite. So when I had the opportunity through Penguin's First to Read, to read Eric Idle's 9th book, Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life I jumped at the chance. I knew I was going to be reliving so many funny memories. Little did I know that I would learn more than just that Eric is funny. One of a kind, a real nutty guy. 

Mr. Idle's history was fascinating at times, outside of my element at other with all his partying, varying bed partners when he was younger and his seeming lack of morals then he grew out of it and settled down with the love of his life Tania. He didn't let me down with his way of writing that resembled how he and the other Python's wrote their skits and shows -- hilarious and filled with rolling on the ground stomach pain from all the laughing mixed with truth. Mr. Idle has a way of making everything relatable. Would most people understand the hobnobbing that he did with George Harrison, Carrie Fisher, Steve Martin and Robin Williams partying, jet-setting on vacations, playing music and just goofing off with his friends?  I sure didn't relate, however, Mr. Idle made it so I could see that he was just a normal person, hanging out with famous people who were also just normal people with their flaws, their humanity and their incredible opportunities to do the things they love so much. 

I love that Always Look on the Bright Side of Life from Monty Python's Life of Brian became his life theme, it sure is a good song to lighten the mood and a great standard to view life with. It definitely uplifts your smile and it's plain funny irony, men being crucified and trying to find the good and bright side while going through it. 

I enjoyed reading about John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Graham Chapman, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, and their ever returning honorary cast members, Carol Cleveland, and Connie Booth. I enjoyed it so much I had to go back and watch a few episodes of the Flying Circus just to remind myself of the genius and irreverent way that they acted in the episodes. I laughed, I cringed, and then I laughed some more. Thank heavens for Youtube and the ability to watch clips from Monty Python and the Holy Grail, my favorite Python movie. I laughed so hard I cried when the Knights are traipsing through the forest clapping coconuts together and galloping and encounter the black night. One of my favorite scenes commences and I just cry and cry and cry. A laughing cry is good for the soul. I truly believe this. 

Now, my kids would only remember Eric as the bad guy in the movie Casper and I would tell them there is so much more this man has done. The book reminded me of how much Eric Idle really has accomplished in his 75 years on earth things I didn't even know about such as The Rutles, the mockumentary about the Beatles. If you haven't seen it you really should. Mick Jagger playing himself is the best. George Harrison and the rest of The Beatles loved it. It's a hoot. I've watched sections on Youtube. Again, thank heavens for Youtube.

I could go on and on about Always Look On The Brightside Of Life, but then I would ruin the book for you and what fun would that be for you? If you are a Python Fan, an Eric Idle Fan, a reader in need of juicy details about celebrities this book is for you. If you are squeamish of the 60's and its whole lifestyle this book isn't for you, sorry, it's downright British dirty

Thanks to Penguin Randomhouse's First to Read for the opportunity to read this book in Lieu of my honest opinion.

I give this book a 4 1/2 for humor, writing style and just the pure love of Eric Idle and the other Pythons.