[close] If you're a devoted fan of The Larry Sanders Show, you've already got a copy of this title. However, it was nice to find that this book, written by Sanders' comic alter ego Garry Shandling (assisted by the uber-ghostwriter David Rensin), stands on its own as an ironic, tongue-deeply-in-cheek look at talk-showdom. Here are a few samples:

"Here is a photo of Jennie Garth from Beverly Hill 90210. I had sex with her a dozen times, but she never reciprocated. Her excuse was, "I like men."

"Unbeknowst to most everyone except those of you who regularly read those trashy tabloids--and that would be all of you--I have suffered through many personal tragedies: an unhappy and abusive childhood, two divorces, many empty love affairs, a venereal disease that nearly took my right leg, feuds, substance dependencies, a palimony suit from my mother, who said: "You live with me for 20 years and move out just like that? This will cost you," and worst of all, the horror of being rear-ended backstage by one of Siegfried and Roy's big white leopards."

Confessions of a Late-Night Talk Show Host is an enjoyable tour through stardom with a truly sleazy Hollywood character. Anybody who relishes celebrity bios will get the joke, and engage in delicious snickers of recognition. Larry Sanders is dead, long live Larry Sanders! --Michael Gerber [close]