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All by My Selves: Walter, Peanut, Achmed, and Me
by
Jeff Dunham
The most popular standup comic in the U.S." --"Time"
Whether he's breathing life into Walter, an old curmudgeon; Peanut, an over-caffeinated purple maniac; or Achmed, a screaming, skeletal, dead terrorist, comedian and ventriloquist Jeff Dunham is the straight man to some of the wildest, funniest partners in show business.
"All By My Selves" is the story of one pretty ordina...more
Whether he's breathing life into Walter, an old curmudgeon; Peanut, an over-caffeinated purple maniac; or Achmed, a screaming, skeletal, dead terrorist, comedian and ventriloquist Jeff Dunham is the straight man to some of the wildest, funniest partners in show business.
"All By My Selves" is the story of one pretty ordina...more
ebook, 368 pages
Published
November 2nd 2010
by New American Library
(first published November 3rd 2009)
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Jun 24, 2012
FicTalk Blog
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
reviewed-in-2012
Reviewed by Autumn
I am not one to read biographies or autobiographies. I’d rather watch the TV special. However, when Jeff published a book last year recounting his rise to comedic ventriloquist stardom, I was very tempted to buy it. Eventually, I broke down and bought the Kindle edition.
Jeff’s rise to fame was not overnight. He became fascinated with ventriloquism at a young age. Growing up in a Christian household, Jeff’s comedy act was safe for all ages and he frequently had jobs for corporat...more
I am not one to read biographies or autobiographies. I’d rather watch the TV special. However, when Jeff published a book last year recounting his rise to comedic ventriloquist stardom, I was very tempted to buy it. Eventually, I broke down and bought the Kindle edition.
Jeff’s rise to fame was not overnight. He became fascinated with ventriloquism at a young age. Growing up in a Christian household, Jeff’s comedy act was safe for all ages and he frequently had jobs for corporat...more
Originally I thought that this book would be all Peaches & Creme, starting from Jeff Dunham's younger years as a child all the way through his teenage years and then ending up with his current life as a successful...or at least in my opinion...a highly successful ventriliquist/comedian. What i totally didn't expect was what i would read towards the end where he described the kind of dark times that he went through in his life when his marriage started to crumble and ultimately breakdown into...more
If you don't know who Jeff Dunham is - shame on you. Jeff is probably the premier comic/ventriloquist act in the world. Jeff works with his buddies, Peanut the lovable screwball, Walter the old curmedgeon, and Achmed the dead terrorist. If you still don't know him, google his name and look at the several You Tube clips of his acts. I guarantee that you will become a fan.
Jeef's career started at an early age. At the age of 8 he was performing in front of birthday parties, Cub Scouts, and school t...more
Jeef's career started at an early age. At the age of 8 he was performing in front of birthday parties, Cub Scouts, and school t...more
From the middle of Jeff Dunham's elementary school years, he always knew that he wanted to be a ventriloquist. But even with high standing hopes, he probably never realized how much he would accomplish in his 42 years of ventriloquism. Though the ups and downs and disappointment, every event in time led up to the success bestowed upon him today.
Considering how talented Dunham has proved over to be over the years with every project he's set out to do, it's truly no surprise that he could write su...more
Considering how talented Dunham has proved over to be over the years with every project he's set out to do, it's truly no surprise that he could write su...more
Enjoyed listening to Jeff and the gang interact. I'll be the first to say I listened to this book so I wonder how it was actually written. When you start hearing the other characters chime in with their own comments, I wonder if the book actually states "...and Peanut said....".
I did learn a few new things about Dunham, but most of it I already knew, probably because I'm such a fan of his. But it was also very interesting hearing more of the stories that he had already shared on stage. Sort of...more
I did learn a few new things about Dunham, but most of it I already knew, probably because I'm such a fan of his. But it was also very interesting hearing more of the stories that he had already shared on stage. Sort of...more
If you don't know who jeff dunham is...you need to get out more! To me he is one of the best ventriloquists ever. I loved him since I saw some of his youtube videos about 6 years ago. His puppets include: walter, the grumpy old grouch; achmed(my fav),the dead terrorist; peanut, the crazy purple dude; Jose, the jalapeno on a stick; bubba j, the white trash drunk; and sweet daddy dee, the pimp.
I didn't like this book at all. Don't get me wrong, I still love jeff but he shouldn't have written this...more
I didn't like this book at all. Don't get me wrong, I still love jeff but he shouldn't have written this...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Oct 17, 2012
Kelly Knapp
rated it
2 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
biography lovers.
I was highly unimpressed with this audio. Partly my own fault, I failed to notice this was his autobiography. There I was on a 6 hour trip, slid the first disc in and blah, blah, blah. I was thinking I would enjoy the comedy of peanut and Achmed; "I will kill you!" Only listened to the first half May 2012. I finally listened to the rest on another looooooong trip.
I was OK! I may be having trouble overcoming the disappointment be cause I have done great research on Ronn Lucas (whom I adore) so I...more
I was OK! I may be having trouble overcoming the disappointment be cause I have done great research on Ronn Lucas (whom I adore) so I...more
I've never really picked up a biography or autobiography on purpose, but I thoroughly enjoyed the stories Jeff and his "selves" told. Starting at age 8 with a trip through a toy store, and subsequently his local public library for a book on ventriloquism, he acheived his goal. Throughout the book, Achmed, Peanut, Walter and his other dummies made an appearance and contributed to the conversation. He talks about the puppets he made, his life on the road, his heartbreaks, and some of the most hila...more
Awesome book, it is just as funny as his acts. Or at least the comedy central specials I've watched. It gives a whole new insite on who Jeff Dunham is. You laugh and don't exactly cry but it makes you sad that such a happy person would have such a tough time. Well some times... It also gives the reader perhaps some inspiration or depression because of house Jeff's life has gone so far. Some people may say its easy, some hard. But few still find the purpose of life, in their life times. I'm looki...more
As a huge Jeff Dunham fan I was excited to hear that he had written an autobiography. I immediately put it on hold at my local library.
I was not disappointed. The book was filled with humor and interesting information. It starts at the beginning where he saw his first "dummy" in the toy store with his mom and progressing to the frustrating prejudice he received in the comedy community as a "vent". He briefly discusses his personal life, which I thought was appropriate since the book is about his...more
I was not disappointed. The book was filled with humor and interesting information. It starts at the beginning where he saw his first "dummy" in the toy store with his mom and progressing to the frustrating prejudice he received in the comedy community as a "vent". He briefly discusses his personal life, which I thought was appropriate since the book is about his...more
Really funny audiobook listen for me.
Jeff Dunham is one of the (relatively) clean comedians out there today, and I've seen him and enjoyed his material. This book is an autobiography that tells the story of how he found ventriloquism at age 7 (!) and has been doing it ever since. This is more of a biography than a comedy, but it's funny at times. I enjoyed it.
It also reinforced my belief that the best audiobooks are ones written and narrated by people who speak in front of crowds or a camera fo...more
Jeff Dunham is one of the (relatively) clean comedians out there today, and I've seen him and enjoyed his material. This book is an autobiography that tells the story of how he found ventriloquism at age 7 (!) and has been doing it ever since. This is more of a biography than a comedy, but it's funny at times. I enjoyed it.
It also reinforced my belief that the best audiobooks are ones written and narrated by people who speak in front of crowds or a camera fo...more
May 24, 2012
Jeff
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Fans of Jeff Dunham; People interested in getting into show business
I really enjoyed listening to this autobiographical Audio Book about Jeff Dunham. I've always liked his routines on TV and recently saw him live for the first time. The book provides an amazing insight into the world of show business from the perspective of a very "normal" person. It's also fun to read as Walter, Peanut, Bubba Jay, Achmed, and all the other characters from his skits chime in with their witty humor, making it as much a humorous book as it is an insightful autobiography.
I highly r...more
I highly r...more
Jun 24, 2012
Autumn (Fic Talk)
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
read-in-2012
I am not one to read biographies or autobiographies. I’d rather watch the TV special. However, when Jeff published a book last year recounting his rise to comedic ventriloquist stardom, I was very tempted to buy it. Eventually, I broke down and bought the Kindle edition.
Jeff’s rise to fame was not overnight. He became fascinated with ventriloquism at a young age. Growing up in a Christian household, Jeff’s comedy act was safe for all ages and he frequently had jobs for corporations or schools. H...more
Jeff’s rise to fame was not overnight. He became fascinated with ventriloquism at a young age. Growing up in a Christian household, Jeff’s comedy act was safe for all ages and he frequently had jobs for corporations or schools. H...more
All By My Selves by Jeff Dunham is a quirky autobiography by an equally quirky man. Dunham has achieved international fame through his comedic ventriloquism act with puppets Walter, Peanut, Achmed, and more. He traces the course of that journey through this book that begins with his eighth Christmas when his parents purchased him a ventriloquist's dummy named Mortimer Snerd. Something changed in Dunham permanently that day and he began practicing how to operate the vent (that is the term used in...more
Dec 10, 2010
Maria M. Elmvang
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
any fan of Jeff Dunham
From the very first time I even heard about this book, I was keen, but I wasn't too sure whether the book would actually be any good, or if it was just a gimmick. Especially when I saw that Jeff Dunham's characters took part in it as well. How would that even work in writing? Wouldn't it end up being too 'cute' for words? The only way that would work would be if the book came out on audiobook, narrated by Jeff Dunham himself...
... Famous last words, because of course it did. And when I discovere...more
... Famous last words, because of course it did. And when I discovere...more
I listened to this on audio book and assuming it was read pretty close to the way it was written there wasn't anything impressive about the writing. There are a few phrases that Jeff overuse - at the moment all I can remember is "Good Lord" was used frequently, but there were several others.
But Jeff has led an interesting life and I was entertained the whole time I was listening. I was on a 7 hour work road trip and seven hours in the car can be painful, but this book made it interesting.
But Jeff has led an interesting life and I was entertained the whole time I was listening. I was on a 7 hour work road trip and seven hours in the car can be painful, but this book made it interesting.
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Eerste keer dat ik niet echt goed weet wat te zeggen over een boek. Het is immers een biografie (verwacht geen showgehalte dus!) ...
Ik wou dit echter al een lange tijd lezen omdat ik fan ben van Jeff en zijn kereltjes. Dus als je, net als ik, Jeff wil leren kennen en hoe zijn carrière ooit startte, zeker lezen. Het ontstaan van Walter, Peanut, José, Achmed, ... wordt verteld op een interessante manier. En natuurlijk mogen ze zelf ook niet ontbreken! THEY STILL ROCK, 4 sterren!
Ik wou dit echter al een lange tijd lezen omdat ik fan ben van Jeff en zijn kereltjes. Dus als je, net als ik, Jeff wil leren kennen en hoe zijn carrière ooit startte, zeker lezen. Het ontstaan van Walter, Peanut, José, Achmed, ... wordt verteld op een interessante manier. En natuurlijk mogen ze zelf ook niet ontbreken! THEY STILL ROCK, 4 sterren!
Most autobiographies and biographies tend to be rather dry and dull (at least in my opinion) and I avoid them. I found this to be very funny and easy to read. Jeff and his entourage of puppets has been making me laugh for years. I had never realized how long he had been in the business. He tells the stories like he does on stage.... With no details left out even if they make him look bad. The side comments by the puppets just add to the stories.
I listened to this on audio, and it was read by Jeff, complete with his cast of characters.
I am giving this 5 stars due to the audio version. If I had read it in hard copy I would have probably given it 4 stars. But the audio version adds so much to this with his characters taking part in the story.
I've seen him live, and Jeff has to be one of the funniest entertainers out there today. I thoroughly enjoyed his story and find it incredible that he knew what he wanted to do at such a young age, an...more
I am giving this 5 stars due to the audio version. If I had read it in hard copy I would have probably given it 4 stars. But the audio version adds so much to this with his characters taking part in the story.
I've seen him live, and Jeff has to be one of the funniest entertainers out there today. I thoroughly enjoyed his story and find it incredible that he knew what he wanted to do at such a young age, an...more
A great book for those who love Jeff Dunham.. Covers his history and the creation of his characters. For any who want to learn more about this Comedic Genius who takes a profession that has since declined and become a nationally sensation and icon loved by millions you DEFINITELY HAVE TO CHECK THIS OUT.
Oct 11, 2011
Heather
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
potential entertainers, people who love comedy
I'm kind of new to the whole Jeff Dunham comedy thing, but I really enjoyed watching "Spark of Insanity," and so when I saw this book at the library I decided to pick it up.
I'm glad I did. It was not only funny, but a good reminder of the fact that people who succeed? They do so because they Keep At It.
I'm glad I did. It was not only funny, but a good reminder of the fact that people who succeed? They do so because they Keep At It.
I am definitely a fan of Dunham's standup comedy. I enjoy biographies so I thought I would give this one a try...
Dunham continues his interjection of the puppet's opinion of his life within the written text and I think that makes a great touch. It was interesting to learn how a quiet kid found his voice through the act of puppetry. Like any artist he had to find the medium that worked for him. Along the way a young man meets several colorful players in the world of "vent" and entertainment, not...more
Dunham continues his interjection of the puppet's opinion of his life within the written text and I think that makes a great touch. It was interesting to learn how a quiet kid found his voice through the act of puppetry. Like any artist he had to find the medium that worked for him. Along the way a young man meets several colorful players in the world of "vent" and entertainment, not...more
Jeff Dunham is the man. Josh and I are big fans, so I got him this book for Christmas, and as soon as he was done, I devoured it. It was really interesting reading about the story of how someone decides to become a professional ventriloquist...and actually make it work as a viable career.
Very funny and inventive, with puppets and vent speaking both separately and as one. Amazing tale of a quest to live out a life-long dream, of never giving up or giving in. One of the funniest people I have ever had the pleasure of reading and seeing in person. Highly recommended read for any fan.
I really enjoyed this story. Jeff tells the whole story of how he got to where he is today...ups and downs. I think that the addition of the characters talking added comedy to the book that I am sure meant a lot to Jeff because as we learn "laughter is not only an elixir, but a sustenance to life".
That was a well told autobiograpy. I liked how Jeff incorporated Walter, Peanut, Achmed, Bubba J, and Sweet Daddy Dee's conversations throughtout the book. It is hard to believe he's been doing this for 40 years. But when you see any of his shows you can tell this is no amature act.
Good book by one of the funniest of today's ventriloquist/comedians. He has his puppets constantly interrupting (you have to read the book to understand this) which was pretty annoying at first. But once you got used to it, it made sense.
This was a good read! Knew very little of my favorite comedian. It was nice to get a peek into his life and how he became an amazing ventroliquist and the struggles he went through and the heartbreak. A must read if you like Jeff Dunham!
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May 24, 2012 10:32pm