Calvin Trillin, Piece by Piece

by Calvin Trillin

Calvin Trillin, who has something witty and insightful to say about any topic, has distinguished himself in fields of writing that are remarkably diverse. For thirty years, he has reported on the American scene for The New Yorker . His memoir of the fifties, Remembering Denny , was a New York Times bestseller. But he is perhaps best known for his humor—in his syndicated newspaper column, in the "Shouts and Murmurs" section of The New Yorker , in his antic adventures as a "happy cater," in the weekly appearances with Johnny Carson and David Letterman.

This original recording—his first—features Trillin at his most uproarious, reading from his own articles and books. Wonderfully funny and full of surprises, this is a thoroughly satisfying, eminently entertaining, and beautifully crafted collection.

Genres: Humor, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Essays

2 pages, Audio Cassette

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Calvin (Bud) Marshall Trillin is an American journalist, humorist, and novelist. He is best known for his humorous writings about food and eating, but he has also written much serious journalism, comic verse, and several books of fiction.

Trillin attended public schools in Kansas City and went on to Yale University, where he served as chairman of the Yale Daily News and became a member of Scroll and Key before graduating in 1957; he later served as a trustee of the university. After a stint in the U.S. Army, he worked as a reporter for Time magazine before joining the staff of The New Yorker in 1963. His reporting for The New Yorker on the racial integration of the University of Georgia was published in his first book, An Education in Georgia. He wrote the magazine's "U.S. Journal" series from 1967 to 1982, covering local events both serious and quirky throughout the United States.

Reviews

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've listened to a few of Trillin's books and he is very funny. I love his dry, understated humor.

Can't keep the books separate...was this the one with the short story titled "Geography". The story about how he and his sister would fight over territory in the back seat of the car. His mother's admonition "we don't hit girls", so his sister was Russia bristling with arms and he was Switzerland. A bad day is a "multi-motor day...I thought I just replaced the motor in the dishwasher". He couldn't convince the math teacher he meant his math answers to be "ironic", and so on. Funny writer.

[Dan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Trillin gets quite a few funny one-liners mentioned in a range of subjects, so I thought I'd give the book a go. It had some laughs, but not much of anything deeper or more profound. No great truths lurking behind the laughter, as I really hope from humor (and I get, for example, from Terry Pratchett). Just him ridiculing/teasing his dentist.

[Doug Gillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

We live in a world that no longer deserves Calvin Trillin. His humorous pieces, as in this audiobook, are whimsical and self-deprecating. In the Trumpiverse, these are characteristics that are in short supply. His serious pieces are full of facts and ideas, also in short supply. Listen to this if you want to be taken back to a better time, at least in the media.

[Bayneeta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I own this, and over the years have listened to it many times. Read by the author, an American treasure IMHO.

09/28/1923: a pleasure, as always. Still have my audio cassette, but not sure where my Walkman is. So now I own it on Audible.

[Mary Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very funny, insightful humor. Worth the read just for the Chinatown chicken story. I listened to the book, read by Trillin, a good way to enjoy it.

[Kcgood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Curmudgeon humor. A few random silly poems. Clean, crisp writing. Loved it!

[Margaret Heller · Rating 4 out of 5]

An audiobook perfect for some light summer humor. I think I've read the print version before, but I do enjoy Calvin Trillin reading his own work.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful dry humor read by the author.

[Vince Stegall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant! I laughed and laughed... thoroughly enjoyed the humor.

[Kaylee · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had a week of driving 30+ minutes in one direction, and had finally taken the advice of some review site that said, "If you like listening to David Sedaris, try...".

But... nope. Don't.

Trillin's writing is abrasive in a way Sedaris' is not. It felt like I was listening to a grumpy old white guy who thinks he's hilarious. There were a few moments, but they were far between. Can't say I'll be seeking out any more of his writing (audio or otherwise).

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audio

[Ann Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love love his writing and wry sense of humor. Not pretentious at all and when he is he makes fun of his efforts to be pretentious. Not done yet because I want to savor every delicious essay. Yum,

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

read by the author. a lot of fun.