What do you think?
Rate this book
Ham: Slices of a Life: Essays and Stories
In a collection of personal essays that are “both rip-roaringly funny and sentimental, drawing natural (and justified) comparisons to David Sedaris and David Rakoff” (Esquire), longtime recording artist and actor Sam Harris recounts stories of friendship, love, celebrity, and growing up and getting sober.In sixteen brilliantly observed true stories, Sam Harris emerges as a natural humorist in league with David Sedaris, Chelsea Handler, Carrie Fisher, and Steve Martin, but with a voice uniquely his own. Praised by the Chicago Sun-Times for his “manic, witty commentary,” and with a storytelling talent The New York Times calls “New Yorker– worthy,” he puts a comedic spin on full-disclosure episodes from his own colorful life. In “I Feel, You Feel” he opens for Aretha Franklin during a blizzard. “Promises” is a front-row account of Liza Minnelli’s infamous wedding to “the man whose name shall go unmentioned.” In “The Zoo Story” Harris desperately searches for a common bond with his rough-and-tumble four-year-old son. What better place to find painfully funny material than in growing up gay, gifted, and ambitious in the heart of the Bible belt? And that’s just the first From partying to parenting, from Sunday school to getting sober, these slices of Ham will have you laughing and wiping away salty tears in equal measure with their universal and down-to-earth appeal. After all, there’s a little ham in all of us.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 14, 2014
41 people are currently reading
2802 people want to read
About the author
Sam Harris
2 books84 followersSam Harris was born and raised in the small town of Sand Springs, Oklahoma. At 15 years old, he left home to pursue a career in entertainment, living in New York and Los Angeles. He has established a multi-hyphenate career, having made his mark as a Tony nominated Broadway star, multi-platinum recording artist, television writer and actor, playwright, and author. His first big break came at the age of 22, when he won the first season of "Star Search."
Sam's first book, "HAM: Slices of a Life" (Gallery Books/Simon & Schuster) was released in January 2014. HAM is a collection of stories and essays on everything from growing up in Bible Belt Oklahoma to show biz, celebrity, and his family life as a husband and father. The book received critical praise in publications from The New York Times to People Magazine, Esquire, Kirkus, Publisher's Weekly, and numerous others.
From the book came a hilarious and poignant one-man show entitled "HAM: A Musical Memoir," which played in New York and Los Angeles, receiving raves across the board, and won several prestigious awards. The show was filmed at The Pasadena Playhouse to air on television later this year.
Encouraged by numerous reviewers and readers, "The Substance of All Things" is Sam's first foray into literary fiction.
"Writing this book has been a four year process: thrilling, arduous, intimidating, scary and so very fulfilling. I am so excited to take it off my lap top and into the hands and hearts of readers." -Sam Harris
Sam lives in Los Angeles with his husband, Danny Jacobsen, and his son, Cooper Harris-Jacobsen.
For more information, please visit: www.SamHarris.com, and follow him on www.facebook.com/SamFans/, twitter.com/SamHarris, and instagram.com/SamHarrisMusic/
Sam's first book, "HAM: Slices of a Life" (Gallery Books/Simon & Schuster) was released in January 2014. HAM is a collection of stories and essays on everything from growing up in Bible Belt Oklahoma to show biz, celebrity, and his family life as a husband and father. The book received critical praise in publications from The New York Times to People Magazine, Esquire, Kirkus, Publisher's Weekly, and numerous others.
From the book came a hilarious and poignant one-man show entitled "HAM: A Musical Memoir," which played in New York and Los Angeles, receiving raves across the board, and won several prestigious awards. The show was filmed at The Pasadena Playhouse to air on television later this year.
Encouraged by numerous reviewers and readers, "The Substance of All Things" is Sam's first foray into literary fiction.
"Writing this book has been a four year process: thrilling, arduous, intimidating, scary and so very fulfilling. I am so excited to take it off my lap top and into the hands and hearts of readers." -Sam Harris
Sam lives in Los Angeles with his husband, Danny Jacobsen, and his son, Cooper Harris-Jacobsen.
For more information, please visit: www.SamHarris.com, and follow him on www.facebook.com/SamFans/, twitter.com/SamHarris, and instagram.com/SamHarrisMusic/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
February 19, 2014
Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
ARC from NetGalley. Thank you NetGalley!!!!
The blurb said ”For fans of David Sedaris and Chelsea Handler, these stories and essays about friendship, celebrity, growing up and getting sober will have you laughing and crying in equal measure."
I knew nothing about Sam Harris before starting this book, but I love me some David Sedaris so I was all in. While I knew Harris would never make me want to throw my #1 funny man to the side, I hoped I would at least get a few chuckles out of this book. I read the first essay “Unwrapped” and indeed found myself a bit amused. Sadly, that laugh was the only one to be had.
Morbid curiosity had me soon Googling “who the F is Sam Harris???” and I found out his claim to fame was singing “Over the Rainbow” 30 years ago to Ed McMahon on the Star Search stage. I was no longer surprised to find that Harris is not funny. At all.
He is, however, quite full of himself and rambles on and on about awesome tales from 20+ years ago. He also never fails to take a dig at another celebrity in an attempt to shine the spotlight a little brighter on himself. Basically, Harris is insufferable and almost all of his essays got my blood boiling. The worst of the worst include:
1. Pointing out how strange Michael Jackson and Elizabeth Taylor were at Liza Minnelli’s wedding (really? I never would have guessed);
2. How he opened for Aretha Franklin and not only was she a huge bitch (I have always assumed the "divas" earned that title for a reason), but “more than half of the audience” was there specifically to see him and not her (yeah, right);
3. He somehow managed to out-alcoholic Liza while she was in rehab by going to visit her and then declaring he too was an addict;
4. He filled in for a sick Donny Osmond in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" (the Canada tour, NOT on Broadway) and the producers insisted Osmond still be able to do the curtain call (because duh, people paid to see him, not the winner of Star Search an eon ago), but the crowd was really cheering for Harris and didn’t care about Donny at all (oooooookay).
5. Harris even manages to make the tragedy of 9/11 all about him and living out a superstar fantasy with Oprah.
I’m all for some celebrity gossip, but Harris should have taken a lesson from Kathy Griffin who has made it an art form. She (and her D-List status) have always been just as much a part of the joke as the famous person she is dishing about. Harris is like a J-List celeb, at best, so he should probably just keep his mouth shut about famous people and pray they keep accepting his phone calls.
In a nutshell,
ARC from NetGalley. Thank you NetGalley!!!!
The blurb said ”For fans of David Sedaris and Chelsea Handler, these stories and essays about friendship, celebrity, growing up and getting sober will have you laughing and crying in equal measure."
I knew nothing about Sam Harris before starting this book, but I love me some David Sedaris so I was all in. While I knew Harris would never make me want to throw my #1 funny man to the side, I hoped I would at least get a few chuckles out of this book. I read the first essay “Unwrapped” and indeed found myself a bit amused. Sadly, that laugh was the only one to be had.
Morbid curiosity had me soon Googling “who the F is Sam Harris???” and I found out his claim to fame was singing “Over the Rainbow” 30 years ago to Ed McMahon on the Star Search stage. I was no longer surprised to find that Harris is not funny. At all.
He is, however, quite full of himself and rambles on and on about awesome tales from 20+ years ago. He also never fails to take a dig at another celebrity in an attempt to shine the spotlight a little brighter on himself. Basically, Harris is insufferable and almost all of his essays got my blood boiling. The worst of the worst include:
1. Pointing out how strange Michael Jackson and Elizabeth Taylor were at Liza Minnelli’s wedding (really? I never would have guessed);
2. How he opened for Aretha Franklin and not only was she a huge bitch (I have always assumed the "divas" earned that title for a reason), but “more than half of the audience” was there specifically to see him and not her (yeah, right);
3. He somehow managed to out-alcoholic Liza while she was in rehab by going to visit her and then declaring he too was an addict;
4. He filled in for a sick Donny Osmond in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" (the Canada tour, NOT on Broadway) and the producers insisted Osmond still be able to do the curtain call (because duh, people paid to see him, not the winner of Star Search an eon ago), but the crowd was really cheering for Harris and didn’t care about Donny at all (oooooookay).
5. Harris even manages to make the tragedy of 9/11 all about him and living out a superstar fantasy with Oprah.
I’m all for some celebrity gossip, but Harris should have taken a lesson from Kathy Griffin who has made it an art form. She (and her D-List status) have always been just as much a part of the joke as the famous person she is dishing about. Harris is like a J-List celeb, at best, so he should probably just keep his mouth shut about famous people and pray they keep accepting his phone calls.
In a nutshell,
December 4, 2013
Sam Harris is among the lucky ones…one of the lucky ones who survived high school in Oklahoma as a young gay man in the pre-acceptance days and got away…got away to Nashville, Broadway and finally to Hollywood where he survived his own early success as a belt-‘em-out white man singing songs made famous by black women. Now, as a proud father himself and looking back, he shares the highs and lows and the realities of a show business life.
It is a joy to read of someone who finds and nourishes within themselves a great talent. Despite the expected barriers to success, Harris managed to hopscotch his way to major milestones and to patch together something we call a successful career. Every life can be fascinating, but a meteoric rise is breathtaking…like the time he opened for his idol, Aretha Franklin, on a cold winter weekend in Cleveland.
For Sam Harris fans, this book is a necessity. Harris takes us through moments of great affirmation (the swelling applause of adoring crowds including a Carnegie Hall performance at 23 years old), shares moments of great intimacy (the birthing of his boy, Cooper), and uncovers moments of great pain and sorrow (his high school suicide attempt and later, the recognition of his alcoholism). He is one to whom the sound of people clapping is a magic balm making all the trials and tribulations of a life spent in the limelight go away.
And now my admission: I had never heard of Sam Harris. I had to look him up and play a couple Youtube freebies to get an idea of his range. But it doesn’t matter if you know him and his music or not. His memoir was instructive to me for the poignancy in the stories of his high school years when he recognized and agonized over the discovery that he was different. The stories revealing the truth behind the high profile openings, the adulation, and the famous friends are likewise instructive. I’m just glad he got to do what he loved, to be with someone he loves, and to experience the joy and pain of raising a child. These things offer the real applause in a life.
The writing gives us a sense of the man. He is able to laugh at himself and the circumstances in which he finds himself, which is probably why he survived the ‘slings and arrows of outrageous fortune.’ And he is funny, whether singing, writing, or living. (“Do you mean funny….or funny?”) But I wouldn’t compare him to Sedaris and Rakoff--his skills would not be shown to advantage in this triptych. Rather, I would simply say he is a funny white gay man with a big voice who survived his talent. He is worth reading for these successes alone.
It is a joy to read of someone who finds and nourishes within themselves a great talent. Despite the expected barriers to success, Harris managed to hopscotch his way to major milestones and to patch together something we call a successful career. Every life can be fascinating, but a meteoric rise is breathtaking…like the time he opened for his idol, Aretha Franklin, on a cold winter weekend in Cleveland.
For Sam Harris fans, this book is a necessity. Harris takes us through moments of great affirmation (the swelling applause of adoring crowds including a Carnegie Hall performance at 23 years old), shares moments of great intimacy (the birthing of his boy, Cooper), and uncovers moments of great pain and sorrow (his high school suicide attempt and later, the recognition of his alcoholism). He is one to whom the sound of people clapping is a magic balm making all the trials and tribulations of a life spent in the limelight go away.
And now my admission: I had never heard of Sam Harris. I had to look him up and play a couple Youtube freebies to get an idea of his range. But it doesn’t matter if you know him and his music or not. His memoir was instructive to me for the poignancy in the stories of his high school years when he recognized and agonized over the discovery that he was different. The stories revealing the truth behind the high profile openings, the adulation, and the famous friends are likewise instructive. I’m just glad he got to do what he loved, to be with someone he loves, and to experience the joy and pain of raising a child. These things offer the real applause in a life.
The writing gives us a sense of the man. He is able to laugh at himself and the circumstances in which he finds himself, which is probably why he survived the ‘slings and arrows of outrageous fortune.’ And he is funny, whether singing, writing, or living. (“Do you mean funny….or funny?”) But I wouldn’t compare him to Sedaris and Rakoff--his skills would not be shown to advantage in this triptych. Rather, I would simply say he is a funny white gay man with a big voice who survived his talent. He is worth reading for these successes alone.
August 22, 2013
I won this book in a drawing. It was funny, thoughtful, and engaging. I like these short vignettes, about childhood, crazy parents, and weddings. I am a teacher and was reading during class, and I started laughing. So, be careful where you read this book!
December 2, 2013
(galley copy provided by netgalley.com for review)
I absolutely loved this book. I didn't know anything about it, or anything about Sam Harris before I started reading. I saw the blurb comparing him to David Sedaris, and because I'm a fan of Sedaris, I thought I'd give Ham a try. Going into the book with no expectations made it a lot of fun, because Harris has had some really impressive experiences and is friends with a Who's Who of red carpet folks. He doesn't use that as a crutch, though, no name-dropping to try to impress readers with who he knows. He doesn't even mention that his best friend is Liza Minelli until chapter 3.
The strength of the book comes from his easy writing style, his humor ("I don't trust people who don't like chocolate or people with very thin lips, which often go hand in hand"), and his ability to tell a story about a miserable experience opening for Aretha Franklin, followed by an amazing story about his... washer and dryer. Every story has a point- not a preachy moral, but a conclusion that makes sense. I have read essays from other writers that seem to exist only to say, "look at how clever I am," but every single one of Harris's essays gets somewhere. They have heart, but avoid being treacle-y. He is self-effacing ("And I was 'squirrelly.' But I didn't know what that meant yet.") without seeming to fish for compliments. I wanted to know more about him, and I found myself googling him, watching youtube clips of his performances (especially his post-9/11 appearance on Oprah), and checking out his vlog.
He's compared to Chelsea Handler and David Sedaris, but I'm not sure that's exactly right. Yes, he's in showbiz and he's gay and he wrote a book of essays, but I liked this book much more. He doesn't seem to be writing to be mean or snarky (though he is very good at the snark thing!). The book feels more like conversations over coffee.
I absolutely loved this book. I didn't know anything about it, or anything about Sam Harris before I started reading. I saw the blurb comparing him to David Sedaris, and because I'm a fan of Sedaris, I thought I'd give Ham a try. Going into the book with no expectations made it a lot of fun, because Harris has had some really impressive experiences and is friends with a Who's Who of red carpet folks. He doesn't use that as a crutch, though, no name-dropping to try to impress readers with who he knows. He doesn't even mention that his best friend is Liza Minelli until chapter 3.
The strength of the book comes from his easy writing style, his humor ("I don't trust people who don't like chocolate or people with very thin lips, which often go hand in hand"), and his ability to tell a story about a miserable experience opening for Aretha Franklin, followed by an amazing story about his... washer and dryer. Every story has a point- not a preachy moral, but a conclusion that makes sense. I have read essays from other writers that seem to exist only to say, "look at how clever I am," but every single one of Harris's essays gets somewhere. They have heart, but avoid being treacle-y. He is self-effacing ("And I was 'squirrelly.' But I didn't know what that meant yet.") without seeming to fish for compliments. I wanted to know more about him, and I found myself googling him, watching youtube clips of his performances (especially his post-9/11 appearance on Oprah), and checking out his vlog.
He's compared to Chelsea Handler and David Sedaris, but I'm not sure that's exactly right. Yes, he's in showbiz and he's gay and he wrote a book of essays, but I liked this book much more. He doesn't seem to be writing to be mean or snarky (though he is very good at the snark thing!). The book feels more like conversations over coffee.
November 25, 2014
I am not quite sure what to make of this collection of essays by Sam Harris, winner of Star Search and musical theater star. Some of the stories were really sad, some were bordering offensive, some were funny. I had to do some research about Sam Harris to find out who I was really reading about, and then it made it a little easier.
Although insights into the behind the scenes theater world were interesting, it was also very depressing. The essays were written from a very light-hearted viewpoint, but I kept imagining all that was happening in the background. If someone is consuming 2-3 bottles of wine every night, what is that doing to the other people in their life? That wasn't ever discussed because that wouldn't have been funny for the memoir.
While the order of the stories made no sense at all, the final essay where Sam and his partner adopt their son was touching. It was a good one to showcase where it showed that although life was completely messed up, everything is really good now and will continue to move forward.
Thanks NetGalley.com and Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books for the advance read.
Although insights into the behind the scenes theater world were interesting, it was also very depressing. The essays were written from a very light-hearted viewpoint, but I kept imagining all that was happening in the background. If someone is consuming 2-3 bottles of wine every night, what is that doing to the other people in their life? That wasn't ever discussed because that wouldn't have been funny for the memoir.
While the order of the stories made no sense at all, the final essay where Sam and his partner adopt their son was touching. It was a good one to showcase where it showed that although life was completely messed up, everything is really good now and will continue to move forward.
Thanks NetGalley.com and Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books for the advance read.
December 26, 2019
I've heard Sam Harris talked up a lot by Dawkins & others, so thought it would be interesting to listen to some essays by him. Nope. I should have read the blurb a little closer & realized this wasn't the philosopher and neuroscientist, but an actor. I was anticipating something along the lines of Dawkins, but what I got was a gay actor who seems to know a lot of famous people. I listened to several essays, more like anecdotes, hoping that he'd interest me. Instead, I got a lot of gossip, often told in a breathless show girl voice, about the rich & famous. Catty comments about some old actresses not behaving well at Lisa Minnelli's wedding & Donald Trump's wide hips are of no interest to me.
His description of his early days at school & church plus the reactions he got when he questioned AUTHORITY about them struck a chord. Very similar to my own experiences. If he'd spent more time on such topics, I'd have been interested, but I didn't so I abandoned it.
His description of his early days at school & church plus the reactions he got when he questioned AUTHORITY about them struck a chord. Very similar to my own experiences. If he'd spent more time on such topics, I'd have been interested, but I didn't so I abandoned it.
October 9, 2024
In 1984 my Dad called me into the living room, he was watching Star Search. He told me to sit and watch the guy who was going to be singing next. It was Sam Harris. I was mesmerized by his looks and when he opened his mouth, I was hooked....I was sitting in front of that television set for the next four months, watching Sam win and win and win. He was the best performer I had ever heard! When he hit those high notes he gave me the goosebumps and 30 years later, he still does.
I own every song he ever produced.
When I heard that he wrote a book, I had to buy it! I am so glad that I did! Sam is a talented singer and author. He literally made me laugh out loud. I love his book. He is as beautiful on the inside as he is on the outside.
I own every song he ever produced.
When I heard that he wrote a book, I had to buy it! I am so glad that I did! Sam is a talented singer and author. He literally made me laugh out loud. I love his book. He is as beautiful on the inside as he is on the outside.
March 23, 2014
I never meant to read this book. Quite frankly,when I was choosing books for my e-Reader I saw the cover, my eyes glanced over "David Sedaris" in the first line of the blurb--and thought I was getting an ARC of Sedaris's newest. So when I opened the book on my Kindle and saw author "Sam Harris", I was like,"Who the heck is Sam Harris?!" But now I know and Mr. Harris had me from at least Chapter 3 when he dished out what I first thought was some delicious celebrity gossip--and later realized was an endearing snapshot of his long friendship with Liza with a Z. And by the end of this memoir, he had me in tears.
Sam Harris won Star Search in 1984 with his beautiful rendition of "Over the Rainbow." (I only know because I had to look it up (link) on the Google.) In his memoir Ham, Harris recounts the fits and starts of his career, his upbringing in Oklahoma, his life as a gay man, and (most tenderly) his love for husband Danny Jacobson and their son Cooper. Harris was especially transparent about his distant relationship with his father and his recovery from alcohol addiction--and I always thought his honesty was without guile.
To be fair to myself, Harris is known predominantly for his Broadway roles and I've never set a foot on Broadway, and his appearances on television variety and talk shows in the nineties with which I also have little familiarity. (In a funny aside, when I first searched for Sam Harris after that "who-the-heck" moment, I went to this link; wrong guy--definitely, the wrong guy!) Here's one of my favorite (yes, I have a favorite already after only just "meeting" him!) of his songs (link) from the rock opera Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
This memoir was told with such sardonic wit and sweet tenderness I'll remember it Sam Harris for quite some time.
[read more at thisismysymphony.blogspot.com]
Sam Harris won Star Search in 1984 with his beautiful rendition of "Over the Rainbow." (I only know because I had to look it up (link) on the Google.) In his memoir Ham, Harris recounts the fits and starts of his career, his upbringing in Oklahoma, his life as a gay man, and (most tenderly) his love for husband Danny Jacobson and their son Cooper. Harris was especially transparent about his distant relationship with his father and his recovery from alcohol addiction--and I always thought his honesty was without guile.
To be fair to myself, Harris is known predominantly for his Broadway roles and I've never set a foot on Broadway, and his appearances on television variety and talk shows in the nineties with which I also have little familiarity. (In a funny aside, when I first searched for Sam Harris after that "who-the-heck" moment, I went to this link; wrong guy--definitely, the wrong guy!) Here's one of my favorite (yes, I have a favorite already after only just "meeting" him!) of his songs (link) from the rock opera Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
This memoir was told with such sardonic wit and sweet tenderness I'll remember it Sam Harris for quite some time.
[read more at thisismysymphony.blogspot.com]
October 13, 2013
I received the advanced uncorrected proofs copy of the book in the mail, and I was immediately excited. As a fan of Mr. Harris since his Star Search days, I couldn't wait to dive into this book to learn a bit more about him. I hesitate to call this a memoir because it feels like so much more than that. Reading this book I felt as though Mr. Harris took my hand, led me into his living room, gave me some cocoa, and talked to me like old friends do. I could relate to quite a few of his experiences, especially of those that happened during his school days.
The realm of emotions I went through were from laughing hysterically in one chapter(chapter 3) to crying my eyes out a few chapters later(chapters 13 & 15). Mr. Harris says he knew he was different, and as someone who has felt the same, I got the feeling that he was speaking directly to me. It was as if he was saying it's okay and that I should embrace it.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever felt alone, teased, bullied, scared, or for whatever reason felt that they weren't good enough. Mr. Harris touches on the human emotion, and through his experiences, brings healing to those struggling with the same issues.
The realm of emotions I went through were from laughing hysterically in one chapter(chapter 3) to crying my eyes out a few chapters later(chapters 13 & 15). Mr. Harris says he knew he was different, and as someone who has felt the same, I got the feeling that he was speaking directly to me. It was as if he was saying it's okay and that I should embrace it.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever felt alone, teased, bullied, scared, or for whatever reason felt that they weren't good enough. Mr. Harris touches on the human emotion, and through his experiences, brings healing to those struggling with the same issues.
October 9, 2013
This was a win from First Reads- my very first one. Many times when I've been browsing in bookstores, I have come across a book of essays. I've never really shown alot of interest in these little books of short stories, but reading
Sam Harris' book was a delightful surprise!
It's always a good day when you come across a new Author that you have never read, and find them to be be both very funny and relatable at the same time.
Mr. Harris' work read like a comedy, at times even hysterical , and yet poignant at the same time. From the very first essay he has you laughing yet understanding the moods and personalities of his family members and the world through the eyes of a child and adolescent. I was pleasantly surprised with this Author's works and would not hesitate to give it as a gift to any of the readers in my life.
Selfishly, it's a great read that you can take with you and have you laughing out loud , wanting to share his last paragraph with anybody with anyone- including strangers, that will listen to you! I can hardly wait to get my hands on some of his other works! I give this a full five stars plus!
Sam Harris' book was a delightful surprise!
It's always a good day when you come across a new Author that you have never read, and find them to be be both very funny and relatable at the same time.
Mr. Harris' work read like a comedy, at times even hysterical , and yet poignant at the same time. From the very first essay he has you laughing yet understanding the moods and personalities of his family members and the world through the eyes of a child and adolescent. I was pleasantly surprised with this Author's works and would not hesitate to give it as a gift to any of the readers in my life.
Selfishly, it's a great read that you can take with you and have you laughing out loud , wanting to share his last paragraph with anybody with anyone- including strangers, that will listen to you! I can hardly wait to get my hands on some of his other works! I give this a full five stars plus!
January 20, 2020
Sam Harris, known for his incredible singing and ability to capture the soul and strength of those songs made popular traditionally by black women, is also an excellent story teller and comedian. Growing up in Oklahoma, a young gay man with his unique talent doesn't necessarily have an easy life ahead of him--and show business isn't a piece of cake either. Harris approaches his own story without preach or baggage, and although he is associated with many famous people, he mentions them with a casual awe that somehow includes the reader and brings you to his level (or the other way around). I found myself rooting for Sam, crying with Sam, laughing with Sam, and dreaming with Sam. His story shows that really anyone can pursue their dreams, and keep a light-hearted attitude about it while they are at it.
February 18, 2014
I'm not sure why I wanted to read this book. I don't like musicals particularly. I wasn't a fan of Star Search when it was on. Maybe I just had a "where are they now" kind of curiosity about Sam Harris. I'm really glad my need to know won out, because Ham was one of the best memoirs I've read recently.
The book isn't set up chronologically, but is more like setting down with a friend as they tell you stories from their life. Sometimes they are hilarious gems featuring divas (the Liza Minnelli wedding is worth the price of the book alone). Or childhood remembrances of being different in a sea of same. Or making tough adult decisions about sobriety and parenthood.
Harris' humor drew me in from page one and his willingness to share his life kept me reading.
Incredible. Funny. Touching.
August 23, 2016
This book is more of a memoir as told with non-chronological stories about the life of Sam Harris. Since being the winner of Star Search, pursuing a musical career, becoming a minor celebrity and socializing with some famous people, Sam has some interesting stories to tell. We get a pretty good view of his life including his struggles with being gay, his longterm relationship with Danny, their adoption of a son, his career and his social life. I was expecting a compendium of general stories and essays. I did not know anything about Sam Harris and although the book isn't what I expected, I enjoyed his recollections because he has led an interesting life and has some good insights into being gay and becoming a celebrity.
I received a free copy from Netgalley.
I received a free copy from Netgalley.
January 21, 2014
Sam Harris narrates his life to this point in a way that is by turns hysterically funny and incredibly poignant. Growing up gay in Oklahoma in the 1960's, he must come to terms with his family, the close-minded residents of his little town and himself. He becomes a singer, and music and musical theater are his salvation. He moves among the top tier of contemporary musicians. His account of his concert in Cleveland with Aretha Franklin is priceless. Sam deals with major social issues of our time with sensitivity, humor and insight. This read might not be for everyone, but it has a lot to offer anyone with an open mind and heart.
October 30, 2013
This book was given to me by the publishers thru netgalley.
I have always said I will never buy a kindle. I remember when they first came out, all of my friends and family were separately coming up and telling me about this thing that was coming out that they think I would love. My dad was actually the first, saying something like "hey, have you heard of that new device thing where you will be able to access any and every book or periodical? It's thru amazon I think, and it'll be kinda like a lil computer that you can read on and you just pick what you want to read. My first thoughts were..."what?! what is this mystical new reading computer?! I need to have this immediately! I love this! where I can just pick whatever I want to read and then be able to just read it?! This sounds like heaven!" I never bothered, at that time, to consider the implications. My thoughts revolved solely on all those stories I would have access to. Eventually, when kindles actually came into being and became popular I realized what this could and would eventually mean for books. (Books, as in the physical, beautiful objects not the stories within.) The pages, the paper, the covers, the art. Even the smell is a source of pleasure for people who truly love books. And just like music, and movies are more and more being stored in one big device that can hold them all, I fear that e-readers will eventually make books obsolete. And not only that but the actual kindles just seemed pathetic to me. I scoffed at them, turned my nose up and swore I would never promote those stupid silly battery operated impersonations of books. I just couldn't understand the appeal of reading on that weird digitalized screen, holding a machine and not a book. Eventually, I wavered, just a lil. I admit that it is clearly the "green" alternative, and in terms of space/weight, it's obviously a lot easier to carry one little device and have endless books at your disposal than to even try to carry around multiple books. The rest of my giving in was done begrudgingly...first I became aware of all the opportunities available for readers thru e-books and e-readers & it begun to annoy me not to have access to the same galleys and titles just because I didn't have an e-reader. It became almost be worth it to have one, just to have access to all that extra e-stuff. But I swore it would only be for the stuff I couldn't get physical copies of.
Well, I figured out an alternative. I can upload the kindle app on my phone and do things thru there! No e-reader necessary! The kindle app can be used like a kindle, I can make purchases thru the app, and read thru the app. Yay right??
well, no, not yay. Because reading a book on an iphone is just laaaaaame. And basically all this back story is just to serve as a sort of disclaimer. My review needs to be taken w/a grain of salt. Because first: I really think that reading on my phone is just the worst thing ever. I can do it in small doses but trying to read any large amounts of text is just insufferable. Seriously. So the stuff I've been reading on there has been so fragmented, and irritating. I can never tolerate to read large amounts in one sitting so it's all read in tiny increments, and as a result I am never fully immersed or engrossed, which of course severely affects my enjoyment factor- I end up liking what I'm reading dramatically less.
So, in regards to Ham. What might have otherwise been totally funny stories just didn't crack a smile most of the time. I thought the stories were too short, some were trying too hard, some randomly ended at weird times. Overall I just didn't love them, but they were moderately entertaining. I DID read on, instead of quitting. If you can not be bored when you read something- I think thats a feat, and success in itself! ESPECIALLY in this particular instance when I'm reading on a device I specifically dislike. So even tho I was strained, and mildly annoyed I was never bored. I entered in a giveaway of this book, I really am interested in seeing how or if my opinion changes when I'm given the chance to read it at my convenience, in my chosen form. (An actual, physical book.)
I think that for people who enjoy the light, quick and the witty they'll find something that suits their tastes in this. This was more like my sample book, used to "sample" the kindle app and confirm my suspicions: that I would absolutely hate to read a book a battery operated electronic. And boy did I confirm. I know myself, I should've always known. I should have at least known that my stubbornness mixed w/my biased would make it impossible for me to fully enjoy Ham.
So maybe Ham deserves a higher rating than I've given. I'm sure I would have enjoyed it more having read it in book form, tho just how much more is unclear. Unfortunately none of the essays stood out enough to persevere despite my annoyances at the format so as is, I will have to rate based on my reading experience and overall enjoyment of the book.
I still say: if this sounds like your cup of tea, give it a shot rather than trust this review. There were outside factors involved here, and what I actually believe is that "timing" is everything in terms of reading a book, and for me, right now, for this book...timing no bueno.
I have always said I will never buy a kindle. I remember when they first came out, all of my friends and family were separately coming up and telling me about this thing that was coming out that they think I would love. My dad was actually the first, saying something like "hey, have you heard of that new device thing where you will be able to access any and every book or periodical? It's thru amazon I think, and it'll be kinda like a lil computer that you can read on and you just pick what you want to read. My first thoughts were..."what?! what is this mystical new reading computer?! I need to have this immediately! I love this! where I can just pick whatever I want to read and then be able to just read it?! This sounds like heaven!" I never bothered, at that time, to consider the implications. My thoughts revolved solely on all those stories I would have access to. Eventually, when kindles actually came into being and became popular I realized what this could and would eventually mean for books. (Books, as in the physical, beautiful objects not the stories within.) The pages, the paper, the covers, the art. Even the smell is a source of pleasure for people who truly love books. And just like music, and movies are more and more being stored in one big device that can hold them all, I fear that e-readers will eventually make books obsolete. And not only that but the actual kindles just seemed pathetic to me. I scoffed at them, turned my nose up and swore I would never promote those stupid silly battery operated impersonations of books. I just couldn't understand the appeal of reading on that weird digitalized screen, holding a machine and not a book. Eventually, I wavered, just a lil. I admit that it is clearly the "green" alternative, and in terms of space/weight, it's obviously a lot easier to carry one little device and have endless books at your disposal than to even try to carry around multiple books. The rest of my giving in was done begrudgingly...first I became aware of all the opportunities available for readers thru e-books and e-readers & it begun to annoy me not to have access to the same galleys and titles just because I didn't have an e-reader. It became almost be worth it to have one, just to have access to all that extra e-stuff. But I swore it would only be for the stuff I couldn't get physical copies of.
Well, I figured out an alternative. I can upload the kindle app on my phone and do things thru there! No e-reader necessary! The kindle app can be used like a kindle, I can make purchases thru the app, and read thru the app. Yay right??
well, no, not yay. Because reading a book on an iphone is just laaaaaame. And basically all this back story is just to serve as a sort of disclaimer. My review needs to be taken w/a grain of salt. Because first: I really think that reading on my phone is just the worst thing ever. I can do it in small doses but trying to read any large amounts of text is just insufferable. Seriously. So the stuff I've been reading on there has been so fragmented, and irritating. I can never tolerate to read large amounts in one sitting so it's all read in tiny increments, and as a result I am never fully immersed or engrossed, which of course severely affects my enjoyment factor- I end up liking what I'm reading dramatically less.
So, in regards to Ham. What might have otherwise been totally funny stories just didn't crack a smile most of the time. I thought the stories were too short, some were trying too hard, some randomly ended at weird times. Overall I just didn't love them, but they were moderately entertaining. I DID read on, instead of quitting. If you can not be bored when you read something- I think thats a feat, and success in itself! ESPECIALLY in this particular instance when I'm reading on a device I specifically dislike. So even tho I was strained, and mildly annoyed I was never bored. I entered in a giveaway of this book, I really am interested in seeing how or if my opinion changes when I'm given the chance to read it at my convenience, in my chosen form. (An actual, physical book.)
I think that for people who enjoy the light, quick and the witty they'll find something that suits their tastes in this. This was more like my sample book, used to "sample" the kindle app and confirm my suspicions: that I would absolutely hate to read a book a battery operated electronic. And boy did I confirm. I know myself, I should've always known. I should have at least known that my stubbornness mixed w/my biased would make it impossible for me to fully enjoy Ham.
So maybe Ham deserves a higher rating than I've given. I'm sure I would have enjoyed it more having read it in book form, tho just how much more is unclear. Unfortunately none of the essays stood out enough to persevere despite my annoyances at the format so as is, I will have to rate based on my reading experience and overall enjoyment of the book.
I still say: if this sounds like your cup of tea, give it a shot rather than trust this review. There were outside factors involved here, and what I actually believe is that "timing" is everything in terms of reading a book, and for me, right now, for this book...timing no bueno.
July 26, 2016
Did I sing the ballad yet? Was I amazing?
Sam Harris will forever be remembered as the kid who won the first season of Star Search with his dramatic rendition of "Over the Rainbow." Though he played Broadway, was nominated for Tony Awards, gave a sold out concert at Carnegie Hall, sang with The Boston Pops, sang at The White House, sang on Oprah's first show Post 9/11, opened for his idol, Aretha Franklin, and was the Maid of Honor at Liza's ill fated marriage, his Star Search triumph hangs around his neck like an albatross.
Now he can add author to his list of accomplishments, and he brings his theatrical flair along for the ride. The result is 16 stunning chapters that group personal anecdotes into several topics that read like well written New Yorker articles--bridging the gap between memoir and essay
The first chapter is entitled Unwrapped. It tells of how he found a still unopened Mary Poppins tea set crammed in the back of his cupboard. His aunt, seeing that he was mad for musicals had given it to him, but his dad, not wanting to encourage his flamboyance, had never let him have it. Fade to a video of his family at Christmas. A set of toy soldiers doesn't interest the young Sam Harris in the least. But then he unwraps a lovely coat and puts it on. This is more like it. He is inspired to get up and dance in it, and starts singing. His dad glares at him with disapproval, throwing his timing off momentarily. But then he recovers, and starts SINGING AND DANCING EVEN HARDER!
The next chapter's finale is a rousing scene backstage where he is in the musical Gypsy. He and some other theater kids don't really have anything to do after the first scenes but they are hanging around for the curtain call. He really puts his theater experience to work here--as if he is the director of a musical himself. A play within a play, as it were. Everything's coming up roses, indeed.
One chapter is called Liver, and that is about how you can season a slice of meat and spice it up with fried onions, but it is still liver. This is a metaphor for how you can fool yourself into thinking that a relationship or your career is swimming along splendidly, but you are actually drowning.
The 11th Chapter continues with another food metaphor: Comfort Food. This is about how he flew out of New York just before the attack on 9/11, and then was asked to sing on Oprah Winfrey's first post 9/11 telecast. Let the healing begin.
Like the Fabled 13th Step, the 13th chapter is about how he supported his friend Liza at rehab, and then came to realize that he too, was an alcoholic. The 9th chapter could be called the title track, like the book it is called Ham. This one is about how performers--himself included--yearn for the spotlight. He drops a little dirt and outs Donny Osmond as a fellow ham willing to do almost anything to get a little adulation.
Speaking of dishing the dirt, Sam Harris comes clean about himself and also drops a lot of names, or sometimes the names are left out to protect the not-so-innocent. But you can usually guess who. Readers want this kind of stuff--but you have to be careful not to betray the trust of your friends, and also avoid being sued. After all, it is called Alcoholics Anonymous, not Alcoholics tell everyone and his brother. He at least had Liza's blessing, as they are just about as close as a boy and girl could be, under the circumstances. Michael Jackson, Elizabeth Taylor, Sarah Vaughn, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Oprah Winfrey, and Madonna, are a few of the big names dropped. They seem to get an accurate account of their strengths as well as their foibles. What, no Cher?
One chapter I really liked was about his mentor, Jerry. Jerry was there for Sam over the 10 years that he knew him, guiding his career, up until his untimely passing. Jerry had also worked with Bette Midler, and on his gravestone as his epitaph were some lines he had written for her show:
"Did I sing the Ballad yet?
Was I amazing?"
Sam Harris will forever be remembered as the kid who won the first season of Star Search with his dramatic rendition of "Over the Rainbow." Though he played Broadway, was nominated for Tony Awards, gave a sold out concert at Carnegie Hall, sang with The Boston Pops, sang at The White House, sang on Oprah's first show Post 9/11, opened for his idol, Aretha Franklin, and was the Maid of Honor at Liza's ill fated marriage, his Star Search triumph hangs around his neck like an albatross.
Now he can add author to his list of accomplishments, and he brings his theatrical flair along for the ride. The result is 16 stunning chapters that group personal anecdotes into several topics that read like well written New Yorker articles--bridging the gap between memoir and essay
The first chapter is entitled Unwrapped. It tells of how he found a still unopened Mary Poppins tea set crammed in the back of his cupboard. His aunt, seeing that he was mad for musicals had given it to him, but his dad, not wanting to encourage his flamboyance, had never let him have it. Fade to a video of his family at Christmas. A set of toy soldiers doesn't interest the young Sam Harris in the least. But then he unwraps a lovely coat and puts it on. This is more like it. He is inspired to get up and dance in it, and starts singing. His dad glares at him with disapproval, throwing his timing off momentarily. But then he recovers, and starts SINGING AND DANCING EVEN HARDER!
The next chapter's finale is a rousing scene backstage where he is in the musical Gypsy. He and some other theater kids don't really have anything to do after the first scenes but they are hanging around for the curtain call. He really puts his theater experience to work here--as if he is the director of a musical himself. A play within a play, as it were. Everything's coming up roses, indeed.
One chapter is called Liver, and that is about how you can season a slice of meat and spice it up with fried onions, but it is still liver. This is a metaphor for how you can fool yourself into thinking that a relationship or your career is swimming along splendidly, but you are actually drowning.
The 11th Chapter continues with another food metaphor: Comfort Food. This is about how he flew out of New York just before the attack on 9/11, and then was asked to sing on Oprah Winfrey's first post 9/11 telecast. Let the healing begin.
Like the Fabled 13th Step, the 13th chapter is about how he supported his friend Liza at rehab, and then came to realize that he too, was an alcoholic. The 9th chapter could be called the title track, like the book it is called Ham. This one is about how performers--himself included--yearn for the spotlight. He drops a little dirt and outs Donny Osmond as a fellow ham willing to do almost anything to get a little adulation.
Speaking of dishing the dirt, Sam Harris comes clean about himself and also drops a lot of names, or sometimes the names are left out to protect the not-so-innocent. But you can usually guess who. Readers want this kind of stuff--but you have to be careful not to betray the trust of your friends, and also avoid being sued. After all, it is called Alcoholics Anonymous, not Alcoholics tell everyone and his brother. He at least had Liza's blessing, as they are just about as close as a boy and girl could be, under the circumstances. Michael Jackson, Elizabeth Taylor, Sarah Vaughn, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Oprah Winfrey, and Madonna, are a few of the big names dropped. They seem to get an accurate account of their strengths as well as their foibles. What, no Cher?
One chapter I really liked was about his mentor, Jerry. Jerry was there for Sam over the 10 years that he knew him, guiding his career, up until his untimely passing. Jerry had also worked with Bette Midler, and on his gravestone as his epitaph were some lines he had written for her show:
"Did I sing the Ballad yet?
Was I amazing?"
January 14, 2014
Ham: Slices of a Life: Essays and Stories is a collection of short stories and anecdotes from theater performer and Star Search winner Sam Harris. A gay man who grew up in the Christian south with a flair for performing for a crowd, these stories give an insight into his personal life, and life behind the curtain.
When I saw this title on Netgalley, I was immediately interested. Being LGBT and a fan of theater, I thought I'd connect to the story. Plus, the blurb compared the author to the likes of Chelsea Handler and David Sedaris, both of whom I'd read before and found hilarious. Unfortunately, this book was okay, but not the book for me.
First, it should be noted that these essays can and should be read independently. They're not in a sequential order, and it's easier to get into the book once you realize that.
I think there's a few things that add up here to show that I'm just not the right target audience for this book. For one, there's an age gap. While I'm old enough to know a good portion of people who were talked about or referenced, others were kind of lost on me. Another thing is that this book gave a look behind the scenes in the role of a performer. It's true that I'm a fan of theater, but as an observer and not a performer. I feel that performers are more likely to connect with Sam Harris's stories.
And though this book did make me think, grow sad, and sometimes smile, I just didn't find it all that funny. I got swindled by the blurb. This book was amusing, but didn't make me laugh out loud, as the comparative comedic writers mentioned did.
This isn't a badly written book, and it's an interesting look at show business and the lives of those involved in it. I'm sure that a lot of people will really enjoy it. But not every book is made for every person, and I'm an example of that this time. Plus, I think the cover is adorable, and it will grab people's attention on a bookshelf. Regardless, thank you to Netgalley and Gallery Books for my chance to read this. This review can also be found on my blog, Bitches n Prose.
When I saw this title on Netgalley, I was immediately interested. Being LGBT and a fan of theater, I thought I'd connect to the story. Plus, the blurb compared the author to the likes of Chelsea Handler and David Sedaris, both of whom I'd read before and found hilarious. Unfortunately, this book was okay, but not the book for me.
First, it should be noted that these essays can and should be read independently. They're not in a sequential order, and it's easier to get into the book once you realize that.
I think there's a few things that add up here to show that I'm just not the right target audience for this book. For one, there's an age gap. While I'm old enough to know a good portion of people who were talked about or referenced, others were kind of lost on me. Another thing is that this book gave a look behind the scenes in the role of a performer. It's true that I'm a fan of theater, but as an observer and not a performer. I feel that performers are more likely to connect with Sam Harris's stories.
And though this book did make me think, grow sad, and sometimes smile, I just didn't find it all that funny. I got swindled by the blurb. This book was amusing, but didn't make me laugh out loud, as the comparative comedic writers mentioned did.
This isn't a badly written book, and it's an interesting look at show business and the lives of those involved in it. I'm sure that a lot of people will really enjoy it. But not every book is made for every person, and I'm an example of that this time. Plus, I think the cover is adorable, and it will grab people's attention on a bookshelf. Regardless, thank you to Netgalley and Gallery Books for my chance to read this. This review can also be found on my blog, Bitches n Prose.
June 14, 2015
https://leonelescota.wordpress.com/20...
I liked Sam Harris voice enough to have all his CDs - even the rare ones fromhis Motown years. I have also seen him on Broadway in "Grease," and liked him especially in "The Life." So I was looking forward to reading his book "Ham - Slices Of A Life," which is not technically a memoir but more "essays and stories." They are numbered writings on some of his life experiences. Harris' first rise to fame was from being a Grand Champion on "Star Search" from the 80s, and I do remember him from that show, which was a precursor to this generation's "American Idol." These stories are unstructured but it doesn't matter - they are hilarious, touching, and you get a peek at his heart. I was hooked from the first page and spent a good part of my Saturday morning finishing the book. It's also juicy but not mean - you get a glimpse of his close friendship with Liza Minnelli, and his unfortunate brush with Aretha Franklin. I had hoped he would write about Liza, and he paints her in such a glowing light that's not fawning. He talks about some of his experience as a child in Oklahoma, and I could say I can relate to a lot of them: growing up gay and finding a place in the world. This is quite an enjoyable book, and has a lot of poignant moments.
I liked Sam Harris voice enough to have all his CDs - even the rare ones fromhis Motown years. I have also seen him on Broadway in "Grease," and liked him especially in "The Life." So I was looking forward to reading his book "Ham - Slices Of A Life," which is not technically a memoir but more "essays and stories." They are numbered writings on some of his life experiences. Harris' first rise to fame was from being a Grand Champion on "Star Search" from the 80s, and I do remember him from that show, which was a precursor to this generation's "American Idol." These stories are unstructured but it doesn't matter - they are hilarious, touching, and you get a peek at his heart. I was hooked from the first page and spent a good part of my Saturday morning finishing the book. It's also juicy but not mean - you get a glimpse of his close friendship with Liza Minnelli, and his unfortunate brush with Aretha Franklin. I had hoped he would write about Liza, and he paints her in such a glowing light that's not fawning. He talks about some of his experience as a child in Oklahoma, and I could say I can relate to a lot of them: growing up gay and finding a place in the world. This is quite an enjoyable book, and has a lot of poignant moments.
December 31, 2013
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway, and I am so happy I did.
When I first received this book in the mail, I was disappointed that it was written by a famous Broadway performer. I originally thought it was written by someone like me - someone normal, meaning not famous, who had been through the everyday struggles of this life and society. As I read the book, I realized that Sam Harris is just like the rest of us. His success and fame on the stage does not change that. In the book, Harris writes 16 stories from his life, each with a theme meant to make you think about life. The thing is, the book is hysterical. Harris is brutally honest about everything, from coming out of the closet to dealing with alcoholism to the adoption of his son. I loved reading about his life and look forward to sharing this book with others. I highly recommend it.
When I first received this book in the mail, I was disappointed that it was written by a famous Broadway performer. I originally thought it was written by someone like me - someone normal, meaning not famous, who had been through the everyday struggles of this life and society. As I read the book, I realized that Sam Harris is just like the rest of us. His success and fame on the stage does not change that. In the book, Harris writes 16 stories from his life, each with a theme meant to make you think about life. The thing is, the book is hysterical. Harris is brutally honest about everything, from coming out of the closet to dealing with alcoholism to the adoption of his son. I loved reading about his life and look forward to sharing this book with others. I highly recommend it.
February 22, 2015
3.5 stars. Unexpectedly good book! I'm honestly not sure why I bought it (Amazon makes it so easy...) but I'm glad I did. The book covers a range of topics in short vignettes - growing up gay in Oklahoma, friendship with Liza Minnelli, battling alcoholism, and ultimately adopting a son with his husband. At times funny, sad, and heart-warming (the end will make you cry), I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend. It has a David Sedaris feel, but it's actually funny and doesn't have the acidic meanness that seems to characterize much of Sedaris' work.
August 23, 2013
This is a great read! Written with raw honesty, I found myself so entranced with the words. I became part of world that this wonderful person had lived and had invited me to join. The pain, secrets and joy and wonderment is written so well the reader is consumed. I loved it was sad to read the last page just wanted one more chapter.. but then that would not have been enough. Thank you Mr. Harris for sharing.
December 16, 2013
This book is stellar in the way it pulls your from the beginning all the way to the end. You will laugh and you will cry and in some of the stories you will find yourself nodding because you connect on a personal level. What more could anyone ask of a book?
It is simply hilarious and amazing and I cannot wait for this talented author to tell me more!
It is simply hilarious and amazing and I cannot wait for this talented author to tell me more!
September 16, 2020
Hmm, I was in two minds about this book. It is a collection of stories about SamHarris' life. Some of them are funny, some of them are poignant, some of them are touching and quite a few of them are very bitchy! They are not in any kind of order, which threw me a bit at first.
***Trigger warning: animal lovers, be advised that the chapter The Zoo Story, is all about a series of pets that Sam has had, most of whom came to a sticky end. I really, really, could have done without this chapter and I couldn't finish it***
Sam grows up in the Bible belt, and it is clear from the very beginning that he, and everyone around him, realises he is different. It would have been very difficult to be gay in that environment, but what do you do when you feel the music coursing through your veins? You sing and dance, of course! Clearly, Sam is a very talented person but wow, he sure is a showpony! Absolutely nothing wrong with his ego, that's for sure. Some of the bitchy comments got to me a bit, although for the most part, I can see where he was coming from.
The chapter about adopting his son was really lovely and the highlight of the book, for me. I am not sure where the comments on the cover came from that the book is hilarious or rip-roaringly funny - mildly amusing would be about the extent of it, really.
Glad that I read it, you can always learn new things.
***Trigger warning: animal lovers, be advised that the chapter The Zoo Story, is all about a series of pets that Sam has had, most of whom came to a sticky end. I really, really, could have done without this chapter and I couldn't finish it***
Sam grows up in the Bible belt, and it is clear from the very beginning that he, and everyone around him, realises he is different. It would have been very difficult to be gay in that environment, but what do you do when you feel the music coursing through your veins? You sing and dance, of course! Clearly, Sam is a very talented person but wow, he sure is a showpony! Absolutely nothing wrong with his ego, that's for sure. Some of the bitchy comments got to me a bit, although for the most part, I can see where he was coming from.
The chapter about adopting his son was really lovely and the highlight of the book, for me. I am not sure where the comments on the cover came from that the book is hilarious or rip-roaringly funny - mildly amusing would be about the extent of it, really.
Glad that I read it, you can always learn new things.
March 27, 2014
Slice off some bacon! ‘Cause everybody loves bacon!
Sam Harris’ collection of essays and stories, Ham: Slices of A Life, is a delightful read. Not a timeline memoir, but more of a contemplative and episodic examination of events in his life, Harris’ honesty and frankness is engagingly presented in a lyrical prose. Each story or essay revolves around a theme and many of them take a turn half way through and offer yet another theme for contemplation. There is Sam’s first quiet summer romance while working at the former Opryland USA theme park, and the fears and anxieties of returning home for high school, and the great teacher who recognized Sam’s need to share and come out, as well as experiences with childhood and adult bullies. Sam also shares the trials and tribulations of adoption with his partner and some of the adventures of raising their son, including sharing the tales of the pets in Sam’s life and cleaning them up for bedtime storytelling. Sam’s hilarious telling of Liza’s wedding (Yes, that one) is worth the price of admission alone. Harris also illustrates the tribulations of many points in his career as a singer and stage actor, including Diva moments with The Queen of Soul, Ms. Aretha, and Donny Osmond. His reflective piece of 9/11 is very moving as he shares working with Oprah on her program, “Music to Heal Our Hearts.” Ham can be enjoyed in separate readings at a slower pace, or you can read it all at once, but there is might to learn here about Mr. Harris and his take on life, love, and the pursuit of career and happiness. There is much to enjoy here and it made me reflect upon many aspects of my own life. Sam, thank you for sharing your stories.
Sam Harris’ collection of essays and stories, Ham: Slices of A Life, is a delightful read. Not a timeline memoir, but more of a contemplative and episodic examination of events in his life, Harris’ honesty and frankness is engagingly presented in a lyrical prose. Each story or essay revolves around a theme and many of them take a turn half way through and offer yet another theme for contemplation. There is Sam’s first quiet summer romance while working at the former Opryland USA theme park, and the fears and anxieties of returning home for high school, and the great teacher who recognized Sam’s need to share and come out, as well as experiences with childhood and adult bullies. Sam also shares the trials and tribulations of adoption with his partner and some of the adventures of raising their son, including sharing the tales of the pets in Sam’s life and cleaning them up for bedtime storytelling. Sam’s hilarious telling of Liza’s wedding (Yes, that one) is worth the price of admission alone. Harris also illustrates the tribulations of many points in his career as a singer and stage actor, including Diva moments with The Queen of Soul, Ms. Aretha, and Donny Osmond. His reflective piece of 9/11 is very moving as he shares working with Oprah on her program, “Music to Heal Our Hearts.” Ham can be enjoyed in separate readings at a slower pace, or you can read it all at once, but there is might to learn here about Mr. Harris and his take on life, love, and the pursuit of career and happiness. There is much to enjoy here and it made me reflect upon many aspects of my own life. Sam, thank you for sharing your stories.
August 27, 2013
I received this book for the Goodreads First Reads giveaway program. Thank you author/publisher for the opportunity to read and review Sam's first book!
4.5 stars
Ham: Slices of a Life: Essays and Stories by Sam Harris is a collection of 16 separate stories of Sam's life not in any certain order but they do all come together to make a good ending.
Ahhh... Star Search I remember the day.. I was a young teen watching in the 80s Sam Harris had a fabulous run on that show. But wait! There is so much more to Sam Harris than Star Search this man went on to become a Broadway Star, multi-platinum artist, tv and movies, husband and dad, and now an author. I am sure I have missed a few important things here..this book gives us a little sampling of all of Sam's life from childhood to stardom to becoming a dad. We get a little taste of it all.
I'll just note a few of my favorite chapters:
3.Promises I loved loved loved any chapter dealing with Sam Harris and Liza Minnelli what a hoot and what a dear friendship they have.
8. Crash Course This chapter was a happy and sad story of his mentor Jerry.
9. Ham This was my favorite chapter I found myself reading aloud to others just to hear them laugh at this story too. All about the need of being in the spotlight.
The further I got in the book the better it got I couldn't put it down. I thought this was a Goodread and will recommend to others in need of a good laugh.
4.5 stars
Ham: Slices of a Life: Essays and Stories by Sam Harris is a collection of 16 separate stories of Sam's life not in any certain order but they do all come together to make a good ending.
Ahhh... Star Search I remember the day.. I was a young teen watching in the 80s Sam Harris had a fabulous run on that show. But wait! There is so much more to Sam Harris than Star Search this man went on to become a Broadway Star, multi-platinum artist, tv and movies, husband and dad, and now an author. I am sure I have missed a few important things here..this book gives us a little sampling of all of Sam's life from childhood to stardom to becoming a dad. We get a little taste of it all.
I'll just note a few of my favorite chapters:
3.Promises I loved loved loved any chapter dealing with Sam Harris and Liza Minnelli what a hoot and what a dear friendship they have.
8. Crash Course This chapter was a happy and sad story of his mentor Jerry.
9. Ham This was my favorite chapter I found myself reading aloud to others just to hear them laugh at this story too. All about the need of being in the spotlight.
The further I got in the book the better it got I couldn't put it down. I thought this was a Goodread and will recommend to others in need of a good laugh.
July 15, 2014
This review is for the audio version of the book. I am not sure why I chose Ham: Slices of Life Essays and Stories by Sam Harris to listen to. It must have been an Audible recommendation, because I had absolutely no idea who Sam Harris was. I still really don’t know who he is, other than he sings, knows lots of famous people (Hello! Best friends with Liza Minnelli), and is really, really funny.
This book is a collection of 16 essays. They range from laugh out loud funny, to charming and sweet. It is filled with memorable lines - which if I had read the book, I would have highlighted all over the place, but since I listened - you’ll just have to take my word for it. Yes, I know it’s ironic that I can’t remember any of the memorable lines, but take that as an indicator of my memory, not the quality of the writing.
I can’t even pick a favorite story. They are all good. From growing up gay in Sand Springs Oklahoma to rehab with Liza Minnelli. I especially loved the stories dealing with him and his partner adopting their son Cooper. That child is going to be so loved.
I hope that in a few more years Sam Harris writes another book, about parenting and fatherhood. Then, I hope he writes another one about middle age. Well, really I hope he just continues to write books all through his life, because I will read them all. He is someone that after you finished reading his book, you wish you could meet him and sit down for a chat.
This book is a collection of 16 essays. They range from laugh out loud funny, to charming and sweet. It is filled with memorable lines - which if I had read the book, I would have highlighted all over the place, but since I listened - you’ll just have to take my word for it. Yes, I know it’s ironic that I can’t remember any of the memorable lines, but take that as an indicator of my memory, not the quality of the writing.
I can’t even pick a favorite story. They are all good. From growing up gay in Sand Springs Oklahoma to rehab with Liza Minnelli. I especially loved the stories dealing with him and his partner adopting their son Cooper. That child is going to be so loved.
I hope that in a few more years Sam Harris writes another book, about parenting and fatherhood. Then, I hope he writes another one about middle age. Well, really I hope he just continues to write books all through his life, because I will read them all. He is someone that after you finished reading his book, you wish you could meet him and sit down for a chat.
February 10, 2014
Yes, its marketing compares him to David Sedaris -- and this is probably one of the few times I can understand what the marketing gurus are saying here, as opposed to other times after I read a collection of satiric autobiographical stories and think, “Nope, no David Sedaris-essence here.” -- but I’d still call Sam’s work a new storytelling voice that’s uniquely his own.
Readers are introduced to Sam, whose subtle ways of dropping hints and clever meanderings leads us to wonderful insights into what he’s trying to say without saying it outright. For instance, as I begin reading about his washer and dryer, I’m thinking, “He can’t possibly make a story out of this!” And he doesn’t. He turns the story into a metaphor for his past romances. A story about him loving his past pets… we’ll it takes an opposite turn. And a story about how he can’t connect to his son’s “boy”-ish behaviors, the pride he feels for his son is so clear in its writing you know it will end up in a way that does explain what they have in common, which is love for each other.
You can’t help but root for Sam and enjoy his journey.
Readers are introduced to Sam, whose subtle ways of dropping hints and clever meanderings leads us to wonderful insights into what he’s trying to say without saying it outright. For instance, as I begin reading about his washer and dryer, I’m thinking, “He can’t possibly make a story out of this!” And he doesn’t. He turns the story into a metaphor for his past romances. A story about him loving his past pets… we’ll it takes an opposite turn. And a story about how he can’t connect to his son’s “boy”-ish behaviors, the pride he feels for his son is so clear in its writing you know it will end up in a way that does explain what they have in common, which is love for each other.
You can’t help but root for Sam and enjoy his journey.
March 5, 2018
So, basically, reading this book made me want to be best friends with Sam Harris.
First of all, he's terribly funny. Sometimes I'm not sure how he's playing it; if he meant to be dead-pan or what but honestly I love how he can present his life in what seems like a straightforward manner, without too much explanatory commentary (but just enough) and it comes off as hilarious. Meaning, he doesn't try too hard. This book is little snippets of his life, and while his introspection is very impressive and insightful, it isn't overbearing. He somehow has managed to tell the readers all about himself without seeming like a narcissist. An impressive feat.
This was a fun read for me, and the only negative thing I have to say about this whole book is I got easily distracted from it. I took me kind of a long time to get through this, but only because other books got in the way! This was a book I knew I could come back to, but only because it wasn't a continuous plot. Memoirs are more susceptible to that kind of neglect, so I won't hold it against this book :)
First of all, he's terribly funny. Sometimes I'm not sure how he's playing it; if he meant to be dead-pan or what but honestly I love how he can present his life in what seems like a straightforward manner, without too much explanatory commentary (but just enough) and it comes off as hilarious. Meaning, he doesn't try too hard. This book is little snippets of his life, and while his introspection is very impressive and insightful, it isn't overbearing. He somehow has managed to tell the readers all about himself without seeming like a narcissist. An impressive feat.
This was a fun read for me, and the only negative thing I have to say about this whole book is I got easily distracted from it. I took me kind of a long time to get through this, but only because other books got in the way! This was a book I knew I could come back to, but only because it wasn't a continuous plot. Memoirs are more susceptible to that kind of neglect, so I won't hold it against this book :)
October 7, 2013
I won an advanced copy of this book. I've been a fan of Sam Harris back from his Star Search days. This was a very intimate look into his life. Each chapter is a separate story. You get to peek behind the curtain and really get to know his story. You'll learn what his life was like growing up, struggling to fit in, and yearning to get into show business. You'll laugh, cry, and perhaps cringe a time or two. If you've ever had the chance to see him live, you already know what a captivating story teller he is. I wasn't expecting such a personal account of his life. He shares the good, the bad, the awkward, and funny. From the Star Search days, it appeared to the world he just stepped into the limelight. Nothing could be further from the truth. He worked long and hard, to get where he is today. Ham is beautifully written. I felt like I was sitting with a good friend and chatting. I loved this book. Thanks Sam. I hope you'll write some more!
February 17, 2014
I received this as a giveaway in the First Reads contest. Upon receiving the book I put it aside and later came upon it in rearranging books in the den. I put it in my computer case to read on my daily train commute and finally began it a few days ago. I had never heard of Sam Harris as I am not a current TV, Broadway, or movie watcher. While I chuckled at a couple of stories and wondered whether these were true stories or not, I read on and also looked up information on Sam Harris. After reading his bio info, I read this as a non-fiction book and must say that I was immensely impressed. I loved this book, Sam's way of telling stories and the thought and soul put into this work. I would recommend this to all readers who want to broaden their perspectives and also simply have an enjoyable time reading a well-written work.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews