700 Sundays

by Billy Crystal

To support his family, Billy Crystal's father, Jack, worked two jobs, having only one day a week to spend with his family. Based on Crystal's one-man Broadway show of the same name, "700 Sundays"--referring sadly to the time shared by an adoring father and his devoted son--offers a heartfelt, hilarious memoir.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography, Humor, Autobiography, Biography Memoir, Comedy

192 pages, Paperback

First published October 31, 2005

About the author

William Jacob Crystal is a Golden Globe Award-nominated and Emmy Award-winning American actor, writer, producer, comedian, and film director. He gained prominence in the 1970s for playing Richard Mulligan's & Cathryn Damon's TV son, Jodie Dallas, on the ABC comedy-drama, Soap, and became a Hollywood film star during the late 1980s and 1990s, appearing in the box office successes When Harry Met Sally... and City Slickers.

Reviews

[Sharon Orlopp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Billy Crystal's father passed away when Billy was fifteen years old. Billy had 700 Sundays with his father.

Billy's memoir is poignant, hilarious, raw, and memorable. I was laughing and crying at the same time throughout the book.

When Billy was nine years old, his Dad took him to a comedy show. Billy memorized the entire show and then performed at a family event shortly after that and he was hooked.

This is a terrific book, particularly if you need something to lift your spirits.

[Jan C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny but sad. Title refers to the amount of time spent with his father, who was busy working two jobs to support his wife and three sons. Come to think of it, most children only see their fathers on weekends, they're too busy working to support their families.

The only difference here is that Billy's dad died when he was 15. That's why it was only 700. But the Billy Crystal humor comes through here and he shows where it lot of it came from.

Not sure if the book came before the play or not, but I saw the dramatization on HBO (I think). Very true to the book.

Brought me laughter and tears at a time when I needed them.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

My girlfriend Liz lent me a copy of this. I liked it so much I got a copy to BookCross. It's not a deep or profound book, but is a funny, touching tale of a boy's love for his family and life.

Funny. funny man. I found myself snickering and giggling at some of his throw away lines. I had to read about a dozen of them out to mr czuk...grandpa's tea drinking, toots and farts, mother of the lesbian bride, "the face", Billy discovers his boy parts...

But the thing that blew me away was that his family founded Commadore records, the fabulous jazz record company. And all the musicians Billy knew when he was a kid. Mr Billy and Miss Billie go see Shane--Billy's uncle produced "Strange Fruit". Wow- talk about some of the greats being the touchstones of your life. Blows me away.

[Mahlon · Rating 4 out of 5]

You'd expect a comic genius like Billy Crystal to write an incredibly funny book, but the fact that it's also deeply moving might come as a surprise. 700 Sundays is Billy's tribute to his father(who died when Billy was a teenager) and his large and jovial family, full of characters, who provided the encouragement and support he needed to become a successful comedian. This book's only flaw is that it's too short. Those who are looking for a conventional Biography full of career highlights will be disappointed, but those who take the time to read this book will be richly rewarded.

[Terris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one a lot, though it was a little different than I expected it to be. Billy Crystal is always funny, but this book was about him growing up with his mom and dad and brothers in Long Beach, NY. And he really puts his heart into the telling of the good times, and also the sad times that included the death of his father when Billy was only 15 (not a spoiler, he tells this at the very beginning of the book).

Thus, the title "700 Sundays" is how much time he got to spend with his dad, since Sunday was the only day he was home and able to spend with the family.

This is a very good book, but though I laughed at Billy's jokes, he often brought tears to my eyes as well.

[Charles Isom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this adaption of Billy Crystal's stage play. I would definitely recommend seeing the special if at all possible, as much of the humor comes from Crystal's rapid-fire delivery. The book, actually, was stronger when he simply told the story of his family and their impact on the jazz scene in New York as well as other, more serious stories.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read, I like Billy Crystal so it was interesting to read a little bit about his life. If you read the book you will understand the title and the significance.

[Nell Gray Andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well my 2020 book challenge was FAIL, so I'm trying to start the next one off right, by marking the beginning of the year with my dream man Mr Billy Crystal. I laughed out loud at this book

[Autumn Kearney · Rating 1 out of 5]

Page 5 had an unnecessary f bomb. People swear like that when they are either trying to show off or they just think that they are funny. Trust me it’s not funny. It’s disrespectful.

[Julie-Anne Farman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made me chuckle and made me cry.

[Carmen Coppola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now THIS was a funny book. This wasn’t about his life as a famous actor and comedian, it was his life growing up with family that were a bunch of characters and the short time he had his father and time he spent with him. Very good read.

[Collin Clack · Rating 4 out of 5]

"700 Sundays" by Billy Crystal was one of the most heart clenching books i've ever read. The book is about the young life from the birth until college days for well known celebrity Billy Crystal. Billy talks about his time spent in Long Beach NY and the happiness,adventures and the short time he spent with his dad. Billy uses characterization,setting and symbolism to further grip the readers heart.
The use of charcterization in the story is very important because it gives the reader info on how the character looks. For example on p (76) "Rip was a very charismatic kid. He was handsome, a talenter musican and dancer and girls loved him" This use of characterization was showing that Rip was a very popular kid and one of the kids you always wanted to be friends with. Characterization is very important to the movement of the story.
The setting of the story makes the story easier to fully grasp. The main setting of the story is in Long Beach New York. There are sum subsettings that are involved in the story like Yankee Stadium and the commodore music shop. Yankee stadium comes into play because the Crystal family were giant Yankee fans and passed by it often on their way home. Commodore music shop was the music store that was handed to Billys father by the old owner Milt and it became the biggest jazz store in the world and shipped records all over the world.
Symbolism I believe is the most important part of the book. The symbolism of the book is in the title "700 sundays." The symbolism is the 700 sundays are sybolizing the short time Billy and his family spent with his Father Jack. His father suddenly and out of nowhere died of a heart attack while bowling in his bowling league. Billy did the math and put together the amount of time (700 sundays) that is all the time that he spent with his dad. No kid so young should have to go through the losing of a loved one.
Overall this book was a very good choice that i read. It was very hard to put the book down because there were so much detail on every page. I really loved all of the devices that were used because it made it a lot easier to see the messages. Next time you see one of your loved ones make sure you tell them you love them because you never know what can happen just like in Billy's case.

[Jeannie Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was funny and sad at the same time. I could relate to how Billy Crystal felt with the passing of his dad and mother. It was as if I was right there with him as he was telling the story... and his funny relatives, I laughed my head off. I loved everything about this book. Of course I had to watch it on TV, over and over. I have an appreciation for this wonderful man that I did not have before, even though he has always been one of my favorite comedians and actor. Everyone should get this and read it. If I could give it more than five stars, I would.

Jeannie Walker (Award-Winning Author)

[C. (Comment, never msg). · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Billy Crystal: hilarious comedian, actor, family man. I cherish his wonderful warm films. I am impressed he wrote a paranormal thriller, that I will find a way to watch in our town with slow internet. I saw his interviews about “700 Sundays” 2005 but found two autobiographies secondhand 20 years afterwards. He revealed in 2024 on The Graham Norton Show, that his family recorded black artists, when representation was hard to get. My interest peaked higher and I dove into this book.

It belongs to the books I think of, when I declare that this is among the easiest five stars for me to give. Even though some memories were sad, I was there for every word, told humanly and compassionately by a Son who loves his Parents and entire family. This is a kind person who would do anything for anyone; who has a resilient, positive attitude about pain to boot. He is one of the most naturally funny people I have ever seen, who puts me into an uproar of laughing with a few simple words, smiles, or impersonations! It is not because he has honed his acting and comedy talent into decades of successful, veteran experience. It is because living beings with positive attitudes scrape easy joy out of anything, which bursts out to embrace everyone around them too.

Reviews are for saying what we like, not summarizing contents for people to discover. The Crystals recording the famously banned “Strange Fruit”, running a music store dedicated to jazz, and providing performance venues for black artists, blew my mind. I was sad their Dad died young, without warning. I miss my Mom powerfully, who was here with me until I was 47 and my dear Dad, arisen only 9 months ago. Our stories are all heart!

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who knew Billy Crystal's life was touched by so many different characters and cultures. This book focuses on his father mostly and the estimated amount of time he had to spend with his family. Like many fathers back then, they only had 1 day a week to spend together. And if you were lucky you looked forward to it. Billy adds in the personalities of so many other characters that touch his life through the years, There's the LI mobster, Billy's extended family complete with accents and baggage, his neighborhood friends, the jazz musicians, his high school friends, his sports friends...I started to wonder how much was embellished. But it was entertaining and if it was mostly true. you can understand why Billy can be such a chameleon when it comes to imitating people. There are a few gems of wisdom in there as well, such as the quote that says heroes are in our own families and some insights into father/son relationships. Billy can be profound as well as funny. It was an enjoyable, mostly light read that reminded me of Sam Levenson.

[♥ Sandi ❣ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warm, funny, personal and eye opening story of Billy Crystals early life. It tells of the tragedy, heartbreak and fascination of living in the 40's and 50's. As you meet Billy's family you are drawn into his eclectic young life. It is surprising the number of contributions to the music business that came from the Crystal family.

700 Sundays was the length of time Billy had his father - alive. There is a play of the same name, starring Billy Crystal.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A moving memoir about the time that Billy Crystal had with his father before his father's death--a span of what he figures was 700 Sundays.

[John E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and moving memoir of a supportive and loving family. Short and quick read. I enjoyed it very much.

[Jaclyn]

“Why does Billy Crystal think women owe him sex?” Was really the only question I had after finishing this. I was really enjoying the first half of this book, touching with fantastic jazz legend cameos but then the red flags start to pop up, he just keeps bringing up this girl he dated for two seconds when he was 15. From what I can gather they went on a few dates, he asked her to get serious, she said no, that they were better off friends which he can’t condone so he holds a grudge for over 40 years until he’s writing this book at age 57 and tells everyone how he saw her again at this high school reunion in 1985 but now instead of “THE Girl, she was now The Divorcée with The bad nose job, the fake tits and the fat ass…ain’t life grand” instead of writing about….LITERALLY ANYTHING ELSE he uses this time to bully and diminish this woman because when she was 15 years old SHE DIDN’T WANT TO F*#k HIM. Why does Billy Crystal think women owe him sex? and if he doesn’t get it; beware, because apparently he’s going to wish the worst life possible upon you and run you down till the end of his days. Pathetic. Zero stars, you’re a tool.

[Char Freund · Rating 3 out of 5]

More sweet than deep. I could imagine Billy telling the stories as I read. Homage to melting pot of New York and what makes a family. I wasn’t aware of his family support of jazz and the contributions of so many friends and family. Here’s some thoughts for discussion.
P 21. Family was made up of what he called lunatics, but were good people, a group of immigrants who worked hard for the American life.
P24. An Aunt was the inspiration for book and movie, Marjorie Morningstar
P. 46. His grandfather recorded Strange Fruit by Billie Holiday when no one else would dare to do it
P. 56. Heroes are right in front of you. About Aunt becoming strong advocate for lesbian daughter.
P. 176. God deals the cards and it’s up to you to make the best of your hand.

[Patricia Puckett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hope that someone in Mr. Crystal's personal life, upon reading this work, told him what a wonderful tribute it was--not only to his father, but to his entire family.

For my prompt-based TBR list, I rolled "non-fiction: funny" as a prompt this month. I got this one, knew what it was about, and thought I was cheating a bit. I'm telling you, I wasn't. So much of this book is laugh-out-hilarious. And for the parts that aren't? If you've ever lost someone suddenly, especially a parent, you'll know exactly the feelings he's writing about. Wonderful work.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really poignant, wonderful memoir. Billy Crystal obviously comes from a loving family. This memoir made me laugh and cry. Billy was only 15 when his father passed away from a heart attack...and he had 700 Sundays with his dad before that day. I understand that 700 Sundays is also a stand-up film that Billy Crystal performed... I imagine watching him deliver this story himself would be even better than this book.

[Jake Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great transcription of the even better Broadway long form monologue/stand up show. Can’t wait to read his newer documentary

[Patrick Bowlby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had no idea Billy Crystal came from the background he did. So cool to hear about the musicians that filled his family’s record store/studio in NYC. Just an all out delightful quick read.

[Jordan Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick but intensely enjoyable read! Really funny throughout - you read every word with Crystal’s hilarious New York delivery - with an ending both rich and heart-warming. A brilliant little book.

[Ashley Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely book full of laughs and nostalgia.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s charmingly written, and has a stand-up comedy feeling about it. You can really hear Billy Crystal’s voice through it. That said, biographies are not my thing.

[Hare · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting memoir. Billy met many legends of music and entertainment long before stardom, through his family’s business ventures and interest in jazz. This book details how his loving and close-knit family triggered a career in show business.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one will tug at your heart strings. It's a memoir that focuses on Billy Crystal's early life. His father died when Billy was only 15 and the 700 Sundays refers to the father-son time that they had in those 15 years. Crystal grew up surrounded by love from a strong, caring family. It's no surprise that he's as grounded and kind as he is today. Sweet read.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is Billy Crystal’s memoir about growing up in New York City and only getting about 700 Sundays’ worth of time with his father before his death.

The book was humor-filled, as you would expect. As I read it, it was so easy to imagine Crystal speaking these lines out loud to an audience. But the comedy felt intentionally inserted at times. I really just enjoyed getting to learn about his childhood and how he knew early that he wanted to be a performer. I also liked his memories of his relatives, some with incredible careers and connections. I was really interested to learn about his love of sports and his early experiences with jazz legends thanks to his uncle’s business savvy.

Alas, Crystal is a comedian and the story was told with his signature humor, often far-fetched exaggerations interspersed within the tales. But his touching segments about the losses of each of his parents was really heartfelt and brought tears to my eyes. In the end, the memoir covers much more than the Sundays with his dad.