Thanks to this blog, I recently got a gig writing every once in a while for my online school newspaper (I know, what were they thinking). Anywhoooos, this was the most recent review i did for the new book I drink for a Reason by comedian David Cross.
Much to the delight of his already large cult following, and to the chagrin of every God fearing, Jim Belushi loving, conservative Republican scrapbooker out there – David Cross of Arrested Development and Mr. Show recently published his first novel I Drink for a Reason. Cross’s novel reads like a great David Sedaris vignette, if only David Sedaris was a self-hating Jewish man turned Atheist that wanted the world to know exactly how much he hates Bill O’Reilly. This at times, laugh out loud novel, also offends, alienates, berates, and ridicules everyone who has ever shopped at Urban Outfitters, loves America, or enjoyed listening to a Mary J. Blige Song.
Cross, who got his start writing for The Ben Stiller Show, demonstrates that he may be better as part of an ensemble than standing on his own two feet. Anyone familiar with Cross has come to expect left-wing political and social commentary, but in this novel his humor falls quite short of its usual shock value antics. At times Cross is downright accusatory of the American public in his critique of politics, media and society, in a not so comical way. Many of his essays, short fictional stories, and observational pieces are merely (cleverly and not so cleverly titled) foundations to assert the stupidity of the American people. Cross is known for his blunt and outspoken criticism of the failings of the American machine, but his narrative voice crosses the line between satire and proselytism. As a confessed self hating Jew turned Atheist, Cross churns out more racial slurs than an inebriated Mel Gibson. His rants are so abundant and haphazard that copious drug use is about the only explanation that comes to mind. I found myself scratching my head at lists such as: Eleven Vitamins You Will Have in Limbo, and Involuntary Random Thoughts I’ve Had Not Always When I Was Pooping But Certainly Sometimes When I Was Pooping.
In visualizing what this book might look like if it was a YouTube clip, I think I Drink for a Reason would be the love child of “Drunk David Hasselhoff Eats a Cheeseburger,” and “Blind Date With a Crack Whore” (if you haven’t seen them, do it now – both are classics.) This book makes for good reading material if you happen to love turrets, hate God, or have a list of not-yet-in existence YouTube clips of babies doing outlandish things. Then, boy do I have the book for you! If you don’t happen to fall into any of those categories, fear not, Cross’s book is fun for the whole family, unless your Aunt Dotty happens to love Jesus and/or political correctness. If that’s the case then perhaps The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ is more her speed…
