Poking a Dead Frog: Conversations with Today’s Top Comedy Writers Paperback – June 24, 2014
by Mike Sacks (Author, Introduction)
Amy Poehler, Mel Brooks, Adam McKay, George Saunders, Bill Hader, Patton Oswalt, and many more take us deep inside the mysterious world of comedy in this fascinating, laugh-out-loud-funny book. Packed with behind-the-scenes stories—from a day in the writers’ room at The Onion to why a sketch does or doesn’t make it onto Saturday Night Live to how the BBC nearly erased the entire first season of Monty Python’s Flying Circus—Poking a Dead Frog is a must-read for comedy buffs, writers and pop culture junkies alike.
Review
“A fascinating look into the ways stand-up comedians, directors, and even short stories authors write funny….An absolute must.”
—Flavorwire
“A greater look into the craft and business of comedy writing than you can find anywhere else….A comedy nerd bible.”
—Splitsider
“Unusually insightful…Sacks teases deep wisdom from comedy titans.”
—Departures
“Short chapters offering ‘Ultraspecific Comedic Knowledge’…should be of particular interest to anyone thinking about pursuing a career in comedy. The longer interviews should be of interest to pretty much anybody.”
—The New York Times Book Review
“No one generates more interesting, revealing, entertaining interviews than Mike Sacks. His love and knowledge of comedy are apparent, and, as a result, the fascinating and sometimes tight-lipped comedy greats open up to him in ways they rarely do. Poking a Dead Frog is a classic.”
—Bob Odenkirk
“This book is what I really look forward to in a book about humor: rich with words and humor, and funny stories with words. Thank you for your time.”
—Will Ferrell
“These interviews go to dark depths and offer useful, applicable insight into how excellent comedy is written. If you read it, you're going to be better at writing comedy and may even wind up in a position where you can take jobs away from the younger interviewees. I specify the younger interview subjects because some of the older ones will die soon.”
—Rob Delaney
“I wish I'd had a book like this when I was trying to break in. Also, a book on personal hygiene.”
—Jack Handey
“There are few better interviewers than Mike Sacks. Poking a Dead Frog is a must-read for any comedy nerd or fan of pop culture history.”
—Dana Brown, Vanity Fair
About the Author
Mike Sacks is the author of three previous books including And Here’s the Kicker: Conversations with 21 Top Humor Writers on Their Craft. Currently on the editorial staff of Vanity Fair, he has also written for the New Yorker, the New York Times, Esquire, GQ, McSweeney’s, Vice, and Salon.
Product Details
Paperback: 480 pages
Publisher: Penguin Books (June 24, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0143123785
ISBN-13: 978-0143123781
Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 1.3 inches
Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces
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