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700 Sundays
Product Group: Book
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (2005-10-31)
ISBN: 0446578673
EAN: 9780446578677
Dewy Decimal #: 792.7028092
Hardcover: 192 pages
Release Date: 2005-10-31
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Editorial Reviews
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Amazon.com
Actor and comedian Billy Crystal has forged a highly successful career by portraying other people in movies like When Harry Met Sally… and City Slickers. But in 700 Sundays, a memoir based on his one-man Broadway play of the same name, Crystal tells his own story, dissecting an often complex relationship with his father and how that relationship resonated in other aspects of his life. His father, Jack Crystal was an influential jazz concert promoter and operated an influential jazz record label, affording his son an opportunity to tell stories of being taken to his first movie by Billie Holliday and seeing his grandmother suggest that Louis Armstrong simply "try coughing it up." But Jack died when his son was fifteen years old, soon after a forever-unresolved argument between the two, leaving Billy to cope with crushing grief while simultaneously and perhaps ironically trying to launch a career in comedy. This lends 700 Sundays much needed gravity in a volume that is packed with zingy one-liners and whimsical observations that serve to illustrate the comedy career Crystal forged, while also providing some decent laughs. Interestingly, there is very little reference to the better known accomplishments of Crystal's Hollywood career as the author chooses to focus instead on the seemingly mundane but highly entertaining aspects of his Long Island roots. Though 700 Sundays (the name comes from Crystal's estimation of how many Sundays he got to spend with his father) is packaged here in book form, it reads like a piece of theater and, more specifically, like a selection of memories about a father, lovingly and touchingly re-told by his loving son. --John Moe
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Product Description
Actor and comedian Billy Crystal has forged a highly successful career by portraying other people in movies like When Harry Met Sally…and City Slickers. But in 700 Sundays, a memoir based on his one-man Broadway play of the same name, Crystal tells his own story, dissecting an often complex relationship with his father and how that relationship resonated in other aspects of his life. His father, Jack Crystal was an influential jazz concert promoter and operated an influential jazz record label, affording his son an opportunity to tell stories of being taken to his first movie by Billie Holliday and seeing his grandmother suggest that Louis Armstrong simply "try coughing it up." But Jack died when his son was fifteen years old, soon after a forever-unresolved argument between the two, leavingBilly to cope with crushing grief while simultaneously and perhaps ironically trying to launch a career in comedy. This lends 700 Sundays much needed gravity in a volume that is packed with zingy one-liners and whimsical observations that serve to illustrate the comedy career Crystal forged, while also providing some decent laughs. Interestingly, there is very little reference to the better known accomplishments of Crystal's Hollywood career as the author chooses to focus instead on the seemingly mundane but highly entertaining aspects of his Long Island roots. Though 700 Sundays (the name comes from Crystal's estimation of how many Sundays he got to spend with his father) is packaged here in book form, it reads like a piece of theater and, more specifically, like a selection of memories about a father, lovingly and touchingly re-told by his loving son. --John Moe
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Customer Reviews
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Loved It!
Rating  (5)
Date: 2008-03-31
I saw this book in a BJ's store and thought it looked interesting. So I got it and loved it! Mr. Crystal has always been hilarious and it didn't get shorted in this book! I loved this book so much I brought it down to my dad for him to read and he loved it too! Dad's are special and I thank Mr. Crystal for giving us a little view of his life with his. Awesome work!
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What a sweetheart, and funny!
Rating (5)
Date: 2008-02-25
I received a copy of this book for my birthday from a dear friend, and have since bought two more copies - one to give to another dear friend, the second one for my father. You don't have to be Jewish to appreciate this book (but it doesn't hurt!) Billy is adorable - and such a wonderful son. It made me laugh and warmed my heart. I love him more than ever. A delight from start to finish. And the photos are priceless!
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Funny and touching
Rating  (4)
Date: 2008-02-22
Found this at the library, never heard of the broadway show, loved the book. A quick, easy and pleasant read that nonetheless has some very solid moments, and plenty of laughs.
Crystal is just plain funny, and he can make fun of his oy-so-Jewish family in a million hilarious ways. His Aunt Sheila's phone speech about her lesbian daughter's wedding is by itself worth reading this book for.
The best surprise for me were the Milt Gabler jazz tales; had no idea Billy was part of the Commodore story. Imagine going to see Shane on a Sunday with Billie Holiday. Unreal.
Tons of great lines, some very touching and sad moments, and Crystal's unique comedic genius make this a winner.
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How can you NOT love this book?
Rating (5)
Date: 2008-02-13
I have read this book three times, and every time I cry, laugh and smile. It is so well written I am now sure I grew up with Billy Crystal. Read this book! You won't regret it.
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Good book on Crystal's life
Rating (4)
Date: 2007-12-07
I received this book as a gift and have enjoyed Billy Crystal's career, so I looked forward to reading it. Crystal's childhood was very colorful both with his relatives and his exposure to some of the greatest jazz musicians of their day. His account is funny and a quick read. I have to say I wasn't a fan of the many "f-word" expletives which sometimes detracted from the stories but, all in all, I'm glad I read this book.
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Retail Price: $21.95
Amazon.com's Price:$0.01
That's 100% Off!
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