Spoiled Rotten America

Outrages of Everyday Life

By: Larry Miller

Narrated by: Larry Miller

Like Kofi Annan, Larry Miller is one of the most irresistible comic personalities working today. Known for years as an actor, writer, comedian, and sexual pioneer, he's gained a new following as a cultural commentator and frequent guest on political shows. Now, in Spoiled Rotten America, he fixes his gaze on what's funny about our daily lives, which includes, roughly speaking, everything. From middle-aged drinking to the excesses of our eating habits, Miller finds the silver lining of absurdity within every black cloud.

Ultimately, though, Spoiled Rotten America is an insightful, and surprisingly heartfelt, plea for us to notice what's best and worst about ourselves. "The American pendulum only swings to extremes," he says. "The news is on all day, but we know less and less; everyone has a phone but nothing to say. It's all or nothing, and the world is going to Hell in a hand basket. What better time for a collection of comic essays?"

What better time indeed.

©2006 Larry Miller (P)2006 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

• Winner of Audio Publishers Association 2007 Audie Award, Humor

Larry Miller -- The quickening

A funny listen. I would have given this one 5 stars, except for Mr. Miller's obsession with "the quickening." It was a real drawback to this book.

The books was just too short.

Would you listen to Spoiled Rotten America again? Why?

I remember Larry's stand-up routine from the 80's / 90's and its still funny and relevant. Larry just has a style of speaking that puts you at ease at the same time can still crack you up. He gives you something really deep to think about and I found myself saying, "Amen" to the audio. No, his is not a religious book, but he does touch the matter in "Adultry" and he's 100% percent right.

What other book might you compare Spoiled Rotten America to and why?

I'm just starting out with Audible so I have no direct means of reference. I hope Larry makes another book, or adds several chapters to this one.

What does Larry Miller bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

While I knew of Larry from his stand-up comedy, it was really great to hear from the 'family-man' and how strongly it carries him.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The old pub / bar. The spiting into hands and making a fist. You could feel the tension and Larry's use of history was spot-on. And Larry was right, they just don't make men like that anymore.

Any additional comments?

Thanks to Audible for this book and I hope to find more like it soon to come.

Classic Larry Miller

If you are a Larry Miller fan, you'll love this. His observations and sense of timing are spot on. Underneath the humor, there's a fair amount of truth. I only wish it was longer. Hey Larry, can you say "Spoiled Rotten America - the Quickening"?

Great stories

I love Larry's stories. He makes you feel like you are living it with him. The bathroom story is the best. It had me in tears. Not to read when you're trying to go to sleep.

Spoiled Rotten America

Very interesting, however he seemed to get too caught up on extra marital affairs.

Humour Is Relative

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

CPR. I wanted to like this. I will give anyone who tries to make me laugh a hall-pass, a mulligan and a get out of jail card. But this book just did not do it for me. I probably like my humour sharper and edgier normally although Bob Newhart's book is one of my favourites and he is not exactly Lenny Bruce. I just found the humour in this border-line uncomfortable, like listening to you stuffy head-master trying to be witty.

What do you think your next listen will be?

Something funnier

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

He sounds like Bill Maher but with a script written by Bill Cosby.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Annoyance

Any additional comments?

The fact that I did not enjoy it probably says more about me than the book.