Official Review: Did it On A Dare, how I built a ComedyEm...

[ciecheesemeister]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Did it On A Dare, how I built a ComedyEmpire in 30 short years" by Al Martin.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Did It on a Dare is the autobiography of Al Martin, a renowned comedy club owner from New York. Back in 1989, Al was dating a comedian and told her honestly that her routine wasn’t that good. She dared Al to try his hand at stand-up if he thought he could do better. He took her up on the dare. Later, Al started working with a man named Tim Davis who owned several venues, including one called Houlihan’s. Al eventually bought Houlihan’s from Tim and renamed it The New York Comedy Club.

Al reveals his experiences working with many well-known comics as well as his struggles opening and maintaining clubs as he deals with stingy landlords and humorless neighbors. He unflinchingly discusses the highs and lows, both in the comedy business and in his personal life.

I really appreciated Al’s sincere approach. While never coming across as mean-spirited, he pulls no punches. On the surface, comedy may seem to be all laughs and fun, but in reality, it is a cutthroat business and it takes someone with both a very thick skin and a commitment to doing the right thing to be successful and respected the way that Al is.

I give Did It on a Dare three out of four stars. The book is well-written and engaging, but, unfortunately, there are a fair number of minor errors in the text. The narrative flows smoothly, taking the reader from one moment to the next as Al verbally bares all. When I was younger, I daydreamed about acting or becoming a stand-up comic. If I had read Al’s cautionary tales back in the days of my youth, I would never have considered the idea of becoming a comedian. I was, frankly, astounded at just how brutal the business is.

The book is, overall, a fun read, but it is not for everyone. It is liberally sprinkled with strong profanity. Those who enjoy biographies may like this quick and dirty romp through the extraordinary life of a comedy club owner. Reading Did It on a Dare is like being there with Al as he introduces the reader to all the fascinating and unique characters that he has worked with.

Al Martin may have moved out of the spotlight, but comedy would not be the same without him. I very much enjoyed learning what goes on behind the scenes in a world that I have always been fascinated by but which it’s just as well that I was never a part of. My own skin is a bit too thin to endure the harsh and often very unfunny world of stand-up comedy.

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Did it On A Dare, how I built a ComedyEmpire in 30 short years
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[Dayodiola]

The regard to prove them wrong motivate one than any other. Nice review

[Elvis Best]

The author's journey sounds very thrilling. I enjoyed reading this review. Good job!

[AnnOgochukwu]

I love the idea of starting something that eventually got big because of a dare. I can only imagine how difficult it was for the author, the rise to success always is.
And although I am not a fan of biographies or autobiographies, this book has caught my interest. I'd like to take a 'quick and dirty romp through the extraordinary life of a comedy club owner'.
I found this review entertaining and enlightening.

[Ms_Rita30]

This is quite a revealing review. Finding a career path through following up on a date must have been a fascinating experience for AI. Well done!

[Ms_Rita30]

This is quite a revealing review. Finding a career path through following up on a dare must have been a fascinating experience for AI. Well done!

[Priyanka2304]

The start of the the author's journey is the ultimate punch of the story. And hence the title. Thanks for the amazing review.

[Joseph_ngaruiya]

It's all about grabbing an opportunity shoulder high. I'm grateful for your thorough review.

[Rachel_Emmanuel]

I have always thought being a comedian is easy after all it is all about being creative. Never knew it is really a tough job with harsh experiences. This book has opened my eyes to a new level of understanding. I would surely pick it up to read. Lovely review.

[Damis Seres Rodriguez]

Honestly, this is not the kind of book I would usually read, but I enjoyed your review!

[Patrick Maina1]

Stand up comedy is one of the most difficult acts.I want to read this and find out how this artist succeeded in a dare.